Bachelor of Arts(Politics, Power and Technology)/Bachelor of Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Power and Technology)/Bachelor of Science at Swinburne University of Technology is designed for students who want to explore how technology shapes society while developing a strong foundation in scientific research. It’s ideal for those curious about the ethical, social, and practical impacts of innovation, and who want to combine creative thinking with analytical and scientific skills.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
You’ll begin by building a strong foundation in both arts and science. Units such as Introduction to Power and Technology, Digital Society, and Foundations of Science introduce you to the societal impact of technology while developing core scientific knowledge and research skills.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into how technology intersects with society and scientific practice. Units like Digital Governance, Technology and Society, and Data Science Fundamentals help you analyse complex systems, work with data, and explore the policy and ethical dimensions of technological innovation.

Year 3
Your third year focuses on applying your knowledge to real-world challenges. Through units such as Power, Technology and Ethics, Scientific Research Methods, and Cyber Policy, you’ll develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that connect science, technology, and societal issues.

Year 4
In your final year, you’ll specialise and complete integrated projects that showcase your learning. Units like Global Digital Technology, Advanced Science Project, and Innovation and Leadership give you hands-on experience in research, strategy, and policy, preparing you for professional practice or further study.

Focus areas (in a string):

Technology, digital governance, cyber policy, scientific research, innovation, leadership

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Critical thinking, research and analytical skills, digital literacy, problem-solving, innovation, communication

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This program equips you with interdisciplinary skills valued in science, technology, and policy sectors, preparing you for a range of careers that bridge research, innovation, and governance.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Swinburne University of Technology is known for its practical, industry-focused learning, giving graduates the skills and experience to step confidently into professional and leadership roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne University of Technology, the Bachelor of Arts (Power and Technology)/Bachelor of Science is designed to let you learn by doing. You’ll gain practical, hands-on experience through group projects, research work, and industry placements, supported by modern labs, digital tools, and research centres. This means you’ll be ready to tackle real-world challenges and leave with experience that employers value:

Work-integrated learning and internships: Take part in placements with tech companies, research organisations, or policy-focused institutions to get real-world experience
Collaborative projects and simulations: Work in teams on data analysis, policy case studies, and technology impact assessments
Research centres and labs: Conduct experiments and applied research in Swinburne’s science laboratories and the Centre for Transformative Innovation
Digital tools and resources: Gain experience with software for data analysis, scientific modelling, and digital collaboration
Capstone and independent projects: Complete final-year projects that bring together your arts and science learning to solve practical problems
Fieldwork and study visits: Visit companies, government agencies, and research facilities to see professional practice in action
Libraries and collaborative spaces: Use Swinburne’s libraries, online databases, and tech-enabled study areas for research, teamwork, and presentations

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Arts (Power and Technology)/Bachelor of Science at Swinburne University of Technology gives you a strong mix of technical, scientific, and analytical skills that are highly sought after in today’s workforce. This combination opens doors to careers where understanding technology, society, and scientific innovation is key. Graduates often move into roles such as data analyst, technology consultant, policy advisor, or innovation strategist:

Here’s how the program supports your career journey:

Career support services: Swinburne’s Careers and Employability team offers personalised advice, resume and interview coaching, and access to internships and job opportunities in science, technology, and policy sectors
Employment prospects and salary: Graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes, with starting salaries typically ranging around AUD 65,000–75,000 per year (swinburne.edu.au)
Industry partnerships: The university collaborates with tech companies, research institutes, and policy organisations, giving students hands-on experience and professional networking opportunities
Long-term accreditation and value: The program equips you with skills recognised across science, technology, and policy industries, ensuring versatility and relevance in the job market
Graduate outcomes: You’ll leave with the practical, interdisciplinary skills needed to work effectively in innovation, digital governance, scientific research, and strategic decision-making

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Data Science, Master of Public Policy, Master of Technology Innovation, or research-focused honours programs. These pathways allow you to specialise further, enhance your expertise, and position yourself for leadership roles or advanced research careers in science, technology, and policy sectors.