Bachelor of Arts in Politics

at La Trobe University - Melbourne Campus Australia

Despite the efforts of multilateral organisations, governments and philanthropists, more than 700 million people (around 10 per cent of the world’s population) still live in extreme poverty – often without adequate clean water, food or access to healthcare.* As inequality continues to increase around the world,** we desperately need more skilled professionals who understand the complexities of the development sector and who can help fight this alarming trend.

If you're passionate about supporting our world's most vulnerable communities, La Trobe's Master of International Development will give you strong foundations to advance your career in the humanitarian and development sector.

Build a meaningful career and learn how to create sustainable, positive change in areas where we need it most. You'll learn from experienced experts as you choose from a wide range of specialisations and specially curated electives, allowing you to pursue your passion.

You'll learn how to build strong relationships in the development sector and have the opportunity to undertake an internship or placement with a local or international development organisation, helping you to further build your skills and networks.

Explore what you’re passionate about and build a rewarding career.

The world is complex. And while we’re making serious inroads, many aspects of the human mind, behaviour and health are still beyond our understanding. There’s still so much to discover. As culture and technology continue to rapidly transform, we need skilled, empathetic and creative professionals who are passionate about broadening our understanding of both the world and our bodies – intelligent and caring people who want to create healthier communities in Australia, and around the globe.

If you're curious about the world, and passionate about making it a healthier and fairer place, La Trobe's Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences will give you everything you need to pursue your passion and your profession. Choose from an incredible array of majors and shape your future with this interdisciplinary degree.

Create your own path by combining majors from a wide range of areas. Pair psychological science with public health, or health promotion with sociology. Learn how to help victims of crime by combining rehabilitation counselling with crime, justice and legal studies. Or find inspiration in the human mind by pairing psychological science with creative and professional writing. You're in charge of your future and we're here to help you build your dream career. No matter which path you choose, you'll learn from world-class academics and leading researchers.

Develop essential skills that you'll use for the rest of your life. Creative thinking. Critical analysis. The ability to understand and communicate with a wide range of people. And the knowledge you'll acquire – across both arts and health – will set you up for a successful career in a wide range of industries across both sectors. Once you've graduated, you may also have the opportunity to undertake postgraduate study in health and science, including clinical programs, or any one of our humanities and social sciences postgraduate programs.

The health sciences majors include both theory and lab practice units. For example, if you major in public health, you'll learn about environmental health issues, global health initiatives and health care systems. Or if you major in rehabilitation counselling, you'll explore the psychosocial perspective of health and illness, the issues related to living with chronic health problems, and sports and exercise psychology. You could even take your fascination with the human mind further by majoring in psychological science or study the complex inner workings of the body through the field of human physiological sciences.

Gain real-world experience and build valuable connections that will shape your career. Take on an industry placement in a range of workplaces, including hospitals, regional health organisations or community organisations like SBS Radio, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the United Nations Association of Australia or travel overseas for an international sustainability experience.[1] Many of our exchange programs are financially supported. Your dedicated course adviser will help you to find your path and explore new opportunities.

Public health
Discover how to help people and communities prevent disease and promote good health. You’ll build practical skills in health education, communication, health planning and management to address issues in health systems, communities and society.

Due to the global effects of population growth and the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people living with chronic conditions is on the rise. As a result, the demand for nurses in all specialised fields is expected to rapidly increase.*

La Trobe's Master of Nursing lets you match your study to your career aspirations. Enhance your knowledge and skills in specialist areas by choosing from a range of clinical and non-clinical subjects.

If you're a registered nurse working in Australia, you'll have access to a wide variety of specialisations. Enjoy a flexible, blended learning approach that combines face-to-face workshops with online study that you can fit around your work commitments and access from anywhere. For a clinical specialisation you will also undertake advanced clinical training in your own hospital's relevant work setting.

If you're looking to pursue a career as nursing educator, academic or manager, you'll have access to our online non-clinical specialisations. Develop advanced knowledge of nursing research along with the critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills you need to thrive as a nursing researcher, educator or leader.

In the era of globalisation, having advanced language skills is becoming increasingly valuable. Organisations need professionals who not only communicate effectively, but also have the multilingual and cross-cultural knowledge that can help them thrive on an international scale.*

La Trobe's Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics introduces you to the foundations of human communication. Learn about the structure and history of languages, while examining how communication skills are acquired and developed. You'll also select from a range of language majors and explore the culture from which your chosen language emerged.

Develop an advanced understanding of linguistics, investigating the sound systems used for communication, how sentences are structured, and the ways we use language and interpret meaning.

Focus on the language you're passionate about by selecting from Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Japanese or Hindi. You'll also be able to select a starting point that suits your language proficiency, including beginner, intermediate and advanced studies.

From there, you'll investigate a variety of other languages, examining their evolution, structure and use. Explore the nuances of linguistic variation in communities, looking at the social, ethnic and age factors that influence the variation.

Enhance your language proficiency by taking advantage of our study abroad opportunities.* Immerse yourself in your chosen language and build a greater understanding of its everyday application.

Build your communication, team-working, problem-solving and analytical skills, which experts suggest will be highly sought after by the workplaces of tomorrow.**

Through optional minors, you'll also have the chance to explore further languages, including Auslan, or broaden your studies into complementary areas such as psychology, philosophy and history.

Graduate with the advanced languages skills to boost your global career.

Chinese studies extension

A Chinese studies major will enable you to understand and use an increasingly significant world language. Chinese is spoken by nearly one-fifth of the global population, predominantly in the world’s second-largest economy, China. The Chinese Studies major will give you the opportunity to develop skills in oral and written Chinese (Mandarin), and enhance your understanding in China’s past (culture and tradition) and present (economy and technology). At more advanced levels, specialist subjects are available in Chinese for academic and professional purposes—these will help you develop your integrated communication skills to a professional level. Studying Chinese language and culture will give you an advantage in a range of industries and area of government, given that China has been Australia’s largest trading partner since 2007. You will have the opportunity to enrol in overseas programs to extend your language skills in-country. (Please note: overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) The major offers four entry-levels to cater to your standard in the Chinese language. You may enrol at beginners, intermediate, advanced or extension levels depending on your background and experience.

If you can't let go of unanswered questions. If you love learning. If you're passionate about the world around you. Then it's time to start your journey at La Trobe.

With our flexible Bachelor of Arts, you can choose from an incredible array of majors and minors. You'll have access to around 50 majors and minors from humanities, social sciences, business, health and science, keeping your career options open. Pursue your passion and your profession.

Shape your own future with this interdisciplinary degree. You'll choose one arts major, then explore your interests or build an essential skill when you choose secondary majors, minors and electives from across the university. You'll graduate with your primary major on your academic transcript, so future employers can recognise your expertise.

Create your own path. Want to major in sociology, with a second major in psychology, then take Chinese as an elective? Go for it. Or perhaps you'd like to pair economics and English. Or crime, justice and legal studies with linguistics. Build your own future – we're here to help you achieve your dream. No matter which path you choose, you'll learn from world-class academics and leading researchers.

In your first year, you'll explore your interests and passions. Try a language; or get a taste for history, English, politics or creative writing. In your second and third years, you'll delve deeper while also choosing electives and minors that broaden your skills and knowledge. You may also choose to develop professional skillsets in areas like psychology, public health, marketing, science, sport management and more.

This flexible degree also offers a range of study options. You can choose to study face-to-face at our Melbourne Campus and enjoy our on-campus facilities, or you can study online – knowing your experience will mirror on-campus students, with tutorials delivered in a synchronous manner. Unlike many other online degrees, at La Trobe you can login to live sessions and engage directly with academics and your fellow students in real time.

Gain real-world experience and build valuable connections that will shape your career. Take on an industry placement at organisations like SBS Radio, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the United Nations Association of Australia or travel overseas for an international sustainability experience.* Many of our exchange programs are financially supported. Your dedicated course advisor will help you to find your path and explore new opportunities.

The world is waiting for you. Step into it.

A Chinese studies major will enable you to understand and use an increasingly significant world language. Chinese is spoken by nearly one-fifth of the global population, predominantly in the world’s second-largest economy, China. The Chinese Studies major will give you the opportunity to develop skills in oral and written Chinese (Mandarin), and enhance your understanding in China’s past (culture and tradition) and present (economy and technology). At more advanced levels, specialist subjects are available in Chinese for academic and professional purposes—these will help you develop your integrated communication skills to a professional level. Studying Chinese language and culture will give you an advantage in a range of industries and area of government, given that China has been Australia’s largest trading partner since 2007. You will have the opportunity to enrol in overseas programs to extend your language skills in-country. (Please note: overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) The major offers four entry-levels to cater to your standard in the Chinese language. You may enrol at beginners, intermediate, advanced or extension levels depending on your background and experience.

In the era of globalisation, having advanced language skills is becoming increasingly valuable. Organisations need professionals who not only communicate effectively, but also have the multilingual and cross-cultural knowledge that can help them thrive on an international scale.*

La Trobe's Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics introduces you to the foundations of human communication. Learn about the structure and history of languages, while examining how communication skills are acquired and developed. You'll also select from a range of language majors and explore the culture from which your chosen language emerged.

Develop an advanced understanding of linguistics, investigating the sound systems used for communication, how sentences are structured, and the ways we use language and interpret meaning.

Focus on the language you're passionate about by selecting from Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Japanese or Hindi. You'll also be able to select a starting point that suits your language proficiency, including beginner, intermediate and advanced studies.

From there, you'll investigate a variety of other languages, examining their evolution, structure and use. Explore the nuances of linguistic variation in communities, looking at the social, ethnic and age factors that influence the variation.

Enhance your language proficiency by taking advantage of our study abroad opportunities.* Immerse yourself in your chosen language and build a greater understanding of its everyday application.

Build your communication, team-working, problem-solving and analytical skills, which experts suggest will be highly sought after by the workplaces of tomorrow.**

Through optional minors, you'll also have the chance to explore further languages, including Auslan, or broaden your studies into complementary areas such as psychology, philosophy and history.

Graduate with the advanced languages skills to boost your global career.

Chinese Studies Advanced

A Chinese studies major will enable you to understand and use an increasingly significant world language. Chinese is spoken by nearly one-fifth of the global population, predominantly in the world’s second-largest economy, China. The Chinese Studies major will give you the opportunity to develop skills in oral and written Chinese (Mandarin), and enhance your understanding in China’s past (culture and tradition) and present (economy and technology). At more advanced levels, specialist subjects are available in Chinese for academic and professional purposes—these will help you develop your integrated communication skills to a professional level. Studying Chinese language and culture will give you an advantage in a range of industries and area of government, given that China has been Australia’s largest trading partner since 2007. You will have the opportunity to enrol in overseas programs to extend your language skills in-country. (Please note: overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) The major offers four entry-levels to cater to your standard in the Chinese language. You may enrol at beginners, intermediate, advanced or extension levels depending on your background and experience.

For thousands of years, human societies have grown, prospered and warred through diplomacy and trade. In today’s hyper-connected global markets and diplomatic arenas, we need highly skilled professionals who can navigate this complex global landscape and make the most of evolving business structures.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Global Studies gives you the expertise to build a rewarding career in global politics, human rights and international business. Gain strong foundations in international trade and diplomacy, as well as a well-rounded business skillset.

Explore the complex social, commercial and sustainability challenges faced by corporations and diverse communities. Understand how to analyse problems, develop forward-thinking solutions, and negotiate with stakeholders to turn your ideas into action.

Grow as a leader and a thinker. Challenge your ideas and preconceptions. Expand your networks and your horizons. You'll be prepared for the rapidly evolving world of international trade and the complex web of relationships negotiated by governments and multinational organisations every day. Develop the creative and analytical skills to work across a wide range of industries, and build the resilience to face real-world challenges.

We understand that global experiences are vital for your studies. You'll have the opportunity to get out of the classroom and build both your skills and your professional network at one of our overseas partner universities. You'll also have the opportunity to do an internship, either in Australia or overseas, that's tailored to your career goals.

Whatever your ambition, tailor your degree with specially curated majors and minors that allow you to explore the various business, economic, geopolitical and humanitarian forces shaping our world.

Graduate ready for a rewarding career in trade, diplomacy, politics, government, business, economics and finance.

Spanish studies extension

In the Spanish studies major you will learn the Spanish language and about Spanish and Latin American history and cultures. Spanish is one of the world's major languages and the first language of more than 400 million people. As well as developing your language skills, you can take subjects in Spanish and Latin American culture, linguistics, translation, literature and film. Learning Spanish will give you highly employable communication skills in a competitive globalised labour market. It is also important in international development and diplomatic contexts as an official language of the United Nations and the World Bank. Alongside this major, you are encouraged to apply to do in-country study programs in Spanish through the University’s exchange programs. These are available in Spain and in various Latin American countries. (Please note overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) You can take a major in Spanish Studies whatever your skill level. Depending on your prior knowledge of and/or qualifications in the Spanish language you will start at Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced level or Extended

Explore what you’re passionate about and build a rewarding career.

The world is complex. And while we’re making serious inroads, many aspects of the human mind, behaviour and health are still beyond our understanding. There’s still so much to discover. As culture and technology continue to rapidly transform, we need skilled, empathetic and creative professionals who are passionate about broadening our understanding of both the world and our bodies – intelligent and caring people who want to create healthier communities in Australia, and around the globe.

If you're curious about the world, and passionate about making it a healthier and fairer place, La Trobe's Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences will give you everything you need to pursue your passion and your profession. Choose from an incredible array of majors and shape your future with this interdisciplinary degree.

Create your own path by combining majors from a wide range of areas. Pair psychological science with public health, or health promotion with sociology. Learn how to help victims of crime by combining rehabilitation counselling with crime, justice and legal studies. Or find inspiration in the human mind by pairing psychological science with creative and professional writing. You're in charge of your future and we're here to help you build your dream career. No matter which path you choose, you'll learn from world-class academics and leading researchers.

Develop essential skills that you'll use for the rest of your life. Creative thinking. Critical analysis. The ability to understand and communicate with a wide range of people. And the knowledge you'll acquire – across both arts and health – will set you up for a successful career in a wide range of industries across both sectors. Once you've graduated, you may also have the opportunity to undertake postgraduate study in health and science, including clinical programs, or any one of our humanities and social sciences postgraduate programs.

The health sciences majors include both theory and lab practice units. For example, if you major in public health, you'll learn about environmental health issues, global health initiatives and health care systems. Or if you major in rehabilitation counselling, you'll explore the psychosocial perspective of health and illness, the issues related to living with chronic health problems, and sports and exercise psychology. You could even take your fascination with the human mind further by majoring in psychological science or study the complex inner workings of the body through the field of human physiological sciences.

Gain real-world experience and build valuable connections that will shape your career. Take on an industry placement in a range of workplaces, including hospitals, regional health organisations or community organisations like SBS Radio, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the United Nations Association of Australia or travel overseas for an international sustainability experience.[1] Many of our exchange programs are financially supported. Your dedicated course adviser will help you to find your path and explore new opportunities.

The Visual Cultures major brings together multidisciplinary approaches to visual culture, from the moving image to art history and art theory. Today's world is image-saturated, from art to advertising, propaganda to photography, fashion to film, architecture to graphic design, and from newsfeeds to Instagram. As digital technology expands, more and more people become active producers and consumers of visual culture. In this major you will learn how visual meaning is socially, politically and culturally constructed and received in the past and the present.

The Visual Cultures major will provide you with theoretical and analytical skills to critically interpret and write about images and objects. You will be trained to shape, transform and engage with contemporary visual culture, exhibitions and museum practices, and to work in the arts industry, education, and the GLAM sector (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums).

The way we learn is changing. To keep pace with the evolution of education, educators need to continually refresh their skills to take advantage of the digitisation of education and incorporate new research into how and why we learn.

Advance your career and stay up-to-date with current best practice with La Trobe's Graduate Diploma in Education. You'll develop your networks and grow your career as an educator and leader.

Deepen your foundations with core subjects on educational leadership, how humans learn and digital technologies. Then add a specialisation of your choosing, such as curriculum design, or inclusion and diversity.

This flexible course is designed for people who're working. Many subjects are delivered in intensive or blended modes, making it easier to fit study into your life. You can also study at your own pace, undertaking one to four subjects per semester.

If you'd like the option to further extend your skills, the Graduate Diploma in Education can also provide a fully credited pathway to the Master of Education.

Engineers are facing untold opportunities – and challenges. With robotics, artificial intelligence, climate change and globalisation transforming the playing field, businesses need highly skilled engineering leaders who can predict and respond to rapid change. With the Australian Government forecasting strong job growth for engineering managers, there’s never been a better time to build you skills in this important field.*

If you're determined to create sustainable change in the world of engineering, La Trobe's Graduate Diploma in Engineering Management will give you the advanced skills and experience to take the next step in your career. Develop the commercial expertise to set yourself apart in this evolving industry.