A Deakin Bachelor of Arts degree offers enormous flexibility, allowing you to keep your career options open and design your course around your interests and for maximum employability.
All arts major sequences are taught as a combination of practical and theoretical learning, with many areas of study offering work placements.
One-third of the course may be taken from outside the Faculty of Arts and Education and you may take single, double, or even triple majors, providing numerous course combinations.
Fees and charges
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 the Current students fees website.
Course Learning Outcomes
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 judgment 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 by Faculty Board
Course rules
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Arts, students must complete 24 credit points as follows:
two major sequences of at least 8 credit points each. Majors must comprise 2 credit points at level 1 and a minimum of 2 credit points at level 3 (unless otherwise stated).
Or
one major of at least 8 credit points and one minor of at least 4 credit points consisting of a minimum of 1 credit point at level one and no more than 1 credit point at level 3 **
Plus
No more than 10 credit points of units at level 1
A minimum of 4 credit points at level 3.
Up to a maximum of 8 credit points may be taken from outside the Arts course grouped units.
** Students completing minors in Arabic, Chinese, Indonesian and Spanish are permitted to complete 4 cp across any 2 levels, i.e. students may complete 2 credit points at level 2 and 2 credit points at level 3
Course rules
Transition to University Study
The Faculty offers two units AIX160 Introduction to University Study and AIX117 Professional Writing for Work, that are specifically designed to ease the transition into university study. New students are encouraged to enrol in one or both of these units in their first year.
Major sequences
All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts are required to complete at least one of the Arts major sequences listed below.
Not all major sequences are available via Campus study at Warrnambool. Students undertaking units in major sequences that are not available in Campus mode at their home campus may enrol in Cloud (online) offerings of those units.
The drama program develops your skills in contemporary drama practices and perspectives. It comprises a dynamic combination of acting theory and practice, performance styles and processes, theatre history, text studies, community theatre and technical studies. Final-year students are able to participate in performing arts (drama) internships.
Career outcome
You may find employment in community theatre, drama associations, drama education, film and television production, independent theatre companies and performing arts centres
Anthropology is the study of humanity in the broadest sense. Anthropology at Deakin focuses on the ways human society creates its communities in diverse cultural settings. Studies in anthropology prepare you to understand and work with people in diverse and international settings. Topics studied include poverty and development, crime and violence, belief systems, health and illness and human ecology.
Career outcomes
You may find employment in community relations, the education sector, government departments, the health industry, media corporations, research consultancies and welfare organisations.
Explore your creativity in the animation study area, looking at the principles of graphic and animation practice and how to develop a moving image. Develop a range of skills and expertise suited to careers in the creative arts, entertainment industry, education and any role that involves making creative choices, teamwork and communicating ideas visually.
Career outcomes
Graduates can be found working in advertising agencies, film production companies, marketing consultancies, multimedia businesses, television corporations and web development companies.
A course in dance at Deakin provides contemporary dance training, access to guest practitioners, the skills to choreograph your own work, as well as the chance to develop as a collaborative artist. Deakin is the only university where collaborative work in dance/video, physical theatre and online computer technology is a core component of the course. There is also a focus on skills in oral and written communication, personal and group management, reflection and decision-making. Final-year students are able to participate in performing arts (dance) internships.
Career outcomes
You may find work as a dancer in community dance organisations, contemporary dance companies, contemporary performance companies, dance associations, dance education, freelance choreography, performing arts centres and video and film businesses.
Criminology provides students with a theoretical and practical understanding of crime, including causes of crime and different techniques used to control crime, within the broader context of the criminal justice system. Criminology aims to develop specific knowledge in various crime types, including street crime, crimes in the home, serious and organised crime, transnational crime and terrorism, and key topic areas such as victims of crime, media representations of crime, surveillance and privacy, policing and security; and theoretical and practical skills in understanding and responding to crime problems.
Career outcomes
Promising career opportunities await in both the public and private sector, state and federal police, intelligence agencies and a range of law enforcement and anti-corruption and crime prevention agencies at federal, state and local government, correctional services, community services and private security industries.
Major study - students must complete six core units: ACR101, ACR102, ACR201, ACR202, ACR301 and ACR302.
Details of major sequences
Chinese
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Overview
Mandarin Chinese is one of the world’s most important languages. It is the official language of the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan and Singapore and is widely used in community groups throughout South-East Asia, Hong Kong, North America and Australia. It is one of the five official languages of the United Nations. Develop your communication skills in Chinese, with language fluency further enhanced through an understanding of Chinese culture, history and society. In-country language programs are available to students undertaking a major sequence in Chinese, giving you the opportunity to travel overseas and try out your language skills with native speakers.
Career outcomes
Careers in this field include work in the communications industry, community and government organisations, community health organisations, education sector, ethnic affairs associations, foreign affairs departments, multicultural organisations, tourism associations and translation services.
In-country study
The In-Country Language Program is available to students completing a major sequence in Chinese via study abroad. The program is a unique part of language study and an excellent way of accelerating completion of the major. Second, third and advanced level students have the opportunity to spend between six and eight weeks studying language and culture in its own environment. This enables students to converse, read and write about more complex topics and to discuss ideas and information. Students also build upon their knowledge of grammar based on what they have learned previously. The program contributes as two credit points (2cp) towards the Chinese language major. For more information about the In-Country Language program please refer to the Work Integrated Learning website or contact the WIL team: artsed-wil@deakin.edu.au.
The Chinese major sequence for students who have completed Chinese at level 12 or equivalent (non-background speakers) begins at second level and consists of the following units:
Warrnambool offering available to continuing students only
Overview
Deakin is a world leader in children’s and young people’s literature and has developed a full major in the Bachelor of Arts in this growing field. Discover major trends in children’s texts across a range of media, and how stories for young people reflect and challenge the values of their time. This study area caters to students who are interested in children’s literature as a prominent domain of literary production and is of particular relevance to those who intend to work with children and young people as primary or secondary teachers and librarians, and those who wish to produce texts for young people.
Warrnambool offering available to continuing students only
Overview
Australian Studies is a cross-disciplinary examination of Australia in its local and global contexts. In this study area students engage with Australia’s history and geography, along with the politics, culture and society that makes us who we are. Australian Studies develops in-depth knowledge of Australia, including its colonisation, land uses, migration patterns, popular culture, engagements with Asia, as well as its Indigenous pasts and present. Students also develop critical skills in communication, research and in analytical, critical and abstract thinking.
Career outcomes
Career opportunities exist in the education sector, government agencies, cultural institutions, media organisations, the public service and the marketing and tourism industries.
AIH337 Race, Science and Religion in Australia 1860s to 1920s (No longer available for enrolment)
Major study - students must complete 4 core units AIA105, AIA106, AIA200 and AIA300.
Note: Warrnambool enrolled students are able to complete this major sequence via campus mode by selecting the following elective units AIH238, AIP230, AIP247 and AIH326, in addition to the core units.
Australia’s trade with the Middle East has more than doubled in the past decade, making it an increasingly important region with broad strategic, economic, religious and cultural influence. Studies in Arabic help you develop communication skills in modern standard Arabic, with language fluency further enhanced through an understanding of Middle Eastern history, culture and society. In-country language programs are available to students undertaking a major sequence in Arabic.
Career outcomes
Graduates expect to gain employment in a wide range of organisations, including the education sector, federal defence agencies, government departments, immigration departments/ consultancies, intelligence agencies, major corporations, management consultancies, media organisations, multicultural associations, research and translation services.
In-country study
The In-Country Language Program is available to students completing a major sequence in Arabic via study abroad. The program is a unique part of language study and an excellent way of accelerating completion of the major. Second and third year students have the opportunity to spend eight weeks studying language and culture in its own environment. This enables students to converse, read and write about more complex topics and to discuss ideas and information. Students also build upon their knowledge of grammar based on what they have learned previously. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be awarded a preclusion for either AIB351 or AIB352. For more information about the In-Country Language program please refer to the Work Integrated Learning website or contact the WIL team: artsed-wil@deakin.edu.au.
Units
The Arabic major sequence is offered at two levels; beginners' level (little or no prior knowledge of the language) and post-level 12 Arabic.
Unit description is currently unavailable (2 credit points)
Approved Study Abroad may replace with AIB351 or AIB352
Students undertaking the beginners' sequence may undertake AIB309 and/or AIB310 in their final level as electives in addition to the prescribed major sequence.
Notes:
The Arabic major sequence for post-level 12 Arabic:
Units in the Bachelor of Arts - Education Major are designed to provide you with skills and insights to be able to leverage your degree to achieve employment in a broad range of education related fields and organisations. You will learn about educating children, young people and adults in formal and informal contexts. The BA Ed Major will not provide you with accreditation for teaching in schools, but will provide you with a solid grounding should you wish undertake an accredited initial teacher program after completing your BA. Some units may be credited toward these postgraduate studies.
Film studies develops your creative and critical thinking while providing you with a practical and theoretical grounding in the production and application of film, video and television.
Career outcomes
Graduates can be found working in advertising agencies, broadcast television, corporate communication companies, film education associations, film production companies, freelance film production, media associations and television corporations.
You can explore the nature of the modern world – the forces and great events of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the ways historians continue to interpret them. Themes covered include war and peace; modernisation and social change; colonialism, nationalism and internationalism; gender in history; the Holocaust; and sport. Third-year students have the opportunity to undertake an internship and may apply for the US Congress Internship Program.
Career outcomes
You may find employment opportunities in the education sector, local government, media corporations, museums/heritage organisations, research consultancies and tourism organisations.
Indonesian language studies develop communication skills in Bahasa Indonesia, as well as an understanding of Indonesian culture, history and society. With more than 220 million speakers of Bahasa Indonesia, and Indonesia being Australia’s closest Asian neighbour, the region is increasingly important to Australia economically, politically and culturally. In-country language programs are available to students undertaking a major sequence in Indonesian, giving you the opportunity to travel overseas and try out your language skills with native speakers.
Career outcomes
Careers in this field include work in the communications industry, community and government organisations, community health organisations, the education sector, ethnic affairs associations, foreign affairs departments, multicultural organisations, tourism associations and translation services.
In-country study
The In-Country Language Program is available to students completing a major sequence in Indonesian via study abroad. The program is a unique part of language study and an excellent way of accelerating completion of the major. Second and third year students have the opportunity to spend between six and eight weeks studying language and culture in its own environment. This enables students to converse, read and write about more complex topics and to discuss ideas and information. Students also build upon their knowledge of grammar based on what they have learned previously. The program contributes two credit points (2cp) towards the Indonesian language major. Upon successful completion of this program students will be awarded a preclusion for either AIF341 or AIF342. For more information about the In-Country Language program please refer to the Work Integrated Learning website or contact the WIL team: artsed-wil@deakin.edu.au.
Units
Indonesian major sequence for those entering at beginners' level
Unit description is currently unavailable (2 credit points)
Notes:
AIF145 (2 credit points - Trimester 3 unit) can replace units AIF146 and AIF142 in the major. It cannot be studied in conjunction with either AIF146 or AIF142.
AIF145 not available to students who are waiting on an offer from VTAC for the current year.
Indonesian major sequence for those entering at post-level 12 level
International relations provides you with a better understanding of conflict and cooperation, and war and peace, in contemporary international politics. Study issues in global politics: the nature of power and security, globalisation and global governance, human rights and global justice, the politics of the Asian region and Australia’s place in the world.
Career outcomes
Graduates can expect to gain employment in a wide range of areas including federal defence agencies, foreign affairs departments, immigration departments/consultancies, major corporations, management consultancies and multicultural associations.
Warrnambool offering available to continuing students only
Overview
This long-established program at Deakin offers the skills and knowledge needed to prepare you for employment in the communications industries, across print, TV, radio and online. There is an emphasis on practical hands-on learning and gain experience and develop skills in communicating information in engaging, interesting and accessible ways across different media formats. The curriculum covers news and feature writing, radio and TV reporting, multimedia and online journalism, local and international journalism and media ethics and law. In your final year undertake intensive news production work and an industry internship.
Career outcomes
You may find employment in advertising agencies, consumer and business magazine publishers, freelance journalism, metropolitan, suburban and country newspapers, press agencies, public relations agencies, publishing companies, radio stations and television channels.
Develop your linguistic skills in Arabic, Chinese or Indonesian, but also gain essential cultural, historical and social perspectives.
Career outcomes
Careers in this field include work in the communications industry, community and government organisations, community health organisations, the education sector, ethnic affairs associations, foreign affairs departments, multicultural organisations, tourism associations and translation services.
Units
Students must complete 4 credit points in one of the languages: Arabic, Chinese, or Indonesian. In addition, students must select 4 credit points of contextual studies units, which must include at least 2 credit points at level 3, from the elective list below.
Arabic
Students must complete 4 credit points of Arabic units (AIB)
Chinese
Students must complete 4 credit points of Chinese units (AIC)
Indonesian
Students must complete 4 credit point of Indonesian units (AIF)
At Deakin, literature is the door to new understandings of cultures and histories. Our literary studies scholars have international profiles in philosophy, poetry, ecology and Australian literature, and will guide you in critical and creative journeys through great literature from the medieval era to today. There are also many opportunities for your own creative writing and critical analysis.
Career outcomes
You may find employment opportunities in advertising agencies, the education sector, freelance writing, government departments, libraries, market research companies, public relations agencies and publishing companies.
This is an area of rapid and continuous technological, political, economic and social change. Much of the recent explosion in the stock of human knowledge is linked with developments in media. This course of study enables you to graduate with a unique ‘multiskilled’ qualification appropriate for many careers and job markets.
Career outcomes
Graduates can expect to gain employment in a wide range of organisations, including the education sector, the entertainment industry, marketing consultancies, multimedia businesses, newspaper and magazine publishers, public relations agencies and radio and television companies.
Middle East studies provide a comprehensive understanding of the events and issues shaping the region, with an emphasis on both historical and contemporary issues relevant to the analysis of the Middle East as a regional system, as well as its place in the international system. Importance is placed on the changing role of the US in the Middle East since the end of the Cold War and its push to reshape the region’s political landscape according to American national interests. Several of the endemic conflict situations that exist in the Middle East are examined, including the War on Terror; the invasion and occupation of Iraq; the Israel-Palestine impasse; the 2006 Israel-Lebanon crisis; Iran’s nuclear ambitions; and the role of ‘rogue states’.
Career outcomes
Graduates can expect to gain employment in a wide range of organisations, including the education sector, federal defence agencies, government departments, immigration departments/consultancies, intelligence agencies, major corporations, management consultancies, media organisations, multicultural associations and research.
A distinctive feature of the philosophy study area is its focus on Asian philosophy, psychoanalysis and philosophy as practised in continental Europe. In individual units you cover questions dealing with the nature of human existence; value, belief and purpose; and knowledge and belief.
Career outcomes
Career opportunities exist in corporate and multinational corporations, the education sector, foreign affairs, government departments and the health industry.
Major study: Students to select two level 1 units from ASR100, ASP109, ASP129
Photography
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
Overview
Students undertaking the Photography Major sequence in the Bachelor of Arts will learn basic techniques and practices of photography, using analogue and digital technologies at Level 1. At Level 2, students can select from a range of units that cover professional analogue and digital photographic formats, ambient and artificial studio lighting, documentary and narrative storytelling as well as advanced darkroom and alternative techniques. Students are strongly encouraged to experiment, research and develop their own conceptual and aesthetic sensibilities and to draw on their interdisciplinary studies. At Level 3, students refine their photographic technique and focus on developing individual style with a focus on folio preparation. Work undertaken at this level provides a strong basis for postgraduate studies and professional practice. At all levels of the Photography Major Sequence students are supported to produce exhibition-quality work, using industry standard equipment and workflow and are encouraged to maximize opportunities for interdisciplinary installation and collaboration.
Career outcomes
You may find employment opportunities in community arts organisations, creative practice, freelance photography, photo journalism, professional studio photography and web and multimedia design companies.
Warrnambool offering available to continuing students only
Overview
In first year you will consider how your lives are affected by – and how you can affect – the way power operates in our society. Then you will learn to recognise, analyse and compare different ideologies. You can study many different policies, European politics, environmental issues like combating climate change, and how to achieve greater democracy and to improve forms of political expression.
Career outcomes
Graduates can expect to gain employment in many fields including foreign affairs, Intelligence and security, Journalism, Government organisations, Civil society organisations, Business, Policy advocacy, Policy research, Policy design and analysis, Political and social research, Political advisors, Politics, Public communication, Public relations & lobbying, Public service, Speech-writing, Teaching.
Gain expertise, practical experience and develop creative skills. In all units, the emphasis is on publication or the achievement of professional standards. Initially, you undertake various forms of constructive, descriptive and narrative writing, progressing to editing, non-fiction and fiction writing, script writing and poetry writing.
Career outcomes
You may find employment in freelance editing and writing, finance, health and manufacturing industries, government departments, media and entertainment industries, publishing companies, tourism, hospitality and service industries.
Warrnambool offering available to continuing students only
Overview
Public relations practitioners are 21st century communication specialists who manage and coordinate relationships between organisations, agencies and the public. With a focus on ethical and sustainable communication practices, the course builds key knowledge and skills in core public relations responsibilities such as: event management and campaigns; social media tactics and media relations; strategic planning, management and communication; and the allied field of marketing communication. Final-year students have the opportunity to develop their skills further by undertaking an industry internship, working with real clients to develop a public relations campaign. The degree’s structure also allows you to pursue study in areas such as journalism, media studies, visual communication design and marketing. This flexibility means our degree combines theory and real-life practice to prepare you for employment in a wide variety of public relations, media and communications roles.
Career outcomes
Our graduates can be found working in corporations, government departments, as well as in not-for-profits and NGOs.
Warrnambool offering available to continuing students only
Overview
Sociology is the study of the processes that create, maintain and change social groups. It explores ways of thinking about personal and public issues in modern social life and how to link them together through the study of society and social relations. Third-year students have the opportunity to further develop their skills by undertaking an internship.
Career outcomes
You may find employment opportunities in community relations, the education sector, government departments, the health industry, local councils, market research companies, welfare organisations and youth work.
Approximately 406 million people speak Spanish, making it second only to Mandarin Chinese in terms of its number of native speakers worldwide. Deakin’s Spanish studies will not only help you to develop communication skills in this important language, but also provide you with an understanding of the history and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. In-country language programs are available to students undertaking a major sequence in Spanish.
Career outcomes
Graduates can expect to gain employment in a wide range of organisations, including the education sector, immigration departments, federal defence agencies, intelligence agencies, government departments, multinational corporations, management consultants, non-government agencies, multicultural associations, research, and translation services.
In-country study
The In-Country Language Program is available to students completing a major sequence in Spanish via study abroad. The program offers students who have completed their first year of Spanish language study the opportunity to spend six weeks studying language and culture in its own environment. Students build upon their knowledge of grammar based on what they have learned in ALS100 and ALS150, and develop further proficiency in Spanish at the high beginner/low intermediate level. This program contributes one credit point (1cp) towards the Spanish language major and one credit point (1cp) of Level 2 elective credit. Upon successful completion of this program students will be awarded a preclusion for ALS200, and awarded one credit point of CPL as a Level 2 elective credit.
The Spanish major sequence for students who have completed Spanish at Level 12 or equivalent (non-background speakers) begins at second level and consists of the following units:
Understanding religion has seldom been as important as it is today. There is increasing dialogue among the greater religions of the world, but there is also increasing misunderstandings of religious traditions. Religious ideas are regularly debated in the media and featured in popular culture and religious beliefs play a significant role in conflict, peace building, and international development. With countries and communities becoming more diverse and complex, the need for cross-cultural religious literacy and inter-disciplinary expertise in religion is becoming more urgent.
The Studies of Religions Major is a multi-disciplinary major that looks at religion and religions from diverse viewpoints and methodologies. The major includes units from the disciplines of anthropology, philosophy, sociology, literary and cultural studies and others. It also offers the possibility of focusing on particular religious traditions.
Gain qualifications, skills and knowledge for professional practice in the visual arts. Develop skills for a specialised industry vocation or for a broader role in the fields of culture and the arts. The course combines contemporary theory with specialised studio practice, incorporating digital technologies. Final-year students are able to participate in visual arts internships.
Career outcomes
Graduates may find employment in art galleries and museums, commercial art, cultural associations, the education sector, film production companies, graphic design businesses, media consultancies and services in art therapy.
