Course overview
In a complex and changing world, effective communication is one of the most powerful tools to connect with people, pursue truth and inspire change. When you study a Bachelor of Communication at Deakin, you will learn how to craft content that resonates with your audience across print, digital, audio and video platforms. Whether you’re breaking a critical news story, writing a press release, creating a national campaign or running a high-profile event, you will create persuasive messages that move people to action.
You will develop specialised industry skills, with the option to major in advertising, digital and social media, journalism or public relations.
Along with your major, you will personalise your degree with minors in complementary study areas, like integrated communication, creative advertising, photojournalism, Indigenous studies and more.
Want to turn your passion for words into a meaningful career?
Learn how the principles of ethical communication and technology apply in the modern media landscape and develop the critical thinking and practical production skills to target key audiences effectively. Harness your passion for creativity, communication, and visual language to shape public opinion and thrive across a wide range of roles in the rapidly evolving media and communications sector.
How we communicate has the unique power to connect, teach and inspire change. When you study a Bachelor of Communication at Deakin you will master your craft, utilising creative practice and technology to shift public perception and make an impact on the world around you. You’ll explore and utilise different communication mediums, developing specialist skills on your journey to becoming a well-rounded and in-demand communications professional.
As technology and new trends transform culture, organisations and the media landscape, you will be encouraged to explore new mediums and utilise the latest technology to create high-impact content.
You will learn what the modern media industry looks like, executing digital strategies with the latest communication technologies. Some of the key areas you will explore:
- implementing social and digital media content strategies
- how to engage audiences with podcasts and videos
- strategic communication planning for advertising, digital and public relations
- campaigns copywriting and ideation
- creating inspiring campaigns or events and managing reputations
Our accomplished industry practitioners will inspire and support you on your journey towards building a sustainable creative career doing what you love. You will spend your days learning in speciality spaces – from our industry-standard newsroom to the studio – shining a light on stories that matter.
The combination of practical assessments, industry events and internship opportunities mean you will graduate with a portfolio of work and a strong network ready to thrive in your future career. Develop the leadership skills and entrepreneurial mindset to manage projects and drive engagement with audiences.
Our flexible approach allows you to personalise your learning to your interests and future career and study in a way that suits you. Feel encouraged to fit your learning in with your busy life, whether you want to slow down or speed up your studies, study on-campus or online.
Study a Bachelor of Communication and work towards a future career that challenges and excites you.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2025 close 22 June 2025
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2025 close 26 October 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Save time and money with a double degree
Studying a Bachelor of Communication and a second degree lets you complete two qualifications at the same time, equipping you with versatile skills, deeper knowledge and a competitive edge. Graduate faster with expertise in two fields, opening more career options and enhancing your value in the job market.
Course information
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Communication, you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 3 credit points of Thematic core units
- 3 credit points of Employability sequence units
- one of:
- 2 majors (8 credit points each). At least one major must be chosen from the Communication majors
- 1 major (8 credit points) from the Communication majors, plus 1 minor (4 credit points)
- remaining credit points which may comprise of:
- 1 additional minor
- open elective units
- a combination of the above
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3
Most units are equal to one credit point.
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
6
Communication and Employability core units
16
Major or Minor units
2
Elective units
24
Total
Thematic Core
Employability sequence
- Your Future Direction
Plus 1 credit point from:
- Leadership and Transformation
- Communication and Persuasive Presentation
- Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Expand Your Experience
Plus 1 credit point from:
- Internship
- Enhance Your Experience
- Your Professional Story
Major sequences
All Bachelor of Communication students are required to complete at least one major sequences from the following list:
Bachelor of Communication major sequences
Students may choose to complete a second major sequence from the following list:
School of Communication and Creative Arts major sequences
- Animation
- Communication Design
- Dance
- Interactive and UX^ Design
- Photography
- Producing Screen Content
- Screen Production
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
- Writing
^ UX refers to User Experience
Please check the rules of each major sequence to see which units you need to complete to achieve the required credit points.
Refer to the details of each major sequence availability and sequence notes relating to incompatibility.
Minor sequences
- 2D Practices in the Visual Arts
- 3D Practices in the Visual Arts
- Analogue Practices (Photography)
- Animation and Motion Graphics
- Brand Design
- Creative Advertising
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Design for Social Media
- Digital Media
- Digital Practices (Photography)
- Film Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Indigenous Studies*
- Interactive Design
- Journalism
- Literature
- Photojournalism
- Producing Screen Content
- Professional Writing
- Public Relations
- Public Relations Strategy
- Publication Design
- Screen Content Production
- Scriptwriting
- Social Media
- Strategic Advertising
- Theatre
- Theatre Production
- UX Design^
- Visual Effects and Virtual Production
^ UX refers to User Experience
Please check the rules of each minor sequence to see which units you need to complete to achieve the required credit points.
Students are advised to refer to the details of each major or minor sequence for availability as some may be offered in campus and/or online mode only.
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
Trimester 2 - July
Trimester 3 - November
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
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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.
Work experience
Prepare for your future by getting real world experience and the employability skills to succeed, while completing your degree. The Employability Stream is tailored to support you to be future ready. Deakin’s suite of Work Integrated Learning programs can connect you with internships, social impact programs and opportunities to extend your skills in settings across the globe.
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
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
Selection adjustments
Admissions information
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, 2026 open in July. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
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.
To learn more about what the Bachelor of Communication at Deakin have to offer, download our course flyer.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Communication with our pathways finder.
Further studies are available at Honours and Postgraduate level. Many students choose to enter into the Bachelor of Communication (Honours) or the Master of Communication.
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
With humans constantly processing more information than ever before, communication plays a pivotal role in shaping what people care about. Clear and compelling communication is an influential tool that is highly sought-after across sectors and industries, impacting everything from public opinion, education, politics and social justice issues.
When you study a Bachelor of Communication, you walk away with a diverse range of in-demand and highly transferrable skills that employers are looking for.
You’ll have the critical skills to work across industries, worldwide. Your future career could see you working in private, public, or non-profit sectors, be it a newsroom, a top agency or digital start-up, or even as an entrepreneurial self-starter. Our graduates go on to excel in roles such as:
- account manager
- advertising art director
- brand specialist
- copywriter
- digital creative
- digital marketer or media specialist
- editor
- journalist
- marketing communications strategist
- media researcher or planner
- public relations professional
- publisher
- social media manager
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations Major) will be undergoing accreditation by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA). Graduates will then be eligible for accelerated membership of the PRIA, ensuring you remain connected and up to date with current industry standards.
Course learning outcomes
Events
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