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

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Arts (Politics, Power and Technology) at Swinburne University of Technology is a four-year double degree designed for students who want to combine an understanding of human health with insights into politics, technology, and society. It’s perfect if you’re interested in making an impact at the intersection of public health, policy, and social change, giving you both scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills to tackle real-world challenges.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll establish a strong foundation in both health science and the social sciences. You’ll study subjects like Anatomy and Physiology and Introduction to Health Sciences alongside arts-based units such as Technology and Society and What is Power?, giving you a solid understanding of both the human body and the systems that shape society.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on applying your knowledge in practical and global contexts. You’ll explore units like Dictators and Democrats: Comparative Politics and Contemporary Approaches to Security, while building hands-on skills through Skills and Strategies for Social Change, where you work on real-world projects and community initiatives.

Year 3:
In year three, you’ll develop advanced analytical and professional skills. You’ll engage with units such as Philosophy, Politics and Society and The Politics of Public Policy, and gain experience in professional environments through BA Professional Practice, preparing you for careers in health, policy, or technology sectors.

Year 4:
Your final year allows you to integrate both disciplines to tackle complex global challenges. You may study specialised topics like Cyber Crime and Security, Conflict, Justice and Peace, or public health and health promotion, and have the opportunity to participate in work-integrated learning placements to gain real-world experience.

Focus areas

Public health, human biology, politics and governance, technology and society, globalisation, social change, ethics and security

Learning outcomes

Critical thinking, scientific literacy, policy analysis, research skills, communication, problem-solving, collaboration, understanding of health systems and political structures

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The program includes work-integrated learning through placements, internships, and industry-linked projects, helping you build practical experience and align with careers in health, policy, and community sectors.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Swinburne is recognised for teaching quality and graduate employability, with strong global rankings in Arts and Humanities, and a reputation for preparing students for real-world impact.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne University, this double degree in Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Arts (Politics, Power and Technology) is designed to make learning practical, engaging, and real. You’ll get hands-on experience from day one, whether that’s exploring the human body using virtual reality and digital dissection tools in health labs, or tackling real-world social and political projects in units like Skills and Strategies for Social Change. The program also connects you with workplaces, community organisations, and industry partners, so you’re applying what you learn in professional settings, not just in lectures.

Some of the ways you’ll gain practical experience include:

Virtual reality and digital anatomy labs – explore anatomy and biomedical concepts in an interactive, tech-enabled environment.
Work Integrated Learning opportunities – participate in placements, internships, and industry projects to build real-world skills and professional connections.
Industry-linked projects – collaborate on real briefs and community initiatives as part of your coursework.
Research and innovation facilities – access labs, design spaces, and visualisation tools to support hands-on discovery across disciplines.
Fieldwork and group projects – work in teams on social campaigns, policy research, and public health initiatives, building collaboration and problem-solving skills.

These experiences are designed to bridge the gap between study and work, so when you graduate, you’re ready to step confidently into careers in health, policy, research, or technology, with both practical skills and professional experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Arts (Politics, Power and Technology) at Swinburne University are well-prepared to step into meaningful and impactful careers. You could find yourself working as a health policy analyst, a community development officer, a public health communicator, or a social researcher, applying your understanding of health systems alongside insights into politics and technology. This double degree gives you the flexibility to work across health services, government, non-profits, research organisations, or international institutions.

Here’s how Swinburne supports you in turning your degree into a career:

Career support services – Swinburne’s Careers Launchpad, SwinEmploy platform, personalised consultations, and workshops help you build your resume, prepare for interviews, and connect with potential employers throughout your studies.
Graduate outcomes and salaries – Swinburne undergraduates enjoy high employment rates, with graduates often securing competitive starting salaries, reflecting the practical and professional skills developed during the program.
Industry connections – Career fairs, networking events, and collaborations with leading organisations give you direct access to internships, projects, and potential job opportunities.
Work‑integrated learning – The program includes placements and industry-linked projects, so you graduate with real-world experience, professional contacts, and confidence to succeed in your chosen field.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, you could continue your studies with a Master of Public Health, Master of Health Policy, Master of International Relations, or other research-focused postgraduate programs. These pathways allow you to deepen your expertise, specialise in your chosen field, and open doors to leadership, policy design, or advanced research roles.