Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Nutrition and Perspectives on Globalisation

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Arts (Nutrition and Perspectives on Globalisation) at Swinburne University of Technology is a 4-year double degree that combines nutrition science with global social, cultural, and policy perspectives. It is designed for students who want to understand how health, nutrition, society, and global issues such as inequality and sustainability are connected in shaping public health outcomes.

Graduates can pursue careers in public health, international development, health promotion, policy analysis, community nutrition, and global health advocacy. Typical roles include public health officer, nutrition policy adviser, health promotion coordinator, community development officer, and global health program assistant.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you build a foundation in both health science and arts disciplines. You’ll study subjects such as Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Health Sciences, Global Perspectives, and Foundations of Social Inquiry. This year helps you understand human health alongside key ideas in society, culture, and global systems.

Year 2
The second year develops core knowledge in nutrition and global social studies. You study units such as Introduction to Nutrition, Food and Nutrition Science, and Nutrition in the Life Course, along with arts subjects like Globalisation, International Relations, and Cultural Studies. This helps you see how nutrition and global issues influence each other.

Year 3
In the third year, you focus on public health nutrition and global challenges. Units such as Nutrition and Disease Prevention, Public Health Nutrition, Research Methods for Health Science, and Global Policy Studies help you analyse health issues from both scientific and social perspectives.

Year 4
In your final year, you complete advanced study and a major project that integrates nutrition science with global studies. This prepares you to apply your knowledge to real-world public health and international development challenges.

Focus Areas

Nutrition science, global health, public policy, cultural studies, public health nutrition, sustainability, health systems, international development, and social research.

Learning Outcomes

Develop knowledge of nutrition science and global health systems, understand social and cultural influences on health, apply evidence-based approaches to public health issues, evaluate global nutrition challenges, and communicate effectively across diverse professional and cultural settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program includes applied learning, interdisciplinary study, and research-based projects that combine health science and arts perspectives. It prepares graduates for roles in public health, policy development, international organisations, and community health sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Swinburne is known for its strong industry connections and interdisciplinary teaching approach. This combination of health science and global studies provides graduates with flexible skills valued across government, NGOs, international development agencies, and public health organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne University of Technology, students pursuing the Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Nutrition and Perspectives on Globalisation are immersed in a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes practical skills and real-world experience. The university is committed to providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance their educational journey. This hands-on approach not only prepares students for their future careers but also allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.

Here are some of the experiential learning opportunities and resources available to you in this program:

- Laboratories: Access to modern laboratories equipped for nutrition research and health science experiments, allowing for hands-on learning and experimentation.
- Field Trips: Opportunities to visit local health organizations, community health programs, and nutrition-focused initiatives to gain insights into real-world applications.
- Internships: The program includes options for internships with health organizations, providing valuable industry experience and networking opportunities.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects that encourage teamwork and the application of knowledge in practical scenarios, fostering essential skills for future employment.
- Digital Tools: Use of specialized software for data analysis and research in nutrition and health science, enhancing your technical skills.
- Research Institutes: Collaboration with Swinburne’s research institutes focused on health and nutrition, providing exposure to cutting-edge research and methodologies.
- Libraries: Access to extensive library resources, including databases and journals specific to health science and nutrition, supporting your academic research and studies.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to enrich your educational experience and prepare you for a successful career in health science and nutrition. By engaging with these resources, you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates develop a strong mix of health science and global studies skills, enabling them to work across public health, policy, and international development sectors. They are well prepared to contribute to improving community health outcomes and supporting evidence-based global health initiatives.

As a result:

University employability support: Students benefit from Swinburne’s Work Integrated Learning program, which includes industry-linked projects, internships, and practical learning experiences. They also build employability skills through applied subjects where students work with community and industry partners on real-world projects.
Employment outcomes and salary figures: Swinburne reports strong graduate outcomes across health and arts disciplines, with a high proportion of graduates gaining employment soon after completion. The university is also recognised for strong long-term graduate salary outcomes compared to national averages.
University–industry partnerships: Students engage with community organisations, government bodies, and industry partners through applied learning and project-based study. These experiences help students apply theory to real-world public health and global challenges.
Long-term professional value: The degree builds transferable skills in research, communication, cultural understanding, policy analysis, and critical thinking, which are highly valued across government, NGOs, and international organisations.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue roles in health promotion, public health policy, international development, community health planning, advocacy, and research support across global health systems.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Public Health, Master of International Development, Master of Health Promotion, Master of Nutrition, or other related social science and policy programs. They may also pursue Honours and research pathways leading to careers in academia, policy development, or international health organisations.