Bachelor of Arts (politics) and Health Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Monash University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Politics) and Health Sciences at Monash University combines the study of political systems with the science of health and wellbeing. It’s ideal for students who want to understand how society, policy, and government shape public health while developing strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation across both arts and health sciences. Politics units introduce you to how governments and societies function, while Health Sciences units like Foundations of Health Sciences and Human Health explore the biological and social factors that influence wellbeing. You’ll also have flexibility to take electives that allow you to explore broader interests across humanities and sciences.

Year 2
The second year deepens your knowledge and skills. In Arts, you’ll study intermediate politics and policy units that help you understand how decisions are made at local and global levels. In Health Sciences, units such as Public Health Principles and Health Across the Lifespan show how scientific knowledge and policy intersect to affect communities, giving you a clear understanding of population health.

Year 3
By the third year, you’ll engage with more advanced and specialised content. Arts units allow you to critically analyse political and social issues, while Health Sciences units such as Research Methods in Health and Health Law and Ethics provide practical research skills and an understanding of ethical frameworks, helping you make informed decisions in real-world health and policy contexts.

Year 4
In your final year, you’ll integrate your learning through advanced units and capstone projects. Politics units may include research-focused or thematic studies, while Health Sciences electives like Public Health Practice allow you to apply your skills in community-focused projects or real-world public health scenarios. This year prepares you for careers that require both scientific insight and strong analytical and communication abilities.

Focus Areas

Politics and public policy, human behaviour and society, communication and cultural studies, public health principles, scientific foundations of health, research methods, and ethical and legal aspects of health.

Learning Outcomes

You will graduate able to critically analyse political and social systems, interpret health data and policy, communicate complex ideas clearly, and apply both scientific and human-centred approaches to improve health outcomes in diverse communities.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The degree is supported by Monash’s strong connections with health organisations and research initiatives, combining Arts’ focus on communication and policy with interdisciplinary Health Sciences training to prepare you for professional roles in public health, policy, and research.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Monash University is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, recognised for research, teaching quality, and graduate employability. This degree carries international recognition and equips you with skills valued across health, policy, and community-focused careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor’s of Arts (Politics) and Health Sciences, your learning goes well beyond lectures and textbooks. From the very first year, you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience through internships, research projects, and community-based programs that connect theory with real-world practice. These opportunities help you develop skills in communication, analysis, teamwork, and problem-solving, while building professional networks in government, health, and community organisations:

Here’s how you’ll put your learning into action:

Arts internships and industry placements: Complete work placements in policy research, community advocacy, or cultural organisations, gaining real-world experience that counts toward your degree and helps you apply your political knowledge in professional settings.
University-supported internships: Through Monash’s Careers and Industry Experiences team, you can access internships with tailored preparation, including guidance on resumes, interviews, and workplace skills.
Research and public health projects: Health Sciences units give you the chance to participate in research projects and community health initiatives, helping you develop evidence-based decision-making skills and an understanding of current public health challenges.
Global and overseas experiences: Optional study abroad programs and international internships help you explore health policy and political systems in a global context, broadening your perspective and intercultural skills.
Volunteering and community engagement: Co-curricular programs allow you to work directly with communities, taking part in volunteer projects and immersion programs that strengthen leadership, teamwork, and practical problem-solving skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor’s of Arts (Politics) and Health Sciences leave Monash ready to make a real impact in policy, health, and community programs. You’ll have the skills to analyse complex social and health issues, communicate ideas clearly, and contribute to meaningful solutions. Many students move into roles such as public policy officer, health promotion coordinator, government adviser, or community development specialist:

Career support services: Monash’s Career Connect and Professional Futures programs guide you throughout your degree, helping you build your resume, prepare for interviews, network with employers, and find internships or placements that give you real-world experience.
Employment outcomes and salary: Monash graduates enjoy strong employment rates, with many securing full-time work soon after graduation. Roles in health promotion, policy, or community programs offer competitive starting salaries, reflecting ongoing demand for professionals who can combine analytical, research, and communication skills. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 55,000 and 75,000 per annum.
University–industry partnerships: You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with government departments, health agencies, and community organisations, gaining hands-on experience that builds your professional network and prepares you for the workplace.
Long-term accreditation value: Monash is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, meaning your degree is recognised and respected both in Australia and internationally.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni go on to careers across public service, community development, health promotion, NGOs, research organisations, and international agencies — showing how versatile your training in politics and health sciences can be.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could continue your studies with a postgraduate program to deepen your expertise. Options include a Master of Public Policy or Master of International Development for advanced policy work, a Master of Public Health for leadership in population health, or a Master of Research or PhD for academic or research careers. These pathways open doors to senior roles in government, research, public health, and international organisations.