Honours Program

2011 Honours Handbook

2011/2012 PHE Honours Handbook

2012 Prospective Students Handbook

2012 Available Honours Projects

Current Honours Cohort

Past Honours Projects

Objectives of the Honours Program

The Faculty of Education offers the following undergraduate Honours Programs:

• Bachelor of Education - The Early Years Honours 
• Bachelor of Primary Education Honours  
• Bachelor of Physical and Health 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 research 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 that contribute to educational research and practice

How to Apply for the Honours Program

The Early Years and Primary Education

Third year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Education, (The Early Years or Primary 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 the Research Officer in Building 23.G21.  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 2 December, 2011.

Bachelor of Physical and Health Education

Third year students enrolled in the Bachelor of  Physical and Health Education, who wish to apply for the honours intake commencing in Spring session 2012, should  complete an Undergraduate Course Application Form (available from the Student Service Centre). They should also submit a copy of their honours research proposal to the Research Officer in Building 23.G21.  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 Friday, 25 May 2012.

The application will be considered by the Faculty Research Committee and recommendations forwarded to the Associate Dean - Research & Graduate 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 - The Early Years Honours

1. Attainment of an approved standard of achievement (WAM of 75+) during the first, second and third years of the undergraduate degree.  That is, 100, 200 and 300 level subjects must be 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 Primary Education Honours

1. Attainment of an approved standard of achievement (WAM of 75+) during the first, second and third years of the undergraduate degree.  That is, 100, 200 and 300 level subjects must be 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 2012: 2 December 2011

Bachelor of Physical and Health Education Honours

1. Attainment of an approved standard of achievement during the first, second and third year (first semester) of your course. That is 100,  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 Spring 2012: 25 May 2012

General Information about Honours at UoW can be found here