Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics/Bachelor of Communication

Undergraduate degree

This new double degree teaches you how to be an ethical leader, skilled communicator and opinion shaper. The first intake for this course is Trimester 2, 2025.

This course is only available for domestic students.

Burwood

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Waurn Ponds

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Course overview

Transform your understanding of the world and your ability to influence it with our Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) and Bachelor of Communication. This double degree teaches you how to be an ethical leader, skilled communicator and opinion shaper. Whether your goal is to influence policy, lead public relations campaigns, or work in NGOs or private enterprise, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel.  Taught by leading academics and researchers from four disciplines we are the only university offering this innovative double degree. At Deakin you will learn the nature of public decision-making, exploring resource management issues, and gain the skills to analyse business problems in line with social justice. Utilising different communication mediums, you will develop specialist skills with the option to major in advertising, digital and social media, journalism or public relations.  

Want to analyse society, excel in leadership and communicate with impact? 

As a student of politics, philosophy and economics, you will focus on three distinct yet complementary disciplines to understand how societies govern and determine values. 

Politics 

Explore systems and different forms of government. 

Examine relationships between countries and cultures. 

Articulate solutions for real-world political problems. 

Philosophy 

Develop critical thinking and logical rigor skills. 

Learn how to question assumptions. 

Explore ethics, justice and moral challenges. 

Economics 

Learn how business, government and consumers shape society. 

Ask questions about issues from inequality to environmental sustainability. 

Through the Bachelor of Communication, you will learn from industry practitioners how the principles of ethical communication and technology apply in the modern media landscape. You will develop the critical thinking and practical media skills to target audiences effectively.

Some of the key areas you will explore include: 

implementing social and digital media content strategies 

how to engage audiences with podcasts and videos 

strategic communication planning for advertising, digital and public relations 

copywriting and ideation 

creating inspiring campaigns or events  

managing reputations. 

Your communication skills will be harnessed at Deakin’s industry-grade, world-class facilities. Take advantage of our advanced digital imaging facilities, darkrooms, newsroom, and Deakin Studios (Burwood) – a virtual production, TV, film and animation studio. 

You will also benefit from real-world opportunities such as internships, industry placements, global experiential learning programs and collaborative projects that bridge politics, philosophy, economics, and communication. There will be opportunities for you to network and engage with the PPE Advisory Board, and to attend talks and events. 

On graduation you will have a solid foundation in politics, philosophy and economics and the communication skills to achieve impact in a changing world. You will be ready to succeed in a range of roles in government policy, strategy, consulting or business management. 

With your high-level communication skills, you will also be qualified for roles that are at the intersection of these degree programs such as a public relations specialist, speech writer, political adviser and more.  

Read More

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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics/Bachelor of Communication 

Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
D337
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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics/Bachelor of Communication, students must attain a total of 32 credit points consisting of 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics and 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Communication, which must include the following:

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Students must complete 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, including:

  • 7 credit points of core units (AIP107, ASP108, MAE120, AIP230, ASP214, ASP216, MAE208)
  • Two discipline streams (4 credit points each), as described under course Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (A336)
  • 1 credit point Politics, Philosophy and Economics elective unit drawn from the discipline study units or employability study units

Bachelor of Communication

Students must complete 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Communication, including:

  • 3 credit points of thematic core units (ACC100, ACC213, ACC310)
  • 3 credit points of employability sequence units
  • One major sequence (8 credit points) as described under the course A318 Bachelor of Communication
  • 2 credit points of Communication elective units at level 2 or 3

Compulsory 0-credit point unit (to be completed in first trimester of study):

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Students undertaking the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics/Bachelor of Commerce must complete:

  • No more than 12 credit points at level 1
  • A minimum of 10 credit points at level 3

16

Bachelor of Politics Philosophy and Economics units

16

Bachelor of Communication units

32

Total

Bachelor of Communication units

Thematic core: 

  • Gutenberg to Zuckerberg: Communication in Everyday Life
  • Dilemmas, Defamation, Deception and Disinformation
  • Communication Futures
  • Employability Sequence: 

  • Your Future Direction
  • Plus one credit point from: 

  • Leadership and Transformation
  • Communication and Persuasive Presentation
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset
  • Expand Your Experience
  • Plus one credit point from: 

  • Internship
  • Enhance Your Experience
  • Your Professional Story
  • Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics units

    Core units:

  • Introduction to Politics: Democracy, Power, Resistance and Change
  • Critical Thinking
  • Money, Growth and the Economy
  • Policy and How It Shapes Us
  • Justice and Equality: Liberalism to Decolonisation
  • Ethics in Global Society
  • Growth Inequality and Conflict
  • 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 

      Offered in Trimester 1 From 2026 

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
      • Online

    This course will be offered from Trimester 2, 2025.

    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.

    Work experience

    The Work Integrated opportunities within the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics/Bachelor of Communication are conveyed within the structure of the Bachelor of Communication. Within the Bachelor of Communication a compulsory three credit point Employability/WIL sequence, embedded within the course across each year level, offers scaffolded career development learning and WIL experiences to ready students for their post-study futures. Experiences range from the completion of tasks in environments that simulate the workplace to volunteering and service learning, study tours and other global experiential learning programs, collaborative team-based projects for industry or community, and internships.

    Authentic learning activities and assessment enable students to develop knowledge of career strategies and pathways; enhance their discipline-specific expertise while building employability skills and their sense of purpose and professional identity; connect and network with industry, community and peers; and enhance their capacity to make meaningful contributions to society and within work environments that are increasingly characterised by rapid change, automation and digitisation. Students will develop an enterprising mindset that allows them to construct a rewarding career across multiple positions and sectors.

    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)

    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

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
    The estimated fee for this course is not currently available, please contact Student Central for further information.
    Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

    Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit www.deakin.edu.au/fees.

    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

    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.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    You will graduate with the crucial skills to work across industries, from government to private enterprise to the non-profit sector. You will also be exceptionally qualified for current and emerging roles that demand skills that lie at the intersection of these degree programs, such as: 

    • Advocacy roles in not-for-profit organisations and NGO’s
    • Business management
    • Community engagement specialist
    • Community leadership roles
    • Editor
    • Government relations manager
    • International relations roles
    • Journalist
    • Lobbyist
    • News reporter or presenter
    • Policy adviser
    • Politician
    • Public relations/media and communication manager
    • Speech writer
    • Strategy consulting