Bachelor of Health Science/ Bachelor of Arts
with majors in Nutrition and Climate and Social Justice – Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
Selected major: Nutrition
If ‘dietitian’ or ‘nutritionist’ are on your career menu, add nutrition to your degree and graduate as a nutritionist or continue to our Master of Dietetics.
A nutritionist can implement programs and advocate for change within the food industry across advertising, research and product development; a dietitian creates meal plans for individual health needs and can work in clinical practice across sport and fitness, public health, aged care, product marketing, food sustainability or research.
Learn about contemporary lifestyle-diseases, food security and sustainability. Our hands-on, lab-based learning approach also takes you through metabolic and biochemical functions, biological, psychological and cultural factors impacting our food choices, the role of nutrition across lifespans and digital health.
Past students have completed industry experiences with tech companies and volunteered for Richmond Football Club.
Selected major: Climate and Social Justice
With the climate crisis hitting a crucial tipping point, develop a critical understanding of the social impacts of climate change. Expand your knowledge of key concepts in conflict resolution, environmental justice and social justice, and be ready to make your mark on a greener, more equitable future.
Develop transferable skills of complex problem solving and critical thinking to analyse, investigate and explore what a more equal and sustainable future will be. Expand your knowledge, grow your confidence to be ready to take impactful action the world needs.
In this multi-disciplinary, you’ll learn about sociology, philosophy, history, Indigenous studies, and politics.
Majors for Bachelor of Health Science:
Biomedical ScienceClinical TechnologiesNeuroscienceNutritionPublic Health and Health PromotionMajors for Bachelor of Arts:
Climate and Social JusticeCriminologyEthics and TechnologyIndigenous StudiesPerspectives on Globalisation Politics, Power and TechnologyProfessional and Creative Writing Screen Studies and Popular CultureImpact the health of individuals and the world at large, our Bachelor of Health Science/ Bachelor of Arts will prepare for a rewarding career in the booming health industry.
With core units across multiple fields of health science, explore contemporary how you can help people to live happier healthier lives. Plus, you’ll have access to cutting-edge, industry-relevant tech in our campus labs, preparing you with the tech know-how the health industry needs.
By combining with a Bachelor of Arts, you’ll develop a deep understanding of what is needed to improve the health of the world through majors that unpack crucial global issues such as climate change and equality and discrimination. You’ll develop essential skills of analytical thinking, cultural competency, digital literacy and a robust verbal and written communication skill set to broaden the scope and flexibility of your career options.
In the combination of degrees, you can choose your Health Science major based on your career aspirations leading you to postgraduate studies in physiotherapy, dietetics, occupational therapy or counselling, while the transferrable skills developed in the arts degree can be applied to almost any industry.
All our bachelor degrees include a guaranteed Work Integrated Learning opportunity, which could be a placement, internship or industry-linked project. This double degree, a major component of your studies is an industry-linked project, which addresses a current industry challenge. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for a career-focused placement or an internship, allowing you to build a professional network before you graduate. In your second year, in the Skills and Strategies for Social Change core arts unit, collaborate with fellow students and community, civil society and industry partners to create real campaigns for real social change.
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 26 February 2024
- Semester 2 - 29 July 2024
Duration
4-5 years full-time or equivalent part-time depending on HSC Major
Full-time, Part-time
VTAC codes
- 3400211631 (CSP)
- 3400211633 (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 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.
View course rules and special requirements
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Technology and Society | ART10002 | 12.5 |
| Anatomy and Physiology | BIO10004 | 12.5 |
| Introduction to Health Sciences | HEA10001 | 12.5 |
| Digital Health Foundations | HEA10004 | 12.5 |
| Brain and Behaviour | PSY10007 | 12.5 |
| Foundations of Statistics | STA10003 | 12.5 |
| Skills and Strategies for Social Change * | ART20003 | 12.5 |
| Health and Disease Across the Life Course | BIO20004 | 12.5 |
| Research Methods for Health Science | HEA20007 | 12.5 |
| Changemakers in Action * | ART30004 | 12.5 |
| Arts Internship * | ART30005 | 12.5 |
| Health Sciences Project * | HEA30001 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Selected major: Nutrition
If ‘dietitian’ or ‘nutritionist’ are on your career menu, add nutrition to your degree and graduate as a nutritionist or continue to our Master of Dietetics.
A nutritionist can implement programs and advocate for change within the food industry across advertising, research and product development; a dietitian creates meal plans for individual health needs and can work in clinical practice across sport and fitness, public health, aged care, product marketing, food sustainability or research.
Learn about contemporary lifestyle-diseases, food security and sustainability. Our hands-on, lab-based learning approach also takes you through metabolic and biochemical functions, biological, psychological and cultural factors impacting our food choices, the role of nutrition across lifespans and digital health.
Past students have completed industry experiences with tech companies and volunteered for Richmond Football Club.
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Either Chemistry 1 | CHE10001 | 12.5 |
| or Introduction to Chemistry - For student who have not attained at least 20 in VCE units 3 and 4 Chemistry | CHE10004 | 12.5 |
| Introduction to Nutrition | NTR10001 | 12.5 |
| Nutrition Science | NTR20001 | 12.5 |
| Nutrition in the Life Course * | NTR20002 | 12.5 |
| Physiology in Medical and Health Sciences * | NTR20003 | 12.5 |
| Nutrition and Disease Prevention * | NTR30001 | 12.5 |
| Public Health Nutrition * | NTR30004 | 12.5 |
| Nutritional Biochemistry * | NTR30005 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Selected major: Climate and Social Justice
With the climate crisis hitting a crucial tipping point, develop a critical understanding of the social impacts of climate change. Expand your knowledge of key concepts in conflict resolution, environmental justice and social justice, and be ready to make your mark on a greener, more equitable future.
Develop transferable skills of complex problem solving and critical thinking to analyse, investigate and explore what a more equal and sustainable future will be. Expand your knowledge, grow your confidence to be ready to take impactful action the world needs.
In this multi-disciplinary, you’ll learn about sociology, philosophy, history, Indigenous studies, and politics.
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Movements for Social Change | HIS10005 | 12.5 |
| Environment and Society: Problems and Solutions | SOC10005 | 12.5 |
| History, Politics and Human Rights | HIS20009 | 12.5 |
| Resistance, Activism and Empowerment | INS20004 | 12.5 |
| Philosophical Perspectives on Nature and Science | PHI20010 | 12.5 |
| Environmental Philosophy | PHI30009 | 12.5 |
| Conflict, Justice and Peace * | POL30019 | 12.5 |
| Changing our Climate: Past and Future * | SOC30020 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Other studies
4 units (50 credit points)
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).
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 Health
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Health | HEA20003 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B - Health | HEA20004 | 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 Health
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Health | HEA20003 | 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 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.
Fees
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.