Bachelor of Geography
Course summary
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.
Course information
Study area
Geography
Campus
Wollongong
Course Code
1708
Duration
3 years full-time, or part-time equivalent
Delivery
On Campus
Cricos
089781G
UAC Code
755250
Admission, Key dates, and Fees
A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.
For any specific advice or questions regarding an application, please contact the Future Students Team.
Recent Secondary Education Admission Criteria These criteria may be used to gain admission to this course for students who are currently in year 12 or have recently completed their secondary education.
Recent secondary education students can gain admission to this course via non-ATAR or ATAR-based options.
NON-ATAR ADMISSION OPTIONS With these options students may be admitted on the basis of criteria other than ATAR.
Non-ATAR admissions at UOW take an individual approach to understanding potential for academic success. Each student is assessed based on key qualities across academic readiness, motivation & passion, planning & persistence, and communication & collaboration.
Early Admission
Students may be admitted to this course via Early Admission.
ATAR-BASED ADMISSION OPTIONS With these options, students may be admitted on the basis of ATAR or ATAR plus additional criteria (e.g. an audition or individual subject results).
Guaranteed entry selection ranks
The minimum score for guaranteed entry (or for consideration if this course has limited places) is an ATAR-Selection Rank of 75 or an IB of 26. This includes the effect of adjustment factors.
Adjustment factors
Adjustment factors, such as the subjects you are studying, the area in which you live or equity and access schemes, are taken into consideration and these will be combined with your ATAR to adjust your selection rank and make it higher than your ATAR. Find out more about UOW's adjustment factors.
Other Admission Criteria
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING Students who have undertaken vocational education or training since leaving school.
HIGHER EDUCATION STUDY Students who have studied a University course, or completed a bridging or enabling course.
WORK & LIFE EXPERIENCE Students admitted on the basis of previous achievement other than higher education study, vocational education & training, or recent secondary education.
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
If you can demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for our subjects through prior learning, such as previous tertiary or TAFE qualifications, you may be eligible for credit for prior learning towards your degree. Where relevant to the UOW degree, specified credit may be given for specific subject(s); where not relevant to the degree, unspecified credit may be awarded.
Click here for more information on UOW's credit transfer arrangements.
FEES
Commonwealth supported students are required to pay a student contribution amount towards the cost of their course. The amounts are calculated based on the subject cluster and the Equivalent Full-time Study Load (EFTSL) value of the subject. For information regarding student contribution amounts, please refer to the UOW Current Students website.
* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression.
These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at UOW, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants need to have achieved the required score in a qualification equivalent to the completion of 13 years of schooling in Australia.
In order to succeed in your chosen course, it is assumed you have completed relevant subjects in your senior high school studies or other relevant qualifications. This is particularly important for degrees which have a strong basis in Mathematics or Science.
ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS
The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:
| English Test |
Overall Score |
Reading |
Writing |
Listening |
Speaking |
| IELTS Academic |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
| TOEFL (Internet-based) |
70 |
18 |
18 |
17 |
17 |
UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Pass (weighted average mark of 50 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing)
Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
Click here for more information on UOW's credit transfer arrangements.
FEES
Tuition fees are reviewed annually: fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and are subject to increase during the period of study.
Overseas Health Cover:
Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) must be purchased for the proposed duration of the student visa. For information regarding the OSHC fees applicable, please refer to the international fees website.
CAMPUS | DELIVERY METHOD | SESSION FEE* | COURSE FEE* |
|---|---|---|---|
Wollongong | On Campus | $16,512 (2023) | $99,072 (2023) |
* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression.
These fees are subject to change from year to year. The fees outlined in your Letter of Offer of Admission to the University are correct at the point of offer, but are indicative and subject to change without notice. The indicative total course tuition fee is an estimate, based on normal course length and progression and current course fees.
Admission Profile
INDICATIVE ENROLMENT
STUDENT PROFILE
This table shows the breakdown of the applicant background of the student group at UOW for this course. It provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and continued study beyond the census date at UOW in 2022.
Applicant background |
2022 intake |
2022 intake (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study Students who have studied a University course, or completed a bridging or enabling course. |
- |
- |
| Vocational education & training study Students who have undertaken vocational education or training since leaving school. |
- |
- |
| Work & life experience Students admitted on the basis of previous achievement other than higher education study, vocational education & training, or recent secondary education. |
- |
- |
|
Recent secondary education |
||
| ATAR Only Students admitted only on the basis of ATAR including any applied adjustment factors. |
- |
- |
| ATAR plus additional criteria Students who were admitted on the basis of both ATAR and additional criteria (e.g. an audition or individual subject results). |
- |
- |
| Other criteria only (non-ATAR) These students were admitted on the basis of other criteria where ATAR was not a factor (e.g. UOW Early Admission). |
- |
- |
| International students All other students. |
- |
- |
| All students |
- |
- |
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (hidden to prevent calculation of other numbers less than 5)
ATAR PROFILE
This table relates to all students selected on the basis of ATAR alone or ATAR in combination with adjustment factors. For more information on adjustment factors commonly available to applicants, see ‘ATAR-based admission’.
|
ATAR profile of ATAR-based offers in 2022 |
ATAR The unadjusted, raw ATARs for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR. | Selection Rank The ATARs of the same student group, including the impact of adjustment factors. |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer |
- |
- |
| Median rank to receive an offer |
- |
- |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer |
- |
- |
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (less than 5 ATAR-based offers made)
More Information
For more information about UOW admission pathways, see UOW Admission Information.
Key Dates
SESSION | CAMPUS | SESSION DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
2023 Autumn | Wollongong | Orientation: 21 - 23 February 2023 Applications Close
*Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by these dates will receive an outcome prior to the start of session. |
2023 Spring | Wollongong | Orientation: 17 July 2023 Applications Close
*Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by these dates will receive an outcome prior to the start of session. |
Course Structure
(Current year structure - subject to change)
Course HandbookWhy choose this course
Working in science requires real-world practical skills and contemporary knowledge. At UOW we’re committed to ‘enquiry-based learning’ that teaches you to constantly seek out knowledge, analyse it and apply it in your chosen profession.
We integrate technology into all our learning and teaching to ensure that you graduate equipped to excel in a constantly changing and technologically advanced world. You will participate in practical classes in our new purpose-built Science Teaching Facility or out in the field, ensuring that you have the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of tomorrow’s employers.
Our courses are taught by professionals who are world-leading researchers—so the skills and knowledge you acquire can be applied to real-world challenges today and in the future.
- Geologist
- Geographer
- Research Officer
- Heritage Officer
- Policy/Project Officer
- Hydrologist
- Tourism and Recreation Planner
- Geospatial Intelligence Officer
- Market Researcher
- Cartographer
- Climatologist
- Ranger
- Environmental Health Officer
- International Aid Officer
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