Course overview
Deakin's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science empowers you to take your science career beyond the lab. Pair specialist science knowledge with a strong foundation in commerce and graduate ready to lead, innovate and disrupt in your chosen field.
Dual skills in science and commerce can set you up for a lucrative career. Through this industry-led combined course, you can follow your curiosity into any field that inspires you and forge your own path by choosing from a wide range of major sequences. Whether you are aspiring to a role in science communication or management, or you want to complement your commercial acumen with evidence-based decision-making skills, this combined course arms you with a unique skill set that makes you stand out from the pack. Better still, a focus on real-world learning prepares you for the workforce and ensures you are ready to hit the ground running when you graduate.
Combined skills in science and business can set you up for a lucrative career. Are you ready to take control of your future with a sought-after set of skills?
A commerce degree offers students insight into the ways a specialised area of business affects the science industry and provides transferable skills that will see you graduating with professional confidence and an entrepreneurial mindset.
You will graduate with key skills built around three pillars grounded in the everyday realities of business and sought after by employers:
- financial acumen
- market knowledge
- management smarts.
Led by a team of academics who are experts in their field, the science component trains you to be a scientific explorer, ready to solve tomorrow's global issues through discovery. You will build your foundational knowledge by studying a range of science-related study areas before focusing on one of eight majors:
- animal biology
- cell biology and genomics
- chemistry
- environmental science
- food science
- human biology
- mathematical modelling
- plant biology.
Our broad range of science majors allows you to tailor your degree to your unique career aspirations. Follow your passion and get more out of your degree by focusing on the topics that matter to you.
Best of all, learning extends beyond the classroom. You will gain practical experience through programs in modern science laboratories, the completion of a Community Science Project or an industry-based learning placement, and by getting a taste of the international business world with overseas internship programs.
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 Commerce / Bachelor of Science
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400514741 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
- Deakin code
- D321
- CRICOS code?
- 001806J Burwood (Melbourne)
- 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 Commerce/Bachelor of Science, students must attain a total of 32 credit points, consisting of 16 credit points from the Faculty of Business and Law and 16 credit points from the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake 2 trimesters each year.
16
Credit points from Faculty of Business and Law
16
Credit points from Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
32
Total credit points
Units
The 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce include:-
- Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin Completion of
- 8 credit points of core units (MAA103, MAE101, MAF101, MIS171, MLC101, MMK101, MMM132 and MWL101)
- an 8 credit point major sequence
- Level 3 - at least 4 credit points (which must be course grouped to a Faculty of Business and Law undergraduate degree)
* to be completed in first trimester of study.
The 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Science include:-
- 8# credit points of core units (SLE111, SLE103, SLE115, SLE123, SLE200, (SLE301 or SLE352), (SIT190 or SIT191) and (SLE133 or SLE155)
- a 6 credit point approved science major sequence
- 2 credit points of Science elective units
- Level 3 - a least 4 credit points of Science units
- SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit point unit)
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)
#Please note: Students undertaking D321 are not required to undertake SLE209 Science and Society - core unit in the single degree S320 Bachelor of Science.
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)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
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.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
You may be required to complete units in Trimester 3 depending on your chosen major. Please refer to the Handbook for unit offering patterns.
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 any Business, English other than EAL, any Information Technology, Maths: Further Mathematics or any Science 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 Commerce/Bachelor of Science with our pathways finder.
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
Employment opportunities for Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science graduates exist in just about every area of business, science and government. Your technical prowess in science and commerce, combined with sought-after soft skills like leadership and critical thinking, will make you a sought-after candidate in a range of roles including:
- accountant
- chemist
- environmental manager or consultant
- financial planner
- human resources manager
- IT and systems professional
- marketing manager
- park ranger
- research scientist
- scientific editor.
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.
Deakin’s accounting major enables students to apply for the:
- CA Program of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
- Associate membership for the CPA Program
- IPA Program of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The marketing major provides a one-year credit towards the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) five-year Certified Practicing Marketer and Chartered Marketer certification.
Students who complete the finance major are recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.
The financial planning major satisfies the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) education standards, meaning students can provide financial advice in Australia and are eligible for financial planning certification programs including:
- the Financial Adviser Association of Australia (FAAA) CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®.
The human resource management major enables students to apply for the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) membership.
The Bachelor of Science (Chemistry major) has been professionally accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). Graduates who have successfully completed the chemistry major as part of this course are encouraged to apply for membership of the respective local branch of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.
Students should consult with a course adviser to identify any additional requirements for membership for each professional body, and also consult with the professional body.
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.
Footnotes
*ARWU Rankings 2022
^QS Stars University Ratings 2016-2017