Course overview
If you have an innate curiosity about the world around you and a desire to create meaningful change, then a Bachelor of Arts is the perfect place to begin your journey towards realising your purpose.
Feel empowered to explore a diverse range of majors and minors in a way that suits you – from Indigenous studies to web design, and animation to criminology – you can personalise your degree to topics that you care about. Choose to fulfill your potential in a career that you love. Graduate with in-demand communication and leadership skills that you will need to propel your career.
Want to find your purpose and develop the critical skills to make an impact?
Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts allows you to explore meaningful ideas that matter to you, preparing you to make a positive impact on the world around you. Through exceptional learning experiences, you will develop nuanced perspectives about current social justice issues and learn the critical skills to imagine a better future for all people.
By studying humanities, social sciences and languages, you will better understand yourself, what you stand for and the world around you. Design your own learning and future career by combining specific majors and minors – from international relations and journalism to design thinking and performing arts, strategic advertising and history to sport journalism and web design.
As you nurture your passion, you will dive deep into your practice and be fully supported on your journey towards your future career. You will engage with the community and industry through individually tailored work placement and networking opportunities, allowing you to develop leadership skills and the entrepreneurial mindset to make your mark in a career you love.
From day one you will have the flexibility to study your way. Feel encouraged to fit your learning in with your busy life, whether you want to slow down or speed up your studies, combine courses or study on-campus or via our leading online learning platform.
Learn from leading academics and passionate practitioners who are engaged in industry and actively collaborating on key social issues. Our academics support your personal growth and will inspire you to push boundaries with your bold ideas. When you study at Deakin, you will join a vibrant community of curious and creative minds who are passionate about delving into ideas that matter.
You won’t just talk about ideas; you'll learn by doing and discover how to put them into action. Our hands-on experiential learning gives you the critical skills to make an impact and curate a future career you love.
Read MoreKey dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 are closed.
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Arts
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
Arts: 1400311241 - Regional Access Scheme - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts: 1400314101 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts: 1400514101 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts: 1400614101 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)Arts (Criminology major): 1400311911 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Criminology major): 1400511911 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Criminology major): 1400611911 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Education major): 1400511951 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Education major): 1400611951 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Children’s Literature major): 1400311941 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Children’s Literature major): 1400511941 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Children’s Literature major): 1400611941 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English – Creative Writing major): 1400311931 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Creative Writing major): 1400511931 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Creative Writing major): 1400611931 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English – Literature major): 1400311921 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Literature major): 1400511921 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Literature major): 1400611921 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Film and Television Studies major): 1400512151- Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Film and Television Studies major): 1400612151 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (History major): 1400311871 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (History major): 1400511871 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (History major): 1400611871 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Indigenous Studies major): 1400612161 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Media and Communication major): 1400311971 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Media and Communication major): 1400511971 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Media and Communication major): 1400611971 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Philosophy major): 1400311891 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Philosophy major): 1400511891 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Philosophy major): 1400611891 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Politics and Policy Studies major): 1400311881 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Politics and Policy Studies major): 1400511881 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Politics and Policy Studies major): 1400611881 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Sociology major): 1400311901 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Sociology major): 1400511901 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Sociology major): 1400611901 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Visual Communication Design major): 1400311961 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Visual Communication Design major): 1400511961 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Visual Communication Design major): 1400611961 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- Deakin code
- A310
- CRICOS code?
- 109270F Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Arts, students must complete 24 credit points including:
- Employability sequence (3 credit points)
Plus either:
- 2 major sequences of at least 8 credit points
OR
- 1 major sequence of at least 8 credit points plus 1 minor sequence of at least 4 credit points
Remaining credit points may be used to undertake an additional minor or major sequence or to take elective units.
Students must also ensure that they have met the following course rules to be eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts:
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3
- Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
3
Employability units
16
Major or Minor units
5
Elective units
24
Total
Employability sequence
Plus 1 credit point from:
Plus 1 credit point from:
Major sequences
A major or minor sequence is a group of units in a particular area of study taken over the three levels of your course. Each unit is usually worth 1 credit point.
A major sequence is made up of 8 credit points, and a minor sequence is made of 4 credit points.
Please check the rules of each major and minor sequence to see which units you need to complete to achieve the required credit points.
Students enrolled in other courses and faculties may take an Arts major sequence
(8 credit points), minor sequence (4 credit points) or individual electives from these discipline areas, subject to meeting the prerequisites.
| Area of Study | Type of sequence | Availability |
| Animation | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Anthropology | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Arabic | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Chinese | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Criminology | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Design Thinking | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Education | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| English - Children's Literature | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| English - Creative Writing | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| English - Literature | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Film and Television Studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Gender and Sexuality Studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Global Challenges | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| History | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Indigenous Studies | Major and Minor | Online |
| Indonesian | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| International Relations | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Media and Communication | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Media Studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Middle East Studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Performing Arts | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Philosophy | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Politics and Policy Studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Public Relations Studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Religious Studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Social Media | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Sociology | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Sport and Society | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Sport Journalism | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Spanish | Major and Minor | Major: Burwood (Melbourne), Online Minor: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Strategic Advertising | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| (*UX refers to User Experience) | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Visual Arts and Photography | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Visual Communication Design | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Web Design | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can apply directly through the NIKERI Institute.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you’re currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Selection adjustments
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Subject adjustments
A study score of 30 in Art Creative Practice, Dance, Drama, any English, any Humanities, any LOTE, Media, Creative and Digital Media (VCE VET) I, any Music, Art Making and Exhibiting, Theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall Maximum of 12 points.
Subject adjustment points are applied to the aggregate, not the ATAR. Use the subject adjustment tool to estimate your course selection rank.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer.
Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
The Indigenous Access Scheme is a pathway to undergraduate study for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and looks beyond academic results to recognise all the skills, experience and achievements that make you unique and prepare you for study at university.
To apply, complete the online application form.
This course is available as part of the Deakin Regional Access Scheme, which is open to current and recent Year 12 students looking to study at our regional campuses. Applications are assessed on a range of factors that demonstrate your readiness for university, including your skills, experience and achievements.
To apply, complete the online application form and preference your chosen course in your VTAC application, using the Regional Access Scheme VTAC code.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Arts with our pathways finder.
Don’t quite meet the entry requirements for this course? The Associate Degree of Arts (A250) can be used as a guaranteed entry pathway into the Bachelor of Arts and counts as credit towards your first year of study*. You’ll gain a solid foundation of relevant knowledge and be ready to transition seamlessly into your goal degree.
Upon completing your Bachelor of Arts, you are eligible for entry into a range of specialist masters degrees which will provide opportunities for you to become a highly-skilled professional, capable of rapid career development. Students with a Bachelor of Arts may be eligible for credit in these degrees, giving you a head start and allowing you to build on your undergraduate degree in areas such as:
The Humanities and Social Sciences - with Masters offered in Criminology, Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies, Humanitarianism and Development, International Relations and Politics and Policy
Communication and Creative Arts - with Masters offered in Communication, Creative Arts, and Writing and Literature
Education - the Bachelor of Arts articulates into a postgraduate preservice teaching qualification through the Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary), which has options for teaching in Primary, Secondary, also provides dual qualifications for Primary and Early Childhood or Primary and Secondary teaching.
Further Education pathway options include Languages Teaching, Specialist Inclusive Education, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Research pathways - A Bachelor of Arts may also lead to a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Communication (Honours) or even a Higher Degree by Research.
*Specific units of study must be completed within A250 for full credit to be granted. We recommend speaking with one of our student advisers before selecting your units.
Early Exit Option
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts are able to exit early through the Diploma of Arts (A215). The Diploma of Arts recognises the foundational knowledge and skills in a broad range of study areas in the humanities, social sciences, creative arts, communications and languages. It provides a basic for pursuing further pathways into future undergraduate university studies.
To be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Arts, students must have completed and passed 8 credit points, including a minimum of 6 credit points at level 1 from the Bachelor of Arts.
Alternative exits
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
In an ever-changing complex world, society needs bright and agile minds to help us understand the human experience and impact our collective future for the better. Students who study humanities and social sciences are uniquely equipped to shed light on critical issues with nuance and sensitivity. The mastery of critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills is needed for future leaders and is highly sought-after by employers across a vast spectrum of industries.
As a graduate of this course, you will have the skills, knowledge and professional networks to start your career anywhere in the world and thrive in a range of industries.
Affect change in fields that matter, spanning environmental, social, political or creative realms.
You will curate your future career from day one, personalising your degree so that it fully aligns with your unique interests and values. Graduate ready to hit the ground running with the unique and competitive skill sets required for specific careers across a variety of sectors, including in fields like:
- criminology, sociology and policy
- culture and creative arts
- education
- government and NGOs
- language and international relations
- media, writing and communication
At Deakin, you will feel supported as you shape your future career, whether you want to work in a specific sector or industry, an emerging job of the future or even create a dream career that might not yet exist – a world of opportunity awaits.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Professional recognition
Depending on your specialisation, certain majors are accredited by relevant bodies.
If you choose public relations, you will study subjects accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia. Our design-related units are also recognised by the Design Institute of Australia.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge in the Arts disciplines, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. |
| Communication | Demonstrate highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication and the ability to communicate research outcomes, and produce scholarly papers. |
| Digital literacy | Research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of appropriate technologies and resources in a rapidly-changing global environment. |
| Critical thinking | Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement in selecting and applying appropriate theories and methodologies to evaluate information and knowledge about society, culture and the arts. |
| Problem solving | Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Creative Arts, including cross-disciplinary approaches. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions and a continued commitment to learning in personal, professional, and scholarly contexts. |
| Teamwork | Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues, cultural diversity, and social responsibility when engaging in scholarship and professional roles in the local, national or international community. |
Approved at Faculty Board February 2022
Footnotes
**ARWU Ranking 2020