Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Media and Communication Majoring in Biomedical Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

This double degree combines biomedical science with media and communication, preparing you to understand human health while also developing strong skills in science communication, journalism, and public engagement. It is ideal for students who want to work at the intersection of science, media, and health education, translating complex biomedical knowledge into clear, impactful communication.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You will build foundational knowledge in biomedical science alongside introductory media and communication studies. Typical units include Human Biology and Chemistry for Biosciences, paired with Media Foundations and Communication Practices, helping you understand both scientific principles and how information is communicated to audiences.

Year 2:
This year deepens your scientific understanding while strengthening your media production and analytical skills. You’ll typically study Human Physiology and Cell Biology alongside units such as Media Writing and Digital Communication, developing the ability to interpret scientific content and communicate it effectively.

Year 3:
At this stage, learning becomes more applied, combining advanced biomedical science with professional communication practice. You may study areas such as Microbiology and Biochemistry alongside Public Relations and Journalism or Media Industries units, focusing on communicating science in real-world contexts.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on advanced integration through specialised electives and a capstone experience. You will typically complete an advanced biomedical science component alongside a Media and Communication Capstone Project, where you produce professional-level science communication work such as campaigns, articles, or media productions.

Focus Areas

Biomedical science, human biology, science communication, journalism, digital media, public relations, health communication, and media production.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop strong scientific literacy combined with professional communication skills, enabling them to translate complex biomedical information into accessible content for the public. You will be prepared for careers in health communication, science journalism, public health media, and science engagement roles.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program aligns with industry expectations in both biomedical science and media sectors, supporting pathways into science communication, health promotion, and further postgraduate study in either science or communication fields.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Swinburne University of Technology is globally recognised for its industry-connected teaching model and strong graduate employability outcomes, reflected in QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne University of Technology, you’ll develop hands-on scientific skills alongside real media production experience, allowing you to bridge the gap between biomedical knowledge and public communication. The program is designed so you don’t just understand health science — you actively learn how to translate it into engaging, accurate, and accessible media using industry-standard tools, collaborative projects, and real-world communication environments:

Biomedical science laboratories : Practical training in human biology, microbiology, and chemistry using modern lab equipment to build core scientific understanding.
Media production studios : Hands-on experience in creating digital content, journalism pieces, and communication projects using industry-standard media tools and software.
Broadcast and digital communication facilities : Training in audio, video, and digital storytelling formats used in professional science communication and media industries.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) : Opportunities to engage in industry projects or placements where students apply both scientific and communication skills in real professional contexts.
Science communication projects : Real-world assignments where students translate biomedical research into public-friendly articles, campaigns, or multimedia content.
Collaborative group projects : Interdisciplinary teamwork combining science and media students to develop communication strategies for health and biomedical topics.
Digital tools and media software : Use of professional editing, publishing, and communication platforms to produce science-based media content.
Swinburne library and digital research databases : Access to academic journals, media research, and scientific literature supporting both biomedical and communication studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Swinburne University of Technology are uniquely positioned to work across both the health science and media industries, with the ability to communicate complex biomedical information to the public, healthcare organisations, and research communities. You could pursue roles such as science communicator, health journalist, public health media officer, or biomedical content specialist in research and healthcare organisations:

Career Support & Industry Outcomes:

Swinburne Careers & Employability Service: Provides personalised career coaching, resume building, interview preparation, and direct connections to employers in science, media, and communication sectors.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Offers industry placements and real-world projects where students apply both biomedical knowledge and media communication skills in professional settings.
Industry-linked learning model: Strong connections with media organisations, health communication bodies, and research institutions that support practical experience and employability.
Graduate employability outcomes: Swinburne is consistently recognised in QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education for strong graduate employability and industry engagement.
Dual-skill advantage: Combining biomedical science with media and communication increases flexibility across science journalism, health promotion, and public engagement careers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, graduates can pursue postgraduate study such as Master of Public Health, Master of Communication, Master of Journalism, or specialised Honours research programs in biomedical science or media studies. This pathway also supports careers in advanced science communication, health policy communication, and media strategy roles in healthcare organisations.