Bachelor of Arts
with a major in Ethics and Technology – Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
Selected major: Ethics and Technology
Embed your analytical and innovative thinking skill set to unpack the sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle ways in which technology is shaping our work, relationships, health, communications, and our very selves.
Examine the plethora of ethical issues around privacy and surveillance, human rights, equity and security thrown up by the use of data harvesting by private corporations and governments.
Develop strong verbal and written communication skills to create policy needed to protect human rights, social equity and security now and in the future.
In this multi-disciplinary, you’ll learn about philosophy, sociology, and politics.
With our Bachelor of Arts, develop key critical thinking and communication skills to put your passion for a better world into a creative, meaningful career.
In this arts degree you’ll examine how societies interact and evolve, how humans change the world, and how to develop plans of action - with a strong focus on building your confidence to make a difference.
Be part of crucial conversations about our future and offer solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. With a depth of knowledge and transferable skill set of analytical thinking, written and verbal communication, cultural competency, and digital literacy - you’ll be ready for a dynamic career across a range of industries that meets the demands of a tech first workforce.
Build your résumé with real industry experience while you study through our Work Integrated Learning opportunity, which could be a placement, internship or industry-linked project. In your second year, in the Skills and Strategies for Social Change core unit, collaborate with fellow students and community, civil society and industry partners to create real campaigns for real social change.
Arts double degree options
Turn your arts degree into a double with Business, Science, Laws, Health Science, Psychological Sciences to unlock a range of distinctive study options that can lead you to an inspiring, world saving career. If you like Arts, you may also like our Bachelor of Media and Communication.
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 27 February 2023
- Semester 2 - 31 July 2023
VTAC codes
- 3400234321 (CSP)
- 3400234323 (IFP)
Swinburne students work with ACMI
Swinburne’s Bachelor of Arts students created new experiences called Constellations for the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) visitors as part of its $40 million transformation.
The Constellation is a large-scale, data-driven exhibit that connects visitors to films, TV series, artworks and video games outside ACMI.
As ACMI’s Major Academic Partner, Swinburne supports the Swinburne Studio – an available to hire multi-purpose function space – home for ACMI’s many diverse festivals and events, as well as a programming collaboration space between the two organisations.
Course details
- Course structure, work integrated learning and career opportunities.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Technology and Society | ART10002 | 12.5 |
| Skills and Strategies for Social Change * | ART20003 | 12.5 |
| Changemakers in Action * | ART30004 | 12.5 |
| Arts Internship * | ART30005 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Selected major: Ethics and Technology
Embed your analytical and innovative thinking skill set to unpack the sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle ways in which technology is shaping our work, relationships, health, communications, and our very selves.
Examine the plethora of ethical issues around privacy and surveillance, human rights, equity and security thrown up by the use of data harvesting by private corporations and governments.
Develop strong verbal and written communication skills to create policy needed to protect human rights, social equity and security now and in the future.
In this multi-disciplinary, you’ll learn about philosophy, sociology, and politics.
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Ethics | PHI10008 | 12.5 |
| Popular Culture, Social Change and Technology | SOC10014 | 12.5 |
| Winners and Losers: The Ethics and Politics of Work | POL20018 | 12.5 |
| Digital Justice | POL20019 | 12.5 |
| Technology, Intimacy and Family Life | SOC20003 | 12.5 |
| Thinking and Intelligence: Critical, Creative, Artificial * | PHI30011 | 12.5 |
| Planet B: Space and Extra Terrestrial Ethics | PHI30012 | 12.5 |
| Bioethics and Biotechnology * | SOC30021 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Other studies
12 units (150 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 150 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides additional opportunities for you to gain valuable skills and real industry experience in the form of placements, internships or study tours - all while earning credit towards your degree.
Choose a Work Integrated Learning option:
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 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.
The Professional Placement co-major has four 25 credit point units.
Professional Placement in Behavioural Science
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Behavioural Science | BEH20003 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B - Behavioural Science | BEH20004 | 25 |
Professional Placement in Humanities
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Humanities | SOC20018 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B - Humanities | SOC20019 | 25 |
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 6 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.
The Professional Placement minor has two 25 credit point units.
Professional Placement in Behavioural Science
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Behavioural Science | BEH20003 | 25 |
Professional Placement in Humanities
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Humanities | SOC20018 | 25 |
A Professional Internship is all about gaining valuable real-world skills in your area of study all while earning credit points towards your degree. Plus, it looks great on your CV as it shows you’ve had real industry experience before you’ve even graduated!
You might choose to complete your internship part-time over a semester or in a more intensive block during Summer or Winter terms.
Travel overseas, discover other cultures, enrich your professional experience and enhance your CV all while gaining credit towards your course.
- 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
Course learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts, graduates will be able to:
- systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understanding 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 disciplinary 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 interdisciplinarity for generating solutions
- define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary 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
As a Swinburne Arts graduate, you’ll be well equipped for a broad range of career outcomes in any industry sector.
You’re likely to find work where employers put a high premium on well-developed skills in conceptual understanding, critical and creative reasoning, communication, collaboration, problem-solving and self-management.
Additionally, you may find career paths where your deep understanding of significant societal issues and knowledge around how to influence social change will be appreciated.
Depending on your study areas, you may find employment in advocacy, advertising, anti-corruption, business, consumer protection, community development, corrections, cultural services, entertainment, human rights, government, indigenous engagement, large multinational organisations, marketing, media and communication, NGO/aid work, public relations, unions, youth services, and writing.
Your career may commence with a graduate program or begin with roles such as: advocate, community development officer, diversity officer, government relations coordinator, intelligence analyst, security assessor, strategic advisor, ethics officer, NGO/aid worker, policy analyst/coordinator, political correspondent, electorate officer, politician, account coordinator, business administrator, support officer, advertising executive, campaign coordinator, volunteer coordinator, communications officer, copywriter, digital content creator, executive assistant, journalist, and marketing officer.
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 a business area of interest.
Fees
- Fees for 2022.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2022 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time* | Amenities fee per year if studying full-time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
$43,890 | $14,630 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Find out more about fees.
Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.