Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Politics, Power and Technology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Politics, Power and Technology at Swinburne University of Technology is perfect for students who want to understand how politics and technology shape the world we live in. It’s ideal if you’re curious about how digital tools influence governance, policy, and society, while developing strong analytical, research, and communication skills.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
You’ll start by building a solid foundation in politics and technology, learning to see how digital innovation affects power and society. Units like Introduction to Politics, Digital Society, and Global Issues give you a clear understanding of political systems, technological change, and their social impact.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll focus on the interaction between politics and technology in real-world contexts. Units such as Digital Governance, Policy and Regulation, and Technology and Society help you explore how governments, corporations, and communities respond to technological challenges and opportunities.

Year 3
In your final year, you’ll tackle complex issues and specialise in your areas of interest. Advanced units like Power, Politics and Technology, Cyber Policy, and Global Digital Politics give you the opportunity to engage deeply with current debates, conduct independent research, and prepare for professional or postgraduate pathways.

Focus areas (in a string):

Digital governance, cyber policy, technology and society, global politics, political analysis, policy and regulation

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Critical thinking, policy analysis, digital literacy, research skills, communication, understanding of political systems and technology impacts

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The course is designed to match industry expectations in government, technology policy, and international organisations, so graduates leave with practical and relevant skills.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Swinburne University of Technology is well known for its focus on technology, innovation, and work-integrated learning, helping graduates step confidently into professional and industry roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne University of Technology, this program is built to give you practical experience in understanding how politics, power, and technology intersect in the real world. You won’t just study theories—you’ll apply them through collaborative projects, policy simulations, and industry-linked activities, all supported by modern facilities, digital tools, and research centres. This hands-on approach helps you develop skills that are directly relevant to careers in government, technology, and policy:

Work-integrated learning (WIL): Get real-world experience through industry projects or placements in government offices, NGOs, or tech organisations
Collaborative projects and simulations: Work in teams on policy analysis exercises and digital simulations that mirror how decisions are made in professional environments
Industry and research connections: Engage with Swinburne’s research centres, such as the Centre for Transformative Innovation, to work on projects that address current policy and technology challenges
Digital tools and resources: Use industry-standard software and online platforms for research, data analysis, and policy modelling
Capstone and independent research projects: In your final year, complete a project that applies what you’ve learned to real-world issues in politics and technology
Study visits and fieldwork: Experience firsthand how governments, tech companies, and policy organisations operate through site visits and practical engagement
Libraries and collaborative learning spaces: Take advantage of Swinburne’s modern libraries, online databases, and tech-enabled study spaces for research and teamwork

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Politics, Power and Technology at Swinburne University of Technology gives you a unique mix of skills that are highly valued in today’s world. You’ll be able to analyse political systems, understand how technology shapes society, and communicate complex ideas clearly. Many graduates go on to roles such as policy analyst, digital governance officer, technology policy consultant, or political researcher, working across government, tech companies, and international organisations.

What really helps you step confidently into the workforce is the support and connections Swinburne provides:

Career support you can rely on: The Careers and Employability team offers tailored advice, resume and interview coaching, and access to internships and job opportunities in politics, technology, and policy sectors
Strong employment prospects: Many graduates find work within months, with starting salaries around AUD 65,000–70,000, reflecting the practical skills you develop during the course
Industry connections: Swinburne collaborates with government departments, tech firms, and policy research organisations, giving you chances to work on real projects and build professional networks
Skills that stay relevant: You’ll graduate with abilities in critical thinking, policy analysis, digital literacy, and communication—skills that apply across a wide range of industries
Graduate outcomes: The interdisciplinary nature of the degree prepares you for specialist roles or leadership positions in areas where politics and technology intersect

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue studying, this degree provides excellent pathways. You could pursue a master’s in public policy, international relations, or technology policy, or take an honours/research track to specialise in areas like digital governance, cybersecurity policy, or global politics. These pathways set you up for advanced careers in government, international organisations, or academia.