Course types

A globally recognised degree from UOW is your passport to a world of opportunity. As a comprehensive teaching and research university, we offer more than 340 courses across a range of study levels and disciplines. The types of courses we offer are listed below.

English Language Courses

Many international students need to study English before they start their UOW courses. UOW College Australia offers English Preparation courses that will help you reach the English requirements for your UOW course. Learn more on the UOW College Australia site.

Pathway Courses

If your current qualifications don’t meet the criteria for your preferred UOW Bachelor degree, you can complete a pathway course with UOW College Australia, and if you meet the entry requirements, you’ll be guaranteed a place in a UOW Bachelor degree. Learn more on the UOW College Australia site.

Bachelor Degrees

UOW bachelor degrees are undergraduate qualifications that are recognised both in Australia and around the world. Students are awarded a bachelor degree after successfully completing 3 years of study, or a bachelor degree with honours after a fourth year of study.

Students wishing to undertake a bachelor degree can enter directly from secondary education, or from a foundation studies program in Australia or overseas.

UOW provides a wide range of bachelor degrees in a range of disciplines: in Engineering and IT, Health Sciences and Medicine; Business and Commerce, Applied and Natural Sciences; Arts, Communications and Creative Arts; Law and Education.

UOW also offers more than 50 double degree programs (4.5 to 5.5 years) and some degrees allow a double major within a single degree. For the high achiever, UOW offers a range of challenging Deans Scholar and Advanced bachelor programs.

Find the course for you on UOW Course Finder.

Masters and other postgraduate coursework degrees

A Master’s Degree (Coursework) is a postgraduate study option that is taken after completion of an undergraduate degree (such as a Bachelor degree). Coursework programs are completed through face-to-face classroom subjects. Assessment may be based on a combination of written assignments, presentations, formal examinations, class participation or practical exercises. A minor research project, research preparation subjects or practical experience subjects may also be included.

1, 1.5, or 2 year options available

1-Year Master’s: if you have completed previous study in the same subject area, you may be awarded credit to allow you to complete your Master’s degree in just one year. Learn more about Credit for prior learning.
1.5-year Master’s: the standard course duration for most Master’s degrees is one and a half years. The course entry requirements listed in Course Finder outline the prior study or work experience required for entry to your chosen course.
2-year Master’s: if you wish to complete an advanced degree with extended subject and specialisation choices, or a double specialisation (where available), you will complete your Master’s degree in two years.

Find the course for you on UOW Course Finder.

Graduate Diploma (1 Year) and Graduate Certificate (6 Months)

If you do not meet the entry requirements for a Master’s degree, a Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate may provide a pathway to your desired course. These programs may earn you credit towards a UOW Master’s degree.

These courses may provide the opportunity to take a different educational direction than your Bachelor degree, or enable you to qualify for postgraduate study if you have relevant professional experience and academic qualifications other than a Bachelor degree.

Postgraduate Research degrees

For those interested in an academic or research career, our research programs will ensure you achieve an advanced level of practice. UOW Higher Degree Research (HDR) students have direct access to academics who play a pivotal role in the latest research developments, and you will be able to play an active and exciting part in research projects of international importance. UOW offers HDR opportunities in many areas of research, including: intelligent polymers; superconductors; biomolecular, physical and chemical sciences; sustainable building; innovative engineering; medical and clinical research; public health; preventative health and health services; medical radiation physics; ocean resources and security; early childhood development; and environmental conservation.

For more information about UOW research programs, visit the UOW Graduate Research School.

Study Abroad Semester Programs

If you’re an undergraduate student studying at a university outside of Australia, you are welcome to visit UOW on a Semester Program. You can spend one or two semesters studying at UOW while you experience life in Australia, and earn study credits that you can transfer to your home university. To learn more about Semester Programs, visit our Study Abroad & Exchange site.