Honours

Honours is an intensive year-long program which involves both advanced coursework and research. The program culminates in an extended piece of work (thesis) on a topic chosen in consultation with an academic supervisor. The Honours year is undertaken after successful completion of a Bachelor's degree with a major in the relevant area.

Entry into Honours is selective and the work at this level is challenging. Honours is available in most of the disciplines taught within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. It is also possible, with the agreement of the relevant Honours Convenors, to combine studies in more than one discipline. Students usually undertake honours full-time, however it is possible to complete Honours over two years on account of special personal or medical circumstances.

Why Study Honours?

• to engage, in depth, with a discipline you have a passion or special aptitutude for
• to develop your research and writing skills to an advanced level
• to meet people with similar interests and develop your professional networks
• to significantly enhance your employment opportunities
• Honours is the prerequisite for entry to a Higher Degree by Research at the Masters and Doctorate levels

Preparing for Honours

Students should plan for their Honours year as early as possible, e.g. first/second year, to ensure that the appropriate courses are studied during their Bachelor degree. The relevant Honours Convenor can provide advice, in addition to discussing a research proposal.

See the Honours programs we offer below. Students undertaking a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) can choose from a variety of specialisations.

*Only available to students who have completed the Bachelor of Media (or approved equivalent) to an appropriate standard.

Please note: Students who are accepted to do Honours in Psychology will be enrolling in the Bachelor of Health Science (Hons) degree, regardless of their undergraduate degree. Please contact the Faculty of Health Sciences for further information.

Am I eligible for Honours?

The pre-requisite for entry into Honours is a completed Bachelors degree with a major in your chosen discipline.  The grade average required differs from discipline to discipine so you should consult the relevant Honours Convenor for further information.  Generally a credit average of 70% or better in your major is required.

How do I apply?

Please contact the Honours Convenor in the discipline of your choice to discuss your eligibility and interest. You will then need to sumbit an application to the relevant School Office.  Updated application forms and Honours handbooks are available on School websites from October each year and are also handed out at Honours Information Sessions. 

Applications are accepted in October and November of each year.  The specific closing date for each discipline can be found in the Honours handbook or on the application form.  

The available specialisations and associated Honours Convenors are listed below:

*Only available to students who have completed the Bachelor of Media (or approved equivalent) to an appropriate standard.

Honours Information Sessions are conducted by most disciplines in October of each year.  If you're in your final year of study and would like to find out more about what's involved and how to apply for Honours, attend the relevant information session.