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.
Career opportunities
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment.* With us you can step-into your future with confidence. 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
*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.
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.
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.
To complete the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics/ Bachelor of Communication you must pass 32 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate.
DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit- point compulsory unit) in your first study period
one major sequence (8 credit points) as described under the course A318 Bachelor of Communication
4 credit points of Communication elective units at level 2 or 3
a maximum of 12 credit points at level 1 across both courses
a minimum of 10 credit points at level 3 or above across both courses.
Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (A336) and Bachelor of Communication (A318) 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.
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.
Details of discipline sequences
Philosophy
To complete the Philosophy stream, 4 credit points of discipline study units must be chosen including at least 2 credit points at level 3.
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.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.
