Bachelor of Social Science in Human Services

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.

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.

International Studies is the analysis, appreciation and study of the diversity of the global community. It examines the relationships of politics, society, culture, language, and history in a range of countries and globally. International Studies teaches you how to analyse national and global issues. You will learn about the forces shaping the modern world and the theories that underpin our understanding of the most important global issues. You will also gain language skills and we strongly encourage students to undertake study abroad to further expand their skills.

The two degrees are complementary with their focus on internationalisation and globalisation from different perspectives. It suits those seeking future careers in media, or related fields, in an international context and will prepare you for the world of digital communications and social media.

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.

You can also choose one major from the Bachelor of International Studies - International Relations, or Global Sustainable Development.  As part of the degree, you will also study a language minor, choosing from Mandarin, French, Italian, Japanese or Spanish.

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.

Registered nurses play an important role in the healthcare system and are involved in a range of activities that are designed to provide care of people with acute, chronic and complex health conditions. Registered nurses are integral in the treatment of people, families, communities, and populations.

You will have opportunities to apply theory to practice in modern simulated supported learning environments, prior to undertaking workplace experience. During the course you will attend 21 weeks of workplace experience in hospitals, aged care, and community facilities. This will immerse you in the field of nursing where you will care for people, putting into practice what you have learned in simulated tutorials.

You will evaluate and apply concepts drawn from nursing theory and research to professional practice. You will also develop an increased awareness of the effects of cultural, social, economic, legal and ethical influences on the development of the nursing profession and knowledge that will enable you to accept responsibility for more complex client management.

Combining Journalism with Arts places a strong emphasis on applied learning, and offers a broad introduction to ways in which new media practices shape our everyday lives, both in the workplace and in our communities. It will equip you with critical and innovative thinking skills, effective communication and creative writing skills, all of which are required for high achievement in a range of journalism careers.

Journalism and reporting is an evolving industry that encompasses a multitude of media including print, television, radio, web, and social media to inform, engage and entertain. Studying a Bachelor of Journalism degree alongside a Bachelor of Arts degree will teach you to gather, assess, create and present news and information to a wide range of audiences and also write, edit and publish a broad variety of written materials. The Bachelor of Journalism - Bachelor of Arts also allows you to gain foundational knowledge in many traditional areas of study including history, literature, languages and philosophy and the disciplines of social sciences, cultural studies, sociology and politics.

The Bachelor of Journalism has a prescribed set of core subjects, as well as the opportunity to use electives to complete a major or two minors from a multi-disciplinary list. You will choose one major 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, you will choose a minor or another major from the Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.

Conservation Biology is the study of the Earth's biodiversity and is concerned with managing and protecting species and ecosystems. Conservation Biologists work with government and non-government agencies to explore the interaction of scientific research with policy and management to develop strategies to minimise the impact of humans on their environment.

The Bachelor of Conservation Biology (Honours) is a practical degree that will give you the knowledge and skills needed to become a conservation biologist and undertake postgraduate research.

Your first year studies in biology, chemistry, and earth and environmental sciences lead to second year studies in how organisms function, plant and animal ecology, and landscape science. In third year your studies will focus on research training and experience in conservation biology and ecology, preparing you for Honours in fourth year where you will expand your knowledge even further through targeted research.

Health and Physical Education teachers educate and promote a range of movement areas including games and sports, dance, gymnastics, aquatics and athletics. They also promote healthy lifestyle issues in schools to encourage lifelong movement, healthy behaviours associated with drugs, good nutrition, self-esteem development, knowledge about sexual health and interpersonal skills.

This four-year degree gives you expert theory and professional experience for employment as a Health and Physical Education teacher. You may also gain employment in other educational environments, with roles such as Game Development Officers and coaching in sports or active after school care programs. You will learn through face-to-face delivery in classrooms, online learning and community settings.

You will complete extensive professional experience throughout your degree, which allows you to learn by observation and apply your skills in the classroom. This includes a Professional Experience (PEX) in second and third year with a final seven week PEX/Internship in fourth year. You will also have opportunities for rural and international professional experiences, to study overseas with UOW's international exchange and study abroad partners, and to join international cultural immersion programs.

You can also apply for the Honours program, which is embedded in third/ fourth year, involves a research project under academic supervision. Entry to honours is based on application and merit.

What you will study
You will study health and physical education subjects including movement skills, games and sports, rhythmic movement, mental health and sexuality, relationships, drug 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.

Teaching is an academically rigorous profession and teachers play a critical role in our communities. Strengthening requirements for studying teaching degrees in an initiative of the NSW Government to ensure that initial teacher education programs prepare high quality graduate teachers who can respond to the needs of all learners to make a positive impact on student learning. At UOW we are committed to ensuring our graduates are of the highest standard by setting appropriate entry criteria and maintaining a strongly developmental program that supports teacher education students from diverse backgrounds with diverse experiences, abilities and perspectives to become the teachers of the future.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Bachelor of Business provides an opportunity for students who have a flair for business, finance, management and marketing to combine their interest with professional engineering studies.

Engineering is vital to solving the world’s big challenges: supporting communities by designing and building liveable, sustainable cities; creating transport and housing systems; and designing and building telecommunications networks, the internet and computers.

Engineers design systems to ensure ample clean water for the world’s population, to find non-polluting energy sources, to create ways to assist healthy living and ageing, and to advance medical and health technologies.

Engineers are team players and many become CEOs and entrepreneurs; engineering graduates run over 30 percent of the world’s biggest international companies, nearly double the next largest discipline. Learn the fundamentals of engineering, both the technical and interpersonal skills, and apply your knowledge in real situations to prepare you for engineering the future with an internationally accredited UOW engineering degree.

What you will study

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. All students undertake practical hands-on experience with industry for 12 weeks prior to the conclusion of their academic studies.

Students 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.

You will 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 Marketing and Management, or Supply Chain Management.

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.

The Master of Teaching (Primary) is for university graduates from non-teaching courses who want to become primary school teachers (Kindergarten to Year 6). On completion of this degree, you will obtain formal qualifications making you eligible to teach children aged 5 to 12 years in public, religious, and private schools. This degree produces high-quality teachers with an understanding of diversity in the classroom and with strong connections to school communities.

This program focuses on building teaching skills through a professional experience immersion program in your very first session, and regular professional experience periods throughout the degree. You will complete 60 days of professional experience (PEX), including the option to complete one PEX in a rural or remote area of NSW. There are also opportunities to undertake international immersion programs that, while not counted as a PEX, allow you to travel overseas, visit schools and develop your understanding of people and cultures.

Your learning will be supported by online teaching, forums, podcasts and video streamed lectures, on-campus tutorials, and in-school activities. You will benefit from the expertise of local teachers and a range of workshops to develop your skills in communication, technology-enhanced learning, working with parents, designing assessments,s and conducting school-based research.

During your study you will explore the concepts of teaching and learning to build your professional skills in the key learning areas for primary schools: English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Creative Arts, Health and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, and Human Society and its Environment (History and Geography).