The Bachelor of Classical Studies (Honours) is a rigorous, research-intensive undergraduate degree that immerses students in the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome, spanning the Aegean Bronze Age (circa 3rd millennium BC) through to the transition from Late Antiquity into the early medieval period (around 500–800 AD). The degree encompasses a broad range of disciplines including ancient languages (Ancient Greek and Latin), ancient history, classical literature, philosophy, art history, archaeology, and anthropology. The Honours year, typically a fourth year of study built upon a completed Bachelor of Classical Studies or equivalent undergraduate major, requires students to design and execute a substantial independent research project — usually a 20,000-word thesis — under the supervision of a specialist academic, demonstrating advanced command of research principles, theoretical frameworks, and scholarly methodologies in classical studies.

This degree is designed for intellectually curious students who are passionate about understanding the foundations of Western civilisation and wish to engage deeply with the ancient world through its languages, literature, material culture, and historical record. Students are encouraged to study broadly across classical antiquity, developing a general understanding of the entire Greco-Roman period while also specialising in areas of personal interest such as Ancient Greek tragedy, Roman political history, Latin poetry, classical archaeology, or ancient philosophy. The Honours qualification is a prestigious credential that distinguishes graduates from standard BA holders, demonstrating the capacity for independent research and complex analytical writing highly valued across a range of professional fields.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Classical Studies (Honours) are equipped for careers in a wide variety of sectors. Key employers include universities and research institutions, state and national museums and galleries (such as the National Museum of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, state galleries and heritage bodies), public libraries and archives (including the National Archives of Australia and state record offices), government cultural heritage agencies, the education sector (secondary schools and tertiary institutions), publishing houses, journalism, law, public policy, and cultural tourism. The research, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills developed through the degree also make graduates attractive to the broader public service, communications, and policy sectors.

Admission to the Bachelor of Classical Studies (Honours) is typically limited to students who have completed an undergraduate Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a major in Classical Studies, Ancient History, Ancient Greek, Latin, or a closely related discipline. Most Australian universities require applicants to have achieved a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 70% across upper-level coursework in their relevant major, calculated from second- and third-year units — first-year courses are generally excluded from this calculation. In some institutions, entry may be highly competitive and subject to approval by a delegated academic authority such as an Honours Convenor or Associate Dean of Education, and all applicants are typically encouraged to contact the relevant discipline's Honours coordinator before applying.

For international students, English language proficiency is mandatory. The standard requirement is an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0), a PTE Academic score of 64 or above, a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or higher, or an equivalent qualification. Students applying for admission based on an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma typically require a minimum total score of 29. For domestic students applying directly from secondary school into combined or embedded Honours programs, an ATAR of around 80 or above is typically required, though this varies between institutions.

While no specific work experience or portfolio is required for most Classical Studies (Honours) programs, students are strongly encouraged to demonstrate a genuine engagement with the discipline through their academic record, prior essay work, and any relevant extracurricular involvement such as language study, museum volunteering, or participation in classical societies. Some institutions may also assess applicants based on a proposed research topic or a short statement of research interest, particularly where Honours places are limited. Students who do not meet the direct entry criteria for the Honours program may be redirected to a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with a Classical Studies specialisation, or advised to undertake additional preparatory coursework.