Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Communication
Deakin course code	D360
Course version	1
Faculty	Faculty of Business and Law
Course Information	For students who commenced from 2023 onwards
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Online
Duration	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2025. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
CRICOS code	111439A Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Note: Students enrolled at Waterfront (Geelong) campus in this combined course will be required to undertake units of study at both Waurn Ponds (Geelong) and Waterfront (Geelong).

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Deakin's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication empowers you to solve the problems of the future and be part of the next generation of 'big idea' thinkers. In this combined course, 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. Choose from eight commerce majors, from accounting to financial planning, and graduate with a globally recognised degree. At the same time, you can choose a communication major, from public relations to journalism. Take the opportunity to hone your skills to become an effective communicator creating content that resonates with different audiences.

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 combination of sought-after skills in just four years and be ready for an exciting career in your chosen field.

Want versatile, job-ready skills in both commerce and communication?

In the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication 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.

Explore the complementary communication component and strengthen your understanding of the principles and practice of advertising, brand communication for the digital era, complex audiences, media effectiveness and creative thinking. Key study areas include:

advertising^{^}
journalism
public relations
digital and social media^{^}.

Because your teachers are active in their fields, you will enjoy a classroom that is innovative, contemporary and provides industry expertise. Plus, you will have the chance to grow your connections through their professional networks.

_{^Advertising and Digital and Social Media major sequence not offered at Waurn Ponds Campus.}

Professional recognition

Deakin Business School holds the prestigious and globally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, which attest to quality, academic and professional excellence, ongoing improvement, innovation and graduate employability.

Depending on the major you choose, your Bachelor of Commerce component may give you eligibility for a range of professional memberships and accreditations.

Deakin’s accounting major enables students to apply for the:

The marketing major provides a one-year credit towards the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) five-year Certified Practicing Marketer and Chartered Marketer certification.

Students who complete the finance major are recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.

The financial planning major satisfies the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) education standards, meaning students can provide financial advice in Australia and are eligible for financial planning certification programs including:

the Financial Adviser Association of Australia (FAAA) CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®.

The human resource management major enables students to apply for the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) membership.

Depending on the major you choose, Bachelor of Communication component graduates will be eligible to apply for the following professional accreditation depending on their choice of major:

Students who complete the Advertising major - International Advertising Association.

Students who complete the Public Relations major - Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication sets you up with a wide-ranging skill set for the future. Your entrepreneurial mindset will be highly valued across many industries and your in-demand transferable skills mean you will adapt and thrive in a variety of roles.

Depending on your majors, you will have the practical experience needed to be successful as an:

accountant
account manager
brand specialist
business analytics professional
digital creative
economist
financial planner
human resource manager
international trade officer
journalist
marketing communications strategist
marketing manager
media researcher or planner
public relations professional
social and economic policy developer.

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.

Pathways

Students who complete the Diploma of Communication or the Diploma of Commerce at Deakin College will be guaranteed a place in the combined Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication and receive specified credit as per the existing agreements with Deakin College for the individual degrees that comprise this combined award.

Alternative exits

Bachelor of Commerce (M300)
Bachelor of Communication (A318)
Diploma of Business Studies (M201)

Articulated courses

Bachelor of Communication (Honours) (A451)

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Commerce	Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Communication
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Apply a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of commerce and its applications.	Evaluate and apply knowledge of media and communication theories, frameworks, ecosystems, and creative practices to provide solutions to real-world contexts.
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.	Work creatively, and professionally in written, oral, and multimedia formats to communicate with stakeholders, to achieve defined outcomes and to engage target media audiences.
Digital literacy	Use technologies to identify, locate, evaluate, synthesise and disseminate and communicate information in the field of commerce.	Locate, gather, synthesise, produce, and publish information using industry-standard software across a range of media forms and platforms to inform and engage diverse audiences.
Critical thinking	Evaluate and critically analyse academic, professional and business information and values.	Exercise intellectual curiosity, reflexive self-awareness, and ethical judgement to critically analyse and evaluate data and information to inform decisions about communication and media industry practices.
Problem solving	Identify solutions to a diverse range of authentic problems in commerce.	Respond to complex and unpredictable challenges and situations that arise in a professional context and devise pragmatic and creative media and communication solutions that are strategic, legal, and ethical.
Self-management	Take personal responsibility for actions, self-reflect and critique own performance and identify and plan future professional development.	Recognise and exhibit actions consistent with principles of autonomy, responsibility and accountability required to work effectively as a communication professional in a range of contexts.
Teamwork	Interact and collaborate with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.	Collaborate respectfully and effectively in a timely way with people from different backgrounds and disciplines to foster successful relationships and achieve shared goals.
Global citizenship	Engage effectively in different environments and contexts reflecting social, sustainable, ethical, economic, and global perspectives in the field of commerce.	Apply relevant industry frameworks to inform ethical decision making that is respectful and inclusive of Indigenous voices and diverse cultures, and demonstrates an awareness of civic and social responsibility.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication students 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 their first study period
16 credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce
- 8 credit points of core units
- 1 major (8 credit points)
- a minimum of 4 credit points from the Faculty of Business and Law at level 3
16 credit points from the Bachelor of Communication
- 3 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points of employability sequence units (inclusive of either AWL100 or MWL101)
- 1 major (8 credit points)
- 2 credit points of course elective units at levels 2 or 3
course requirements for both the Bachelor of Commerce (M300) and Bachelor of Communication (A318) must be satisfied

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.

Majors

Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Students must complete 1 major sequence from the Bachelor of Commerce:

^ These majors are the recommended pathway to qualify for membership of professional organisations.

*Offer offered to continuing students only

Students must to complete 1 major sequence from the Bachelor of Communications:

Course structure

Compulsory 0-credit point module

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin ^*

^*To be completed in first trimester of study.

Core units

Students must complete 8 credit points from the 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 *

_*_{MWL101 (Commerce core unit) and AWL100 (Arts employability sequence unit) are incompatible; therefore, students must choose from either MWL101 or AWL100.}_{If MWL101 is chosen in place of AWL100 as the A318 Bachelor of Communication employability sequence unit, students must choose a further 1 credit point elective unit from the range of units listed in A318 not previously studied.}

Students must complete 3 credit points from the Bachelor of Communications

Thematic core:

ACC100

Gutenberg to Zuckerberg: Communication in Everyday Life

ACC213

Dilemmas, Defamation, Deception and Disinformation

ACC310

Communication Futures

Course electives

Employability Sequence

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

Work experience

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

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.

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 the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.

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 mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.