Why Study / Key Benefits

• Study both classical and modern physics, including quantum technology, optical, atomic, nuclear and condensed-matter physics.
• Gain laboratory experience from first year, with access to specialised facilities including third-year quantum laboratories where students can explore areas such as quantum sensing.
• Develop practical skills in conducting experiments, modelling results, analysing and solving problems, Python programming, research, technical report writing and teamwork.
• Swinburne states that Work Integrated Learning is guaranteed across its bachelor degrees. In this Bachelor of Science, students apply their learning through three professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
• The Physics major has professional recognition from the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP). The AIP accreditation applies when the Physics major is completed with the Higher Mathematics Minor.
• Swinburne currently reports a Top 5 Australia ranking for Physics in the ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025 and Top 50 worldwide for Space Science in the US News Best Global Universities Rankings 2025–2026. These are university/subject-area rankings and are not a ranking specifically of this bachelor's degree.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The following is Swinburne's published indicative Semester 1, 2026 sequence. Swinburne notes that unit offerings and sequencing can change, so this should not be treated as a guaranteed 2027 study plan.

Year 1:

Semester 1:

• Data Science Principles – COS10022
• Concepts of Biology – BIO10001
• Chemistry 1 – CHE10001
• Energy and Motion – PHY10001
• Calculus and Applications – MTH10012 or Preliminary Mathematics – MTH00007

Semester 2:

• Sustainability Challenges in Science – NPS10003
• Electronics and Electromagnetism – PHY10004
• Discovering the Universe – AST10001
• Linear Algebra and Applications – MTH10013 or Essential Mathematics – MTH10010.

Year 2:

Semester 1:

• Optics, Relativity and Subatomic Physics – PHY20004
• Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics – PHY20007
• Elective
• Elective

Semester 2:

• Societal Challenges in Science – NPS20011
• Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism – PHY20008
• Physics Research Laboratories – PHY30005
• Elective.

Year 3:

Semester 1:

• Thermal Physics and Statistical Mechanics – PHY30003
• Elective
• Elective

Semester 2:

• Grand Challenges in Science – NPS30004
• Quantum, Atomic and Optical Physics – PHY30004
• Elective
• Elective
• Elective.

The Physics major therefore provides study across:

• Classical mechanics
• Electromagnetism
• Optics
• Relativity
• Subatomic physics
• Quantum mechanics
• Solid-state physics
• Thermal physics
• Statistical mechanics
• Atomic and optical physics
• Electronics
• Astronomy and the universe
• Physics research laboratories.

Professional placement:

• Professional placement is optional and subject to competitive selection.
• Published placement units include:
  • Work Experience in Industry A – WEI20001
  • Integrated Professional Placement A – Science – NPS20003
  • Work Experience in Industry B – WEI20002
  • Integrated Professional Placement B – Science – NPS20004.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The selected major is Physics.

The Physics major focuses on:

• Classical physics
• Modern physics
• Quantum physics
• Optical physics
• Atomic physics
• Nuclear physics
• Condensed-matter/solid-state physics
• Electromagnetism
• Thermal and statistical physics
• Physics research and laboratory work.

The wider Bachelor of Science currently offers majors in:

• Applied Mathematics
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Physics
• Space Technology.

Programme Highlights

• 3-year undergraduate Bachelor of Science.
• Physics major with 8 major units.
• 300 credit points.
• Hawthorn campus.
• CRICOS 088402K.
• Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning.
• Three professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
• Laboratory access from first year.
• Third-year quantum laboratory experience.
• Python and digital skills development.
• Physics research laboratory experience.
• AIP professional accreditation/recognition pathway when the Physics major is completed with the Higher Mathematics Minor.
• Optional 6-month or 12-month professional placement, subject to competitive selection.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies career opportunities including:

• Research and development physicist
• Financial modeller and forecaster
• Medical physicist
• Meteorologist and climate modeller
• Astrophysicist
• Data analyst.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The latest published 2027 starts are 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• Application deadlines are 24 February 2027 and 28 July 2027 respectively.
• The Physics major requires a mathematics prerequisite.
• Students without the required mathematics preparation must complete MathsLink Methods before/for entry according to Swinburne's requirements.
• The 2026 study sequence is indicative and can change depending on unit availability, advanced standing and exemptions.
• Professional placement is optional and subject to competitive selection.
• AIP accreditation applies when the Physics major is completed with the Higher Mathematics Minor.
• The course's published CRICOS code is 088402K.
• Exact 2027 tuition fee: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant Australian visa is the Student visa (subclass 500).

For this Physics bachelor's degree:

• The course is CRICOS registered under 088402K.
• International students studying in Australia on a Student visa must study full-time and on campus under Swinburne's course requirements.
• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is required for the normal Student visa application.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is generally required.
• Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Student requirement and provide supporting documentation requested by Home Affairs.
• Applicants must meet applicable health, character and financial requirements.

Current visa duration and work conditions:

• The Student visa can permit a stay of up to 6 years, depending on the course and enrolment.
• Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
• The unlimited-work exception for master's by research and doctoral students does not apply to this bachelor's degree.