Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Arts | Course handbook

General Information

Overview

The only thing certain about the future is that it’s uncertain. Strengthen your ability to cope with uncertainty with our Bachelor of Health Science/ Bachelor of Arts. Gain highly-transferable skills in digital literacy, analytical thinking, and communication. Examine the effects of climate change, equality, and discrimination on people's health and wellbeing. Help people live happier, healthier lives.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Science/ Bachelor of Arts requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Core units

150 credit points

Bachelor of Arts

Units of study	Unit code
Core units
Technology and Society Core unit , 12.5 credit points	ART10002
Skills and Strategies for Social Change Core unit , 12.5 credit points	ART20003
Changemakers in Action Core unit , 12.5 credit points	ART30004
BA Professional Practice Core unit , 12.5 credit points	ART30005

Bachelor of Health Science

Units of study	Unit code
Core units
Anatomy and Physiology Core unit , 12.5 credit points	BIO10004
Introduction to Health Sciences Core unit , 12.5 credit points	HEA10001
Digital Health Foundations Core unit , 12.5 credit points	HEA10004
Brain and Behaviour Core unit , 12.5 credit points	PSY10007
Foundations of Statistics Core unit , 12.5 credit points	STA10003
Health and Disease Across the Life Course Core unit , 12.5 credit points	BIO20004
Research Methods for Health Sciences Core unit , Non-psychology majors only	HEA20007
Introduction to Research Methods Core unit , Psychology majors only	PSY10005

Health Science majors and units

100 credit points

Biomedical Science

Units of study	Unit code
Musculoskeletal Anatomy Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO10008
Introduction to Biochemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BCH20002
Physiology in Medical and Health Sciences Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NTR20003
Infections and Immunology in Health Sciences Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO20005
Genes and Genomics Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO30006
Body Function and Structure for Health Science Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO30007
Pathophysiology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BIO30008

Clinical Technologies

Units of study	Unit code
Neurophysiology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NEU20006
Technology and Data Acquisition Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MBP10001
Therapeutic Product Development Process and Clinical Trials Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MBP20010
Medical Imaging Systems Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MBP20009
Physiological Signals in Health and Managing Disease Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MBP30007
MedTech Design and Innovation Major unit, 12.5 credit points	BME30001
Biomedical Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MBP30003
Cardiopulmonary and Renal Physiology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MBP30009

Neuroscience

Units of study	Unit code
Neuroscience Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NEU10002
Neurophysiology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NEU20006
Neuroimaging Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NEU20007
Sensation and Perception Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NEU20005
Developmental and Molecular Neuroscience Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NEU20008
Higher Cortical Function Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NEU30004
Advanced Topics in Neuroscience Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NEU30007
Neuropsychopharmacology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NEU30009

Nutrition

Units of study	Unit code
Chemistry 1 Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CHE10001
Introduction to Nutrition Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NTR10001
Physiology in Medical and Health Sciences Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NTR20003
Food & Nutrition Science Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NTR20001
Nutrition in the Life Course Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NTR20002
Nutrition and Disease Prevention Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NTR30001
Public Health Nutrition Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NTR30004
Nutritional Biochemistry Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NTR30005

Public Health and Health Promotion

Units of study	Unit code
Environment and Society: Problems and Solutions Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SOC10005
Physical Activity, Health and Technology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SPH10013
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Major unit, 12.5 credit points	HEP20002
Epidemiology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	STA20009
Indigenous Health Major unit, 12.5 credit points	HEA20006
Health Communication Major unit, 12.5 credit points	HEP30003
Public Health Nutrition Major unit, 12.5 credit points	NTR30004
Leadership and Innovation in Health Promotion Major unit, 12.5 credit points	HEA30010

Arts majors and units

100 credit points

Climate and Social Justice

Units of study	Unit code
Environment and Society: Problems and Solutions Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SOC10005
Power and Protest: The History and Politics of Social Movements Major unit, 12.5 credit points	HIS10005
History, Politics and Human Rights Major unit, 12.5 credit points	HIS20009
First Nations Resistance, Activism and Empowerment Major unit, 12.5 credit points	INS20004
Philosophical Perspectives on Nature and Science Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHI20010
Conflict, Justice and Peace Major unit, 12.5 credit points	POL30019
Environmental Philosophy Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHI30009
Changing our Climate Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SOC30020

Criminology and Social Change

Units of study	Unit code
Fundamentals of Criminology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CRI10002
Introduction to Forensic Psychology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	FOR10001
Global Crime Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CRI20002
Policing: Systems and Practice Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CRI20001
Youth Justice and Crime Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CRI30010
Corrections: Systems and Practice Major unit, 12.5 credit points	CRI30002
Cyber Crime and Security Major unit, 12.5 credit points	POL30018

Ethics and Technology

Units of study	Unit code
Popular Culture, Social Change and Technology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SOC10014
Introduction to Ethics Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHI10008
Digital Justice Major unit, 12.5 credit points	POL20019
Technology, Intimacy and Family Life Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SOC20003
Winners and Losers: The Politics and Ethics of Work Major unit, 12.5 credit points	POL20018
Thinking and Intelligence: Critical, Creative, Artificial Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHI30011
Planet B: Space and Extra-Terrestrial Ethics Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHI30012
Bodies, Health and Technology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SOC30021

Indigenous Studies

Units of study	Unit code
Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences Major unit, 12.5 credit points	INS10001
Global History Major unit, 12.5 credit points	HIS10003
Unlearning the Past: Indigenous Australian History Major unit, 12.5 credit points	INS10002
First Nations Resistance, Activism and Empowerment Major unit, 12.5 credit points	INS20004
International Indigenous Perspectives Major unit, 12.5 credit points	INS20002
Indigenous Enterprise And Entrepreneurship Major unit, 12.5 credit points	INS30001
Indigenous Knowledges Major unit, 12.5 credit points	INS30002
Indigenous Representations Major unit, 12.5 credit points	INS30004

Perspectives on Globalisation

Units of study	Unit code
Global Perspectives on Modernity Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SOC10012
Global History Major unit, 12.5 credit points	HIS10003
Race, Ethnicity and Migration Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SOC20013
Work in a Globalised World Major unit, 12.5 credit points	POL20020
International Indigenous Perspectives Major unit, 12.5 credit points	INS20002
Global Perspectives on Gender and Sexuality Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SOC30013
Politics of the Pacific Major unit, 12.5 credit points	POL30014
Borders, Security, and Belonging Major unit, 12.5 credit points	POL30022

Politics Power and Technology

Units of study	Unit code
What is Power? Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHI10007
Dictators and Democrats: Comparative Politics Major unit, 12.5 credit points	POL20009
Contemporary Approaches to Security Major unit, 12.5 credit points	POL20016
Philosophy, Media, Culture Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHI20006
Propaganda Major unit, 12.5 credit points	HIS10006
Philosophy, Politics and Society Major unit, 12.5 credit points	PHI30010
The Politics of Public Policy Major unit, 12.5 credit points	POL30010
Critical Security Studies Major unit, 12.5 credit points	POL30020

Literature and Creative Writing

Units of study	Unit code
Writing Fiction Major unit, 12.5 credit points	LIT10002
Reading and Writing Genre Texts Major unit, 12.5 credit points	LIT10003
Diversity in Australian Writing Major unit, 12.5 credit points	LIT20002
Exploring Iconic Texts Major unit, 12.5 credit points	LIT20004
Prose Poetics Major unit, 12.5 credit points	LIT20003
Reading, Writing and Criticism Major unit, 12.5 credit points	LIT30005
Scripting for Screen and Beyond Major unit, 12.5 credit points	LIT30006
Literary Industry Practice Major unit, 12.5 credit points	LIT30004

Screen Studies and Popular Culture

Units of study	Unit code
Introduction to Game Studies Major unit, 12.5 credit points	ART10004
Screen Studies: Movies, Television and Ourselves Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MDA10003
Popular Culture, Social Change and Technology Major unit, 12.5 credit points	SOC10014
Screen Franchising and Innovation Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MDA20007
Popular Culture of the Asia Pacific Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MDA20018
Screen Technology and Culture Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MDA30016
Screen Sounds and Music Major unit, 12.5 credit points	MDA30019
Graphic Narratives: Comics, Graphic Novels, and Manga Major unit, 12.5 credit points	LIT30002

Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 50 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).

Advanced minors

50 credit points

Advanced minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points in a field of study which builds upon your first major. Advanced minors can only be taken in conjunction with specific majors - more information will be available soon.

Mental Health Advanced

Minors

50 credit points

Minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points and may be chosen from any field of study.

Accounting
Advertising
Applied Mathematics
Applied Psychology
Aviation
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Branded Environments
Chemistry
Cinema and Screen Studies
Climate and Social Justice
Communication Design
Computer Science
Creative Writing
Criminology
Data Analytics
Data Science
Design Principles and Processes
Digital Advertising Technology
Digital Marketing
Diversity and Multiculturalism
Editing
Engineering
Entrepreneurship
Ethics and Technology
Film and Television Theory
Finance
Games and Interactivity
Health Statistics
Health Societies
Higher Mathematics
History
Human Resource Management
Indigenous Studies
Industrial Design
Information and Communication Technology
Innovation
Interior Architecture
Interior Documentation and Construction
International Relations and Security
Journalism
Literature
Management
Management for Health
Management Information Systems
Marketing
Media Industries
Motion Design
Neuroscience
Nutrition
Perspectives on Globalisation
Philosophy
Photomedia
Physics
Politics and International Relations
Professional and Creative Writing
Public Relations
Screen Studies and Popular Culture
Social Impact
Social Media
Sociology
Space Technology Minor
Web Development

View minor units

Work placement

You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for either 6 or 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.

Optional professional work placement

100 credit points

Units of study	Unit code
Option 1
Work Experience in Industry A Practical unit, 25.0 credit points	WEI20001
Integrated Professional Placement A - Health Academic unit, 25.0 credit points	HEA20003
Work Experience in Industry B Practical unit, 25.0 credit points	WEI20002
Integrated Professional Placement B - Health Academic unit, 25.0 credit points	HEA20004
or
Option 2
Work Experience in Industry A Practical unit, 25.0 credit points	WEI20001
Integrated Professional Placement A - Humanities Academic unit, 25.0 credit points	SOC20018
Work Experience in Industry B Practical unit, 25.0 credit points	WEI20002
Integrated Professional Placement B - Humanities Academic unit, 25.0 credit points	SOC20019

Recommended elective units

These recommended elective units can deepen your understanding of your chosen major or an area of interest. A full list of available elective units can be found upon enrolment.

Biomedical Science major

ART10001 Academic Literacies: Situating University Knowledge
BCH20001 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
BIO30007 Body Function and Structure for Health Science
CHE10002 Chemistry 2
ENT10001 Entrepreneurship and Opportunity
HEA10006 Introduction to Exercise and Sport Science
INF10026 First Year Industry Project
INS10001 Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences
LIT20001 Reading, Writing and Criticism
MBP20009 Medical Imaging Systems
MBP30009 Cardiopulmonary and Renal Physiology
MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
MGT10009 Contemporary Management Principles
MTH00007 Preliminary Mathematics
NEU10002 Neuroscience
NEU20005 Sensation and Perception
NEU20006 Neurophysiology
NEU20007 Neuroimaging
NEU20008 Developmental and Molecular Neuroscience
NEU30002 Sleep and Attention
NTR20001 Nutrition Science

Clinical Technologies major

BIO10003 Concepts of Biotechnology
BIO30007 Body Function and Structure for Health Science
BME40004 Medical and Regulatory Practice
BME40005 Advanced Medical Imaging Systems
CHE10001 Chemistry 1
COS10009 Introduction to Programming
COS20007 Object Oriented Programming
COS30045 Data Visualisation
DES20057 Toolbox for Prototyping and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
DES30066 Innovation Challenge Project
HEA20005 International Internship - Health (Extended)
MTH10010 Essential Mathematics
NEU20005 Sensation and Perception
NEU20007 Neuroimaging
NEU20008 Developmental and Molecular Neuroscience
NEU30002 Sleep and Attention
PHI10007 What is Power?
PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
SWE20004 Technical Software Development

Neuroscience major

ACC10007 Financial Information for Decision Making
BCH20001 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
BCH20002 Introduction to Biochemistry
BIO10008 Musculoskeletal Anatomy
BIO20002 The Microbial World
BIO30004 Molecular Biotechnology
BIO30007 Body Function and Structure for Health Science
CHE10001 Chemistry 1
LIT20001 Reading, Writing and Criticism
MGT10009 Contemporary Management Principles
MTH00007 Preliminary Mathematics
NEU30002 Sleep and Attention
NTR10001 Introduction to Nutrition
NTR20001 Nutrition Science
PHI10007 What is Power?
PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
SOC10004 Sociological Foundations
SPO10002 The Psychology of Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity
STA10003 Foundations of Statistics
STA20006 Analysis of Variance and Regression

Nutrition major

BCH20001 Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
BCH20002 Introduction to Biochemistry
BIO10001 Concepts of Biology
BIO30006 Genes and Genomics
BIO30007 Body Function and Structure for Health Science
BIO30008 Pathophysiology
CHE10002 Chemistry 2
CHE10005 Consumer Chemistry
DCO20001 Brand and Identity Design
HEA10006 Introduction to Exercise and Sport Science
HEA30010 Leadership and Innovation in Health Promotion
HEP20002 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
HEP30003 Health Communication
MBP30003 Biomedical Project
MBP30008 Clinical Practicum 2 - Cardio
MGT10009 Contemporary Management Principles
MKT10009 Marketing and the Consumer Experience
MKT30018 Marketing Insights
NEU20006 Neurophysiology
PSY30001 Psychology of Health
SPO10001 The Sports Industry
SPO20001 Building Sport Brands
SPO20003 Sport Business Analytics
SPO30001 Leading Sport Organisations
SPO30003 Future of Sport

Public Health and Health Promotion major

BIO30007 Body Function and Structure for Health Science
CRI10002 Fundamentals of Criminology
CRI30010 Youth Justice and Crime
DCO20003 Information Design
DCO20004 Web Design
DDD10007 Introduction to Design Principles and Processes
MKT10009 Marketing and the Consumer Experience
NTR10001 Introduction to Nutrition
NTR20002 Nutrition in the Life Course
NTR30004 Public Health Nutrition
POL10001 Australian Politics
POL30010 The Politics of Public Policy
PSY20016 Social Psychology
PSY30001 Psychology of Health
PSY30011 Psychology of Wellbeing
PUB20004 Issues, Crisis and Risk Communication
PUB30001 Events Management
SOC20003 Technology, Intimacy and Family Life
SOC20013 Race, Ethnicity and Migration

Psychology and Forensic Science major

ACC10007 Financial Information for Decision Making
BIO30007 Body Function and Structure for Health Science
CRI10002 Fundamentals of Criminology
CRI20001 Policing: Systems and Practice
CRI20002 Global Crime
CRI30002 Corrections: Systems and Practice
HEP20002 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
MGT10009 Contemporary Management Principles
NEU10002 Neuroscience
NEU20006 Neurophysiology
PHI10007 What is Power?
PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
PSY20008 Psychology of Infancy and Early Childhood
PSY20009 Dimensions of Human Sexuality
PSY20011 Human Factors Psychology
PSY30014 Applied Social Psychology
SOC10004 Sociological Foundations
SOC20020 Deviance, Difference and Conformity
STA20009 Epidemiology

Climate and Social Justice major

CRI30010 Youth Justice and Crime
HIS10003 Global History
INS20002 International Indigenous Perspectives
PHI10007 What is Power?
PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
PHI30010 Philosophy, Politics and Society
POL20019 Digital Justice
POL20020 Work in a Globalised World
POL30010 The Politics of Public Policy
SOC20013 Race, Ethnicity and Migration
SOC30013 Global Gender and Sex

Criminology major

ART10001 Academic Literacies: Situating University Knowledge
CHE10007 Introduction to Forensic Science
ECO30002 Economic Policy in Society
HIS10003 Global History
HIS10005 Movements for Social Change
HIS20003 Propaganda
HIS20009 History, Politics and Human Rights
INS10002 Unlearning the Past: Indigenous Australian History
JOU20006 Media, Law and Ethics
NEU10002 Neuroscience
PHI10007 What is Power?
PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
PHI20006 Philosophy, Media, Culture
PHI30008 Ethics
PHI30010 Philosophy, Politics and Society
POL30009 Critical Perspectives On Terrorism
SOC10004 Sociological Foundations

Ethics and Technology major

HIS10003 Global History
HIS10005 Movements for Social Change
HIS20003 Propaganda
HIS20009 History, Politics and Human Rights
INS20004 Resistance, Activism and Empowerment
PHI10007 What is Power?
PHI20006 Philosophy, Media, Culture
PHI20010 Philosophical Perspectives on Nature and Science
PHI20010 Philosophical Perspectives on Nature and Science
PHI30009 Environmental Philosophy
POL20020 Work in a Globalised World
POL30019 Conflict, Justice and Peace
SOC10005 Environment and Society: Problems and Solutions
SOC10012 Global Perspectives on Modernity
SOC30020 Changing our Climate: Past and Future

Indigenous Studies major

CRI10002 Fundamentals of Criminology
CRI20001 Policing: Systems and Practice
CRI30002 Corrections: Systems and Practice
HIS10003 Global History
HIS20003 Propaganda
HIS30002 Gender and History
HIS30007 War and Peace in the 20th Century
HIS30012 History, Politics and Human Rights
PHI10007 What is Power?
PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
PHI20001 Environmental Philosophy
PHI20006 Philosophy, Media, Culture
PHI30008 Ethics
POL20008 Australian Foreign Policy
POL20009 Dictators and Democrats: Comparative Politics
POL20010 International Relations and Security Studies
POL30009 Critical Perspectives On Terrorism
SOC10012 Global Perspectives on Modernity
SOC20020 Deviance, Difference & Conformity

Literature and Creative Writing major

DIG20001 Digital Narratives
FTV20005 The Australian Screen
FTV30001 Breaking the Screen
FTV30005 Hollywood Cinema
GAM20004 Writing for Interactive Narratives
JOU20006 Media, Law and Ethics
MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
MDA20001 Business of Media
MDA20007 Screen Franchising and Innovation
MDA20009 Digital Communities
MDA20025 National Media in A Globalised World
MDA30007 Media and Communications Project B
MDA30009 Radio, Audio and Podcasting
POL10001 Australian Politics
SOC10004 Sociological Foundations
SOC20020 Deviance, Difference & Conformity

Perspectives on Globalisation major

HIS10005 Movements for Social Change
HIS20009 History, Politics and Human Rights
POL20009 Dictators and Democrats: Comparative Politics
POL20016 Contemporary Approaches to Security
POL20018 Winners and Losers: The Politics and Ethics of Work
POL20019 Digital Justice
POL30019 Conflict, Justice and Peace
POL30020 Critical Security Studies
SOC10014 Popular Culture, Social Change and Technology

Politics, Power and Technology major

HIS10005 Movements for Social Change
HIS20009 History, Politics and Human Rights
INS20004 Resistance, Activism and Empowerment
POL20018 Winners and Losers: The Politics and Ethics of Work
POL20019 Digital Justice
POL20020 Work in a Globalised World
POL30014 Politics of the Pacific
POL30018 Cyber Crime and Security
POL30019 Conflict, Justice and Peace
POL30022 Borders, Security, and Belonging
SOC10014 Popular Culture, Social Change and Technology

Screen Studies and Popular Culture major

ADV10001 Principles of Advertising
COM10007 Professional Communication Practice
DIG10004 Digital Video and Audio
FTV20005 The Australian Screen
FTV30001 Breaking the Screen
FTV30005 Hollywood Cinema
JOU10004 News Writing
JOU20006 Media, Law and Ethics
LIT20002 Australian Writing: Mapping Diversity
LIT30002 Graphic Narratives: Comics, Graphic Novels, and Manga
MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
MDA10006 Innovation Cultures: Perspectives On Science and Technology
MDA10008 Global Media Industries
MDA20001 Business of Media
MDA20003 Networked Selves
MDA20009 Digital Communities
MDA20011 Sports/Advertising/Media
MDA20014 Media and Social Impact
MDA20025 National Media in A Globalised World
MDA30006 Media and Communications Project A
MDA30007 Media and Communications Project B
MDA30009 Radio, Audio and Podcasting

Find more detail about elective units

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Arts, graduates will be able to:

apply Health Sciences concepts, practices, theories and evidence across a range of health-related issues
retrieve, critically evaluate and communicate information about local and global Health Sciences issues from a variety of perspectives
find and integrate information from a variety of sources using a range of technologies
apply knowledge and skills associated with Health Sciences to a range of health-related activities, working independently and in teams
apply innovation and technology to extend the boundaries of knowledge and research in Health Sciences
demonstrate professional and ethical behaviours
reflect on current skills, knowledge and attitudes, and plan ongoing personal and professional development
promote and optimise the health and welfare of individuals and/or populations.
systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in the humanities and/or social sciences
formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in their areas of expertise
critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of humanities and/or social sciences, and understand the importance of inter-disciplinarity for generating solutions
Define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their areas of expertise
apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others
interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media
coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts.

Career opportunities

There are countless career opportunities with this double degree combination.

You’ll graduate equipped with a strong set of practical and transferable skills relevant to a broad range of industry sectors and career outcomes.

Depending on your chosen study areas:

Your Health Science career outcomes may include biomedical device specialist, cardiac scientist, clinical neurophysiologist,  community worker, community development officer, clinical technologist, development scientist, hospital scientist, healthcare consultant, health communication officer, health policy developer, health promotion project officer, health marketer, medical researcher/scientist, and nutritionist

Arts career outcomes may include activism, advocacy, advertising, anti-corruption, business administration, climate action, consumer protection, community development, corrections, cultural services, ethics, human rights, government and government relations, indigenous engagement, national security and intelligence, international relations, large multinational organisations, NGO/aid work, policy development, politics, media and communication, marketing, unions, youth services, and writing.

A Health Science/Arts double degree can also result in strengthening career success areas such as community work, community development, ethics, health communication, health policy development, NGO/aid work, research and youth services.

Alternatively, you may continue onto postgraduate study for a career in primary or secondary school teaching, or to specialise at a more advanced level in media and communication, writing or to pursue a business area or interest.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Arts, students must complete 400 credit points comprising:

Twelve (12) core units of study (150 credit points)
Eight (8) units of study from a Health Sciences discipline major (100 credit points)
Eight (8) units of study from a Arts discipline major (100 credit points)
Other studies comprising a minor, advanced minor, or electives (50 credit points)

Students must not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternative. Where there are no available units, students will be required to complete an alternative approved cognate unit.

Domestic students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement. Please note that due to government regulations, international students holding a student visa are not able to undertake Professional Placements in this course.

Professional placements

Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process. Students who undertake a 12-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 475 credit points comprising:

Twelve (12) core units of study (150 credit points)
Eight (8) units of study from a Health Sciences discipline major (100 credit points)
Eight (8) units of study from a Arts discipline major (100 credit points)
Four (4) units from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points)
Two (2) units of study comprising electives (25 credit points)

Students who elect to undertake a 6-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 425 credit points comprising:

Twelve (12) core of study (150 credit points)
Eight (8) units of study from a Health Sciences discipline major (100 credit points)
Eight (8) units of study from a Arts discipline major (100 credit points)
Two (2) units of study from the Professional Placement Minor (50 credit points)
Two (2) units of study comprising electives (25 credit points)

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Arts is 200 credit points (normally 16 units) 100 credit points maximum from each discipline.

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Entry requirements

A. Applicants with recent secondary education (within past three years)

ATAR

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

Guaranteed ATAR: if you receive an ATAR of 60 or higher and meet all the essential requirements for this course, you will be guaranteed an offer.

Educational history

An applicant's entire academic history, including ATAR results, will be considered for entry into this course.

Selection rank adjustments

Selection ranks for this course will be calculated based on your ATAR with adjustments to overall study scores based on subjects studied, location of your home address, SEAS application, and participation In Swinburne's Early Leaders program. For further details about selection rank adjustments, see Admissions at Swinburne.

Subject Adjustments

A study score of 25 in any Humanities, Literature, any LOTE, any Mathematics, Physical Education or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 10 points

Meeting course prerequisites

VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or at least 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history

An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years.

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

STAT/Bridging courses

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Educational history

An applicant's entire academic history from the past seven years, including complete and/or incomplete post-secondary VET studies, will be considered for entry into this course. Only graded results will be considered.

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

STAT/Bridging courses

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Entire academic record

This course uses an applicant's entire academic record as part of its selection considerations, including an applicant's ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered for entry into this course.

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

STAT/Bridging courses

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced in this course in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

Student Profile table

Applicant background	Number of students	Percentage of all students
	Semester 1, 2024
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	0	0%
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study	0	<5
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)	0	0%
(D) Recent secondary education:
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were N/A considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	<5	<5
Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was N/A not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)	N/A	N/A
International students	0	0%
All students	<5	100%

Notes: "<5" - the number of students is less than 5.
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.

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