Honours - What honour students say:

Criminology

Sarah Male

I decided to do my honours as I want to work in research in the criminology field. In attempting to write a thesis I wanted to see if I was going to be up to the task in pursuing my goal of working with research. My experience Deakin thus far has been fantastic, as they have enable me to intermit my studies whilst I had my 2 children, so now hopefully once I get my honours degree I will be ready to start my new career.

History

Stephanie Slade

What did the Honours year allow you to do? How did it enhance your prospects? Was it intellectually satisfying?

Research. I could do independent research and could do what I wanted. I felt that my undergraduate units did not allow me to undergo original research.

The thesis allowed me to do original work that no one had done before. It was very satisfying to know that I am making some contribution, however, small, to knowledge and learning. The feeling of independence was very exciting.

Supervisor. I loved working with my supervisor. I was in absolute awe of her. I wanted to hear her say that I was doing well. I was in awe of the knowledge that she could share with me after such a long and important career. The fact she was prepared to put so much effort into my work was very exciting and satisfying and made me feel grateful and excited. She came to my graduation and our friendship is ongoing.

What doors did it open?

In the first three weeks, my supervisor asked if I wanted to do post-grad, I laughed as I didn't think I would survive the year. However, my ambitions changed through the year and I am now doing postgraduate study because I love the environment and combining research and teaching is deeply satisfying.

Sociology

Karina Butera

Doing Honours in Sociology was a life changing experience for me. It is a total change of pace from the undergrad experience, and I loved being able to put the years of learning into practice through conducting my own research project.

Doing Honours was a great way for me to experience the practicalities of doing social research and gave me the training and confidence to go on to tackle a PhD after my honours year. The best part about doing honours is that you no longer are one of hundreds, you receive individual, focussed attention and mentoring from your supervisors and are able to access a depth of personal expertise that is not available during your introductory undergrad years.

I highly recommend doing Honours to anyone who wants to put their academic skills to the test in a very relevant and well supported way. Doing Honours not only gave me a challenging and rewarding project to work on, but it also gave me a professional edge in my career and a true sense of personal satisfaction to have reached a pinnacle I'd never in my wildest dreams thought I'd achieve one day.