Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws (Dual degree)

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

Psychologists help us to understand who we are and how we think, feel, act and change through scientific study of the human mind and its functions, and how they influence behaviour. Psychological research seeks to identify mechanisms that explain behaviour in various contexts. Clinical psychologists work directly with clients to help them improve their wellbeing and psychological health using evidence-based psychological treatments. Their clients include children, adults, couples, families and organisations, and they can work in a wide range of settings, from private practices to the hospital system.

This degree
The Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is a four-year undergraduate Honours degree which provides comprehensive training in the scientific study of human behaviour and experience, the physiological, sensory and cognitive processes that underlie it, and how the profession applies this knowledge to practical problems.

The Bachelor of Psychology is a route to Postgraduate coursework or research degrees in Psychology. It is also a partial qualification for provisional registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

What you will study
This course is for the highly motivated. The Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) program contains a significant research thesis along with coursework. You will learn how the science and practice of psychology is influenced by social, historical, professional and cultural contexts, and knowledge of ethical behaviour. Continuation in the degree will be dependent upon achieving a cumulative average of at least 75% in the Psychology subjects approved for the degree.

The Bachelor of Computer Science (Dean's Scholar) offers a challenging and enriched educational experience for high-achieving students who want to perform above the level normally expected. As a Dean's Scholar student you will also be encouraged to continue your studies through the completion of Honours and research programs.

This degree
Computer scientists focus on computation and its applications, designing methods, tools and writing 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.

What you will study
You will complete the normal course requirements for the degree, and receive special privileges as you study, such as the opportunity to complete a research project and direct access to academic mentoring. Places are limited each year. Current students who have achieved a weighted average mark (WAM) of 80 at the end of one year of full-time study in a relevant degree may apply to transfer to the Dean's Scholar degree.

Studying a Bachelor of Journalism with a Bachelor of Communication and Media will help you succeed in advertising, public relations and corporate branding. You will learn how to present news and information to a wide range of audiences while gaining the skills to write, edit and publish a broad variety of written materials. You will be able to research, plan and execute communication campaigns, and will acquire skills in issue management, product publicity, crisis communications and media relations.

The Bachelor of Communication and Media degree offers students a strong foundation in global communication and media industries. This degree has a focus on preparing students for global careers in digital and social media, visual communication design, journalism, screen media production, marketing, communication and advertising. Students will encounter key ideas in the study and practice of media and communications, and gain flexible and transferable skills that will prepare them for informed engagement with the changing world of global media culture.

The Bachelor of Journalism provides in-depth hands-on training in journalism, converging media (radio, TV, web, phone, tablet), digital communication and multimedia storytelling. It has a strong professional focus, with an emphasis on practical learning with studio-based studies in multimedia content production. You will learn to research, produce and present entertaining and timely stories through video, audio, print and digital technologies including podcasting and webcasting, working both independently and collaboratively.

Combining studies in Journalism with a degree in Communication and Media will offer you a broad introduction to the ways that new media shapes our everyday lives - both in the workplace and in our communities. You'll learn critical and innovative thinking skills, and effective communication and creative writing skills, all of which are required for a successful career in a range of communication and journalism roles.

What you will study

The Bachelor of Communication and Media offers five majors - Digital and Social Media, Visual Communication Design, Journalism, Screen Media Production and Marketing, Communication and Advertising. You will need to select one major to specialise in throughout the duration of your degree. Students in the Bachelor of Journalism - Bachelor of Communication and Media cannot take the Journalism major in the Bachelor of Communications and Media degree.

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.

Software engineering incorporates all aspects of software production from business strategy to design and coding, testing, quality and management of large-scale complex software systems. Software engineering is about multi-person development of multi-version software that is large and complex, such as the Windows, Linux and Android operating systems, office software, and flight control systems.

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.

What you will study
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.

The Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours) is an alternative final year option for students who have demonstrated excellence in the first three years of the Bachelor of Primary Education or the Bachelor of Primary Education (Dean’s Scholar) degree.

This degree is a nationally accredited qualification for employment as a Kindergarten to Year 6 teacher in the public and independent school systems. You will learn through on-campus classes, online learning and school and community placements.  The extensive professional experience program involves placement in schools from the second year of the degree allowing you to learn by observation and apply your skills in the classroom early in your degree. 

During your study you will have opportunities for rural professional experiences, to study overseas with UOW's international exchange and study abroad partners, and to join international cultural immersion programs.

What you will study
In the final year of your degree, you will have the opportunity to be involved in a research project of your own choice or interest or work with a Primary Education academic as part of your research. All students will receive supervision throughout their research project and will be required to complete a thesis or other form of research dissemination detailing their research project, their methods and their findings. Participation in the Honours program can lead to further research opportunities as a postgraduate student.

With more communication and commerce being conducted online than ever before, the web provides incredible opportunities for businesses and individuals working in web development. Web design has become an integral part of our personal and business lives. Animated graphics, key words, user interface design, usability testing and easy to use information flows give customised websites a competitive edge in today's digital media economy.

Web designers and developers create visual architecture for the web using code that is clean, maintainable, user-friendly and responsive to changing business needs and customer requirements.

Careers include web developers, web designers, mobile developers, web database administrators and web analysts.

This degree
The Bachelor of Information Technology provides foundation knowledge of organisational areas in IT, including:

• Database management
• Programming
• Information systems analysis and design
• Communications and networks
• Security
• Project management
• Web-based technology
• Professional practice in IT

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 also 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
This course provides you with the technical knowledge to design and develop effective websites and web applications for online shopping, online auctions, employee kiosks, online catalogues or social networks. You'll learn about issues related to usability and accessibility, navigation, site structure and information architecture.

A double degree of Bachelor of International Studies – Bachelor of Business gives you the theoretical knowledge to understand global challenges and the practical skills of the world of business. The Bachelor of International Studies - Bachelor of Business addresses relevant global, economic and political issues affecting the worldwide business market. It will teach you a diverse skill set and equip you with a theoretical background, proficiency in a language, and how to navigate the international business world. You will learn how international organisations conduct business, and the issues and contexts that can occur across global borders.

International Studies will assist you to analyse and appreciate the diversity of the global community. You will examine the relationships between politics, society, culture, language, and history on a global scale. You can choose one major from the Bachelor of International Studies: International Relations, and Global Sustainable Development. You will also be encouraged to study abroad or undertake a study tour.

The Bachelor of Business degree provides core skills in many 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. You will also choose one major from the Bachelor of Business: Accountancy, Business Law, Economics, Finance, Financial Planning, Human Resource Management, International Business, Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Sport Management and Marketing, or Supply Chain Management. At the South Western Sydney Campus the majors available are Management and Marketing.

A Bachelor of Creative Arts – 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 Creative Arts allows you to study a traditional creative discipline including creative writing, music, visual arts or visual arts and design alongside studies in law. Many lawyers find that knowledge of the arts and media is extremely useful in their practice. From something as simple as pursuing two seemingly different passions to a career defending and promoting free press and artistic expression, this double degree offers many exciting career opportunities.

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.

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, creative industries and community organisations – as leaders, innovators and problem solvers.

What you will study

The Bachelor of Creative Arts – Bachelor of Laws covers the prescribed areas of knowledge for future admission to the profession of law 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 also study a creative arts major – creative writing, visual arts, visual arts and design or music.

Human Geography is the study of people and place. Human Geographers examine social and environmental problems in a holistic way, and apply spatial thinking to help resolve social conflicts and environmental crises. At UOW, Human Geographers investigate solutions to issues around climate change, economic development, environmental management, population and cultural change, and urban, rural and regional planning.

This degree
The Bachelor of Science (Human Geography) program at UOW includes the opportunity to undertake practicals and fieldwork, taking advantage of the local Illawarra environment including urban and heritage landscapes, coastal landscapes, rainforest escarpment and freshwater ecosystems.

What you will study
As a Science student, you will learn skills in logical and critical thinking, creative problem-solving, practical research, organisation and project management, numeracy, statistical literacy, computer applications (including geographic information systems), and strong communication.