While your degree will reflect a specific qualification, for example Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, some course structures require students to complete a selected major or minor (within the degree) that focuses on distinct areas of study. In some courses, students may be eligible to complete a second major or minor. An example may be where a student completes a Bachelor of Commerce with an Economics major, and a Finance minor.
Information on majors, minors and/or specialisations that are available for your course can be found in UOW's Course Handbook.
If you have questions about majors, minors or other parts of your degree, AskUOW is the place where you can search for answers.
Majors
A major is the main focus of study that gives you an area of specialisation within your degree. You will need to complete an approved combination of subjects, that make up at least one third of your total degree, to meet the requirements of your chosen major. Your major/s will appear on your testamur.
You can view the major options available in your course in the Course Handbook.
Specialisations
For postgraduate courses, majors are known as specialisations. For example, a student may complete a Master of Business Administration Advanced, specialising in Marketing. A specialisation is an approved combination of subjects, that make up a minimum value of 24 credit points of your total degree. Your specialisation will appear on your testamur.
You can view the specialisations available in your course in UOW’s Course Handbook.
Minors
A minor is a secondary focus of study. A minor has a minimum value of 24 credit points, with at least 12 of these made up of level 200 subjects. Typically, a minor cannot be completed within the same discipline as a major. For example, you may study a Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Human Geography and a minor in Social Policy. Minors will not appear on your testamur, but will be recorded on your academic transcript.
You can view the minors available in your course, or refer to the General of Schedule of Minors, in the Course Handbook.
Tip: Use the advanced search > areas of study > schedules in the Handbook to see the general schedule of minors.
When to choose your major, minor or specialisation
Declaring a major, minor or specialisation refers to the formal process of selecting your major or minor.
You are encouraged to declare your major/s by the end of your first year of study. Deciding early will allow enough time, and will help you select the right subjects, so you satisfy your course requirements upon graduation. If you are in your final session of study, you should ensure you have declared any major(s) and/or minor(s) before applying to graduate.
It may be possible to change your major or minor, however, you will need to satisfy the course requirements for the new major or minor. You can view the structure and requirements in the Course Handbook.
How to declare or change your major, minor or specialisation
In most cases, majors and specialisations can be declared or changed via SOLS. Simply select 'Major Maintenance' from the left-hand menu and follow the prompts.
If you cannot select your choice, or to declare or change a minor, please complete an Application to Declare or Change a Major, Specialisation or Minor online.
Need help?
If you would like additional assistance, please contact the AskUOW team in Student Central.