Master of Earth and Environmental Sciences

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

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.

The Bachelor of Science Advanced Honours (Biomolecular Physics) degree is for high-achieving students interested in a challenging program leading to a career in scientific research. The UOW Honours website provides lots of useful information regarding research opportunities, scholarships, and application procedures.

Biomolecular physicists are integrated across a wide range of careers including commercial biomedicine, instrumentation and biotech companies (e.g. Sigma and Life Technologies). They assist in developing molecular diagnostic instrumentation for government and institutional research laboratories, as well beam-line scientists at National Research Facilities (e.g. ANSTO and the Australian Synchrotron).

Biomolecular Physicists work closely with other scientists with an aim to develop a better understanding of diseases and improve treatment and diagnostic, and recovery in a range of medical conditions. They seek to develop new methods and technology to assist with better food processing and preservation. This degree will excite and challenge students with an aptitude for physics and mathematics and an interest in biology and chemistry.

What you will study
This degree requires completion of subjects in physics, mathematics, chemistry, biological science and statistics. You will also study specialist subjects in imaging, structure and dynamics of living and soft matters. These lectures will be provided by experts from within UOW and at external research institutes. You will participate in various enrichment activities and develop a close association with an appropriate member of one of the Faculty’s research teams.

The creative sector is one of the fastest-growing, most dynamic industries in the world. In the digital age, writing is becoming more and more central to the way we communicate with each other. The Bachelor of Creative Arts (Creative Writing) teaches skills and strategies so your writing is strong and clear. It helps you express ideas in imaginative ways that will impact your readers. Creative writers work in a range of areas: poetry, editing, writing for multimedia, commercial and content writing, commercial theatre and performance, short stories and novels, or even in ways that combine or challenge these forms. Creative writers might write to entertain or to educate – but they’re always drawing on the human condition, exploring what it means to be human.

This course is designed to teach you to think about your story, image and scene. Creative writers draft and re-draft so their work is at its best, and this process is exciting.

What you will study
Core subjects will teach you the foundation for editing, writing across borders, genre and form, contemporary theory and research practice and you will explore social justice and children's literature. As well as your Creative Writing major, you must elect a minor or a second major from the Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts. Creative writing pairs well with a major in English Literatures, Languages, Indigenous Studies or Philosophy.

People are an organisation's most valuable resource. Human Resource Management (HRM) is concerned with finding the right staff for an organisation and having employed them, nurturing them so that they want to stay and perform to the best of their abilities. Rather than solely focusing on the bottom line, HRM also focuses on motivational factors, employee health and wellbeing, human rights, ethics, and the impact of responsible management on society.

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 Human Resource Management. This major will teach you about the people side of business operations by gaining an understanding of Human Resource Management theories and practices. Careers in HRM include HR manager, HR consultant, industrial officer, recruitment manager, training management, safety manager and career development manager.

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
Specific focus is placed on the acquisition and development of employees, positively influencing their employment performance, and monitoring and managing the processes of staff selection, retention and turnover. HRM examines specific people management practices such as recruitment and selection, organisational behaviour, employee relations, management of change, learning and development and workplace health and safety management.

Big Data can solve problems in science, society and business including population growth, transport, security, medical technology, trade and commerce. All sectors will have a demand for creative people with a background in quantitative analysis who can look for strategic insights in massive data sets, using techniques in data mining, data visualisation, data analysis, data manipulation and data discovery.

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.

This degree
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 from companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Oracle, SAP and Cisco.

What you will study
You will study subjects in data mining, big data management, database performance tuning, distributed systems and cloud computing. Learn to evaluate both structured and messy big data sets using the '4 Vs': Volume, Velocity, Variety, and Veracity. Volume represents the sizes of datasets at a level of Terabytes and even Petabytes. Velocity represents fast-changing data streams that require continuous analysis. Variety represents many different formats of data. Veracity represents uncertain and unreliable data.

The Master of Earth and Environmental Sciences is for students who wish to extend their knowledge and diversify their skill base within a range of sub-disciplines of the Earth and Environmental Sciences, and in particular, Environmental Science, Geology and Physical Geography.

What you will study
This degree will serve as a refresher program for graduates wishing to explore specific combinations of topics in greater detail; a program for professionals already practicing aspects of Earth and Environmental Sciences seeking additional analytical skills, and as a stepping stone for graduates intending to proceed to a higher degree by research, upon completion of the program.

With the appropriate qualifications and laboratory skills, you can be awarded credit for these preparatory subjects.

This degree
The degree emphasises the interconnectedness of the many sub-disciplines within the Earth and Environmental Sciences where content will be explored through the common core first year subjects. The Master of Earth and Environmental Sciences is designed through the lens of global perspectives in science where you will use drones and artificial intelligence technology.

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.

Spanish is the world's second most spoken language after Chinese, and is the second most used language in international communication. Speaking Spanish will allow you to communicate with more than 495 million people worldwide and will also greatly increase your employment options with many of the world's leading economies demanding Spanish speakers. Hispanic culture continues to have a global impact on film, architecture, cinema, art and literature.

What you will study
At UOW, you will study Spanish language, grammar, culture and history. Core language subjects focus on developing spoken and written language skills that can be used in real-life situations. Core cultural subjects focus on literature, linguistics, and the history, culture and society of the Spanish-speaking world.

In addition to the Spanish major, you will choose a minor or a second major from the Bachelor of Arts offerings.

The Bachelor of Creative Arts - Bachelor of Communication and Media has a strong focus on the creative industries and encourages an understanding of how producers and consumers interact in a media-saturated world. UOW connects hands-on studio production with critical reflection. This degree will equip you with a diverse set of skills including critical and creative thinking and effective communication and problem-solving skills, all of which are required for high achievement in a range of careers.

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, advertising and PR. 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.

You will also become part of the creative industries, one of the fastest growing sectors in the world.  In Australia, over 600,000 people create a living from working in film; television and radio; writing and editing; recording and performing; advertising and marketing; design and visual arts; and architecture.  A Creative Arts degree equips you with a sound knowledge of contemporary arts, art theory and history within Australia and how that fits within an international context, reflecting on social, cultural and ethical issues.

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.

The Bachelor of Creative Arts involves the study of theory and practice-based work in the following major study areas: Creative Writing, Music, Visual Arts or Visual Arts and Design.

A 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 Social Science allows you to explore how practices, policies and structures contribute to social disadvantage and injustice. The Criminology major will provide students with a broad suite of skills to identify, interpret and evaluate issues around crime, deviancy and justice from a social sciences perspective.

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 which 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 and community organisations – as leaders, innovators and problem solvers.

What you will study
The Bachelor of Social Science - 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.