Bachelor of Arts in Politics

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

UOW has experts encompassing the entire breadth of the underlying sciences, IT, engineering and mathematical methodologies in the ICT industry. Working closely with industry partners we ensure all programs remain relevant to industry trends and developments. Students study real-world projects and interact with and learn from industry professionals to ensure their job-readiness upon graduation.

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

Throughout your degree 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 both the following majors:

• Network Design and Management
• Web Design and Development

For students who do not wish to specialise with a major, you will complete advanced subjects providing you with specific knowledge while also instilling you with professional knowledge and skills in information technology.

The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology will allow you to upgrade your undergraduate exercise science qualifications so that you can work with individuals with disease and injury in the broader community. Clinical exercise physiology is an area of allied health that is specifically concerned with using 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.

This degree includes advanced clinical training for work as an exercise physiologist. As part of the course you will undertake 360 hours of clinical workplace experience. 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 a clinical focus.

Geographers help shape the future by understanding, explaining and predicting both human and physical environments. You will study the human and physical forces that shape the planet and the political, social and environmental issues that arise as a consequence of human interactions with the Earth. Never before have geography skills been so important: faced with anthropogenic climate change and predictions of rising seas, bushfires and flooding, geographers will help understand and plan for a sustainable, socially just and resilient future.

Equally, in an era of massive data of both physical and human processes, geographers have never been better positioned to support decision making and planning at all levels of government and business.

Your degree
The Geography program at UOW includes the opportunity to undertake practical laboratory and fieldwork, taking advantage of the local Illawarra environment including urban and heritage landscapes, coastal landscapes, rainforest escarpment and freshwater ecosystems.

You will develop the knowledge and skills to apply the latest technologies in spatial analysis and satellite imagery within the context of these environments. These skills are in demand across a broad range of sectors including government bodies, industry, and consultancies.

What you will study
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. You will apply these skills to problems in physical and human geography, studying the natural environment, its processes, and the interaction of these with human society and the way it shapes and is shaped by the natural world.

Your studies will include climate change, biogeography, coastal and fluvial environments, populations, urban and regional societies, spatial geography and environmental management.

On completion, high performing students considering further study or a career in research should consider the Bachelor of Science (Honours) program. This one year degree offers students a pathway to expanding their knowledge in geography and achieving their postgraduate research aspirations.

Acting as both a bridge to advanced research and an in-depth project, Honours is an optional year that follows the successful completion of a three-year undergraduate degree.
While your Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation degree introduced you to a wide range of themes and issues, an Honours project provides you with the opportunity to focus your interest on a topic of choice, exploring it in greater depth and detail to find answers. Honours project topics are various and negotiable, and you’ll be encouraged and supported to pursue your specific interests.

Whatever topic you choose, prospective employers will value your ability to achieve a complex goal, meet deadlines, investigate independently, use resources effectively and write coherently.

What you will study
The Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation (Honours) consists of 50% coursework and 50% research work. The research component of this degree takes the form of a 15,000-word research thesis completed under the supervision of an academic employed in the School of Liberal Arts.

Studying Honours is about:

• Learning research and navigation skills across a variety of information systems (archives, the library, databases, electronic research networks);
• Articulating complex ideas orally and in writing;
• Working closely with a supervisor on a project with firm deadlines;
• Devising, researching and writing an individual topic of study, with an extended argument or thesis.

If you've enjoyed studying for your Bachelor of Arts degree, why not consider an Honours year? This normally involves one additional year of study following the successful completion of a three-year undergraduate degree. Your Bachelor of Arts studies would have introduced you to a wide range of topics and issues, and an Honours project lets you explore one of these in much greater depth. Honours research topics are various and negotiable: if you are really interested in a topic and want to find answers, you'll be encouraged and supported to do so.

From a potential employer's perspective, whatever your topic, being able to demonstrate your ability to achieve a complex goal, meet deadlines, investigate independently, use resources effectively and write coherently will be highly regarded.

The Honours year has two functions at UOW; as an in-depth project at the end of undergraduate study, and as a bridge between undergraduate study and advanced research. Studying Honours will:

• Teach you research skills, navigation skills and how to use information systems (archives, the library, databases and electronic research networks)
• Provide an opportunity to articulate complex ideas in both verbal and written format
• Provide the experience of working closely with a supervisor on a project and preparing a major project to meet a deadline
• Experience in devising, researching and delivering an individual topic of study in an extended thesis of approx. 15,000 to 18,000 words

International Business is about understanding business in other cultures and regions, and learning how to think globally about the business world. International business focuses on the impact of differing cultures and languages, the issues posed by differing markets, and the differing government regulations within this rapidly growing environment. It is also concerned with foreign exchange markets and the effects of exchange rate policies.

This degree
You will undertake a foundation year that covers all core disciplines of business, giving you a solid understanding of issues facing organisations today. From your second year, you will begin your major in International Business. With a major in International Business, you will understand international marketing strategies that consider the socio-economic, legal, political, financial and cultural factors affecting regional markets. This includes strategic options for entry and expansion, and contemporary issues in multinational business contexts.

Careers in International Business include importer, exporter, international business analyst, international banker, foreign exchange trader and trade specialist. You will also undertake a final-year capstone subject that lets you apply everything you have learned in collaboration with students from other disciplines. Plus, you have the option of applying for an internship to gain valuable experience whilst receiving credit towards your degree.

What you will study
You will learn how to manage across cultural boundaries in an international business context, having gained knowledge on international human resource management and trade environments. You will improve your understanding of leadership, strategy, cultural diversity, communications and decision making as they relate to contemporary international business issues. Major topics include financial management, employment relations, industry and trade in South East Asia, international marketing and management, and business in Europe.

The Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Arts combines practical, numeracy and computer skills with the critical and creative thinking skills, effective communication and problem solving skills learned from studying the arts and humanities. Studies in science allow you to research problems, interpret data and propose solutions. Studies in arts will give you the skills to develop arguments, communicate with audiences and influence decision-making. When combined, the skills and knowledge from these two fields can place you in a key position to work with the complex challenges we will face in the future.

The major areas of study in Science include: Ecology and Conservation Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Environment and Physical Geography.

You will also choose one of the majors in the Bachelor of Arts degree; Archaeology and Ancient History, English Literatures, Environmental Humanities, French, History, Indigenous Studies, Japanese, Legal Studies, Mandarin (Non-Chinese Background Students), Mandarin (Character Background Students), Philosophy, Photography, Politics, International Relations, Sociology, Spanish, Creative Writing, or Writing and English Literatures. In addition to the arts major you will choose a minor or a second major from the Bachelor of Arts offerings.

International Relations is a vibrant, growing and constantly evolving discipline designed for students interested in careers in international organisations, foreign affairs or any organisation that has a focus beyond Australia’s borders. Whether it is the latest peace deal in a conflict zone, aid package, humanitarian relief operation, trade deal or climate negotiation, studying International Relations at UOW helps you understand the motives behind the actions taken by states, international organisations and the many other actors in global politics. While studying a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) at UOW, you will learn how to apply critical thinking and analytical skills to real world issues to inform thinking and practice in business, government and not for profit sectors.

What you will study
You will undertake core subjects on how global politics works, how security is organised, how conflict is managed, and on the role of the state in the new millennium. You will partake in a model United Nations (UN), discussing ideas and brainstorming solutions to global challenges as model diplomats learning not just about the UN, but about negotiation skills and policy development. You can choose from a range of electives covering issues including war, peacekeeping, international law and global political economy.

If you are doing, or have done particularly well in your Bachelor of Communication and Media degree, you should consider an Honours year. Your Bachelor of Communication and Media degree will have introduced you to a wide range of topics and problems, and an Honours project will enable you to explore these ideas in much greater depth. Honours research topics are various and negotiable. If you are really interested in a topic and want to find answers, you'll be encouraged and supported.

From a potential employer's perspective, your ability to achieve a complex goal, meet deadlines, investigate independently, use resources effectively and write coherently are highly valued attributes.

The Honours year has a number of functions at UOW; as an in-depth project at the end of undergraduate study, and as a bridge between undergraduate study and advanced research.  It may also afford you the opportunity to explore future career options. Studying Honours teaches you: training in research skills and in information systems (archives, the Library, databases and electronic research networks);  opportunity to practise articulating complex ideas orally and in writing; experience in working closely with a supervisor on a project and in preparing a major project to meet a deadline; and experience in devising, researching and writing up an individual topic of study in an extended argument or thesis.

The business sector is one of the world's largest employers offering varying roles and careers. Business plays an important role in assisting the evolution of a complex global economy by providing solutions to problems in a sustainable and ethical way.

This degree
The Bachelor of Business Administration is a flexible degree offering a broad education across all key aspects of the business environment. In addition to studying the essential core disciplines of accounting, economics, finance, management and marketing, you can tailor your studies according to your interests or career aspirations by choosing electives from particular Business disciplines, or you can combine Business electives with subjects from other disciplines.

You will also undertake a final-year capstone subject that lets you apply everything you have learned in collaboration with students from other disciplines. Plus, you have the option of applying for an internship to gain valuable experience whilst receiving credit towards your degree.

What you will study
The Bachelor of Business Administration is a flexible degree offering a broad education across all key aspects of the business environment. In addition to studying the essential core disciplines of accounting, economics, finance, management and marketing, you can tailor your studies according to your interests by choosing electives from a particular Business discipline, or you can combine Business electives with subjects from other disciplines.