Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Screen Studies and Popular Culture, is designed for students interested in film, television, games, popular culture, screen technologies and the changing entertainment industry. Swinburne describes the major as exploring the history of screen technologies and the relationship between entertainment and technology, while developing students' creativity and initiative to anticipate future developments in entertainment.

The major also provides opportunities to work on next-generation entertainment projects and participate in real-world industry collaborations with screen-industry experts. The broader Bachelor of Arts develops critical thinking, communication, cultural competency, digital literacy, collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The degree contains four core units, eight major units and twelve units of other study/electives. The indicative sequence published by Swinburne can change depending on unit availability, advanced standing and exemptions.

Core units include:

• Technology and Society
• Skills and Strategies for Social Change
• Changemakers in Action
• BA Professional Practice.

The Screen Studies and Popular Culture major consists of eight units:

• Introduction to Game Studies
• Screen Studies: Movies, Television and Ourselves
• Popular Culture, Social Change and Technology
• Screen Franchising and Innovation
• Popular Culture of the Asia Pacific
• Screen Technology and Culture
• Screen Sounds and Music
• Graphic Narratives: Comics, Graphic Novels, and Manga.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The selected major is:

• Screen Studies and Popular Culture

The Bachelor of Arts also offers other major areas, including:

• Climate and Social Justice
• Criminology and Social Change
• Ethics and Technology
• Indigenous Studies
• Literature and Creative Writing
• Perspectives on Globalisation
• Politics, Power and Technology
• Screen Studies and Popular Culture.

Programme Highlights

Key highlights of the major include:

• study of film, television, games and popular culture
• examination of the relationship between entertainment and technology
• history and development of screen technologies
• study of contemporary and future entertainment
• screen technology and culture
• screen sounds and music
• graphic narratives, comics, graphic novels and manga
• Asia-Pacific popular culture
• screen franchising and innovation
• industry-linked projects and collaboration
• development of creative and critical-thinking skills. 

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies career opportunities associated with the Screen Studies and Popular Culture major including:

• Broadcast presenter or entertainment journalist
• Film researcher
• Production coordinator
• Community arts worker
• Film distribution coordinator
• Film festival manager.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant visa for an international student studying this CRICOS-registered course in Australia is the Australian Student visa, Subclass 500.

The current CRICOS code is 088388C.

Key requirements include:

• enrolment in an eligible Australian course
• a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies
• satisfaction of the Genuine Student requirement
• satisfaction of applicable English-language requirements or an exemption
• meeting applicable health and character requirements
• providing financial evidence if required
• complying with Student visa study and work conditions.