Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce(Accounting)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce(Accounting) at Deakin University is a dynamic double degree that combines global perspectives with strong business expertise, preparing students to work across international organisations, multinational corporations, government agencies, and global markets. Ideal for students who are interested in international affairs, global business, and cross-cultural communication, the program develops both commercial knowledge and a deep understanding of the political, economic, and social forces shaping the world. Campus Location: Burwood (Melbourne) and Waterfront (Geelong).

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students begin by building foundations in both international studies and commerce. Core units such as AIS101 Intercultural Communication, AIS102 Working in International Contexts, and MAA103 Accounting for Decision Making introduce students to cross-cultural understanding, global engagement, and essential business principles. Students also study MAE101 Economic Principles and MAF101 Fundamentals of Finance, developing an understanding of how economies and financial systems operate in an international environment.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on analysing global challenges and strengthening business knowledge. Through units such as AIR200 Global Capitalism and Power, AIS204 Gender, Globalisation and Development, and MIS171 Business Analytics, students explore how political, economic, and social forces influence international relations and business activities. Commerce studies continue with MLC101 Law for Commerce and MMM132 Management, helping students understand organisational operations in global contexts.

Year 3:
Students move into advanced disciplinary learning through their chosen International Studies and Commerce majors. Units such as MWL101 Professional Insight support career development, while major-specific studies allow students to specialise in areas such as International Relations, Politics and Policy Studies, Finance, Marketing, Economics, or Management. During this stage, many students undertake their required international experience through overseas study, international internships, or approved global programs.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on integration, professional practice, and future career readiness. Students complete advanced units including AIS303 International Studies Capstone Portfolio and AIS304 International Futures, applying their global and commercial knowledge to contemporary international issues. Through major-specific advanced commerce units and international experience opportunities, students graduate with practical skills and a strong global perspective valued by employers worldwide.

Focus Areas: International Relations, Global Business, Cross-Cultural Communication, International Development, Globalisation, International Economics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Business Analytics, Public Policy, Global Citizenship.

Learning Outcomes: Develop expertise in analysing international political, economic, and social issues; apply business knowledge in global contexts; communicate effectively across cultures; evaluate international trends and their impact on organisations; utilise analytical and research skills to solve complex global challenges; demonstrate leadership, ethical decision-making, and professional competence in diverse international environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The Bachelor of Commerce component offers majors that align with professional industry bodies in areas such as Accounting, Financial Planning, and Marketing. The program also includes a compulsory international experience component, ensuring graduates gain valuable global exposure and practical international engagement.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Deakin University is ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide for Business Studies and is recognised as the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, reflecting its strong industry connections, practical learning opportunities, and graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Commerce(Accounting) at Deakin University is designed to give students practical global experience alongside business knowledge. A standout feature of the degree is the mandatory international experience component, where students apply their learning in real international settings through overseas study, internships, language programs, or global immersion experiences. Throughout the course, students also develop professional skills through collaborative projects, intercultural communication activities, digital research tools, and industry-focused commerce learning that prepares them for international careers.

Students gain hands-on experience through a range of international and industry-connected opportunities, including:

International Experience Requirement: Completion of at least 2 credit points of approved international experience is a compulsory part of the degree, providing direct exposure to global business, government, and community environments.
Overseas Exchange Programs: Students can study for a trimester at one of Deakin's international university exchange partners, gaining first-hand experience of different cultures, economies, and business environments.
International Internship Program: Students can undertake International Internship A (AIS330), working with organisations in international or intercultural contexts and gaining valuable professional experience while building global networks.
Onshore International Organisations: Students may complete approved internships with organisations that operate internationally, allowing them to gain global experience without travelling overseas.
Study Tours and Global Immersion Programs: Opportunities such as approved study tours and immersion programs enable students to engage directly with international communities, institutions, and industries.
In-Country Language Programs: Students can participate in language programs conducted in countries where languages such as Chinese, Indonesian, Arabic, or Spanish are spoken, combining language development with cultural immersion.
Commerce Industry Learning: Commerce majors incorporate practical business analysis, problem-solving, teamwork, presentations, and industry-focused projects that mirror professional business environments.
Intercultural Communication Training: Core units such as AIS101 Intercultural Communication and AIS102 Working in International Contexts help students develop cross-cultural communication and international workplace skills.
Digital Research and Communication Tools: Students use digital platforms and technologies to conduct international research, prepare professional reports, deliver presentations, and collaborate across diverse teams.
Group-Based Learning Projects: The course emphasises teamwork through collaborative assignments, international case studies, and problem-solving activities involving students from different disciplinary and cultural backgrounds.
Library and Research Resources: Students have access to Deakin's extensive library collections, digital databases, international studies research resources, and business information platforms that support both commerce and international studies learning.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): International internships and approved professional experiences are supported through Deakin's Work Integrated Learning framework, helping students connect academic knowledge with workplace practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Commerce(Accounting) from Deakin University develop a unique combination of global awareness, intercultural communication skills, and business expertise that is highly valued by employers operating across international markets. The degree prepares students for careers in government, international business, trade, consulting, and non-government organisations, while the compulsory international experience helps graduates stand out in an increasingly global workforce.

Typical Job Roles: Accountant, Financial Accountant, Management Accountant, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Analyst, International Business Consultant, Compliance Officer, Risk Analyst, Corporate Finance Manager

Career Development Support:

DeakinTALENT: Provides career coaching, resume and LinkedIn reviews, interview preparation, networking events, employer presentations, job search support, internships, and graduate employment resources.
International Experience Program: Students complete an overseas study program or approved international internship, gaining practical global experience and professional networks.
Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities: Students develop industry-ready skills through practical projects, internships, and employer engagement activities.

Employment Statistics & Salary Figures:

Deakin is recognised as the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey highlighted by the university.
Median Salary Range: AUD $70,000 – $120,000+ per year, depending on industry, location, role, international experience, and career progression.
Graduates work across government departments, multinational corporations, international trade organisations, consulting firms, and NGOs.

University–Industry Partnerships:

Deakin maintains a global network of international exchange partners that support overseas study experiences.
Students can participate in approved international internships with organisations operating in global business and international relations environments.
Strong industry engagement across commerce disciplines helps students connect classroom learning with professional practice.

Long-Term Accreditation Value:

Deakin Business School holds prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, placing it among an elite group of business schools worldwide and demonstrating excellence in teaching, industry engagement, and graduate employability.
Commerce majors may also provide pathways to additional professional recognition depending on the chosen specialisation.

Graduation Outcomes:

Graduates possess a combination of international studies expertise and commercial knowledge, enabling them to work effectively across cultures, governments, businesses, and global organisations.
The international experience component strengthens employability by providing firsthand exposure to international business, policy, and cultural environments.
Career opportunities exist in diplomacy, international trade, foreign affairs, business consulting, policy development, finance, communication, and international development.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programs such as a Master of International Relations, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Commerce, Master of International Business, Master of Public Policy, Master of Professional Accounting, or specialised honours and research degrees. These pathways allow students to deepen expertise, pursue leadership positions, expand international career opportunities, or prepare for doctoral-level research and academic careers.