Bachelor of Science
Majoring in Physics
65.0
Choose your major
Applied Mathematics
Explore how mathematical and numerical methods deepen our understanding of real-world phenomena and behaviours with the Applied Mathematics major.
Biochemistry
Explore the fundamental nature of matter and how it can be applied to a range of industries and medical investigations with the Biochemistry major.
Biotechnology
Uncover a career path of enormous potential at the intersection of biology and technology and play your role in making better healthcare, products and business practices a reality.
Chemistry
Discover the myriad applications of chemistry, including forensic and environmental science, polymer formation, water analysis, creation of new materials, and agricultural and analytical chemistry.
Environmental Science
In the Environmental Science major, you’ll study the relationship between local, global, social and ecological issues as taught by leading experts in the field.
Physics
Discover classical and modern physics, astrophysics, nanoscience, experimental physics and more with a major in Physics.
Overview
Experiential learning meets industry-relevant skills in the Bachelor of Science. With guaranteed industry experience, lab access in your first year and small, hands-on classes, you’ll be using the tools of your field and building a tightknit cohort from day one.
Course prerequisites have changed
The English and EAL study scores have been updated for Semester 1, 2025 entry. Please see the Entry requirements tab for updated information.
Looking to start in Semester 1, 2025?
Whatever stage you're at – from browsing courses to starting an application – our Study Expo is your one-stop-shop for info and advice.
Your major
Discover classical and modern physics, astrophysics, nanoscience, experimental physics and more with a major in Physics. Experiential learning combines with industry participation to give you a rounded understanding of the essentials of physics. You’ll gain hands-on industry experience and the opportunity to join the Australian Institute of Physics upon graduation.
Your industry experience
Build up your CV with real industry experience while you study through our Work Integrated Learning programs, which are a guaranteed part of all our bachelor degrees and can include placements, internships or industry-linked projects. In this degree, you'll apply your learning in three professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
Skills you’ll learn
- Conducting experiments and modelling results
- Analysing and solving problems
- Coding in Python
- Researching and gathering information
- Producing technical reports
- Teamwork
Your career opportunities
- Research and development physicist
- Financial modeller and forecaster
- Medical physicist
- Meteorologist and climate modeller
- Astrophysicist
- Data analyst
Key codes
International student visa
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.
Professional accreditations
*This accreditation is only for students who complete a Major in Physics, in conjunction with the Higher Mathematics Minor
Why Swinburne?
Top 200 for Physics
Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 2023Ranked Top 200 in Physical Sciences
Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 2023Ranked Top 150 in Computer Science
Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 202384.8% graduate satisfaction for overall experience
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"I knew that I wanted to study physics, but I was never sure of the exact direction. Swinburne allowed me to dive deep into astrophysics right from the start and get hands-on experience."
Jacqui , Bachelor of Science (Physics) (Alumna)
Qualifications
One of the following:
- successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
- completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates IV (completed), diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).
Guaranteed Entry ATAR
65.0
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2024 [after adjustment factors]
58.45
You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.
If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject bonuses, equity schemes or other factors. Use the above ATAR as a guide on your eligibility, and see the course handbook page for more information on entry requirements.
Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
*Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Course prerequisites
These prerequisites have been updated for Semester 1 2025 entry
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any English (except EAL) or 25 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any Mathematics.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Apply for a pathway course
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.
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Diploma of Science (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
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Diploma of Health Science (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
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Diploma of Science (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
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Diploma of Health Science (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
Note: This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.
How credit points work
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Science 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.
What your course could look like
Units are listed in a proposed sequence. However this can be amended depending on unit availability, prerequisite requirements and the semester in which you commenced your course.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Calculus and Applications
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MTH10012 |
|
Introduction to Chemistry
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
CHE10004 |
|
Introduction to Physics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
PHY10002 |
|
Concepts of Biology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
BIO10001 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Linear Algebra and Applications
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MTH10013 |
|
Sustainability Challenges in Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS10003 |
|
Electronics and Electromagnetism
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PHY10004 |
|
Discovering the Universe
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
AST10001 |
Want to see the full range of electives?
Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Optics, Relativity and Subatomic Physics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PHY20004 |
|
Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PHY20007 |
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Societal Challenges in Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS20011 |
|
Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PHY20008 |
|
Physics Research Laboratories
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PHY30005 |
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Professional placement - Major (12 months) | |
|
Work Experience In Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement A - Science
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
NPS20003 |
|
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20002 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement B - Science
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
NPS20004 |
| or | |
| Professional placement - Minor (6 months) | |
|
Work Experience In Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement A - Science
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
NPS20003 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Grand Challenges in Science
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
NPS30004 |
|
Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PHY30003 |
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Quantum, Atomic and Optical Physics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PHY30004 |
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
|
2024 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$8,948
Total fee* ($AUD)
$26,844
2024 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$40,740.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2024 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2024.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown in the capped amount for 2024.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2024 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Professional placement fees
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
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World-ranked for science
Swinburne ranked in the world's top 200
Swinburne has been ranked in the top 200 institutions in the world for physical science (2022 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings) and in the top 200 institutions in the world for physics and astronomy (2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities).
This ranking positions Swinburne in the top 6 universities in Australia, and the top 3 universities in Victoria.
