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Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation (Honours)

Focus on a topic that fascinates you. Undertake a major independent research project. Graduate with advanced research, analysis, and communication skills.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For Year 12 students, the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation (including single and eligible double degree options) is available through UOW Early Admission. Applicants who are not currently completing Year 12 can apply directly to UOW or through UAC.

International students can apply to study at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in several ways. Your application options will depend on your individual circumstances.

Explore your options at UOW Apply.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent to help you navigate the application process, ensure that you submit all necessary documentation, and provide you with visa counselling services. Applying through an approved UOW agent is offered at no cost to students.

For your nearest agent, please see our UOW agent list.

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Year ?
Campus
Wollongong
Delivery ?
On Campus
Duration ?
1 year full-time, or part-time equivalent
Starts
  • Autumn 2026
  • Spring 2026
Codes
CRICOS: 099634C
UOW: 3020
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Overview

If there is a question, idea or debate from your Western Civilisation studies that you want to explore further, this honours year gives you the opportunity to investigate it in depth.

The Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation (Honours) is an optional fourth year that combines advanced coursework with an independent research project. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor from the School of Liberal Arts, you will develop and complete a 15,000-word thesis on a topic that reflects your interests. This research thesis is completed under the supervision of an academic employed in the School of Liberal Arts.

You will learn to research independently, work with a range of information sources, develop and defend an argument, and communicate complex ideas in written and oral forms.

These capabilities are valued across a wide range of professional settings and can also provide a pathway to further research study.

See the course handbook for more information.

Honours is designed for students who want to undertake a substantial piece of independent research and explore a topic in greater depth than is possible in an undergraduate degree. 
 
A key feature of the degree is the opportunity to negotiate a research topic that aligns with your academic interests. Working closely with an experienced supervisor, you will design, research and write an extended thesis, developing a sustained argument informed by evidence and scholarship. 
 
The degree consists of 50% coursework and 50% research. Throughout your studies, you will learn how to navigate a range of information systems and research environments, including archives, library collections, databases and electronic research networks. You will also refine your ability to communicate complex ideas in both written and oral forms. 
 
The Honours experience provides structured support while encouraging intellectual independence. You will manage a significant research project from conception to completion, gaining experience in planning, investigation, analysis and academic writing. 
 
By completing Honours, you will demonstrate your ability to pursue a complex objective, work effectively with resources, meet deadlines and produce a substantial piece of original research. These are highly transferable skills that can support professional opportunities across many fields as well as future postgraduate research pathways.

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Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for future students. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

Entry requires a Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation or another relevant bachelor’s degree, with an average of at least 80% (normally) in the core Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation subjects or across a relevant major in which the Honours degree will be undertaken. Additionally, a Distinction is required in two of the 300-level subjects required by the major.

Applicants must complete a 500-word outline of the proposed thesis topic. The outline should indicate the primary question the applicant wishes to research, as well as provide a justification for the significance of the research.

Applicants must achieve the required score in a previous qualification, equivalent to completing at least 13 years of schooling in Australia.

  • Academic Entry Requirements

    To succeed in your chosen course, you should have completed relevant subjects in senior high school or other qualifications. For more information, refer to UOW's Entry Requirements page.

  • English Language Requirements

    The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

    English Test

    Overall Score

    Reading

    Writing

    Listening

    Speaking
    IELTS Academic

    8.5

    8.5

    8.5

    8.5

    8.5

    UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Distinction (weighted average mark of 75 overall and minimum 75 in Academic Reading and Writing)
    Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.

  • Workload

    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study, practical work and placements.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognises various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

International Course fees table
Campus Delivery method Session fee* Course fee*
WollongongOn Campus$17136 (2026)$34272 (2026)

* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression. These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at UOW, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.

Tuition fees are reviewed annually: fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and are subject to increase during the period of study

Additional Fees

In addition to tuition, there are other fees and costs you will need to consider, including but not limited to:

  • Autumn Session, 2026 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. If submitted late, your application may be reviewed for a future session if a decision cannot be made in time for your preferred session. 

    ApplicationDate
    Domestic (UAC Early Bird)30 September, 2025
    International9 December, 2025
    Domestic (direct)31 December, 2025
    Domestic (UAC final round)29 January, 2026

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start2 March, 2026
    Census date31 March, 2026
    Mid-session recess20 - 24 April, 2026
    Session end25 June, 2026
  • Spring Session, 2026 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. If submitted late, your application may be reviewed for a future session if a decision cannot be made in time for your preferred session. 

    ApplicationDate
    International5 May, 2026
    Domestic (direct)31 May, 2026
    Domestic (UAC final round)2 July, 2026

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates.

     Dates
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start27 July, 2026
    Census date31 August, 2026
    Mid-session recess28 September - 2 October, 2026
    Session end19 November, 2026

     

  • Autumn Session, 2027 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. Applications submitted after the advertised closing date will still be accepted. We will endeavour to process late applications in time for the nominated session, however this cannot be guaranteed.

    ApplicationDate
    Domestic (UAC Early Bird)30 September, 2026
    InternationalSee International students page for key application cut-off dates
    Domestic (direct)31 December, 2026
    Domestic (UAC final round)28 January, 2027

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start1 March, 2027
    Census date31 March, 2027
    Mid-session recess19 - 23 April, 2027
    Session end24 June, 2027
  • Spring Session, 2027 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. Applications submitted after the advertised closing date will still be accepted. We will endeavour to process late applications in time for the nominated session, however this cannot be guaranteed.

    ApplicationDate
    InternationalSee International students page for key application cut-off dates
    Domestic (direct)31 May, 2027
    Domestic (UAC final round)1 July, 2027

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates.

     Dates
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start26 July, 2027
    Census date31 August, 2027
    Mid-session recess27 September - 1 October, 2027
    Session end18 November, 2027

     

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