Why choose an Honours degree?

The Honours program in the School of HPI offers you an opportunity to develop advanced research skills and make an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen discipline. It provides a significant competitive advantage for graduates. Honours is also an essential prerequisite for Higher Degree Research (MPhil or PhD).

 We offer an Honours year in three programs:

This stimulating and challenging program will:

  • enable you to pursue advanced study in a discipline area in more depth than is possible in an undergraduate degree
  • allow you to pursue a research question of your choosing with guidance from your individual supervisor
  • enhance your skills and capacity for independent research
  • encourage you to thrive in small classes in which staff facilitate vigorous, student-led discussion
  • provide you with an excellent basis for entry into Research Higher Degree programs.

Entry requirements

  • BA Pass degree or equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 5.5 in a major or an extended major in the relevant discipline (Classical Languages, Ancient History, Religious Studies, Philosophy or History).
  • To study Honours in Philosophy, you must also have a pass grade in Introduction to Logic (formerly PHIL1020, now PHIL2110).
  • Please note: Students who have completed the combined Ancient History/History major may be eligible for Honours (in Ancient History or History) with approval from Supervisor, Discipline Honours Advisor and Director of Teaching and Learning. 

Program

The Honours program combines advanced coursework study with independent research and writing of an Honours thesis. You will complete:

  • Honours thesis (12 units): HUMN6012 (full time, semester one commencement) OR HUMN6022 (full time, semester two commencement) OR HUMN6014 (part time, semester one commencement only)
  • Coursework (4 units): HHSS6030 Research Design in Humanities (OR HHSS6020 Research Design in Social Sciences OR HHSS6040 Research Design in Arts and Culture)*

*NB: Students may enrol in HHSS6020 Research Design in the Social Sciences or HHSS6040 Research Design in Arts and Culture instead of HHSS6030 Research Design in Humanities, following approval from their Supervisor.

Duration

  • The Honours program must be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study, commencing in semester one one or two for the full-time study option and semester one for the part-time stuy option.