Why Study / Key Benefits

• This is a four-year double degree combining scientific knowledge with applied innovation skills.
• Students develop scientific expertise while also learning creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and innovation practice.
• Swinburne describes the programme as a multidisciplinary course designed to help students apply science to real-world challenges and create meaningful scientific change.
• The course develops critical thinking, creative problem-solving, adaptability, laboratory experimentation, critical data analysis and report-writing skills.
• Work Integrated Learning is built into Swinburne bachelor degrees and may include industry-linked projects, internships or other industry experiences.
• Swinburne currently highlights guaranteed laboratory access from Year 1, its physics standing and space-science strengths, and graduate employability outcomes on the programme page.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The degree combines three main areas: Science, Applied Innovation and additional minor/advanced-minor/elective study.

Applied Innovation core subjects include:

• Exploring Creativity and Innovation – INV10001
• Fundamentals of Innovation Practice – INV10002
• Innovation Sandpit – INV10003
• Responsible Innovation Futures – INV10004

Disciplines / Specialisations

Students can select from the following Science majors currently listed for the degree:

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

Examples of subject areas include:

• Applied Mathematics: mathematical modelling, vector calculus, complex analysis, differential equations, optimisation, stochastic modelling and computational mathematics.
• Astronomy and Astrophysics: study of the universe and cosmic structures.
• Biochemistry: molecular processes, matter and applications in medical/industrial contexts.
• Biotechnology: biology and technology and their applications to healthcare, products and industry.
• Chemistry: analytical and forensic chemistry, spectroscopy, organic/inorganic chemistry and computational chemistry.
• Environmental Science: environmental management, water science, environmental biology, microbial environments and sustainable communities.
• Physics: electromagnetism, optics, relativity, quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, thermal physics and physics research laboratories.
• Space Technology: areas connected with space missions, microgravity, space law and data visualisation.

Professional Recognition

• The Physics major, when completed with the Higher Mathematics minor, has recognition through the Australian Institute of Physics pathway.
• The Chemistry major, and the specified Biochemistry/Chemistry combination, has accreditation/recognition through the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.
• Students should check the exact major/minor combination required for professional recognition.

Programme Highlights

• Four-year Science + Applied Innovation double degree.
• Eight Science major options.
• Four Applied Innovation core subjects.
• 400-credit-point qualification.
• Laboratory and practical science learning.
• Innovation sprints and industry-based projects.
• Development of scientific and innovation capabilities together.
• Work Integrated Learning opportunities.
• Potential professional recognition in Chemistry and Physics depending on the major/minor combination.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• CRICOS code 108360A.
• Swinburne currently advertises guaranteed laboratory access from Year 1 and strong rankings/graduate outcomes associated with relevant areas.

Career Outcomes

Career opportunities depend significantly on the selected Science major and additional studies.

Science-related career possibilities can include roles in professional scientific environments, research, laboratory work, environmental analysis, sustainability, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biotechnology and space-related fields.

Swinburne specifically lists career examples such as:

• Sustainability analyst
• Astrophysicist
• Innovation analyst
• Strategic designer
• Human-centred researcher

The course handbook additionally identifies innovation-oriented roles including:

• Innovation consultant
• Innovation lead
• Innovation analyst
• Strategic designer
• Creative producer
• Start-up founder
• Human-centred researcher
• Self-employed entrepreneur
• Product manager
• Transformation lead
• Innovation strategist
• Innovation manager

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current CRICOS course code is 108360A.
• The currently published 2027 starts are 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• International students on an Australian Student visa must study full-time and on campus.
• Science laboratory activities involve scientific instruments, chemicals, acids, solvents and other potentially hazardous materials. Swinburne's Informed Choices information therefore identifies sensory, mobility, safety, cognitive, communication and teamwork capabilities relevant to participation in the course. Reasonable adjustments may be available for adaptable components.
• International students cannot undertake the course's professional placement arrangements under a student visa according to the course handbook. The handbook states that the professional placement option is available to domestic students and that international students holding a student visa are not able to undertake Professional Placements in this course.
• Professional placement, where applicable to eligible students, can add 6- or 12-month placement components and increase total course fees.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant visa for an international student undertaking this full-time Australian degree is generally the Australian Student visa, Subclass 500.

Key requirements include:

• Obtain admission and a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Apply for the Student visa online.
• Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Provide financial-capacity evidence if required by the Department's document checklist.
• Provide English-language evidence if required.
• Sign the Australian Values Statement if aged 18 or over.
• Comply with Student visa conditions.