Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science Honours

The honours year generally consists of three components: a supervised but independent research program, additional courses in experimental design/technical training, and some coursework units of study (classes). However, there may be variations depending on the school or discipline area in which you complete honours.

The honours degree is awarded in classes ranging from First Class to Third Class according to the rules specified in the Resolutions of the Faculty of Science. Candidates who do not meet the requirements for Honours, and who have not already graduated, will be awarded the pass degree merited.

There are three key steps: first, prepare a research topic proposal in an area of academic importance to the relevant faculty; second, find a supervisor with experience in your topic area and provide evidence of their support with your application; third, submit your application form with any required supporting documents. Standard closing dates are 15 January for Semester 1 and 25 June for Semester 2.

As a general principle, any research involving human or animal subjects requires Ethics Committee approval, including projects involving questionnaires, surveys or interviews, telephone interviewing, audio or video recording, observations of behaviour, and experiments involving animals or animal tissue. Students should consult the Faculty of Science for advice about ethics clearance applications and closing dates.

Yes, your research program may include components in more than one area of science or arts (for example, physiology and biology), and depending on the nature of your project you may also have to undertake some courses in experimental design or complete technical training to use a particular piece of equipment.