Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Communication (Journalism)
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2025 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) |
| Deakin course code | D358 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Business and Law |
| Campus | Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Online. For students who commenced prior to 2023 only |
| Duration | 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS code | 104739C Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7 |
Students and Applicants to Geelong Waterfront Campus | |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Alternative exits
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Research and research-related study
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Deakin's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) empowers you to solve the commercial problems of the future in a world that has never been hungrier for news.
In this complementary double degree you will learn to think more critically as you gain a strong foundation in all aspects of commerce at Deakin's world-class business school. The commerce stream will equip you with technical skills and professional capabilities to become a confident leader in the world of commerce. Authentic and practical learning experiences challenge you to solve real commercial and community issues.
At the same time, learn how to engage with multiple audiences and deliver news across a range of media platforms with your communications degree. Develop your ability to identify, research and plan news and feature stories, so you can write, edit and publish them straight from our newsroom and creative media labs on campus.
Want versatile, job-ready skills in both communication (journalism) and commerce?
In this combined course, you will study a range of topics across both areas. Develop your business knowledge through one of our commerce majors:
- accounting
- economics
- finance
- financial planning
- human resources management
- management
- management information systems
- marketing.
Complement your commerce expertise with key journalism and communication skills. Through industry experience, and guided by media practitioners with extensive experience across print, television, radio and digital media, you’ll learn about:
- community journalism
- feature writing
- interview techniques
- media law and ethics
- multi-platform and broadcast journalism
- news reporting
- researching stories.
You will also get sought-after broadcasting experience during your studies through an internship with a major newspaper, radio station or television network.
Because your teachers are active in their fields, you'll enjoy a classroom that's innovative, contemporary and provides industry expertise. Plus, you will have the chance to grow your connections through their professional networks.
Both degrees offer opportunities to get involved in hands-on learning including overseas study tours, international and domestic internships, work placements and exchanges. Graduate with a well-rounded and global perspective employers will love.
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School is in the top 1% of business schools globally by holding both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.
Depending on the major sequence you choose, your Bachelor of Commerce component may give you eligibility for a range of professional memberships and accreditations.
Students who complete the accounting major sequence are eligible to apply for:
- the CA Program of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)
- Associate membership for the CPA Program
- IPA Program of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Students who complete the marketing major sequence are eligible for a one-year credit reduction from the five years needed to become a Certified Practicing Marketer by the Australian Marketing Institute (AIM).
Students who complete the financial planning major sequence will satisfy the education standards prescribed by the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) to be able to provide financial advice in Australia and be eligible for entry into the certification programs of the professional financial planning associations – the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification Program offered by the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) and the Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner designation offered by the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA).
Commerce graduates may also be eligible to apply for membership to these key professional bodies (depending on units taken):
* Australian HR Institute (AHRI)
* Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML)
* Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
Students should consult with a course adviser to identify any additional requirements for membership for each professional body, and also consult with the professional body.
Career opportunities
As a Bachelor of Commerce/ Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) graduate, you’ll be ready for a variety of career opportunities including:
- accountant
- economist
- financial planner
- human resource manager
- marketing manager
- account manager
- advertising copywriters
- book, magazine or newspaper editors
- copywriters
- digital content managers
- digital marketing specialists
- food writers
- foreign correspondents
- journalists
- magazine writers
- media and communications advisers
- news presenters
- reporters
- social media coordinators
- speechwriters
- travel writers.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
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.
Alternative exits
| Bachelor of Commerce (M300) | |
| Diploma of Business Studies (M201) |
Course learning outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Commerce (M300) | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) (A331) |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of commerce and its applications | Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of journalism through analysing, applying and communicating the key disciplinary principles and concepts. |
| Communication | Communicate commerce concepts and information effectively including in oral, written and visual forms in a cohesive and understandable manner to academic audiences, business professionals and laypersons | Demonstrate communication skills in accordance with journalistic standards to be able to conduct interviews, write, produce and present stories for print, broadcast and online media in a style appropriate for the specific publication and audience. |
| Digital literacy | Use technologies to identify, locate, evaluate, synthesise and disseminate and communicate information in the field of commerce | Conduct research for news and current affairs and analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of technologies, including social media, for a variety of local and global audiences. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate and critically analyse academic, professional and business information and values | Select, critically analyse and evaluate information relating to the construction of news stories and demonstrate a critical awareness of different publication styles and media audiences in Australia and internationally. |
| Problem solving | Identify solutions to a diverse range of authentic problems in commerce | In the context of newsgathering and production, respond to journalistic challenges including unpredictable and sometimes complex problems and situations and generate pragmatic and creative solutions. |
| Self-management | Take personal responsibility for actions, self-reflect and critique own performance and identify and plan future professional development | Demonstrate the ability to reflect on knowledge acquisition and skills development and how these relate to career aspirations and the development of a professional identity which is responsive to change in work environments journalistic practice. |
| Teamwork | Interact and collaborate with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds | Work collaboratively and constructively to achieve team goals and foster effective relationships with the team. |
| Global citizenship | Engage effectively in different environments and contexts reflecting social, sustainable, ethical, economic, and global perspectives in the field of commerce | Employ relevant legal, ethical and cultural knowledge when engaging in journalistic practice in a range of diverse cultural, social and political environments domestically and internationally. |
Approved by Faculty Board
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) students must pass 32 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:
-
DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
16 credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce (M300) include:
-
8 credit points of core units
-
1 major (8 credit points)
-
a minimum of 4 credit points of Faculty of Business and Law units at level 3
16 credit points from the Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) (A331) include:
-
12 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points of course electives from specified lists
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University's vocabulary.
Course structure
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin [replaces MAI010] |
Core units
Bachelor of Commerce -
| MAA103 | Accounting for Decision Making |
| MAE101 | Economic Principles |
| MAF101 | Fundamentals of Finance |
| MIS171 | Business Analytics |
| MLC101 | Law for Commerce |
| MMK101 | Marketing Fundamentals |
| MMM132 | Management |
| MWL101 | Professional Insight |
Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) -
Level 1
| ACC100 | Gutenberg to Zuckerberg: Communication in Everyday Life |
| ALJ111 | Introduction to Journalism |
| ALJ112 | News Reporting |
Level 2
| ACC213 | Dilemmas, Defamation, Deception and Disinformation |
| ALJ216 | Feature Writing |
| ALJ218 | Podcasting and Audio Journalism |
| ALJ221 | Video Journalism |
Level 3
AWL300 Internship [replaces ACC320]
AWL302 Your Professional Story [replaces ACC321]
| ACC310 | Communication Futures [replaces ALJ304] |
| ALJ330 | Developing a Journalism Portfolio 1 |
| ALJ331 | Developing a Journalism Portfolio 2 |
Course Electives
Complete 2 credit points of course electives from level 1 (List A)
| ADT103 | UX Fundamentals [replaces ACG103] |
| ALA101 | Advertising Principles and Practices |
| ALM101 | Making Social Media |
| ALM102 | Making Video |
| ALR103 | Introduction to Public Relations |
| ALR104 | Strategic Communication and Writing |
Either
| IND101 | Introduction to Aboriginal Studies |
Or
| IND102 | Aboriginal Australian Stories and Songlines |
Complete 2 credit points of course electives from level 2/3 (List B):
| ALJ222 | From the Fourth Estate to Fake News [replces ALJ324] |
| ALM202 | Quantified Media |
| ALM215 | Global Media |
| ALM216 | Social Media Strategy [replaces ACC303] |
| MIS203 | Managing Information in the Digital Age |
| ALA302 | Transmedia Storytelling for Brands |
| ALR376 | Ethics, Persuasion and Society |
Either
| IND203 | Caring for Country |
Or
| IND301 | Politics of Resistance in Indigenous Australia |
ACC303 Communication Research Practices [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit ALM216]
ACG103 Design Skills [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit ADT103]
ALJ324 Journalism in Society [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit ALJ222]
Majors
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
All students in the Bachelor of Commerce are required to complete at least one major sequence chosen from the following:
^ These majors are the recommended pathway to qualify for membership of professional organisations.
*Offer offered to continuing students only
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Other course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central
Research and research-related study
Independent research components are embedded across a number of units.
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website or our handy Fee estimator to help estimate your tuition fees.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as photocopying or travel.