Course overview
Want a career rich with diverse experiences? The Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts combined course helps you build transferable skills that will equip you for a wide range of career opportunities, now and in the future. Enjoy opportunities to explore your creativity and the freedom to study more of what interests you, with a huge range of business and arts specialisations to choose from.
By combining knowledge from both specialisations, you can graduate with a unique skill set that sets you apart. For example, you can major in media and communication and social media to develop dual expertise that is valued across all areas of business, media and marketing. Better still, you will gain plenty of practical experience that prepares you for the everyday challenges of business, including industry placements, work-integrated learning and overseas study tours.
If you are aspiring to become a leader in business, why not graduate with a set of complementary skills that boost your employability?
The arts component of the degree allows you to hone your critical thinking skills while the business component of the degree trains you to think with an entrepreneurial mindset, developing the foundations of your business expertise.
You will study core units that have been determined by looking at emerging growth areas in industry such as financial literacy, marketing fundamentals and the global economy, then tailor your degree to your interests and career goals by choosing from the following majors:
- event management
- organisational psychology
- people management
- project management
- retail and supply chain management
- business and digital communication
- entrepreneurship and innovation
- sustainability and development.
The flexibility doesn't stop there. Create a truly unique degree by choosing from a range of over 30 arts majors, including visual arts and photography, public relations, social media and visual communication design. This level of customisation allows you to study the units that are important to you, while the diverse skills you develop open the door to a world of career opportunities.
Just as important as what you learn is how you learn it. Deakin Business School's work integrated-learning (WIL) opportunities allow you to apply the skills you learn in the classroom in industry settings.
You will solve practical business challenges, explore innovative and emerging business trends and prepare for the nuances of international business relationships. This practical experience is invaluable – there is no better way to prepare yourself for the everyday, practical challenges of modern businesses. The networks you create through WIL placements can be of significant benefit to your career. Be ready for your chosen industry by taking on a variety of other practical learning opportunities including:
- mentoring
- volunteering
- consulting
- internships.
You can also improve your global employability skills in teamwork and intercultural communication by gaining international experience across Asia, Europe or North America through overseas internships and study tours.
Read MoreKey dates
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 Business/Bachelor of Arts
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400410641 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400510641 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400610641 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- D330
- CRICOS code?
- 0100730 Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (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 Business/ Bachelor of Arts, students must attain a total of 32 credit points consisting of 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Business and 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Business (M325) and the Bachelor of Arts (A310) must be satisfied. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake 2 trimesters each year.
Compulsory 0-credit point unit (to be completed in first trimester of study):-
The 16 credit points of Business units include:-
- 8 credit points of Bachelor of Business core (foundation) units: MAA104, MAE120, MIS203, MMK101, MMM132, MMM267, plus 2 Personal Skills units - MMM111 and MMM311
- A prescribed Bachelor of Business 8 credit point major
The 16 credit points of Arts units include:-
- One major sequence (8 credit points) as described under course A310 Bachelor of Arts
- The remaining credit point(s) may be used to undertake the Employability sequence, or additional elective units chosen from the Bachelor of Arts which may comprise of a minor sequence
- A minimum of 4 credit points at level 3 of Arts coded units
Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Business (M325) and the Bachelor of Arts (A310) must be satisfied.
16
Business units
16
Arts units
32
Total
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)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Students and Applicants to Geelong Waterfront Campus
Travel between campuses will be required to complete this combined degree. The Bachelor of Business degree will be taught at Waterfront campus and the Bachelor of Arts degree will be taught at the Waurn Ponds Campus.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
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
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
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
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection consideration.
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 credit points in an equivalent (AQF Level 7) bachelor degree.
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 haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a cover letter 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
Subject adjustment
A study score of 30 in Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Art, any Business, Dance, Drama, English other than EAL, any Humanities, any Information Technology, any LOTE, Media, Creative And Digital Media (VCE VET) I, any Music, Maths: Further Mathematics, Studio Arts, Theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
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.
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
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
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 and how to apply for credit.
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.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts with our pathways finder.
Alternative exits
- Associate Degree of Arts (A250)
- Bachelor of Arts (A310)
- Bachelor of Business (M325)
- Diploma of Arabic (A221)
- Diploma of Arts (A215)
- Diploma of Business Studies (M201)
- Diploma of Chinese (A222)
- Diploma of Indonesian (A223)
- Diploma of Spanish (A224)
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
Career outcomes
By studying the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts, you will be setting yourself up with a wide-ranging skill set for the jobs of the future. Not only will your entrepreneurial mindset be highly valued across many industries but your transferable skills will allow you to adapt and thrive in a variety of roles.
Depending on your majors, you will have the practical experience needed to be successful as a:
- business analyst
- business operations, event, retail or project manager
- digital communications manager
- journalist
- marketing or media manager
- photographer
- policy developer
- public relations practitioner
- sustainability manager.
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds the prestigious and globally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, which attest to quality, academic and professional excellence, ongoing improvement, innovation and graduate employability.
Depending on your arts 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.
Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of each of the single degrees.