Bachelor of Arts (Politics)/Bachelor of Health Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

La Trobe University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Politics) / Bachelor of Health Sciences at La Trobe University is a unique double degree that lets you explore how politics, policy, and health intersect in our communities. It’s perfect for students who are passionate about making a difference — whether that’s shaping public policy, improving health outcomes, or tackling social challenges at local, national, or global levels.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year gives you a solid foundation in both politics and health sciences. You’ll study core politics units to understand power, governments, and society, while health sciences subjects cover human biology, health systems, and the social factors that influence wellbeing. Together, they provide a big-picture view of how policy and health connect in real-world contexts.

Year 2:
In year two, you start digging deeper into both disciplines. Politics units explore contemporary debates and global issues, helping you sharpen research, analytical, and communication skills. Health sciences subjects focus on public health and health promotion, teaching you how to design interventions that improve community wellbeing.

Year 3:
By the third year, you can focus on more specialised areas. You might study policy analysis, comparative political systems, environmental health, or chronic disease prevention. This is your chance to tailor the degree to your interests and career ambitions.

Year 4:
In your final year, everything comes together through capstone projects, research experiences, and electives. You can explore advanced topics in politics or health, such as international studies, nutrition, sociology, or rehabilitation counselling, giving you practical experience and a strong foundation for your future career.

Focus areas: politics, government and public policy, public health, health promotion, human wellbeing and performance, rehabilitation counselling, international studies, sociology.

Learning outcomes: develop the skills to analyse political systems and health challenges, apply evidence-based solutions, communicate effectively across disciplines, and understand the social factors that shape health and wellbeing.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At La Trobe, your learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. In this double degree, you’ll gain hands-on experience that helps you apply your knowledge in real-world settings, build confidence, and develop the skills employers really value. From internships and placements to research projects and field trips, there are plenty of opportunities to see politics and health in action, while La Trobe’s libraries, digital tools, and student societies support your learning every step of the way.

Here’s how you’ll get practical experience throughout your degree:

Victorian Parliamentary Internship – work directly with the Parliamentary Library or an MP, researching current policy or law issues, and experience politics in action.
Work‑Integrated Learning and Placements – complete placements and projects supervised by both academics and industry professionals, building real-world skills and networks.
Student‑Sourced Industry Placements – find and arrange a placement in an organisation that matches your career interests, whether in politics, health, or community services.
Participatory Field Placement (Health Sciences) – apply your health knowledge in supervised work settings or community agencies, gaining practical experience that prepares you for the workforce.
Global and community opportunities – take part in field trips, study tours, or exchange programs like the New Colombo Plan to explore how politics and health intersect internationally.
Student societies and networking – join politics, public health, or social justice groups to debate ideas, meet like-minded peers, and connect with professionals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Politics) / Bachelor of Health Sciences from La Trobe University opens the door to careers where you can make a real impact on communities and society. You could work as a public health manager, policy analyst, human rights advocate, or community development coordinator, combining your understanding of politics and health to create meaningful change. La Trobe gives you the support and tools to confidently move from study into professional life:

Career Ready support services – access personalised career counselling, mentoring, workshops, job boards, and networking events through La Trobe’s Career Hub and Career Ready Advantage program, helping you land the right role even before you graduate.
Strong graduate outcomes – graduates in health and related fields enjoy high employability, with many securing full-time roles shortly after finishing their studies.
Industry connections and partnerships – through placements and collaborations with government agencies, community organisations, and professional bodies, you gain hands-on experience and professional networks that give your career a head start.
Accreditation and long-term value – this double degree equips you with transferable skills in research, communication, policy analysis, and health promotion, which are highly valued across government, healthcare, NGOs, and corporate sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could continue with postgraduate study such as a Master of Public Policy, Master of Public Health, Master of International Relations, or specialised health programs like rehabilitation counselling or environmental health. Some graduates also choose honours or research degrees, or professional certifications, allowing you to deepen your expertise and expand your career options even further.