Bachelor of Communication and Media

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

Cyber security is about how we develop secure computers and computer networks, to ensure that the data stored and transmitted through them is protected from unauthorised access or to combat digital security threats and hazards. As we conduct more of our social, consumer and business activities online, there is a corresponding increase in the demand for ICT professionals to manage our digital environment and economy.

Cyber security has been identified as one of the strategic priorities in Australia to meet the demands of law enforcement, national and state governments, defence, security and finance industries. Jobs of the future will be in all of these areas ensuring there is national capability to maintain and build our essential services and stop them from being disrupted, destroyed, or threatened, and that our personal information is not communicated, shared, visualised or analysed without our permission.

In the Cyber Security major you will study technical and political concepts of current topics of cyber security, such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, multimedia security, Internet of Things (IoT) security, obfuscation and reverse engineering. You will learn penetration testing skills for defensive purposes and be prepared for ethical hacking certification.

This degree
Computer scientists focus on the theoretical foundations and practical approaches to computation and its applications. They design methods and tools and write programs for computer applications. These applications can be in areas such as computer systems to control machinery, information management and big data, applications for mobile devices, stock market trend analysis, game design, visualisation of chemical reactions, neural network design, computational geometry for robot navigation, patient monitoring in hospitals, and much more.

You will be able to choose your major in your second year after studying a common core of subjects that links our computer science, IT and information systems degrees. Find your strengths and interests as you study the fundamentals of computer science and IT: programming, problem solving, network and communications, web technology, data management, system analysis, human–computer interaction, and project management. You’ll also complete a final-year capstone team project.

You can choose to study a double degree with Engineering, Mathematics, Science, Creative Arts or Business. These programs of study will provide you with a broad experience of technology using various industry products such as Microsoft, Apple, Oracle, SAP and Cisco.

What you will study
You will learn to identify and counteract malicious activity conducted by hackers using advanced analytic capabilities and techniques. Examples include key areas such as penetration testing and white hat/ethical hacking. You will learn to recommend appropriate mitigation strategies a business should implement to enhance its network security. You will study subjects in ethical hacking, system security, cryptography and secure applications, and corporate network security.

Combine an accredited psychology degree with a degree in Criminology, to broaden your knowledge and develop your competitive edge. You can qualify for entry to the fourth year of Psychology, required for provisional accreditation as a psychologist.

This degree
You will undertake comprehensive study in processes basic to human psychological functioning, combined with specialised studies that enable you to understand the causes, control, consequences, and prevention of criminal behaviour at the individual and social levels.

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, and how they influence behaviour. Psychologists use research findings to help us understand who we are and how we think, feel, act and change. By understanding these aspects of human behaviour, psychologists are able to promote wellbeing and understand psychological problems affecting people.

Criminology critically examines debates about crime, and how various contested theories and values translate into criminal justice policies and practices. This knowledge and skill set will allow you to contribute to addressing the complex and changing needs of individuals, families and communities in the face of technological, economic, environmental and social change.

The skills and knowledge you will acquire from these combined degrees will give you a distinct advantage in your professional objectives after graduation.

What you will study
In the first year of your degree you will study the foundations of psychology, learn about research methods and statistics, and complete a common set of core subjects from a number of social science disciplines.

In subsequent years, you will undertake study in personality, biological psychology and learning, cognition and perception, and developmental and social psychology.

The Criminology major will focus on criminology subjects relating to offenders, victims and agents of control, multidisciplinary understandings of crime, crime prevention, safe communities, security, probation and parole, human rights, and community justice.

Additional electives and minors from the Social Science, Arts and Science disciplines are also available to complement your studies.

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.

The Master of Information Technology (Information Technology Strategic Management) involves an in-depth study of the organisational, economic, regulatory and socio-technical issues that arise in the implementation of IT in business and government, and how to effectively manage those issues.

This degree is suitable for those without an IT background seeking to develop the fundamental skills required to work in the sector, or to undertake a management role in which an understanding of IT implementation is essential.

What you will study
IT Strategic Management seeks to develop professionals who can combine technical knowledge with a deep understanding of the businesses and organisations they work in. You will develop an overview of IT business strategies and governance issues and be equipped with the analytical, communication, project and change management skills to work across the IT-business interface.

This degree
The IT Strategic Management major will strengthen your understanding of the principles of information systems, business intelligence and knowledge management by applying them to practical, industry-relevant issues. This course will prepare you for a career as an ICT consultant, business or market analyst.

A Bachelor of Computer Science – 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 Computer Science allows you to understand and shape how the law functions within a technical context. This double degree combines the practical, problem-solving skills of Computer Science and programming with the high-level analytical, research and communication skills of Law. This will enable you to acquire specialist knowledge and skills across the continually changing landscape of Information Communication & Technology (ICT).

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.

Innovative technologies, such as cloud computing, big data, AI, machine learning, and block chain, are reshaping the world we live in. Huge amounts of data have been gathered as a direct result of the rapid advances made in technologies such as digital sensors, biomedical and healthcare devices, Internet of Things and data storage. Electronic data breaches and their legal consequences have become a significant problem in all industries.

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.

What you will study

The Bachelor of Laws degree 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.

In the Bachelor of Computer Science you will study a common core of subjects that links our computer science, IT and information systems degrees. There is an opportunity to specialise in a major at the Wollongong campus from your second year of study by choosing one or more of the following majors offered in the Bachelor of Computer Science:

• Big Data
• Cyber Security
• Digital Systems Security
• Game and Mobile Development
• Software Engineering

The Master of Applied Finance (Financial Services) is for students interested in acquiring an advanced understanding of financial institutions, bank management, and lending. If you are currently working in the Finance industry or a recent graduate, you will benefit from the specialized knowledge learned in this course.

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.

You will examine the legal framework establishing, controlling and regulating financial institutions and examine bank management theory, a bank's lending process and the securities associated with it.

The degree is targeted at students who have a bachelor degree in Business, Engineering, Maths or IT, if you do not have an academic background in these areas you should consider studying the Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance.

Students interested in a two-year Master of Applied Finance option should consider the Master of Applied Finance (Investing and Financial Services).

The Honours program is an alternative option for students going into the second session of third year from either the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education pass degree or the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Dean's Scholar) degree.

Students have the opportunity to be involved in a research project of their own choice or interest or work with a Health and Physical Education academic as part of their research. All students will receive supervision throughout their research project and will be required to complete a thesis detailing their research project, their methods and their findings. Participation in the Honours program can lead to further research opportunities as a postgraduate student.

Honours students are encouraged to:

• Make a contribution to theory, research and pedagogy of education
• Conduct independent research in the form of a thesis as well as other forums such as conference presentations and journal articles
• Seek out opportunities and apply knowledge in educational research that will contribute beneficially to educational research and practice
• Participate in the research culture within the School of Education

What you will study
You will study health and physical education subjects including movement skills, games and sports, rhythmic movements, mental health and sexuality, relationships, drugs and personal safety, curriculum and pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching), anatomy and physiology, biomechanics and educational foundations.

You will also study broader complementary subjects including Aboriginal Education, Information and Communication Technology, Learners with Exceptional Needs, Educational Research, Communication, and Risk and Behaviour management.

The Honours year requires students to learn to conduct educational research in ways that are intellectually honest, with professional integrity and knowledge and enactment of appropriate ethical standards; and become aware of changing conditions and situations in research settings.

Eating well is central to supporting growth and development, preventing chronic disease, and general vitality at all stages of life. Nutrition is the science of how the foods we eat affect our health. Nutritionists are scientists who attain, maintain and promote the health of the public through nutrition research, communication of nutrition information or public health forums. Dietitians are specialist nutritionists who, in addition to these research and public health roles, are accredited to work with individuals and groups to help improve their health outcomes and quality of life. This occurs in settings such as the community, hospitals, private practice, research and food service.

The Bachelor of Nutrition Science provides a strong grounding in areas including nutrition science, food chemistry, biochemistry, and metabolism, as well as training in nutrition research. You will be able to apply your knowledge to a range of community settings. These include working with organisations and industries to create better nutritional standards and policies, undertaking research, and working with communities to support health through improved nutrition. The program is designed to meet the prerequisite requirements for admission into the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, which is required to be eligible for the credential of Accredited Practising Dietitian.

You will study the building blocks of nutrition: biochemistry, nutritional epidemiology, public health nutrition and physiology. You will explore the role of nutrients in the regulation of enzymes and metabolic pathways through to food sources of nutrients and food production. You will also consider nutrition education in the community, including the effects of food and nutrition policy on health.

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 Master of Philosophy (Creative Arts) is a flexible course that provides a bridge towards doctoral level study and the opportunity to immerse yourself in a significant research project.

The course is suited to experienced creative arts practitioners who wish to extend their practice within a scholarly context. It is also appropriate for applicants with an excellent undergraduate creative arts background who wish to extend their scholarly and/or creative skills. You may pursue purely scholarly research or a combination of creative and scholarly research. Research strengths in creative practice include Music, Theatre, Performance, Creative Writing, Visual Arts, Digital Media and Design. Applications from all these disciplines are encouraged, as well as any projects working in interdisciplinary forms.

The degree comprises 24 credit points of coursework and a 72-credit point thesis. Advanced standing for the coursework component of the degree may be awarded, which will determine the appropriate entry point.

As a guide, submission by thesis only will be in the range of 35,000 to 45,000 words. The submission of creative work will normally be by exhibition, performance or presentation in the chosen area of practice, supported by one of the following:

•     an exegesis (approximately 15,000 words) focusing on aspects such as origins of the work, structures and techniques used, and artistic theories underpinning the work; or
•     a dissertation (approximately 15,000 words) that makes a scholarly argument linked to, but not dependent on, the body of creative work.