Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce

2027 Deakin University Handbook

Year

2027 course information

Award granted Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Commerce
Deakin course codeD377
Course credit points32
Course version1
Faculty

Faculty of Arts and Education

Course information

For students who commenced from 2027 onwards

CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Online
Campus note

Students enrolled at Geelong in this combined course will be required to undertake units of study at both Waurn Ponds (Geelong) and Waterfront (Geelong).

Duration4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Course map - enrolment planning tool

The course map for students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 will be available soon

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

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 business foundation with global application at a university ranked in the top 200 worldwide for business studies. By studying Deakin's Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce double degree, you will develop an understanding of the international forces shaping government, business and communities, along with the skills to analyse and interpret them. 
 
Understand how data, markets and money drive real decisions and apply this knowledge in global contexts. Choose commerce majors from accounting to marketing, and international studies majors including Middle East studies and Anthropology.

International experience is built into your degree, with opportunities to take part in an exciting international internship, study overseas or join an in-country language program. You will gain first-hand insight into foreign governments, businesses and communities, and immerse yourself in new cultures, building the global perspective and experience employers value.

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.

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

Graduate from the #1 Victorian university for course satisfaction and step confidently into your future. As a Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce graduate, your skills will be in demand in a range of careers, including:

  • diplomat
  • foreign affairs officer
  • foreign exchange analyst
  • import/export manager
  • international management consultant
  • NGO policy officer
  • politician
  • trade delegate.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT.

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.

Alternative exits

Bachelor of Commerce (M380)
Bachelor of International Studies (A326)
Diploma of Business Studies (M201)

Articulated courses

Course learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes
Bachelor of International Studies A326
Course Learning Outcomes
Bachelor of Commerce M380
Review, analyse and apply key concepts in International Studies relating to international politics and society, globalisation and development, intercultural competency, global citizenship and professional development with reference to one or more Social Science disciplinary perspectives and appropriate theories and technical knowledge. Evaluate broad knowledge of commerce, with depth in one or more business disciplines, and apply theoretical and technical expertise to inform financial, economic, and organisational decision-making.
Apply learnings from personal and professional development in diverse organizational contexts to effectively communicate cross-cultural ideas, arguments and analyses to diverse audiences using a range of different mediums. Communicate knowledge and ideas clearly and effectively through written, spoken, and digital formats suited to the discipline and context, demonstrating the level of professionalism expected in business settings. 
Employ a range of digital technologies and platforms to conduct research, engage in discussion and debate, document personal and professional skills and attributes, communicate effectively with and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences within and outside the field of International Studies. Effectively use discipline-specific and general digital technologies to research, evaluate, synthesise, and communicate business-relevant information in a dynamic global environment.
Analyse and critically evaluate conceptual and theoretical approaches to issues of international politics and society, intercultural competency, global citizenship, and professional development in the context of an increasingly complex globalised world that requires appreciation of local, national, regional and international dynamics and their interactions. Analyse and evaluate academic, professional, and commercial information using relevant theories and methods to form reasoned judgements and support ethical, evidence informed decisions in commercial contexts.
Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with appropriate Social Science methods of research and analysis to systematically investigate and generate context-sensitive and pragmatic solutions to complex real-world problems. Apply creative, cognitive, and technical skills to identify, investigate, and solve complex, real-world commercial problems using innovative and evidence-informed approaches.
Exercise autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a sustained and ongoing commitment to learning and skill development in International Studies contexts including but not limited to communities of practice and scholarship. Engage in independent and continuous learning across business disciplines to support personal and professional growth in a dynamic business environment; effectively manage resources, time, and constraints to deliver high-quality, timely outcomes.
Work and learn collaboratively and productively with others in the field of International Studies and with stakeholders from other disciplines and backgrounds to achieve shared goals. Work and learn collaboratively with fellow peers, business professionals, and members of the wider community.
Analyse and respond appropriately to issues of cultural, social and political inequity; the transferability of knowledge and skills in different geographic, knowledge and organisational contexts as a reflective scholar and practitioner, taking into consideration cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and adherence to professional and academic ethical standards. Develop an ethical awareness and a social responsibility by engaging respectfully and productively with Indigenous, local, national, and international stakeholders, and by applying knowledge and skills in ways that are culturally appropriate, inclusive, and informed by diverse worldviews and knowledges.

Approved by Faculty Board

Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce 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 International Studies
    • 6 credit points of core units
    • 1 international studies major (8 credit points)
    • an approved international experience (2 credit points minimum)^
  • 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce
    • 8 credit points of core units
    • 1 commerce major (8 credit points)
    • a minimum of 4 credit points at level 3 of commerce coded units
  • 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 International Studies (A326) and Bachelor of Commerce (M380) 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.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Note:

It is envisaged that students will complete the international experience in the third or fourth year of their course.

^(i) AIS330 International Internship A (2 credit point) placements can be for up to 12-weeks if desired. Please contact the Unit Chair for further information.

^(ii) It is envisaged that students would complete the international experience in the third or fourth year of their course.

Majors

Bachelor of International Studies

Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.

Anthropology

Indigenous Studies~

International Relations 

Middle East Studies

Politics and Policy Studies

Arabic, Chinese, Indonesian, Spanish majors only availble to students who commenced prior to 2027

~ The Indigenous Studies major sequence is offered in the online mode only. International on-campus students must first seek approval from Student Central with a course map plan to ensure they do not exceed one-third (or equivalent) of their course completed online and meet all other course and enrolment rules.

Bachelor of Commerce 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:

Accounting^

Digital Transformation

Economics

Finance

Financial Planning^

Marketing Insights

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

Course structure

Bachelor of International Studies

Compulsory 0-credit point units

To be completed in the first trimester of study:

DAI001Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin

Units

AIS101Intercultural Communication

AIS102Working in International Contexts

AIR200Global Capitalism and Power

AIS204Gender, Globalisation and Development

AIS303International Studies Capstone Portfolio

AIS304International Futures

Bachelor of Commerce

Units

MAA103Accounting for Decision Making

MAE101Economic Principles

MAF101Fundamentals of Finance

MIS171Business Analytics

MLC101Law for Commerce

MPB200Shaping the Future of Business

MPB201Business Impact in Society

MPB202Professional Identity and Career Development

Work experience

This course includes completion of least 2 credit points of international experience, selected from one or more of the following:

  • Trimester of study at an overseas university exchange partner
  • International internship (AIS330^) *in-country language program (in Chinese, Indonesian or Arabic)
  • Approved study abroad program or approved study tour (AIS203 or other)
  • Approved onshore internship with an international organisation (available for AIS330 only).
  • 2 credit points of consecutive language units other than in-country language program can be taken to achieve one credit point of the international experience requirement

^Note:

(i) AIS330 International Internship A (2 credit point) placements can be for up to 12-weeks if desired. Please contact the Unit Chair for further information.

Further details can be found at Work Integrated Learning.


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.

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.

Estimate your fees

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.

Contact Student Central