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Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Undergraduate degree

If you value independent thinking and are looking for a pathway to research degrees, this optional year of specialised study is for you.

Key facts

English language requirements

IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent

Duration

1 year full-time

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

If you value independent thinking and are looking for a pathway to research degrees and enhanced career opportunities, the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) could be ideal for you. In this optional year of specialised study, you will conduct in-depth research on a topic you are passionate about and develop advanced research skills and disciplinary knowledge through coursework.

Our experienced academics will supervise you as you work on your thesis and engage with the wider discourse around your chosen topic. You will improve your critical and constructive thinking and gain practical research skills you can use in a range of private and public sectors to positively impact issues you care about. 

Want to conduct your own research to make a real impact in the social sciences, humanities or literary studies?

This course is a wonderful way to interrogate the world. Enjoy the intellectual stimulation and personal fulfilment that comes with deep learning about a subject that is vitally important to you, while appreciating the supportive environment Deakin has to offer.

After graduation, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) high-achieving students are eligible to extend their research experience through masters and doctoral research programs.

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Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Year

2023 course information

Deakin code
A400
CRICOS code?
001816G Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Course structure

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) course requires the completion of 8 credit points of study at level 4. Half of that requirement is met through coursework, which may include directed reading and/or enrolment in course work units, and half is satisfied through a research project (thesis or dissertation) of 14000-16000 words. Where creative works form a significant part of the assessment, they must be accompanied by an exegesis of at least 6000 words, depending on the discipline area. There are no attendance requirements for online enrolled students, although regular consultation with an appointed thesis supervisor is required. Students are also required to complete

  • Academic Integrity AAI018
  • Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

    4

    Course work units

    4

    Research Project

    8

    Total equivalent units

    Disciplines

    Refer to the details of each discipline for availability.

    The School of Communication and Creative Arts (SCCA) offers the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in the following disciplines:

    Children's Literature, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Literary Studies, and Professional and Creative Writing.

    Notes: 

    (i) The School of Communication and Creative Arts (SCCA) offers the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at Burwood (Melbourne) to all students, to Waurn Ponds (Geelong) students and online students subject to agreement with the Honours Co-ordinator.

    (ii) For disciplines in the creative arts (Animation and Motion Capture, Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Media and Communication, Photography, Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design) please refer to A450 Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours)

    (iii) For disciplines in communication (Journalism, Public Relations, Media and Communication) please refer to A451 Bachelor of Communication (Honours)

    The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) offers the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in the following disciplines:

    Anthropology, Criminology, History, Sociology, International Relations, Politics, Philosophy, Language.

    Notes:

    (i) Anthropology, Criminology, History, International Relations, Languages, Politics, Philosophy and Sociology are all offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong) and online.

    • Course notes: 

    (i) Honours students who commenced prior to 2015 to contact the Faculty Honours Student Advisor in the Student Services Office for enrolment advice.

    (ii) Students enrolling in Trimester 2 will commence part-time but may convert to full-time study in the following year. Course completion may be 18 months to 2 years.

    Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
      • Online

    Please note: Online study may be required depending on chosen discipline areas studied

    Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).

    Additional course information

    Course duration - additional information

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

    Participation requirements

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    Entry requirements

    Entry information

    Entry will be based on performance in:

    • a Bachelor degree or major in a related discipline with a WAM (Weighted Average Mark) of at least 65% in all level 3 and level 4 units (for Deakin awards) or final year units (for awards from other providers) OR
    • other evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent

    Applicants in the following disciplines Anthropology, Criminology, History, Sociology, 
    International Relations, Politics, Philosophy, Language, and Middle East Studies are also advised to read further information and complete requirements – see Information and Application form

    IELTS / English language requirements

    Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.

    It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that she/he has the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses. (more details)

    General admission requirements for entry into undergraduate courses for international students at Deakin are summarised in the undergraduate course requirements.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.

    Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.

    For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library

    Online studies

    Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.

    However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

    The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.

    Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.

    Learn more about international student fees.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

    Apply now

    Apply through Deakin

    Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.

    Deakin International office or Deakin representative

    Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
    If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.

    Entry pathways

    Further study options

    Graduates may wish to apply for further study in Higher Degrees by Research.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    As a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) graduate, depending on your discipline, your skills will be in demand in a range of careers, including:

    • business
    • community services
    • education
    • government civil service
    • international relations
    • media
    • museums and other historical or cultural institutions
    • not-for-profit community or policy work
    • private sector consulting
    • public office
    • public policy
    • police
    • research
    • social work
    • wiring, editing and publishing

    For more information go to DeakinTALENT

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

    Course Learning Outcomes

    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

    Acquire coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in a Humanities or Social Science discipline including Creative and Professional Writing, Children’s Literature, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Anthropology, Criminology, History, Languages, International Relations, Literary Studies, Middle East Studies, Politics, Philosophy or Sociology.

    Acquire advanced knowledge of research principles and methods.

    Apply this knowledge with initiative and judgement in planning and executing a piece of research and scholarship.

    Communication

    Demonstrate advanced oral, written and electronic communication skills in the clear and coherent communication of research questions, design and outcomes to diverse audiences and in the production of scholarly papers.

    Digital literacy

    Acquire advanced technical skills in the use of a range of digital technologies to research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information and resources in a rapidly-changing global environment.

    Critical thinking

    Employ intellectual independence and advanced theoretical knowledge and cognitive skills to critically analyse, evaluate and apply appropriate theories and methodologies in finding solutions to complex problems.  

    Problem solving

    Apply advanced theoretical knowledge and cognitive and technical skills to review, analyse, identify and apply solutions to complex problems in the Humanities and Social Sciences. 

    Self-management

    Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, well-developed judgement and adaptability in learning and professional contexts and accountability for personal actions and in undertaking research and in the communication of research outcomes.  

    Teamwork

    Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community. 

    Global citizenship

    Demonstrate an advanced understanding and awareness of ethical issues, cultural diversity, and social responsibility when engaging in scholarship and professional roles in the local, national or international community.

    Approved by Faculty Board November 2018