Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science(Applied Physics)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Macquarie University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science (Applied Physics) at Macquarie University lets you combine deep scientific inquiry with broad arts skills — ideal if you love understanding the physical world and communicating, analysing or exploring human contexts. Across four years, you’ll master core physics principles and practical science while building critical thinking, creative expression and interdisciplinary insight through arts studies.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll lay strong foundations in both science and arts. Expect to tackle units such as Physics 1 and Mathematics 1 that ground you in core physical principles and computational skills, while arts subjects like Introduction to the Arts and Academic Communication sharpen your analysis and expression. You’ll begin blending rigorous logic with creative perspective, setting you up to connect scientific theories with broader societal issues.

Year 2
Year 2 deepens your engagement with physics and arts. In physics, subjects such as Mechanics & Electromagnetism and Waves & Optics take you further into how physical systems behave, while your arts studies might include Cultural Studies or History of Ideas that broaden your contextual understanding. This year is all about developing both your experimental confidence and your ability to interpret complex concepts from multiple angles.

Year 3
By the third year, you’ll be studying more advanced physics topics like Quantum Physics and Condensed Matter Physics, including hands‑on lab work where you design and analyse experiments with real data. In your arts stream you might explore specialised units such as Media and Society or Ethics & Philosophy, deepening your ability to critique and communicate. Collaborative projects and research tasks help cement your scientific insight alongside critical thinking from arts disciplines.

Year 4
Your final year integrates your learning through capstone and advanced coursework. In physics, a Physics Capstone Project or advanced elective lets you pursue independent research or practical problem‑solving that mirrors real world practice, while arts units provide a platform to synthesise cultural analysis or communication skills. This year is where your analytical breadth and creative depth come together to prepare you for professional or further academic pathways.

Focus areas (in a string):
Applied physics fundamentals, mechanics, quantum physics, optics, scientific experimentation, mathematical modelling, critical analysis, communication skills, interdisciplinary research

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Mastery of core physics principles, competency in experimental design and data analysis, strong written and verbal communication, ability to integrate scientific and arts perspectives, problem‑solving and creative thinking

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The physics components align with expectations from organisations such as the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP), preparing you for roles in science, technology and research sectors.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Macquarie University is known for its strong graduate employability outcomes, with Australian Government data showing high rates of employment for undergraduates soon after graduation, and its Faculty of Science and Engineering graduates earning competitive starting salaries compared to national averages.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science (Applied Physics) at Macquarie University, you’ll gain practical skills that go far beyond lectures and textbooks. Through hands‑on lab work, real‑world industry projects and interdisciplinary engagement, you’ll learn how to apply physics principles in experimental settings, collaborate effectively in teams and tackle authentic challenges that mirror professional practice. The degree is structured so that you’re regularly using modern scientific tools and environments — from observatories and advanced physics labs to work integrated learning experiences that build both technical and professional confidence. Here’s how your learning comes alive in practice:

Hands‑on Physics and Science Laboratories: You’ll work in state‑of‑the‑art teaching labs equipped with modern digital technology and scientific instruments, giving you practical experience with experimental techniques and data analysis alongside your coursework.
Macquarie Astronomical Observatory: For units that involve observing and understanding the universe, you’ll access a fully‑equipped on‑campus observatory where you can learn to operate telescopes and imaging systems — a rare opportunity for undergraduates interested in real observational physics.
Professional and Community Engagement (PACE): Your degree includes PACE units that connect learning with real‑world work and community experiences, such as internships, fieldwork, industry projects and practicums with organisations nationally and globally.
Research‑Led Experiences: You’ll be surrounded by active research hubs such as the Molecular and Optical Physics Laboratory (MOPL) and the MQ Photonics Research Centre, where cutting‑edge work in lasers, spectroscopy and photonics informs learning and offers pathways to research involvement.
Interdisciplinary Facilities Across Science and Arts: Alongside physics tools, Macquarie’s extensive facilities support broader learning — from data science and drone labs to simulation and observatory spaces — enriching both your scientific and arts experiential journey.
Group Projects and Collaboration: Many units involve collaborative lab work or project‑based tasks where you’ll use software tools for modelling and analysis, work in teams to solve complex problems, and present findings — just like in professional environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

When you graduate from the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science (Applied Physics) at Macquarie University, you’ll be ready for careers that blend analytical strength with real‑world application — whether that’s in science, technology, communication or industry leadership. Graduates from science‑focused programs at Macquarie often move into roles such as research scientist, data analyst, technology consultant, and science policy advisor, where their problem‑solving and interdisciplinary skills are highly valued. To support this transition effectively and to build confidence in your career path, here’s how Macquarie helps you get there:

Dedicated Career and Employability Services: Through Macquarie’s Careers and Student Employment services, you can access tailored career advice, job search support, professional development workshops, interview preparation resources and networking events — plus access to Employability Connect, an online platform with tools for résumé building and preparation for interviews and assessments.
Professional and Community Engagement (PACE): Every undergraduate degree includes at least one PACE unit — Macquarie’s flagship work‑integrated learning program — where you can gain practical experience through internships, placements, fieldwork and industry or community projects with more than 3 000 host organisations nationally and internationally, helping you build skills employers love.
Strong Industry Partnerships: Macquarie works with a wide range of employers across sectors (including major firms such as Deloitte, Commonwealth Bank, PwC and others through career and placement initiatives) which helps connect students with professional opportunities and insights into contemporary industry practice.
Graduate Outcomes & Salary Potential: According to national graduate outcomes data, Macquarie undergraduates achieve a strong full‑time employment rate nationally and enjoy competitive initial salary prospects — with broader salary trends for science graduates in Australia showing attractive median earnings and career progression over time.
Accreditation & Long‑Term Value: Your double degree is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification that gives you not only foundational scientific training but also arts‑based critical thinking and communication skills — a combination that employers across disciplines increasingly seek.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science (Applied Physics), you have excellent foundations for further study. You could pursue honours or a specialised Master’s degree in physics, applied science, data science, science communication or interdisciplinary research areas, all of which deepen technical expertise or prepare you for research or academic careers. Alternatively, postgraduate research pathways such as an MPhil or PhD open doors to advanced scientific investigation and leadership roles in academia, government or industry settings — building on the practical experience and theoretical grounding you’ll gain throughout your undergraduate journey.