Honours Program

2006 Honours Handbook (pdf 600kb)
2007 Honours Handbook (pdf 600kb)

Objectives of the Honours Program:

The Faculty of Education offers the following undergraduate Honours Programs:

• Bachelor of Education Honours in Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor of Education Honours in Physical and Health Education
• Bachelor of Education Honours in Primary Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Education Honours

The objectives of these Honours programs support the nurturing of attributes that the University of Wollongong aims to instill in all its graduates. In particular, these Honours Programs aim to develop

• Ability to make a contribution to theory, research and pedagogy of education
• Ability to conduct independent research in education and report its outcomes in a scholarly manner in the form of a research project report (thesis) as well as other forums such as conference presentations and journal articles
• Ability to work co-operatively with individuals and groups, including students and supervisors in the Honours Program, as well as participants and informants in / resesrch sites
• Intellectual honesty, professional integrity and knowledge and enactment of appropriate ethical standards when conducting educational research
• Adaptability to changing conditions and situations in research settings
• Ability to seek out opportunities and apply knowledge in ways educational research that contribute to educational research and practice

How to Apply for the Honours Program

Third year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Teaching, (Early Childhood or Primary Education), or the Bachelor of Education (Physical and Health Education) who wish to apply for honours should attend a meeting of prospective honours candidates held in September (students should check their SOLS mail regularly during August) . Students should then complete an Undergraduate Course Application Form (available from the Student Service Centre). They should also submit a copy of their honours research proposal to Marina Evans in Building 67.333 Honours students are advised to work with their prospective supervisor in the preparation of the research proposal. The honours coordinator will have a list of projects that academics are currently engaged with to help identify a research study and locate potential supervisors. Both application and proposal must be received by 5 December, 2008.

The application will be considered by the Faculty Research Committee and recommendations forwarded to the Associate Dean - Research for approval. The Faculty Research Committee will complete an Assessment of Applicants form (see Appendix B of the Handbook) where they comment on each student's prior academic performance and potential to adapt to the social context of honours research in education, and the suitability of their proposed study.

If a student has a grievance concerning the outcome of their application, they should initially contact the Honours Coordinator and then follow Faculty procedures.

Students should view the honours degree as equipping them with skills to conduct an independent research project. It provides a foundation for the pursuance of postgraduate research; furthermore, students will find that the skills and training acquired will be beneficial in their professional career as both teacher, learner and researcher.

Admission requirements

Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education (Honours)

1. Attainment of an approved standard of achievement during the second and third years of your course. That is, 200 and 300 level subjects were completed at an average of distinction grade or better.
2. A suitable study proposal.
3. A suitable and willing Primary Supervisor and a co-supervisor.

Bachelor of Education in Primary Education (Honours)

1. Attainment of an approved standard of achievement during the second and third years of your course. That is, 200 and 300 level subjects were completed at an average of distinction grade or better.
2. A suitable study proposal.
3. A suitable and willing Primary Supervisor and a co-supervisor.

Bachelor of Education in Physical and Health Education (Honours)

1. Attainment of an approved standard of achievement during the second and third years of your course. That is 200, and 300 level subjects were completed at an average of distinction grade or better.
2. A suitable study proposal.
3. A suitable and willing Primary Supervisor and a co-supervisor.

Closing date for applications for 2008: 8 December 2007

Examples of Honours Thesis:

• A. Wilson - "The feasibility of 'Shark', a Pilot physical Activity Program for Overweight and Obese Children".
• Sarah Puglisi - "An investigation of the role of an on-line simulation in supporting the development of the pedagogy of pre-service teachers".
• Rebecca Graham - "The effect of a phonological awareness program which stresses visual cues, on students identified as having early literacy difficulties".
• Miriam Moir - "The effects and influence of background Classical music on primary school children's attitudes towards and involvement in mathematics in the classroom".
• Lucas McGee - "An examination of strategies that emerge during a series of collaborate problem solving learning experiences situated in partitive quotient construct".

Last reviewed: 28 February, 2008