Bachelor of Arts (Professional)

Overview

Build your confidence to make a difference and benefit from our unique industry partnerships with a 12-month paid work placement as part of your degree. Apply your knowledge and critical thinking into your desired industry and grow your network to mark on the world (and its future) before you graduate. 

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

• apply conceptual understanding and technical skills related to workplace and industry expectations to an integrated professional practice experience in their discipline.

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.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Arts (Professional), students must complete 375 credit points comprising:

• four (4) core units of study (50 credit points)

• eight (8) units of study from an Arts discipline major in one of the following: Climate and Social Justice; Criminology and Social Change; Screen Studies and Popular Culture; Ethics and Technology; Indigenous Studies; Perspectives on Globalisation; Politics, Power and Technology; and Professional and Creative Writing (100 credit points)

• four (4) units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points); and 

• ten (10) units of study (125 credit points) comprising a second major, and/or co-major, and/or advanced minor/s, and/or minor/s, and/or electives
   

Students may not complete more than 125 cps 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 alternate.

Academic Progress – Special Requirements

In addition to the standard academic progress rules, this course has the following additional academic progress rules which are established in accordance with Academic Courses Regulation 62(2):

1. A student is classified as 'at risk' of unsatisfactory progress if they:

(a) fail any unit of study

(b) behave in a manner which breaches the Swinburne Student Charter whilst on a professional placement 

(c) are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Placement two months before Week 1 of their final year of study.

2. A student is classified as 'unsatisfactory progress' if they:

(a) fail any unit of study in the next Progress Review period after being classified as being 'at risk'

(b) fail a Professional Placement or Work Experience in Industry unit 

(c) have their professional placement terminated early by an industry partner. In the case of early termination of an industry placement by an industry partner, the student will be deemed as having 'unsatisfactory progress' and a progress review hearing may be convened within 2 weeks of the cessation of the placement.

(d) are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Placement two months before Week 1 of their final semester of study.

Students in this situation may be invited to transfer to an alternative undergraduate course. Students who are identified as having unsatisfactory progress will be subject to the show cause provisions in the Progress Review section of the Academic Progress Policy.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Arts (Professional) is 150 credit points (normally 12 units).

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered).

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

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

Educational history

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered).

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Educational history

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered).

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.