Bachelor of Science (Physics)/ Arts

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Physics) / Arts at the University of New South Wales is a flexible double degree that blends deep scientific understanding with a broad foundation in the humanities and social sciences, perfect for curious thinkers who want to connect physics with real‑world contexts. You’ll explore the fundamental principles of the universe while developing communication, cultural insight, and analytical skills that make you adaptable across industries. (unsw.edu.au)

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you build strong foundations in both physics and arts disciplines. Physics courses such as PHYS1131 Physics 1A and PHYS1231 Physics 1B introduce mechanics, waves and electromagnetism, while arts units cultivate critical thinking and communication skills in areas you choose, from languages to history or psychology. You’ll also take mathematics subjects like MATH1141 Higher Mathematics 1A to support your scientific reasoning.

Year 2:
Second year deepens your physics knowledge with subjects like PHYS2111 Physics 2A and PHYS2113 Physics 2B, where you study classical and modern physics concepts with experimental labs. Alongside this, your arts courses broaden your perspective; whether you pick philosophy, sociology or creative writing, you’ll be analysing ideas and expressing them confidently.

Year 3:
In third year, you’ll tackle more advanced physics units such as PHYS3111 Physics 3A and PHYS3113 Physics 3B, involving topics like quantum mechanics and thermal physics with hands‑on lab work. With your arts component, you’ll choose senior electives or majors that deepen your expertise in topics like media studies, anthropology or politics, integrating diverse ways of thinking.

Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll engage with specialised physics electives or honours‑eligible courses like PHYS4121 Physics 4A and participate in research‑style projects that sharpen your analytical skills. On the arts side, senior electives let you refine your personal interests through advanced study and independent projects, preparing you for thoughtful, interdisciplinary thinking after graduation.

Focus areas: physics fundamentals, experimental methods, mathematical modelling, scientific communication, cultural studies, critical thinking, interdisciplinary analysis

Learning outcomes: quantitative problem‑solving, scientific enquiry, research skills, effective communication, cultural literacy, analytical reasoning

Professional alignment (accreditation): UNSW science and arts curricula are designed to provide both rigorous scientific training and broad transferable skills, valued across research, technology, education, public policy and creative sectors

Reputation (employability rankings): UNSW is ranked among the world’s top universities for graduate employability and research strength, giving you a degree that’s recognised and respected globally

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Bachelor of Science (Physics)/Arts at UNSW, your studies go far beyond lectures — you’ll gain real, hands‑on experience that builds practical science skills and deepens your understanding of the arts. In physics, students can engage in research projects that connect theory with real data, work with world‑class scientific equipment in advanced labs, and develop computational and analytical tools alongside leading researchers. In the arts, you’ll enhance your creative and critical thinking through library‑supported experiential learning and opportunities to apply your ideas in workshops, exhibitions and internships with cultural or media organisations:

Research projects in physics: Through initiatives like Step into Research and Taste of Research, you can work on real experimental or observational physics projects with academic supervisors — from astrophysics data analysis to quantum materials experiments — and even earn course credit for research‑linked units such as PHYS4200 Physics Research Project or SCIF2041/SCIF3041 Research Internships.
Advanced scientific facilities: You’ll use cutting‑edge instrumentation available through UNSW’s School of Physics, including experimental labs in acoustics, biophysics, computational physics and condensed matter research, giving you direct experience with measurement systems and data‑intensive computing environments.
Library experiential learning: The UNSW Library runs hands‑on programs that encourage deep engagement with archival materials, interactive exhibitions, workshops and discussion‑based activities, helping arts students build analytical skills and creative insight.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and internships: Both science and arts students can take advantage of WIL programs that connect you with external hosts and industry partners to gain relevant professional work experience as part of your degree.
Student opportunities beyond campus: UNSW Science supports student exchange, summer research scholarships and mentoring programs that let you expand your experiential learning internationally or through extended projects aligned with your interests.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Physics)/Arts at the University of New South Wales are equipped with a rare blend of analytical scientific thinking and broad cultural literacy that employers prize across sectors. You’ll be prepared to step into roles such as scientific researcher, data analyst, policy advisor, or communications specialist, with the flexibility to contribute in both STEM‑driven and human‑facing careers — and your diverse skill set can open doors in areas as varied as education, international relations and science communication:

Dedicated employability support: UNSW’s Employability services guide you from Discover to Launch and Grow, offering personalised career coaching, mentoring, industry networking events, targeted career workshops and support to help you build confidence and professional identity throughout your degree.
Top employment outcomes & salary performance: UNSW is ranked #1 in Australia for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings 2026) and routinely wins Most Employable University awards, reflecting strong graduate job engagement and competitive long‑term salary prospects compared with other leading universities.
University–industry partnerships: Through UNSW’s extensive network of 400+ industry partners, you’ll access work placements, research collaborations and internship opportunities that build professional connections and give you real‑world experience relevant to science, policy, arts and beyond.
Accreditation and long‑term value: This double degree combines rigorous scientific training with humanities and social sciences study, giving you both discipline depth and breadth — a qualification that continues to be recognised and valued by employers and postgraduate programs globally.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates from this program have the versatility to move into research roles, analytical positions in tech or government, creative industries, advocacy and public policy, or even entrepreneurial paths that draw on both scientific and arts perspectives.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your Bachelor of Science (Physics)/Arts, you’re well‑positioned to pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Research, Master of Science with specialised physics or interdisciplinary focus, Master of Arts, or even PhD programs in areas like physics, applied sciences, social sciences or cultural studies, depending on your interests. Postgraduate study can deepen your expertise for research‑led careers, academic roles or specialised professional fields where advanced qualifications are increasingly valued.