Bachelor of Arts (Professional)
with a major in Politics, Power and Technology – Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
Selected major: Politics, Power and Technology
You’ll develop a deep understanding of key political concepts such as power, democracy and security in this major.
Probe and question political structures and how new media technology has created fresh opportunities for democratic mobilisation and participation at local, national and global levels, while opening up new ways to corrupt democratic processes.
Analyse how the use and misuse of technology influences security, privacy, freedom and human rights in traditional political processes and institutions.
Formulate strong arguments and use your critical thinking skills to provide solutions to the challenges facing governments and the governed in the twenty first century.
In this multi-disciplinary, you’ll learn about politics, philosophy, and history.
In Swinburne’s Bachelor of Arts (Professional) apply your knowledge and analytical thinking directly into your desired career with a mandatory 12-month paid work placement.
In this arts degree you’ll examine how societies interact and evolve, and how to develop plans of action with a strong focus on building your confidence to make a difference.
With a depth of knowledge and transferable skill set of critical 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.
You’ll benefit from our unique industry partnerships to build your professional network and get to work making your mark on the world (and its future) before you graduate.
All our bachelor degrees include a guaranteed 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.
Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 75% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
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Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 28 February 2022
- Semester 2 - 1 August 2022
Duration
4 Year/s
Full-time
VTAC codes
- 3400210661 (CSP)
- 3400210663 (IFP)
CRICOS code
095884F
Fees
A$29330 (annual for 2022)*
The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
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I’m doing my professional placement at Hotglue – a media and advertising agency. My role is Social Media Executive. I work on a portfolio of beauty clients and have learned three main areas of the business – social media, advertising and production – vital skills for a publication editor.
Sophie
Bachelor of Arts (Professional) with major in Professional Writing and Editing and minor in Social Media
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I feel emboldened by my time of study at Swinburne and my work placement to pursue my ambitions. I have really developed my work, research and writing skills and have gained a good experience of a full-time professional environment.
Solomon
Bachelor of Arts (Professional) with majors in Philosophy, and Cinema and Screen Studies
Course details
- Course structure, work integrated learning and career opportunities.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts (Professional) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 375 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: Politics, Power and Technology
You’ll develop a deep understanding of key political concepts such as power, democracy and security in this major.
Probe and question political structures and how new media technology has created fresh opportunities for democratic mobilisation and participation at local, national and global levels, while opening up new ways to corrupt democratic processes.
Analyse how the use and misuse of technology influences security, privacy, freedom and human rights in traditional political processes and institutions.
Formulate strong arguments and use your critical thinking skills to provide solutions to the challenges facing governments and the governed in the twenty first century.
In this multi-disciplinary, you’ll learn about politics, philosophy, and history.
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| What is Power? | PHI10007 | 12.5 |
| Propaganda: A History of Media and Politics | HIS20003 | 12.5 |
| Philosophy, Media, Culture | PHI20006 | 12.5 |
| Dictators and Democrats: Comparing Political Systems | POL20009 | 12.5 |
| Contemporary Approaches to Security | POL20016 | 12.5 |
| Philosophy, Politics and Society * | PHI30010 | 12.5 |
| The Politics of Public Policy * | POL30010 | 12.5 |
| Critical Security Studies * | POL30020 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Placement
4 units (100 credit points)
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Professional Placement A – Humanities | SOC20018 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B – Humanities | SOC20019 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
+
Other studies
10 units (125 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 125 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.
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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.
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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 (Professional), graduates will be able to:
- 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 interdisciplinarity 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 and in professional settings.
- 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 and professional contexts.
Career opportunities
Swinburne Arts graduates are well equipped to find work in areas where employers put a high premium on well-developed conceptual understanding and other critical and creative reasoning skills needed to come to terms with and respond effectively to the complex and changing demands of the contemporary workplace. Recent research emphasises the premium which employers place upon communication skills, collaboration, and flexible problem solving among Arts graduates. Areas where graduates may be employed include policy analysis and development, research, community development, administration, public relations, publishing and media.
Depending on their area of specialisation, Arts graduates may find employment as journalists, librarians, interpreters, sociologists, publishers, internet providers, marketers, writers, and in the games industry, particularly in areas focusing on interactive content creation, game design, interface design and rapid prototyping.
Graduates may also be equipped to pursue a career in the broader media, digital media/multimedia and communications sectors.
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I secured a 12-month placement with the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner. Being able to undertake government work as a part of my bachelor has given me a head start that most other universities can’t offer.
Jared
Bachelor of Arts (Professional) with majors in Criminology and Sociology
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 and English language requirements.
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.