Honours

Expand your career options and create pathways into further study

What is honours?

Honours is a specialised year of study that allows you to draw together the theory and practical skills gained in previous undergraduate studies and develop an in-depth knowledge of your particular discipline through research and additional course work.

At Deakin you can attain an honours qualification in one of two ways.

On-course honours award
This type of honours award recognises outstanding achievement in a bachelor degree program of four or more years which has an embedded honours component.

An example of this type of award is Deakin’s Bachelor of Engineering degree where students have the opportunity to graduate with 1st, 2nd or 3rd class honours after completing the four year, full-time (or part-time equivalent) degree.
Research-based honours award
This type of honours award recognises those that have successfully completed an undergraduate bachelor degree (generally but not exclusively of three years duration) followed by an additional year of full-time study, or its equivalent, that involves research and research training.

An example of this type of award is Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts degree, where high achieving students may be presented with the opportunity undertake an additional honours year and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (honours).

These honours awards will provide you with significant experience and exciting opportunities to expand your skill base before moving onto employment or postgraduate study. It is also the standard (and shortest) pathway for entry into research degrees.

Honours programs comprise a combination of specialised coursework, training in research methods, and a research project culminating in a written thesis. Your research project will be individually supervised by a highly qualified and experienced staff member and provides the opportunity for you to make a contribution to knowledge and wider debates in your discipline.

Why do honours?

Honours will provide a great opportunity to complement and expand the first three year-levels of your undergraduate degree. It provides you with the opportunity to refine your analytical and research skills while expanding employment and study options.

Prospective employers regard honours as a significant extra achievement. It is also the best way of qualifying for higher degree work at masters and PhD level.

The honours program will provide you with several significant benefits:

enhance employment prospects
develop skills that employers seek
work closely with a senior researcher and their research group
learn advanced research techniques and processes
gain advanced knowledge in a particular discipline
pathway to PhD or other research degree
personal satisfaction with your achievements
opportunity to undertake a substantial and original research project.

Read some honours student profiles to see how a specialised year of study can boost your career opportunities.

Who can apply for honours?

In order to be considered for admission to an honours degree, applicants must have completed the requirements of an undergraduate degree or equivalent, with a high level of achievement. Students generally undertake an honours program in their undergraduate major sequence or a related area.

How can you apply?

You can apply for Honours (research based) via the Deakin Applicant Portal.

You should also contact the relevant Faculty Student Support Office or Honours Co-ordinator to find out if you need to submit a proposed thesis topic or referee details with your application.