Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science(Chemistry)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Deakin University lets you blend the creativity and communication strengths of arts with the analytical power of chemistry, giving you a uniquely versatile degree that employers value. You’ll study big ideas about culture, society and expression alongside foundational and advanced chemistry units, perfect for students who want both scientific insight and broad intellectual skills.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build solid scientific foundations with core units like Chemistry in Our World and Essential Skills in Science, where you’ll learn about atomic structure, reactions and lab techniques. At the same time, your arts studies might include Your Future Direction or Communication and Persuasive Presentation, helping you develop clear thinking and communication skills that are valuable across every field. This mix ensures you’re grounded in both scientific reasoning and creative, strategic expression.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll go deeper into science with units that broaden your understanding of biological and physical contexts, such as Ecology and the Environment and Physics for the Life Sciences alongside your chosen arts subjects, whether that’s International Relations, History or Media and Communication. These subjects help you connect scientific principles with societal questions, while arts units build your research and critical analysis skills. You’ll also start thinking more about how knowledge from both disciplines applies in real‑world settings.

Year 3:
By your third year, you’ll be tackling level‑3 units that challenge you to apply your learning in more complex ways. Science units like Communicating Science Ideas push you to explain technical concepts clearly, and your arts major might include advanced topics like Global Challenges or Strategic Advertising depending on your interests. This year is about bringing together deep scientific understanding and broad cultural insight — a combination that’s highly valued in many careers.

Year 4:
Your final year gives you the chance to specialise and synthesise everything you’ve learned. You might take a Community Science Project or Professional Practice unit to gain practical experience directly with industry or community partners, while your arts studies can include capstone or honours‑level units that showcase your analytical and creative strengths. This year is designed so you graduate with confidence in both communication and scientific problem‑solving.

Focus areas (in a string):
Chemistry fundamentals, scientific methods, environmental and biological science, arts communication, critical thinking, cultural analysis.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply scientific theory and laboratory skills, communicate complex ideas clearly, analyse cultural and social phenomena, integrate arts and science thinking to solve multidisciplinary problems.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The chemistry major in this degree is professionally accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), and graduates are encouraged to apply for membership.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Deakin is recognised as the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, known for strong industry links, practical skill development, and lifetime career support that helps you move confidently into the workforce

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Deakin, you won’t just be learning theories — you’ll be applying them in real‑world settings from early in your degree. In the science stream you’ll be working in modern chemistry laboratories with world‑class equipment, gaining practical skills that help you analyse chemical reactions, conduct experiments safely, and solve real scientific problems. Meanwhile, your arts subjects offer hands‑on experiences through projects, research, and community‑focused learning that build communication, analysis and creative thinking. All of this practical exposure is designed to prepare you for professional roles long before you graduate:

World‑class science laboratories: You’ll train in purpose‑built science labs for chemistry and other science disciplines, putting theory into practice through hands‑on experiments and lab work.
Community science projects: You have the opportunity to complete a Community Science Project as part of your science units, giving you experience working on real science challenges that matter.
Industry‑based learning placements: Deakin supports work placements with real employers, and you can design your own internship or take one of 600+ employer placements that build your employability and professional networks.
Arts project and research experiences: Your arts stream includes applied projects and research opportunities that strengthen skills in communication, creative analysis, and cultural insight — all highly valued in diverse careers.
Digital and collaborative tools: Across arts and science subjects you’ll use digital tools for data analysis, communication, and research, preparing you for modern workplaces that rely on technology and collaboration.
Libraries and academic support: Deakin’s world‑class libraries offer extensive physical and digital resources, with dedicated staff to support your research and study at every step.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Deakin leave with a versatile skill set that combines scientific expertise and strong communication skills, making them highly employable across multiple industries. You’ll be prepared for roles that require both analytical and creative thinking, including research chemist, laboratory analyst, policy advisor, and science communication officer:

Deakin Careers and Employability Services: Students receive tailored career guidance, including one-on-one consultations, resume and interview workshops, internship placements, and networking opportunities with employers.
Employment stats and salary figures: Graduates from science and combined degrees report strong employment outcomes, with typical starting salaries ranging between AUD 65,000 and 75,000, reflecting the demand for graduates with combined scientific and arts capabilities.
University–industry partnerships: Deakin’s collaborations with organisations such as CSIRO, pharmaceutical companies, and environmental agencies provide students with work-integrated learning opportunities, project partnerships, and professional networking.
Long-term accreditation value: The chemistry component of the degree is professionally recognised by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), which supports professional development and membership eligibility.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates are prepared for careers in scientific research, laboratory management, regulatory agencies, science policy, and roles that bridge science and society, making them highly adaptable to diverse employment opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Chemistry, Master of Professional Communication, or research-focused programs like a PhD in Chemistry or Science and Technology Policy. These pathways allow graduates to specialise further, engage in advanced research, or develop leadership and analytical skills for senior roles in both scientific and interdisciplinary fields.