Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Psychological Sciences Majoring in Politics, Power and Technology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at Swinburne University of Technology is a four-year double degree that combines a deep understanding of human behaviour with insights into politics, power, and technology. It’s perfect for students who are curious about people and society, giving you the skills to analyse human behaviour while exploring how political and technological systems shape our world.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in psychological science through units like Introduction to Research Methods and Fundamentals of Psychology, learning how researchers study human behaviour. At the same time, your arts studies introduce you to Technology and Society and What is Power?, helping you understand how politics and digital change influence communities and cultures.

Year 2:
The second year takes your learning further. Psychology units such as Brain and Behaviour and Foundations of Statistics develop your analytical and research skills, while arts subjects like Dictators and Democrats: Comparative Politics and Contemporary Approaches to Security explore political systems, governance, and global challenges.

Year 3:
In year three, you’ll start integrating your knowledge across disciplines. Advanced psychology units deepen your understanding of human behaviour and research, while arts units like Philosophy, Politics and Society and The Politics of Public Policy sharpen your critical thinking about policy, governance, and social change.

Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll bring everything together through higher-level electives and professional practice projects. You may study advanced topics in cognition, social behaviour, or political practice, preparing you for careers or further study, and giving you hands-on experience applying what you’ve learned.

Focus areas

Human behaviour, research methods, brain and behaviour, politics and power, technology and society, public policy, comparative politics

Learning outcomes

Psychological research skills, critical thinking, scientific literacy, data analysis, communication, ethical awareness, understanding of political systems

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The psychology component provides the foundation for further psychology training, while the arts major gives practical skills and professional experience relevant to careers in policy, social research, and community engagement.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Swinburne is recognised for strong teaching quality and graduate outcomes, with high employability rates and global rankings in arts and humanities, giving students a solid foundation to launch their careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne University, the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Politics, Power and Technology) is designed so you don’t just learn theory — you do and experience. From early in your degree, you’ll gain hands-on skills through projects, placements, and real-world collaborations. For example, in the Psychology Project unit, you’ll design and carry out research, while Skills and Strategies for Social Change lets you work with community groups or organisations on campaigns that really make a difference. Swinburne’s guaranteed Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program means you’ll have opportunities to connect your studies with industry and professional practice throughout your degree.

Here’s how you’ll get practical experience:

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) – gain real industry experience through internships, placements, and industry-linked projects, building your professional network and workplace confidence.
Psychology Project unit – design and complete hands-on research projects that develop your skills in data collection, analysis, and applied psychology.
Skills and Strategies for Social Change – work on real campaigns in teams, partnering with community organisations or student groups to make a tangible impact.
Placement opportunities – optional psychology-focused placements give you a taste of professional work environments and help apply your learning in real settings.
Hawthorn campus facilities – access modern learning spaces, libraries, group study rooms, computers, and research support to help you succeed academically and in projects.
WIL support services – guidance from Swinburne’s WIL team on finding and securing internships, placements, and industry projects to enhance your career readiness.

These experiences make sure you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience to step straight into professional roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Politics, Power and Technology) from Swinburne University sets you up for a wide range of exciting careers. You could work as a policy analyst, community development officer, behavioural research assistant, or communications specialist, using your understanding of human behaviour and social systems to make a real difference. This degree prepares you to step confidently into roles across government, not‑for‑profit, research organisations, and corporate sectors.

Here’s how Swinburne helps you turn your degree into a career:

Career support and employability services – access personalised guidance through Careers Launchpad, the SwinEmploy platform, one-on-one consultations, and workshops to build your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and connect with employers from early in your degree.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) – gain hands-on experience through placements, internships, and industry projects built into your degree, giving you real-world skills and professional connections that make you job-ready.
Industry partnerships – Swinburne works with hundreds of organisations across sectors, offering opportunities where strong performance during placements or internships can lead directly to employment.
Graduate outcomes – Swinburne graduates enjoy strong employment rates and competitive salaries, showing the value of the practical, applied skills you develop during your studies.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, you can continue your studies through postgraduate programs such as a Master of Public Policy, Master of Organisational Psychology, Master of International Relations, or research-focused honours and PhD pathways in psychology or social sciences. These programs let you specialise further, deepen your expertise, and open doors to leadership, research, or advanced policy roles.