Bachelor of Commerce(Accounting)/Bachelor of Communication

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) / Bachelor of Communication at Deakin University is a double degree that blends professional accounting knowledge with strong communication and media skills, preparing graduates for careers in both business and media-driven environments. It is ideal for students who want to combine financial expertise with the ability to communicate effectively in corporate, public relations, or media roles. The program is delivered at Deakin University’s Burwood (Melbourne) Campus and Geelong Waterfront Campus, offering modern learning facilities, industry engagement opportunities, and strong professional networks.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in accounting and communication through core units such as Accounting for Decision Making, Principles of Finance, Academic Integrity, and Communication and Media Contexts. This year focuses on developing both financial literacy and essential communication skills for business environments.

Year 2: In the second year, students expand into intermediate accounting and communication studies with subjects like Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Digital Media Production, and Intercultural Communication. This stage develops analytical thinking alongside media and communication capabilities.

Year 3: The third year strengthens professional accounting knowledge through units such as Corporate Accounting, Auditing and Assurance, and Business Finance, while communication studies include Public Relations Strategy and Media Industries. Students begin integrating business reporting with communication strategy.

Year 4: In the final year, students complete advanced coursework including Advanced Accounting, Strategic Management Accounting, Professional Communication Practice, and a Capstone Project. This year focuses on applying accounting expertise alongside high-level communication and strategic decision-making skills.

Focus Areas: Financial accounting, auditing, corporate communication, media strategy, public relations, business reporting.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will be able to prepare financial reports, analyse business performance, communicate effectively across professional contexts, and apply strategic thinking in both accounting and communication roles.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The accounting component aligns with professional pathways such as CPA Australia and CA ANZ, supporting progression into recognised accounting careers, while communication studies align with industry practices in media, corporate communication, and public relations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Deakin University is internationally recognised for strong graduate employment outcomes and high-quality teaching, consistently ranked in global systems such as QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) / Bachelor of Communication at Deakin University is designed to ensure students gain hands-on experience in both financial decision-making and professional communication practices. Students develop practical accounting skills alongside real-world communication expertise through industry-focused projects, digital tools, and collaborative learning environments. The program integrates both disciplines through case-based learning, simulations, and applied assessments that reflect real workplace scenarios, preparing graduates for roles in corporate, media, government, and professional services sectors:

Deakin Business Simulation :(Deakin University Facilities) Students use interactive business simulation platforms to apply accounting principles and decision-making in realistic corporate environments.
MYOB & Accounting Software :(Professional Tools) Training in industry-standard accounting software such as MYOB and Excel for financial reporting, budgeting, and data analysis.
Adobe Creative Suite :(Communication Labs) Access to Adobe tools including Photoshop, InDesign, and Premiere Pro for digital media, content creation, and communication projects.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) :(Industry Experience) Opportunities for internships, industry placements, and real workplace projects with partner organisations across accounting and communication fields.
Group Industry Projects :(Collaborative Learning) Students work in teams to solve real business and communication challenges, improving analytical, creative, and professional skills.
Deakin Library & Online Resources :(Learning Support) Access to extensive digital databases, business journals, accounting resources, and communication research materials.
Media and Communication Studios :(Practical Training) Use of media production facilities for video editing, broadcasting, and digital storytelling projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) / Bachelor of Communication at Deakin University develop a strong combination of financial expertise and communication skills, preparing them for dynamic roles across corporate, media, government, and professional services sectors. This unique blend allows graduates to translate complex financial information into clear, strategic communication for diverse audiences. Typical career outcomes include Accountant, Financial Analyst, Corporate Communications Specialist, Public Relations Officer: these roles are highly valued across business, media, consulting, and government organisations.

Career Support Services :(DeakinTalent & Careers Service) Deakin University provides dedicated employability support through DeakinTalent, offering career coaching, resume and interview preparation, employer networking events, internships, and graduate job placement support to help students transition into professional careers.
Employment Stats & Salary :(Graduate Outcomes Data) Graduates typically achieve median starting salaries in the range of AUD $60,000–$90,000 per year, with strong growth potential in both accounting and communications-related professions as experience increases.
University–Industry Partnerships :(Industry Connections) Deakin maintains strong partnerships with leading accounting firms, media organisations, corporate businesses, and government agencies, providing students with access to internships, guest lectures, industry projects, and graduate recruitment pathways.
Long-term Accreditation Value :(Professional Recognition) The accounting component supports pathways toward professional bodies such as CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), strengthening long-term global career recognition and mobility.
Graduation Outcomes :(Industry Readiness) Graduates develop both technical accounting skills and strong communication abilities, enabling them to work across financial reporting, corporate communications, media relations, consulting, and public sector roles.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this program, graduates can pursue further study such as a Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Commerce, Master of Communication, Master of Business Administration (MBA), or Master of Business Analytics, allowing them to specialise further and progress into senior advisory, leadership, or strategic communication roles.