Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations)
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) |
| Deakin course code | D359 |
| Course Credit Points | 32 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Business and Law |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2021 to 2022 |
| Campus note | Travel between campuses will be required to complete this combined degree. The Bachelor of Commerce degree will be taught at Geelong Waterfront campus and the Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) degree will be taught at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus. |
| Final Intake | Offered to continuing students only. The final intake to this course was in teaching period 2, 2022. Students should contact Student Central for course, course map and enrolment information. |
| Duration | 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS code | 104740K Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong) |
| 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
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Alternative exits
- Articulated courses
- 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 (Public Relations) empowers you to solve commercial problems of the future in a world where reputation is everything.
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 solve real commercial and community issues. At the same time, learn how to build, manage and change the reputation of brands and coordinate relationships between organisations, agencies and the public. Both degrees offer opportunities to get involved in hands-on learning including international and domestic internships, work placements, exchanges and overseas study tours. Enter the workforce with a unique skill set sought-after by organisations.
Want versatile, job-ready skills in both communication (public relations) and commerce?
In this double degree, 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.
At the same time, explore the complementary communication (public relations) component, to learn how innovative and ethical communication leads to meaningful relationships with stakeholders. You will develop the capabilities to create inspiring campaigns and events, manage issues and become an adaptive communications expert.
Develop a thorough understanding of public relations in the 21st century to design and implement effective and memorable campaigns. Plus, take the opportunity to learn about the social, administrative, cultural and ethical implications of public relations activity.
You'll also gain insights into how PR has kept pace with advancements in technology and the changing political, economic and social landscape.
From day one, you'll have the opportunity to develop your skills in writing, editing, researching, event organisation and publishing with the aim to prepare you for the challenges of the current media landscape. Learn from leading academics with years of invaluable experience, ensuring you gain the professional skills to conduct strategic and tactical communication research, planning and evaluation.
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.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
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)
The Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) is accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA). Graduates are eligible for accelerated membership of the PRIA, ensuring you remain connected and up to date with current industry standards.
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.
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) |
Articulated courses
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Commerce (M300) | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Communications (Public Relations) (A325) |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of commerce and its applications. | Employ communication theories and concepts to the practice of public relations to inform professional practice within government, civil and business organisations. |
| 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. | Effectively communicate analyses, findings and strategies in Public Relations to a range of audiences using written, digital and oral formats. |
| Digital literacy | Use technologies to identify, locate, evaluate, synthesise and disseminate and communicate information in the field of commerce. | Use digital communication technologies to research and strategically engage with audiences and stakeholders. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate and critically analyse academic, professional and business information and values. | Analyse and critically evaluate theoretical approaches to Public Relations practice and issues including the need to understand current social and legal norms, policies and practices, in the local, national and global context. |
| Problem solving | Identify solutions to a diverse range of authentic problems in commerce. | Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with accepted evidence-based communication methods to generate innovative approaches and solutions to complex, real world issues within the professional Public Relations environment. |
| Self-management | Take personal responsibility for actions, self-reflect and critique own performance and identify and plan future professional development | Exhibit autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a commitment to learning and skills development in a professional context. |
| Teamwork | Interact and collaborate with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds | Work and learn collaboratively with real world (external) clients and others from different disciplines and backgrounds to build effective relationships and achieve communication goals. |
| Global citizenship | Engage effectively in different environments and contexts reflecting social, sustainable, ethical, economic, and global perspectives in the field of commerce | Demonstrate communication strategies that are respectful and inclusive of cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and the application of ethical standards. |
Approved by Faculty Board
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period [replaces MAI010]
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce (M300)
- 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 (Public Relations) (A325)
- 12 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points of course electives from specified lists
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.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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 (Public Relations) -
Level 1
| ACC100 | Gutenberg to Zuckerberg: Communication in Everyday Life |
| ALR103 | Introduction to Public Relations |
| ALR104 | Strategic Communication and Writing |
Level 2
| ACC213 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| ALR210 | Media Relations Strategy |
| ALR213 | Issues, Crisis, and Risk Communication [replaces ALR279] |
ALR279 Public Relations Management [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit ALR213
ACC213 Dilemmas, Defamation, Deception and Disinformation [No longer available for enrolment, please speak with a student advisor]
Level 3
| ACC302 | Advertising: Desire, Consumption and the Attention Economy [replaces ALR383] |
| ALR301 | Public Relations Campaigns [Replaces ALR300 2CP] |
| ALR376 | Ethics, Persuasion and Society |
AWL300 Internship [replaces ACC320]
AWL302 Your Professional Story [replaces ACC321]
ACC320 Communication Internship A: Placement [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit AWL300]
ALR300 Public Relations Campaigns and Practice (2 credit points) [No longer available for enrolment, replacement units ACC310 and ALR301]
ALR383 Lobbying, Advocacy and Public Opinion [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit ACC302]
ACC321 Communication Internship B: Career Development [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit AWL302]
ACC310 Communications Futures [No longer available for enrolment, please speak to a student advisor]
Course electives
Complete 2 credit points of course electives from level 1 (List A)
| ADT103 | Unit description is currently unavailable [replaces ACG103] |
| ALA101 | Advertising Principles and Practices |
| ALA102 | Creative Brand Communication |
| ALJ111 | Introduction to Journalism |
| ALJ112 | News Reporting |
| ALM101 | Making Social Media |
| ALM102 | Making Video |
Either
| IND101 | Introduction to Aboriginal Studies |
Or
| IND102 | Aboriginal Australian Stories and Songlines |
ACG103 Design Skills [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit ADT103]
Complete 2 credit points of course electives from level 2/3 (List B):
| ALA203 | Integrated Brand Communication |
| ALJ218 | Podcasting and Audio Journalism [replaces ADV201] |
| ALJ222 | From the Fourth Estate to Fake News [replaces ALJ324] |
| ALM202 | Quantified Media |
| ALM215 | Global Media |
| ALM216 | Social Media Strategy [replaces ACC303] |
| MIS203 | Managing Information in the Digital Age |
| MMM312 | Event Management |
| ALA302 | Transmedia Storytelling for Brands |
Either
| IND203 | Caring for Country |
Or
| IND301 | Politics of Resistance in Indigenous Australia |
ADV201 Web Design and Interactivity [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit ALJ218]
ACC303 Communication Research Practices [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit ALM216]
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.
Research and research-related study
Independent research components are embedded across a number of units.
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.
Further information
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.