Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

The BCA Honours year is for students who’ve done well throughout their Bachelor of Creative Arts degree. If you have a Distinction average or higher, the Honours year offers an additional year of study to pursue both critical and creative projects. For your critical work, you’ll focus on one topic from your undergraduate degree, writing a thesis of 10,000-15,000 words; and for your creative project, you’ll pursue a body of work in your chosen discipline. In both instances, the Honours year allows you to pursue a topic or theme you are really interested in with a supervisor who’s there to encourage and support you.

Potential employers appreciate the Honours degree because it demonstrates that students can: achieve complex goals, meet deadlines, investigate independently, use resources effectively, and write clearly.

What you will study
The Honours year has two functions at UOW: it offers students the chance to pursue in-depth critical and creative projects at the end of undergraduate study, and it acts as a bridge between undergraduate study and advanced research.

Studying Honours is about:

• Pursuing a creative project in a field you are passionate about
• Learning research skills, navigation skills and information systems (archives, the library, databases, electronic research networks)
• The opportunity to practise articulating complex ideas orally and in writing. It provides the experience of working closely with a supervisor on a project and working with firm deadlines
• Experiences in devising, researching and writing up an individual topic of study in an extended argument or thesis.

The Honours program is an alternative option for students wishing to undertake research during the fourth year of either the Bachelor of Education - The Early Years pass degree or the Bachelor of Education - The Early Years (Dean's Scholar) degree. Entry to your honours year is based on application and merit.

Early Years education enriches learning in children from birth to five years by giving children the opportunity to maximise their potential and develop a foundation for lifelong learning. It focuses on the significance of early education to foster children’s health, development and wellbeing.

For the duration of this four-year degree Early Years students will engage in continuous professional mentoring through the Professional Partners in Practice (PPP) program. This will give you invaluable sector experience and professional connections that will enhance your employment pathways and opportunities.

Throughout the degree students spend up to 16 weeks teaching in Early Childhood Education and Care Centres and two weeks in the Community and Family sector, complementary to the mentoring experience within the Professional Partners in Practice program.

You will also have the opportunity to undertake exchange, study abroad and international cultural immersion programs.

Working closely with two supervisors, you will undertake a major project during the program, you will undertake special experiences for research work either in the field or that examine other aspects of education. The degree will culminate in the production of a thesis or other project work that disseminates your research findings and the results from your project and research inquiry.

What you will study
During this degree you will study:

• The development of young children and their connection to family, community, and culture
• Improving education and developmental outcomes for children
• Establishing relationships with children and families
• Cultural and social diversity
• Early intervention and transition to school
• Leadership and advocacy
• Creating physical and social learning environments
• Developing skills and experiences in research in educational settings.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science) provides the skills and knowledge for the application of engineering techniques to problems in rehabilitation and biomedical technologies.

You will gain a unique understanding of both engineering and the anatomical and physiological basis of human motion and biomechanics. Examples include research and design of orthopaedic devices, rehabilitation engineering, development of prostheses such as artificial limbs or electronically controlled wheelchairs, and the development of biomaterials.

Exercise scientists look at the effect of exercise on human performance. They design, implement and evaluate exercise and physical activity for a wide range of people within the community. They provide programs for improving general health, the prevention of chronic diseases, health promotion and enhanced sports performance. There is a forecasted growth of 25.1% within Health Care & Social Assistance for 2017-2022 and this brings increased employment opportunities and career options. Source: Employment Projections

This degree

As an engineering student at UOW you can gain credit for relevant work experience, either in Australia or overseas, by participating in our Professional Options Program. You will undertake practical hands-on experience with industry for 12 weeks prior to the conclusion of your academic studies.

You will work in well-designed laboratories and workshops essential to the development of engineering skills. An effective experimental program is also a feature of our courses.

The Bachelor of Performance and Theatre at UOW is a highly practical course that will prepare you for a career in the performing arts and broader creative industries. You will learn the techniques, strategies and processes of contemporary theatre-making and performance in a range of contexts.

Complementing the practical aspects of your degree, you will undertake core subjects in the history and theory of theatre, as well as core subjects including professional practice. You will also have the opportunity to undertake electives or a minor study in associated areas such as stage management and sound and lighting design, as well as creative writing, audio production or media arts among others. All students participate in producing and performing in their own productions throughout their degree, thereby gaining industry-relevant experience.

What you will study
The Bachelor of Performance and Theatre degree allows you to specialise in either Acting or Theatre Making.

Acting Major
Undertaking the Acting major will see you develop as a self-reliant and highly skilled performing artist through UOW’s practice-based program. You will learn to apply acting skills and theoretical knowledge to contemporary performance and theatre. Subjects will cover traditional interpretive actor training, crafting your skills in acting, voice, singing and movement, with a focus on contemporary playwriting and devised works for theatre and performance. You will be involved in the development, rehearsal and performance of theatre productions, allowing you to mature as an actor as you work with a range of methodologies and theatre genres.

Entry into the Acting major is based on a combination of both academic results and audition scores. You will be required to audition to demonstrate your talent and potential to benefit from the course. Whether you apply through Early Admissions, through UAC, directly to the University or through an internal course transfer, you will need to separately arrange an audition. Audition information is available here.

Theatre Making Major
Studying the Theatre Making major will help you explore the many possibilities of creating theatre for diverse audiences in both regional and urban settings. It considers all the elements of theatre-making (stage-craft, dramaturgy, stage management and performance-making) in order to communicate content, atmosphere and impact. You will also receive an introduction to lighting and sound design, and discover how theory and history will shape your development as an informed, professional and self-reliant practitioner.

In addition to a major in Acting or Theatre Making, you can add a minor in another study area that will bring a multi-disciplinary aspect to your degree. Options include music, photography, creative writing, graphic design, media arts and visual arts.

The Master of Education (Educational Leadership) is for people who are currently in educational leadership roles or who wish to pursue leadership positions in educational settings such as schools, early childhood, higher education and vocational education. During this degree you will study the fundamentals of educational leadership and management, and learn how to apply this to your practice as an educator. You will also enhance your skills in areas such as mentoring new educators, managing curricula and assessment, supporting staff development, and leading organisational change. Throughout the degree, you will build the skills to investigate and solve complex issues in a rapidly changing educational climate and conduct an individualised research project that ties in with your work and interests.

You will have the opportunity to incorporate electives from other education areas such as Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), or Digital Technologies for Learning, in order to tailor your degree. You will also benefit from flexible study options that allow you to study online or in the classroom.

The key priority for Environmental engineers is a concern for the environment and how it interacts with people and projects. Their work involves developing engineering solutions to environmental problems that impact our land, water and air quality, with an aim for sustainable development.

Environmental engineering embraces broad environmental concerns, including water quality and supply, groundwater protection and remediation, wastewater treatment, indoor and outdoor air pollution, solid and hazardous waste disposal, supply of safe drinking water, cleaning contaminated sites, preserving sensitive wetlands, and prevention of pollution through product and process design.

Environmental engineers balance competing technical, social and legal issues concerning the use of environmental resources.

This degree
You will study a common first year allowing you to learn more about engineering and its different fields before deciding which discipline to study. The common first year provides you with sound fundamentals in mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, computing, engineering science and communication, mechanics, materials and fluids. You then focus on your chosen major study from second year. Your degree includes a 12-week hands-on industry placement. You may gain credit for relevant work experience, either in Australia or overseas, by participating in our Professional Options Program.

Engineers work in a variety of industries, for example: construction, mining, resources, aeronautical, electronics, engineering management, telecommunications, power generation and distribution, renewable energy, aerospace, water resource management, robotics and manufacturing, railroad and shipbuilding.

What you will study
As an engineering student at UOW you will have access to fully-equipped laboratories and the latest computer-aided software that is used in modern industrial workplaces. Our lecturers encourage you to approach them and get involved in industry projects and learning opportunities so you get the most out of your university education.

Our engineering students are trained through practical learning experiences including:

• Laboratory experiments
• Problem based learning
• Computer simulations
• Teamwork assignments
• Industrial case studies
• Project management
• Site visits to industry

A Bachelor of Business – Bachelor of Laws from UOW equips you with a comprehensive legal education: a world-class degree that provides a thorough grounding in the law, as well as a real-world focus on the essential practical skills and the social and ethical context in which the law operates.

Combining Law with Business prepares you for a range of careers, giving you the edge as you gain a legal perspective on contemporary and socially responsible business practice. It provides a program of study in commerce, business and administration and further develops analytical and interpersonal skills, and high levels of literacy and numeracy.

We believe that practical experience is a vital part of your legal training. We are the only law school in New South Wales that requires you to complete a legal internship, providing highly valued industry experience.

We are committed to social justice and providing a legal education that engages with the complexities of law's intersection with society.

Today’s business environment is dynamic and complex. The Bachelor of Business degree provides core skills across all business functions, as well as specialist knowledge in a chosen field. Throughout this degree you will have the opportunity to gain practical, real-world experience and make professional connections, including the opportunity to participate in the Business Internship program.

This degree

Double degrees are designed to broaden your knowledge and skills set, giving you a competitive advantage in the workforce. They also reduce the length and cost of study by combining two different degrees. This double degree delivers a practical and contextual legal education that prepares graduates not only for traditional careers in the legal profession but also for a wide range of careers in government, business and community organisations – as leaders, innovators and problem solvers.

On completion of this degree, you will be able to apply critical thinking, including the application of research methods to commercial issues in local, national and international contexts.

What you will study

The Bachelor of Business – Bachelor of Laws covers the prescribed areas of knowledge for future admission to the profession as well as including a choice of electives. Additionally, an integrated skills program equips graduates with experience in areas such as legal research, interviewing, legal drafting, advocacy and negotiation. Opportunities also exist to undertake subjects by way of an international exchange. You will select from a list of business majors including, Accountancy, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing and Public Relations.

The Master of Engineering (Electrical) provides graduate engineers with discipline-specific knowledge and technical skills in electrical engineering, including renewable energy and high-voltage systems. You will learn how electrical energy is produced and used in domestic, commercial and industrial buildings. You will gain advanced knowledge in designing and building systems that generate, transmit, control and use electrical energy. Areas include wireless engineering, high voltage engineering, and digital integrated circuit design.

The program will suit you if you're an engineering graduate wanting specialist knowledge in the latest power engineering technologies, or seeking a career change in this sector.

This degree

The Master of Engineering delivers expert skills and applied competencies required for the professional engineer. It is designed to train and enhance professional practice, advance technical and specialist skills, and provide an opportunity to put theory into practice with applied projects and research. The degree also delivers communication, strategic and project management skills essential to the practising engineer.

What you will study

You will complete the core subjects in Professional Communications and Engineering Workplace Practice, Innovation and Design, Advanced Laboratory, and Research Methods.

For the Electrical major you will study subjects in Advanced Signals and Systems, Power System Analysis, Renewable and Distributed Generation, plus electives from Electrical, Computer, Mechanical or Engineering subjects. You will also complete an advanced project.

The Master of Applied Finance (Investing) is for students interested in acquiring an advanced understanding of investment and portfolio management.

You will study the theory and practice of financial management and gain an understanding of the global financial system. Additionally, competing approaches to corporate governance and business ethics will be developed, and you will learn how to provide protection against portfolio, financial and corporate risks.

Students are provided with realistic stock market simulations and are introduced to modern portfolio theory and practice with a focus on optimal investment decision-making. You will experience the pressure of live markets and learn how to manage portfolios through a portfolio simulation that allows you to trade shares, options, bonds, managed funds, international stocks with realistic stock market simulations.

Exercise rehabilitation is an area of allied health that uses exercise to restore good health and physical capability to people after illness or injury, or to improve the quality of life and manage physical function in people with chronic disease and physical disabilities.

You will study anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, exercise prescription, clinical exercise physiology, biomechanics, and neuromechanics as part of your core subjects. Scientific training will improve your skills in data gathering and analysis, physiological systems integration and, most importantly, understanding the fundamental processes behind both healthy and unhealthy human bodies. This scientific foundation will enable you to adapt to a variety of situations in the workplace and to develop exercise programs for a wide variety of individuals with various health conditions and disabilities.

This degree includes a workplace experience component that requires 140 hours of placement in a community, sporting, scientific or commercial exercise setting, as well as an additional 360 hours of clinical workplace experience in order to gain advanced clinical training for work as an exercise physiologist. Completion of these hours is required in order to graduate. This experience is an essential part of the learning process and will allow you to put into practice what you've learned in the course to ensure that you will be work-ready for industry practice in both public and private facilities with both a generally healthy as well as clinical focus.