Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

Course summary for international students

Year	2026 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Online	No
Length	4 years full-time
Fee paying annual fee - commencing 2026	$42,800 for 1 yr full-time AUD
CRICOS code	085868M Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Level	Undergraduate
VTAC codes	1400314393 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place 1400514393 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Deakin course code	D311
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Gain a competitive edge in the job market by studying the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science double degree. Complement your understanding of science with invaluable skills like critical thinking and strong communication and open a world of exciting career options once you graduate.

You do not need to have a defined career path mapped out when you start this double degree. Choose from a wide range of science and arts study areas and discover what disciplines you love as you progress.

The freedom to create your own study journey is a highlight of this course. So too is the extensive practical experience on offer. There are opportunities to gain a global perspective of arts with a range of international experiences. Plus, you will get hands-on training in world-class science labs, and plenty of industry experience through community science projects and professional placements.

Want to secure your future with a double degree that prepares you for work in any industry?

More than just a qualification that demonstrates your expertise across a broad spectrum of fields, the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science lets you create a unique degree that highlights your skills and passions.

In the arts stream, you will develop specialist knowledge in your chosen disciplines and learn how to apply creative and strategic thinking to solve real-world issues. You will also develop transferable skills such as communication, research, critical thinking, and problem-solving, making you highly employable within a range of industries.

Learning from teaching staff who are active in their fields and recognised as leading practitioners, you will gain hands-on experience relevant to your chosen disciplines in our world-class purpose-built facilities.

Benefit from the many work placements we offer and graduate ready to take your studies beyond the classroom and into the real world. Advance your job-readiness and gain a competitive edge by undertaking a study tour, internationally focused internship in Australia or overseas, language study, or longer study abroad exchange experience. You'll also be supported by Deakin to design your internship. Choose from 600+ employers or craft your own.

The science stream will train you to be a scientific explorer, ready to solve tomorrow’s global issues through science and discovery. You’ll build your foundational knowledge through 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.

Best of all, learning extends beyond the classroom. Throughout your science units, you will gain practical experience through programs in modern science laboratories and by completing a Community Science Project or an industry-based learning placement. All of this prepares you for real-life science environments and scenarios, so you can confidently enter the workforce with the industry experience needed to thrive.

Online studies

Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.

However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Science (Chemistry major) has been professionally accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). Graduates of this course are encouraged to apply for membership of the respective local branch of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

Fees and charges

The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. 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 length of 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 eight 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 international student fees.

Career opportunities

Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment.* With us you can step-into your future with confidence. The Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science allows you to explore the relationships among various areas of study, combining them in innovative ways to prepare yourself for a broad range of career opportunities in industry, government and research. The types of opportunities available will depend on the major sequences taken within the course. For more detailed information on career outcomes for this double degree, see the entries for the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT.

*Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2023, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT). The #1 graduate employment is based on overall employment for domestic undergraduates of Victorian universities, 4–6 months after course completion, with an equal overall employment rate with Monash University.

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Arts (A310)	Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Science (S320)
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.	Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of the scientific disciplines of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and the environment within the chosen major area(s) of study to demonstrate a deep understanding of scientific facts, scientific practices and the edifice of science. Apply technical knowledge and skills and use them in a range of activities, in a professional and/or academic setting within the major area(s) of study; this application of technical knowledge and skills being characterised by demonstrable in-depth knowledge of scientific methods and tools, and demonstrable proficiency in the utilisation of chosen major area(s) knowledge. Use hypotheses, laws, facts and theories to investigate, test, analyse, and evaluate scientific data and demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility to argue about characteristics and aspects of scientific theory in the advancement of science.
Communication	Demonstrate highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication and the ability to communicate research outcomes, and produce scholarly papers.	Demonstrate listening skills and the ability to use a range of communication skills to accommodate, encourage and answer audience questions. Articulate the boundaries or limits of scientific information, experimental or field data, discuss error, probability, uncertainty, conclusions and arguments. Judge how well to present essential details of scientific procedures, key observations, results and conclusions in a professional manner using appropriate style, language and references including local, national, and international contributions or contexts.
Digital literacy	Research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of appropriate technologies and resources in a rapidly-changing global environment.	Use well-developed technical skills, judgement and responsibility to independently locate, analyse, evaluate the merits of, synthesise and disseminate scientific literature, information, data and results.
Critical thinking	Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement in selecting and applying appropriate theories and methodologies to evaluate information and knowledge about society, culture and the arts.	Locate and evaluate scientific information from multiple sources and use scientific methods and frameworks to structure and plan observations, experimentation or fieldwork investigations. Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement to analyse, synthesise and generate an integrated knowledge, formulate hypotheses and test them against evidence-based scientific concepts and principles.
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.	Use initiative and creativity in planning, identifying and using multiple approaches to recognise, clarify, construct and solve problems taking into account relevant contextual factors. Advocate scientific methodologies, hypotheses, laws, facts and principles to create solutions to authentic real world problems.
Self-management	Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions and a continued commitment to learning in personal, professional, and scholarly contexts.	Take personal, professional and social responsibility within changing professional science contexts to develop autonomy as learners and evaluate own performance. Work autonomously, responsibly and safely to solve unstructured problems and actively apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks and scientific methodologies to make informed choices.
Teamwork	Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community.	Work independently and collaboratively as a team to contribute towards achieving team goals and thereby demonstrate interpersonal skills including the ability to brainstorm, negotiate, resolve conflicts, managing difficult and awkward conversations, provide constructive feedback and work in diverse professional, social and cultural contexts.
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.	Apply scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with others to articulate the place and importance of science in the local and global community.

Approved at Faculty Board February 2022

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
16 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts
- 1 arts major (8 credit points)
- remaining credit points, which may comprise of:
  - 1 additional arts major
  - 1 additional arts minor
  - open elective units
  - Employability sequence
  - a combination of the above
- a minimum of 4 credit points of Arts coded units at level 3
16 credit points from the Bachelor of Science
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit-point compulsory unit)
- SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- 9 credit points of core Science units
- 1 Science major (6 credit points)
- a minimum of 4 credit points of Science coded units at level 3
A maximum of 12 credit points at level 1
A minimum of 10 credit points at level 3
course requirements for both Bachelor of Arts (A310) and Bachelor of Science (S320) must be satisfied

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.

Course structure

Bachelor of Arts

Compulsory 0-credit point units

To be completed in the first trimester of study:

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin

Employability sequence units

AWL100

Your Future Direction

Plus 1 credit point from:

AWL200

Leadership and Transformation

AWL201

Communication and Persuasive Presentation

AWL202

Entrepreneurial Mindset

AWL203

Expand Your Experience

Plus 1 credit point from:

AWL300

Internship

AWL301

Enhance Your Experience

AWL302

Your Professional Story

Bachelor of Arts

Majors and Minors

Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.

One (1) approved Arts major sequences of 8 credit points selected from A310 Bachelor of Arts Major/Minor listing, the remaining credit point(s) may be used to undertake a Bachelor of Arts minor sequence or to take additional elective units chosen from the Bachelor of Arts. A minimum of 4 credit points at level 3 of Arts coded units.

Animation (Minor)
Anthropology (Major and Minor)
Arabic (Major and Minor)
Chinese (Major and Minor)
Criminology (Major and Minor)
Design Thinking (Minor)
Education (Major and Minor)
English - Children's Literature (Major and Minor)
English - Creative Writing (Major and Minor)
English - Literature (Major and Minor)
Film and Television Studies (Major and Minor)
Gender and Sexuality Studies (Major and Minor)
Global Challenges (Minor)
History (Major and Minor)
Indigenous Studies (Major and Minor)
Indonesian (Major and Minor)
International Relations (Major and Minor)
Media and Communication (Major and Minor)
Media Studies (Major and Minor)
Middle East Studies (Major and Minor)
Performing Arts (Major and Minor)
Philosophy (Major and Minor)
Politics and Policy Studies (Major and Minor)
Public Relations Studies (Major and Minor)
Religious Studies (Major and Minor)
Social Media (Major and Minor)
Sociology (Major and Minor)
Spanish (Major and Minor)
Sport and Society (Minor)
Sport Journalism (Major and Minor)
Strategic Advertising (Major and Minor)
UX* Design (Minor)
Visual Arts and Photography (Major and Minor)
Visual Communication Design (Major and Minor)
Web Design (Minor)

*UX refers to User Experience

Bachelor of Science

Compulsory 0-credit point units

To be completed in the first trimester of study:

STP010

Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

To be completed in the first year of study:

SLE010

Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)

Units

SLE111

Cells and Genes

SLE103

Ecology and the Environment

SLE115

Essential Skills in Science

SLE123

Physics for the Life Sciences

SLE209

Science and Society

SLE200

Communicating Science Ideas #

Choose one from:

SLE352

Community Science Project # or

SLE301

Professional Practice #

# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)

∼ Mathematics - choose one from:

SIT190

Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs

SIT191

Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis

∼ Please note:

It is recommended that students intending to take the Chemistry, Human Biology, Cell Biology and Genomics, Animal Biology, Plant Biology or Environmental Science majors undertake SIT191 Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis.
students intending to take the Chemistry major and who have not previously completed VCE Maths Methods (units 3 and 4) are advised to alternatively undertake SIT190 Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs.
students intending to take the Mathematical Modelling major who have not completed VCE Maths Methods (units 3 and 4) are strongly advised to first complete SIT190 Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs.
Students intending to take the Mathematical Modelling major are not required to complete SIT190 Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs or SIT191 Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis, however, they are able to undertake SIT190/ SIT191 as electives.

Chemistry - choose one from:

SLE133

Chemistry in Our World

SLE155

Chemistry for the Professional Sciences ^

^Assumed knowledge: SLE133 Chemistry in our World or high achievement in VCE Chemistry 3 and 4 (or equivalent).

Please note: SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences is a required prerequisite when undertaking the Cell Biology and Genomics and Chemistry majors.

Bachelor of Science

Majors and Minors

Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Students must complete at least one major from the following areas:

*Enrolment in a Trimester 3 study period is compulsory

Admission criteria

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

Academic requirements - Higher education study

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

Academic requirements - Higher education study

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)

Academic requirements - VET study

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

Academic requirements - 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 (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 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – 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.

Credit for prior learning - general

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.

Alternative exits

Associate Degree of Arts (A250)
Bachelor of Arts (A310)
Bachelor of Science (S320)
Diploma of Arts (A215)

Articulated courses

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (A400)
Bachelor of Communication and Creative Arts (Honours) (A450)
Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) (S470)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (S400)

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.

Work experience

Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

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.

You may be required to complete units in Trimester 3 depending on your chosen major. Please refer to the Handbook for unit offering patterns.

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.