Undergraduate courses
If you’re studying for your first degree in a particular subject, you’re known as an undergraduate. The term can also be used to describe the degree you’re taking, e.g. an undergraduate degree.
Explore Deakin's undergraduate degrees
| Course type | Duration | Why study this type of course |
|---|---|---|
Associate degree | 2 years full time or part-time equivalent | Geared towards a specific career or used as preparation for a bachelor degree. Guaranteed entry into a bachelor degree on completion (as approved by Deakin). May give you up to 18 months' credit towards your next degree. Some roles only require an associate degree. |
Bachelor degree | 3 or 4 years full time or 6 years part time | The minimum requirement for many careers and prerequisite for a masters degree. You may choose a 'major' for your bachelor degree – the area of study from which you choose the majority of your units. |
Bachelor degree (honours) | 1 year full time or part-time equivalent | An additional year of specialised study, taken after you complete a bachelor degree – or as part of a bachelor degree. Can help you gain entry into further study and gives you a competitive edge in the job market. |
Postgraduate by coursework degrees
If you continue studying the same subject area beyond your undergraduate degree, you’re known as a postgraduate student – so your course is a postgraduate degree.
Explore Deakin's postgraduate by coursework degrees
| Course type | Duration | Why study this type of course |
|---|---|---|
| Professional practice degrees | Flexible | Innovative approach to study for busy professionals. Formal recognition of extensive experience, skills and knowledge gathered through your career and an opportunity to gain a professionally recognised qualification. |
| Graduate certificate | Usually 6 months full time or part-time equivalent | Adds practical, vocational skills to your undergraduate degree, diploma or previous work experience. |
| Graduate diploma | 1 year full time or part-time equivalent | Builds on the understanding and skills developed during a graduate certificate – or from work experience. Vocationally orientated and career specific. |
| Masters by coursework | 2 years full time or 4 years part time | Explores the subject of your bachelor or diploma in much greater depth. A prerequisite to a doctorate. You may choose a 'major' for your masters degree – the area of study from which you choose the majority of your units. |
Higher degree by research
A higher degree by research (HDR) from Deakin will help you become a specialist in your field. You'll build knowledge in your profession and contribute to strengthening academic ties to industry and communities. Our researchers enjoy access to world-class facilities and exceptional support services.
Explore Deakin's research degrees
| Course type | Duration | Why study this type of course |
|---|---|---|
| Masters degree by research | 2 years full time or 4 years part time | Explores the subject of your bachelor or diploma in much greater depth. A prerequisite to a doctorate. You may choose a 'major' for your masters degree – the area of study from which you choose the majority of your units. Masters by research students are allocated a dedicated research supervisor. |
| Doctorate | 2–4 years full time or part-time equivalent | The highest degree available in academia. PhD students conduct original research in order to progress in their chosen field. People choose to do PhDs if they want a career in academia – or if they want to reach higher levels in their non-academic jobs. |
Applications are now open
The Deakin Application Portal has made applying for your ultimate course easier than ever. Plus, you can chat with our application experts on 1800 693 888 if you need support at any step.
Vocational course types
If you want to start or progress a career in an area, such as children's services, horticulture or construction, certificates and diplomas teach you everything you need to know. If you're new to a subject, you’ll start at certificate II or III. Once you've got a good grounding, or if you've already got experience working in the industry, you can move on to certificate IV or a diploma.
These courses are great for furthering the skills and understanding you developed in certificates II, III and IV – or from relevant work experience, and to prepare you for more senior positions. Course duration is 1 year full time or 2 years part time.
Single units (non-award)
If you would like to get into a new course, you can undertake single units. Some units have prerequisites or special requirements but most are open to anyone.
At Deakin we offer more than 1500 different units of study across our undergraduate courses, so there’s plenty to choose from. One unit takes around one trimester (12 weeks) to complete.
Short courses
Short courses fill a knowledge gap in your current role, develop a specific set of skills to boost your immediate job prospects, or gradually strengthen your expertise to secure your long-term employability.
We also offer stackable short courses where you can study one individually or in parallel with others. Complete one for a standalone qualification or stack multiple towards a full Deakin degree.
Cross-institutional units
Students from other universities can apply to enrol in units at Deakin, or, Deakin students can apply to another university to enrol in units there and get credit for their Deakin course.
Got a question but can't find the answer?
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions our future student advisers get about applying to Deakin:
Applications
Skip to next topicHow do I apply?
If you're currently in Year 12, or applying for multiple courses or campuses, you must apply through VTAC. If you're applying direct to Deakin, first register and create an account on our application portal. If you're currently overseas you can also apply via an authorised agent. For more details, head to the How to apply page.
For more information on future student services and courses:
When do applications open?
Applications are now open. Not all courses are open at each application intake so be sure to check the relevant course page for full details. Learn more about how to apply.
For more information on future student services and courses:
I'm having trouble creating an account on the application portal. How do I register?
If you've previously registered your details through the application portal, you won't be able to register again with the same email. If you don't remember your login details simply contact Student Central on +61 3 9244 6333 or submit an enquiry online. You can also visit the application portal assistance hub for further support.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What should I include in my personal statement?
Think of a personal statement like a job application cover letter. It should outline your motivation towards studying, your previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can I get help to write my personal statement?
Yes! Please have a read of How to write a personal statement. You’re also welcome to chat to one of our friendly advisers on 1800 693 888 for advice on what to include in your personal statement.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Do I have to provide a personal statement?
It depends on the course you're applying for and its specific entry requirements. Either way, it will strengthen your chances of being offered a place at Deakin in your desired course. Check the entry requirements on the relevant course page for more information.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How does a mature-age student apply?
If you're applying for more than one course in Trimester 1 you'll need to apply through VTAC. If you're applying for one course only, or multiple courses in Trimesters 2 and 3, you can apply direct to Deakin. Use our course finder to check entry requirements for your chosen course.
For more information on future student services and courses:
I have submitted an application through VTAC, can I also submit an application directly to Deakin?
It depends on the course/s you're applying for, but generally, no. Get in touch with our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 or via live chat to discuss your options.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can you tell me if I'm definitely eligible before I apply?
Unfortunately not. Multiple factors are taken into consideration when an application is being assessed. This includes individual course requirements, which are subject to change, and the quality and size of the cohort of the year or trimester you're applying in.
For more information on future student services and courses:
When will I hear back about my application?
The general turnaround time for direct applications to Deakin is two to four weeks from submission. You can check the progress of your application by logging into the application portal. If you applied through VTAC, offers are released in rounds.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How do I find out my application status?
Once you've submitted your application successfully, you can log back into the application portal to check the progress of your application.
For more information on future student services and courses:
When can I expect my offer?
Direct offers from Deakin are generally sent out two to four weeks post application. You can check the status of your application at anytime by logging into the application portal.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What support is available to help me complete my application?
Get top tips and advice from our how to apply webinar series. Our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre can also provide step-by-step guidance on the application process. Call 1800 693 888 to chat with one of our friendly advisers or contact an authorised agent in your country or region.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can I include references in my application?
Yes, you can! References are required for our MBA but are also welcome for other course applications. If you don't have an academic record, a written reference is considered to be a strong supporting document. Keep in mind, references may enhance your application but don't guarantee entry.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Will references help my application?
A reference is considered to be a supporting document. If it provides more context about your work or life experience, it may enhance your application but will not guarantee you entry.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Do I have to apply via VTAC if I'm not in Year 12?
If you're applying for more than one course in Trimester 1, you'll need to apply through VTAC. If you're applying for one course only, or multiple courses in Trimesters 2 and 3, you can apply direct to Deakin. Use our course finder to check entry requirements for your chosen course.
For more information on future student services and courses:
I didn't complete high school. Can I still apply?
Yes. If you don’t currently meet the academic entry requirements, or need to bridge the gap between previous study and university, we offer several pathway options. We encourage you to apply so our admissions team can process your application and recommend the best pathway for you.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Do I need to provide certified transcripts with my application?
If you’re a domestic student there’s no need to provide certified documentation unless you’ve changed your name or status (i.e. residency). If you’re an international student you’ll need to provide certified documentation before you commence on campus. It’s important to attach all requested supporting documentation in English when you apply to avoid any delays.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How long can I take to complete my degree?
You can switch between part-time and full-time study and set your own pace throughout your education at Deakin. How long it takes will vary depending on the course you're interested in. Check the course page for details.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Contact us
Apply with confidence. We're committed to giving you the guidance you need throughout the application process.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9034 6205
Enquire online
Footnotes
*Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2021 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)