Fields of study
Courses in Australia are categorised in to ‘Fields of education’, also called ‘Fields of study’. It is a classification system used by Australian institutions to describe courses, specialisations and units of study.
Natural and physical sciences
Natural and physical sciences is the study of all living organisms and inanimate natural objects, through experiment, observation and deduction. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:
Atmospheric sciences
Biological processes
Chemical reactions
Geological composition and structures
Laboratory methodology
Mathematical and statistical techniques
Observation and measurement
Scientific method
Subatomic particles and quantum mechanics
Thermodynamics and entropy
The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the workings of the universe, and to extend the body of scientific knowledge.
Information technology
Information technology is the study of the processing, transmitting and storage of information by computers. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:
Computation theory
Computer programming
Data format and coding
Management, storage and retrieval of information in a computer environment
Robotics programming and artificial intelligence
Systems analysis
The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of information systems, programming languages, information management and artificial intelligence, and the ability to apply them to solve problems.
Engineering and related technologies
Engineering and related technologies is the study of the design, manufacture, installation, maintenance and functioning of machines, systems and structures; and the composition and processing of metals, ceramics, foodstuffs and other materials. It includes the measurement and mapping of the earth’s surface and its natural and constructed features. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:
Aeronautics
Engineering and manufacturing technology
Food technology
Land information technology and remote sensing
Materials science
Principles of design, drafting, planning and commissioning
Plant and machine maintenance
The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the conversion of materials and energy, the measurement and representation of objects, and the operation of plant, machinery and transport systems.
Architecture and building
Architecture and building is the study of the art, science and techniques involved in designing, constructing, adapting and maintaining public, commercial, industrial and residential structures and landscapes. It includes the study of the art and science of designing and planning urban and regional environments. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:
Aesthetics and space dynamics
Building economics
Building science
Building techniques and technologies
Construction management
Architectural design and drawing
Town planning
The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of integrating structural and aesthetic elements in buildings and environments, and construction methods, techniques and materials.
Agriculture, environmental and related studies
Agriculture, environmental and related studies is the study of the theory and practice of breeding, growing, gathering, reproducing and caring for plants and animals. It includes the study of the interaction between people and the environment and the application of scientific principles to the environment to protect it from deterioration. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:
Crop production
Animal production and management
Environmental impact and assessment
Forest resource management
Soil and water conservation
Aquatic resource management
The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the management and use of natural resources, and the production of primary agricultural products.
Health
Health is the study of maintaining and restoring the physical and mental wellbeing of humans and animals. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:
Disease processes and mechanisms
Restoration and maintenance of health
Diagnosis
Principles and practices of public health
The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the principles and practices of identifying, treating, controlling and preventing injury and disease. It is also involves developing an understanding of the principles and practices of providing preventative, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care.
Education
Education is the study of the process of learning. It includes the theories, methods and techniques of imparting knowledge and skills to others. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:
Curriculum development
Processes of learning and skill acquisition
Teaching methods
The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the processes and methods of teaching and learning in pre-schools, schools, tertiary educational institutions and other settings.
Management and commerce
Management and commerce is the study of the theory and practice of planning, directing, organising, motivating and co-ordinating the human and material resources of private and public organisations and institutions. It includes the merchandising and provision of goods and services and personal development. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:
Management and administration
Human and material resources management
Sales and marketing
Finance and financial management
Human behaviour and time management
The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the theory and practice of decision making and policy formation, organisational development, planning, financial management, and the marketing and selling of goods and services.
Society and culture
Society and culture is the study of the physical, social and cultural organisation of human society and their influence on the individual and groups. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:
Belief and value systems
Cultural expression
Human development and behaviour
Human populations and their environments
Politics of power
Social organisation and structure
Social research methodology
The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of human behaviour and interaction, beliefs and values, cultural expression, and social structure and organisation.
Creative arts
Creative arts is the study of creating and performing works of art, music, dance and drama. It includes the study of clothing design and creation, and communicating through a variety of media. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:
Artistic and technical aspects of audio-visual communication
Artistic and technical aspects of creating and producing art and craft, photographs and fashion apparel
Artistic and technical aspects of creating, producing and performing music, dance and drama
History, development and theory of the visual and performing arts
The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of composition, performance, artistic production, choreography, design and creativity, and technical production.
Food, hospitality and personal services
Food, hospitality and personal services is the study of preparing, displaying and serving food and beverages, providing hospitality services, caring for the hair and body for grooming and beautification, and other personal services. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:
Application and use of skin care and cosmetic products
General beauty care
Hair cutting, styling, colouring and treatment techniques
Housekeeping
Hygienic work practices in relation to the food and hospitality industry
Preparation, display and service of food and beverages
The main purpose of this field of study is to develop an understanding of the preparation of food and beverages, and the provision of hospitality services including housekeeping, cleaning and food and beverage service. It also involves developing a knowledge of beautification and beauty treatments.
Mixed field programmes
Mixed field programmes are programmes providing general and personal development education. The theoretical content of this field of study includes:
Literacy and numeracy skills
Personal, social and workplace relationships
The main purpose of this field of study is to develop a basic understanding of reading, writing and arithmetic along with an elementary understanding of other subjects such as history, geography, natural science, social science, art and music. It also involves developing an understanding of key competencies and skills that are needed for job search activities, employment and personal survival skills.