Key facts

Duration

1 year full-time

Locations

Course overview

Develop advanced research skills and deepen your disciplinary expertise with the Bachelor of Arts (Honours). In this optional year of specialised study, you will conduct in-depth independent research on a topic you are passionate about, while building research capability and disciplinary knowledge through coursework and a supervised thesis. 
 
Guided by experienced academics, you will engage with contemporary debates in the social sciences, humanities or literary studies while strengthening your critical and analytical thinking. You will graduate with practical research capabilities suited to roles across the public and private sectors, and be well placed to progress to masters or doctoral research.

Current Deakin students

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

Award granted
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Year

2027 course information

Deakin code
A400
CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
001816G Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

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

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Compulsory 0-credit point module

To be completed in the first trimester of study:

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin

Units

Honours Research Design
Research Communication
Honours Theory and Debates in the Discipline
Honours, Reading in the Discipline
Honours Research Project A
Honours Research Project B
Honours Research Project C
Honours Research Project D

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.

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

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

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Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Contact information

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

Course Director (SCCA)

A/Prof Alyson Miller

Tel: (03) 5247 9315

Email: alyson.miller@deakin.edu.au

Course Director (SHSS)

A/Prof Kiran Pienaar

Email: kiran.pienaar@deakin.edu.au

Tel: (03) 5227 2004

For SHSS discipline students requiring further information, please contact:

Anthropology

Dr David Giles

Tel: (03) 9246 8382

Email: d.giles@deakin.edu.au

Criminology

Dr Sally Kennedy

Tel: (03) 9246 8946

Email: s.kennedy@deakin.edu.au

History

Prof David Lowe

Tel: (03) 5227 2691

Email: david.lowe@deakin.edu.au

International Relations, Middle East Studies, Politics and Policy (PRIMES)

Dr Bianca Baggiarini

Tel: 03 9246 8180

Email: b.baggiarini@deakin.edu.au

Languages

Dr Ramon Lopez Castellano

Tel: 03 9244 5115

Email: ramon.lopezcastellano@deakin.edu.au

Philosophy

Dr Cathy Legg

Tel: 03 9246 8856

Email: c.legg@deakin.edu.au

Sociology

Dr Rose Butler

Email: rose.butler@deakin.edu.au

Inclusive learning support

At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.

If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.

Entry requirements

Your academic history, work and life experience, and individual circumstances will be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission, but alternative pathways may be available.

To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • completion of a bachelor degree or higher or major in a related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of at least 65 in third year units, or where relevant, final year units

Learn more about Deakin and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn't have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you're able to commit to your study.

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.

Recognition of prior learning

We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

$38,200 for 1 yr full-time AUD

The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.

Learn more about tuition fees for international students.

Scholarship options

Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.

Find a scholarship that can support you

Apply now

Apply directly to Deakin

Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.

We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.

APPLY THROUGH STUDYLINK CONNECT

Pathways

Further study options

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

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:

For more information go to DeakinTALENT.

Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.

Course Learning Outcomes
Synthesise complex theoretical knowledge with appropriate discipline-specific research methodologies to conceptualise, plan, and execute an original piece of research or work demonstrating high level, independent critical analysis and evaluative judgment.
Articulate complex research questions, designs, and outcomes through a variety of media, adapting communication strategies to effectively convey information to diverse audiences in professional and academic contexts.
Apply evaluative judgement to a range of digital technologies in the production of ethically informed research and analysis, employing intellectual independence to the resolution of complex tasks.
Critically evaluate and synthesise theoretical knowledge and methodologies and apply these to complex applications, including the generation of new knowledge and works.
Analyse and evaluate complex problems and solutions using appropriate theoretical frameworks and implement strategies to address these.
Apply autonomy, responsibility and adaptability in learning and meeting deadlines, upholding integrity and accountability for personal actions.
Collaborate effectively, responsibly and ethically with a diverse range of people to set and meet relevant and agreed on outcomes.
Apply self-reflexivity and critical analysis to personal cultural values, privileges, and biases while engaging with diverse perspectives, particularly Indigenous knowledges, in the development of research and creative works.

Approved at Faculty Board November 2024

*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.

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