Why do Honours? Where does it get you?
  • Honours provides you with one year of a quality research-focussed experience which will significantly expand your ability to be independent in a research setting. It differentiates you from graduates without Honours and makes you more desirable in the eyes of employers. It also prepares you to undertake higher degrees by research such as a PhD.
What kind of marks do you need?
  • This may vary from one discipline to another but is often at the level of a Credit average for your undergraduate subjects.
How much independence will I have?
  • This will vary depending on the area in which you carry out your research project. However, you will receive individual tuition in a range of field-specific techniques and skills. Typically, by the end of Honours you will feel comfortable performing many different research tasks with minimal supervision.
If I choose a specific lab/group for Honours, will I have to stay there to undertake a PhD?
  • No. It is common in many fields for students to stay on with the group in which they undertook Honours, but this is not a requirement and you are free to undertake a PhD anywhere else you choose.
Can I get a scholarship to do honours?
What University processes govern my honours program?
Can I do Honours in any Faculty?
  • Yes you can.

    Some Faculties offer an Honours year at the end of a 3 year Bachelor degree. In other Faculties Honours is a component prescribed in a 4-year course. Honours grades are determined at the end of the course on the basis of overall performance. Students in the appropriate 4 year degree will complete a major research or design project completed under the supervision of an academic staff member in their final year worth between 12 and 24 credit points.
Where can I get information about the honours programs in my Faculty?
  • Ask the Honours co-ordinator in your Faculty for an Honours Handbook (print or electronic) which sets out all the Faculty specific information honours students need about programs, procedures, grievances, scholarships, etc.
When and how can I change from part-time to full-time honours (or full-time to part-time)?
  • You need to talk to your Honours co-ordinator about enrolling in the appropriate Honours subject.
Do I have to enrol in the individual coursework components of my honours program?
  • Contact your Faculty Honours co-ordinator.
I’ve applied to graduate. Can I graduate and then come and do an end-on honours program?
  • If you are enrolled in a 3 year Bachelor degree you can graduate. If you are in a 4 years degree you must wait until the 4 years are completed.
Do I have to get first class honours in order to get a PG scholarship at UoW (or elsewhere)?
  • Yes, you need Honours Class 1 to qualify for a Research scholarship.
What is the situation with Centrelink payments (Youth Allowance, Austudy, etc.) and my honours program?
  • You must contact Centrelink.
What kind of financial support can I get from the University for my honours year? (i.e., scholarships both University and Faculty)
  • There are University scholarships and some faculties have some further financial support e.g. summer session scholarships tenable over the summer prior to the commencement of the Honours year. Scholarships are normally only open to fulltime students. More information
What is the situation with HECS and my honours program?
  • Honours students are eligible for HECS.
Where can I see or find honours theses from previous years in my discipline? Are they in the Library?
  • They are not held in the library. They are held in your Faculty.
Does the University offer any special parking privileges to honours students compared to undergraduate students?
  • No normal parking rules apply
What other kinds of support does the University offer? e.g., special Library privileges, Faculty/School/Department support, like special rooms, access to printers, etc.
  • The library allows Honours students to borrow more books and for a week longer than undergrads. It also gives honours students access to document delivery services. Learning Development provides workshops on research, thesis writing, etc., Statistical Consulting Service, Careers Service.
    NB: Learning Development, Library and Careers Service run workshops as well as provide individual student counselling.

 

Last reviewed: 24 September, 2008