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 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. Choose from eight commerce majors to explore an area of passion and graduate with a globally recognised degree. At the same time, you will develop an understanding of complex audiences and media effectiveness through your communication degree.

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 this combined course, you'll 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 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'll enjoy a classroom that is innovative, contemporary and provides industry expertise. Plus, you'll have the chance to grow your connections through their professional networks.

Course structure

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication , students must complete 16 credit points from the M300 Bachelor of Commerce and 16 credit points from the A318 Bachelor of Communication, plus the compulsory 0-credit point module, MAI010 Academic Integrity Module.

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Additional course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

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.

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.

Work experience

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

Online studies

Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.

However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.

Recognition of prior learning

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer.
Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

Entry 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)

Careers

Career outcomes

Bachelor of Commerce/ Bachelor of Communication graduates may be suited to careers across a range of sectors, including government, business and community organisations.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT

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 (AMI).

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)

Depending on the major sequence 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 sequence - International Advertising Association.

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