Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science(Physics)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

La Trobe University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Physics) at La Trobe University is a flexible double degree that lets you combine analytical scientific thinking with creative and social insights, opening up a wide range of career pathways. It’s ideal if you’re curious about how the universe works but also want to understand human behaviour, communication, or global issues alongside your physics studies.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
You’ll build a strong foundation in both disciplines, starting with core science subjects like Physics Fundamentals and Mathematics for Science, alongside introductory arts units such as Academic Writing or Understanding Society. This year helps you develop essential problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills that support both streams.

Year 2
As you progress, you’ll deepen your physics knowledge through subjects like Classical Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism, while continuing your arts major with more focused units such as Media and Communication or Politics and International Relations. You’ll begin connecting scientific reasoning with real-world social and cultural contexts.

Year 3
This year moves into more advanced topics like Quantum Physics and Thermodynamics, alongside higher-level arts electives that align with your chosen specialization. You’ll refine your analytical and research skills, often working on projects that encourage interdisciplinary thinking.

Year 4
In your final year, you’ll consolidate your learning through advanced physics units such as Advanced Physics Topics or Research Project in Physics, while completing capstone or major project units in your arts discipline. This is where you demonstrate independence, critical insight, and the ability to apply knowledge across both fields.

Focus areas (in a string):
Physics, applied mathematics, scientific research, communication, social analysis, interdisciplinary studies

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, understanding of core physics principles, ability to conduct research, effective communication across disciplines, critical thinking in scientific and social contexts

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Physics components are aligned with standards expected by professional scientific bodies, supporting pathways into research, industry, and further study

Reputation (employability rankings):
La Trobe University is recognized globally for graduate employability and practical, career-focused learning, with strong outcomes reflected in rankings such as QS Graduate Employability

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you choose the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Physics) at La Trobe University, you won’t just read about science and society — you’ll do science and immerse yourself in real-world learning from day one. Physics students gain hands-on experience in cutting‑edge labs where you’ll work with advanced instrumentation and research tools used by professional scientists, while arts subjects encourage you to tackle real issues through discussion, projects, and collaboration. With access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities right on campus, expert staff guiding your practical work, and opportunities for internships and interdisciplinary projects, your education will be both active and deeply relevant to your future goals.

Here’s how this practical engagement plays out in your degree:

Dedicated Physics and Science Facilities: Explore and experiment in world‑class laboratories like the Atom‑Scale Laboratory, Bioimaging Laboratory and X‑Ray Imaging and Characterisation Facility, where you’ll use advanced microscopy, spectroscopy and imaging equipment as part of your coursework and research activities.
Hands‑on Laboratory Work: Throughout your physics units you’ll conduct practical experiments and investigations that build your scientific technique, data analysis and problem‑solving skills — putting theory into action rather than just learning it from slides.
Group Projects & Collaborative Learning: Many physics and arts subjects involve team‑based projects where you’ll tackle complex problems, present findings, and learn to work effectively with others — key skills that employers value.
Internships and Industry Experience: While physics majors may choose elective placement subjects or work‑integrated units, all students can take advantage of La Trobe’s broader industry experience programs to gain workplace insight and build professional networks.
Support Hubs & Learning Tools: Whether you need help tackling tricky scientific concepts or writing up your findings, resources such as the Maths Hub and Science Hub offer expert support beyond the classroom.
Digital & Research Tools: You’ll be introduced to contemporary scientific software and analytical platforms through lab classes and research projects, preparing you for data‑centric work in science and beyond.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Physics) at La Trobe University are well‑equipped to step into a diverse range of careers that value analytical thinking, scientific understanding and communication skills. With this double degree, you could pursue roles that bridge science with real‑world impact — from research and technology to education and media. Typical careers our alumni move into include: physicist or research assistant, data analyst, science communicator, and policy or environment consultant.

Here’s how La Trobe supports your transition into the workforce and beyond:

Career Services & Employability Support: La Trobe’s Career Ready team helps you build your career path with specialist consultations, mentoring programs, industry networking events, employability expos and AI‑assisted resume and interview tools — all accessible through the Career Hub.
Work Integrated Learning + Industry Experience: You can engage in work‑integrated learning, placements, virtual industry experiences and projects that connect you with employers and give you practical skills and industry insight before you graduate.
Partnerships & Networking: Programs like Career Ready Advantage are co‑designed with industry partners and include mentoring and project work that help you build real professional connections while you study.
Strong Graduate Outcomes: La Trobe leads in Victorian undergraduate employment outcomes, with nearly 95 % of undergraduates employed in some capacity three years after graduation and strong employer satisfaction overall — evidence that your degree aligns with employer needs.
Salary Potential: La Trobe graduates report competitive median salaries as they enter the job market, reflecting strong skills and industry readiness.
Accreditation & Long‑Term Value: The science components of your degree are aligned with professional expectations, and the dual‑discipline nature of your qualification broadens your long‑term career flexibility across sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, you could choose to continue with advanced study such as an honours year in science or arts, a specialised Master’s (for example in physics, data science, environmental science or science communication), or a research‑focused postgraduate degree (MPhil or PhD) to deepen specialist expertise or prepare for careers in research and academia. La Trobe also offers pathways into postgraduate coursework and research programs that build on the strong foundation this degree gives you.