Associate Degree of Business
2026 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Associate Degree of Business |
| Course Credit Points | 16 |
| Deakin course code | M250 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Business and Law |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2024 onwards |
| Final Intake | Offered to continuing students only. The final intake to this course was in teaching period 1 2024. Students should contact Student Central for course, course map and enrolment information. |
| Duration | 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 6 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Pathways
- Alternative exits
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Achieve your goals in a supported environment with Deakin's Associate Degree of Business. Take the first step towards a business career and open pathways for further study with two years of full-time study at our Warrnambool campus.
Build fundamental skills in accounting, marketing, finance, management and more in your first year and delve deeper with a specialisation in either business or accounting and finance in your second year.
Gain real-world experience with a work-integrated learning unit that will enhance your employability. A guaranteed internship within the local community will enable you to learn first-hand from industry leaders and build your professional network while you study.
Graduate with an Associate Degree of Business or take the opportunity progress to further study and complete a third and final year. Determined by your second year specialisation you will be set to meet the requirements of either a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business.
Are you looking for a pathway into a business career?
Studying at Warrnambool, you will benefit from smaller than average class sizes and a close-knit community. Our strong relationships with local industries and employers feed directly into the course through embedded practical experience.
The Associate Degree of Business has been specifically designed to give you the experience you need while opening pathways to further study. Make your start at a top business school and watch your career options flourish.
There is also the option to exit with a Diploma of Business if you meet the requirements and choose not to complete the full associate degree. With so many options available, this course can be adapted to meet your individual needs and goals.
Pathways
Students who successfully complete the M250 Associate Degree of Business are guaranteed entry into M300 Bachelor of Commerce or M325 Bachelor of Business and may receive up to 16 credit points of Recognition of prior learning into these courses.
Alternative exits
| Diploma of Business Studies (M201) |
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Evaluate, analyse and apply a broad range of knowledge of business theory and practice. |
| Communication | Effectively communicate business concepts and ideas using a variety of platforms for a range of purposes and audiences. |
| Digital Literacy | Use a range of digitally based technologies to research, analyse, communicate and create solutions to business issues. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate and analyse information and ideas in relation to a range of business issues. |
| Problem Solving | Identify and create solutions to authentic business challenges and problems. |
| Self-management | Manage independent work and study, reflect on own performance, take personal responsibility for actions, and plan for future development needs. |
| Teamwork | Interact and collaborate with others on academic and business considerations. |
| Global Citizenship | Act responsibly in responding to key social, cultural, ethical, and sustainability challenges facing businesses locally and globally. |
Course rules
To complete the Associate Degree of Business you must pass 16 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 10 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course elective units
- an Associate Degree study stream (4 credit points)
- 1 credit point of open elective units
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 |
Core units
First Year Core Units:
| MAA103 | Accounting for Decision Making |
| MAE101 | Economic Principles |
| MLC101 | Law for Commerce |
| MMK101 | Marketing Fundamentals |
| MAF101 | Fundamentals of Finance |
| MMM132 | Management |
| MIS171 | Business Analytics |
| MMM111 | Managing Self and Others |
Second Year Core Units:
| MMM267 | Business Logistics |
| MMM311 | Global Mindset and Citizenship |
Course grouped WIL elective
plus one unit of course grouped WIL elective unit selected from:
| MWL305 | Business for Social Impact |
| MWL318 | Internship |
| MWL316 | Consultancy Experience |
| MWL317 | Entrepreneurship Experience |
Associate Degree study streams (4cp)
Students select to study either the set of units in Stream A or Stream B.
Stream A; Accounting and Finance (MJ-M250001)
| MAA261 | Financial Accounting |
| MAA255 | Money, Wealth, and You |
| MAA262 | Management Accounting |
| MAF210 | Quantitative Methods for Business |
Stream B: Business (MJ-M250002)
| MIS398 | Project Management |
| MIS203 | Managing Information in the Digital Age |
| MMM241 | Entrepreneurship and Innovation |
| MMK280 | Brand Management |
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.
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.