honours vs phd

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What are the differences between an honours degree and a phd, was this answer helpful, published answers.

• What higher degree by research (HDR) programs are available, other than a PhD?
• What types of Honours degrees are available?
• What is the fastest pathway to complete a PhD after an undergraduate degree?
• Is there a time limit between completing my honours degree and beginning a PhD?
• How long do I have to complete my higher degree by research program?

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What is an honours degree?

May 24, 2023

An honours degree will prepare you for a range of research careers—or set you on a path towards a PhD. Learn more about how this qualification can take you further than a bachelor degree. 

Should you study a straight bachelor degree , or a bachelor with honours? The short answer is: it depends! If you’re keen to head straight into the workforce after your undergrad, then it’s probably not necessary. But if you’re interested in a research heavy role or a career in academia, then an honours degree can be all but essential. 

To help you decide, let’s explore what an honours degree is, exactly, and which industries value graduates with that mysterious ‘Hons’ post-nominal. 

Definite it for me first: What is an honours degree?

An honours degree is an optional fourth year of study you can complete as an extension of your bachelor degree. It’s a chance to deepen your knowledge in your field of interest. 

During an honours year, you work on an independent research project known as a thesis under the mentorship of an academic supervisor. You divide your time between advanced coursework, writing your thesis, and attending regular meetings with your supervisor to discuss your project. 

At the conclusion of the year, you’re awarded first class, second class or third class honours, depending on your final grades. If you graduate with first class honours, it means you're at the top of your class and you achieved outstanding results—which can be vital when applying for a PhD (more on this below). 

What are the biggest differences between an honours degree vs a bachelor degree?

A bachelor degree helps you build foundational knowledge in your field, while an honours degree lets you investigate a niche aspect of that field and develop a unique stance on it. 

You walk away with advanced research, writing and communication skills, which can set you up for success in academia and certain roles within the workplace. 

What are the benefits of an honours degree?

It’s an opportunity to hone your expertise on a topic.

As an honours student, you get to dive deeper into an area you’re passionate about, develop specialist research skills, and share an original piece of work with faculty you admire. That can be an incredibly rewarding and satisfying achievement. Some honours students are even encouraged to present at conferences or submit their thesis to an academic journal, which means their hard work is seen and appreciated by the wider industry. 

It’s a pathway into postgraduate research 

If you have your heart set on a higher degree by research, it’s worth considering an honours year. The 15,000 to 20,000-word thesis you’re required to write will give you a taste for what it’s like to complete a masters by research or a PhD, which both involve even lengthier projects. 

You can apply directly for a PhD and skip your masters if you have at least a second class honours degree, though it’s a competitive process. A first class honours degree will increase your chances of receiving a PhD living stipend scholarship.    

It’s necessary for accreditation in certain fields

An honours degree is viewed as valuable additional training in fields where complex analytical thinking is required, like science, engineering and history. 

In some instances, honours is compulsory to progress in an industry. For example, you need an honours degree (or an equivalent fourth year of undergraduate study) to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist in Australia. You also generally need an honours degree if you want to get ahead in economics. The Reserve Bank of Australia and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s graduate programs prefer applicants to have an honours-level qualification. 

How to get an honours degree

There are two ways to get an honours degree: 

• You can apply for a 4-year bachelor degree that incorporates an honours year (which means you don’t need to worry about ‘getting in’ to the honours year)
• You can apply for a 1-year standalone honours degree after completing your bachelor degree  

You generally need strong academic results to be eligible for a standalone honours year. Most universities prefer you to have marks in the 65-75% range during the second and third year of your bachelor degree. There also needs to be an available supervisor in your field of interest, whereas in an embedded honours degree, one will be found for you. 

Can you do honours at a different university?

Yes. You don’t have to complete your honours year with the university where you completed your bachelor degree. 

You can apply for a 1-year standalone honours program with another university if you prefer, though be aware that you will need to meet their entry requirements. 

Many students choose to study honours with their existing university because they already have relationships with the academic staff. But others prefer to widen their network and choose a thesis topic that another university is better equipped to handle. It’s entirely up to you. 

Can you earn an honours degree online? 

Since it’s a research-centric course that involves a lot of uninterrupted downtime, you may benefit more from studying your honours degree online. 

On-campus honours students have to attend some timetabled classes, whereas online students can complete their coursework at times of their choosing. 

As an online student, you can also study with whatever university appeals to you the most, including unis outside of your home state. That gives you more freedom to work with a thesis supervisor you really admire. 

Through Open Universities Australia, you can compare and enrol in select online honours degrees with different universities. See what’s available now.

How to decide if an honours degree is right for you

An honours degree will push you to challenge yourself even more a bachelor degree. If you’re excited by the idea of learning from an experienced mentor, contributing fresh research to your field, and becoming a future subject-matter expert, then it could be a leap worth taking—and we’ll help you do it. 

Reach out to an Open Universities Australia student advisor  to chat about whether honours is right for you. They'll give you unbiased advice on your study choices. 

Or browse online honours degrees available with leading Australian universities.

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Master’s vs PhD — These are the Main Differences

Updated: July 18, 2022

Published: October 31, 2019

The consideration between earning a master’s vs PhD is not always an easy choice. While many careers and personal aspirations may be complete with just an undergraduate degree (Associate’s or Bachelor’s), a lot of people continue their higher education to obtain graduate degrees. These include a master’s and/or a PhD.

Neither a master’s degree nor a PhD is considered to be a walk in the park. Therefore, it’s useful to understand why you would earn either and then decide how far to go.

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Definitions: master’s vs phd.

Bost a master’s and PhD are defined as postgraduate degrees, but they require different commitments and styles of learning.

1. Master’s Degree:

Mostly all master’s degrees will require the completion of an undergraduate bachelor’s degree to enroll. They generally all share the same common requirement for a thesis or dissertation to graduate.

Earning a master’s degree through a taught program will result in the completion of a Master of Art (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Philosophy (MPhil). For those who earn their master’s degree through research, they will earn a Master of Research (Mre), in a tailored field of study. There are also degree-specific master’s programs like Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (M.Ed).

After earning a master’s degree, the next step is a PhD, which entails both working and performing research at an institution. A PhD is an abbreviation for “Doctor of Philosophy.” It is the highest academic degree one can achieve. As such, it is a time-consuming pursuit that requires a lot of studying and research.

You may be wondering, “Do you need a master’s to get a PhD?”

Technically, the answer is not always. Some students skip a master’s and go straight for their PhD, but they may lack research experience. While it could save money, the transition between a bachelor’s and a PhD is incredibly sharp. It may be harder to complete a PhD without the experience from a master’s.

Yet, some institutions may allow for the possibility to earn both your master’s and PhD in conjunction with one another. This will alleviate the transition between skipping a master’s and going straight to earning a PhD.

Should You Get a Master’s or PhD?

There are many considerations to factor when deciding between a master’s of PhD. For starters, it’s useful to consider the amount of time it will take, the cost, and the benefits and disadvantages of each. It is also of utmost importance to explore your own personal goals and reasons for wanting a graduate degree.

If your desired career of choice requires a PhD, like becoming a university professor, then you have your answer. If you want to start a business and benefit by networking while in school, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) could be a good idea. Consider what you want to pursue as a career and find out the requirements first.

Another useful thing to note is that a master’s degree can be used for a shift in careers. For example, if you attended college and earned a bachelor’s degree in humanities, but now you want to pursue science, you can still earn your master’s degree in a scientific discipline. On the other hand, a PhD is tailored to your field of study and specialty, so it will require that you are sure of your direction when you first earn your master’s degree.

Length of Time

A typical master’s degree program takes about two years full-time. However, there are accelerated programs that can be completed in just a year or so.

A PhD, in general, requires five to six years of studying, teaching, and research. However, it may even take some students up to eight or nine years to graduate. With this significant investment in time, it’s necessary to know if a PhD is right for you before starting.

The cost of both programs varies by institution and enrollment status of part-time versus full-time. However, since a PhD takes longer to complete, it will end up costing more. With that said, if you look into your return on investment, a PhD could end up yielding a higher salary, and therefore end up “costing less.”

Additionally, there is also the possibility of being paid to complete your PhD. Some students may receive an academic stipend, a university fellowship or apprenticeship or a reduced fee to earn their PhD while completing research (or teaching) at an institution. It’s also possible to get financial aid through a scholarship or grant.

As tuition rates continue to rise, it’s useful to look into alternative institutions for affordable education. For example, the University of the People offers a tuition-free master’s program in Business Administration and Education. This means you can study 100% online and graduate for less than the cost of most programs.

Weighing the Benefits

When comparing the two degree types, here are some benefits of each:

• Career-oriented
• Can open the door for more job opportunities
• Costs less than a PhD
• Takes less time than a PhD
• Helps you stand out from those with only an undergraduate degree
• You can perform research in your field of choice
• You become an expert in your field
• The prefix Dr. is added to your name
• You can teach in academia at the highest level

Required Commitment and Reasons to Pursue

Both a master’s and a PhD require a huge amount of hard work and utter commitment. You must be dedicated and motivated to complete either degree. Since most careers only may require a bachelor’s degree, having a master’s or PhD will set you apart from the competition. However, this should not be the sole reason to pursue either.

You may be wondering why would you earn either degree. Here’s a look at some motivational factors:

Reasons to Study for a Master’s

• Your career requires it (see next section)
• You want to advance your subject knowledge
• You want to experience graduate school and network with peers

Reasons to Study for a PhD

• You want to contribute new research to your field of choice
• Your career requires a PhD
• You want to earn the title of Dr.

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Required degrees by career.

Most people are motivated to pursue higher education because their desired careers require they do so. Here, we will break down those fields that require the completion of a master’s degree as it’s high on the list of reasons why to get one.

• Education Administration: To work as an administrator in an educational institution, you need to hold an advanced degree. A Master’s in Education (M.Ed) will provide you with the necessary knowledge and required skills to succeed in the field.
• Executive Level Business: A Master’s in Business (MBA) will not only place you ahead of the competition to land high-level positions in the field of business, but it can also be the jumping off point for becoming your own boss.
• Environmental Science: With issues in climate change and technological advancement, careers in Environmental Science are growing. As with most scientific careers, it requires a master’s degree where you will learn Applied Ecology, Environmental Policy, Environmental Chemistry, and more.
• Mental Health: To become a licensed practitioner and assist in mental health counseling, you will continue your education through a master’s degree in the field.
• Physical Therapy: Employers of physical therapists often prefer them to obtain a master’s degree in the discipline as the field is highly specialized.

Of course, some careers require a PhD. These careers are easy to spot because they have the prefix Dr. in front of them or the suffix like J.D. (Juris Doctor). To become a lawyer, doctor of medicine, veterinary medicine or psychologist/psychiatrist, you must obtain a PhD in the respective field.

Salary Differences Between Master’s and Ph.D. Graduates

According to a study performed by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce , the overall evidence shows that the higher the degree you have, the higher your salary potential. However, the differences vary by subject level and field.

In general, the expected lifetime earnings of those with each degree level is as follows:

• High School Diploma: $973,000
• Bachelor’s Degree: $1.3 million
• Master’s Degree: $2.7 million
• Doctorate Degree: $3.3 million

The Bottom Line

Aside from the financial cost and length of time, the opportunity to earn a master’s and a doctorate degree can offer several benefits.

However, it is an undertaking that requires a lot of dedication and motivation on behalf of the student. As such, it’s important to perform research on your desired career’s requirements, as well as your personal interest in pursuing either a Phd vs master’s.

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Why you should consider an honours year

Careers Published 9 Nov, 2023  ·  5-minute read

The thought of jumping straight into postgraduate-level study after your bachelor's program can seem daunting. If you've had an honours program suggested to you, you might be wondering, "why do I need to study an extra year?" or "is honours worth it?".

These are fair questions, but don't dismiss the idea too quickly.

An honours program, such as the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) , provides a unique experience to deep dive into an academic topic – while being closely supported by a supervisor. If you've got a niche passion or a dream research project in mind, an honours year could be your perfect chance to pursue this. 

Here's a snapshot of the benefits you'll get from an honours program:

• Develop specialised knowledge in your chosen major.
• Learn to think critically.
• Sharpen your communication, research and problem-solving skills.
• Get one-on-one guidance while working with a supervisor to develop, write and submit a thesis or research project.

Want to know more? We've asked some current honours students and recent graduates to share their experiences. We also have some insights from Dr Amy Hubbell, the Deputy Associate Dean (Academic) and Honours Coordinator for UQ's Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

Why complete honours?

Increase your employability.

The assumed education level of an employable citizen seems to be continually rising as the world changes. As new technology is introduced into an increasingly globalised society, people are expected to develop the necessary skills for a productive career before they even join the workforce. A program like the  Bachelor of Arts (Honours)  helps you gain that edge while undertaking an engaging and exciting academic journey.

Fun fact:  In 2021, 5.5 million people in Australia had a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 30% more than in 2016, just 5 years prior.

(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics )

Put simply, an honours degree gets you more job-ready than a bachelor's program alone. Graduating with honours demonstrates to the global workforce that you have successfully completed a self-directed, academic project.

Dr Amy Hubbell believes this experience is an invaluable opportunity that validates students' lifelong skills in research and writing. It's not easy to complete, but that's kind of the point.

You need to be open to a challenge. You need to be open to working independently and taking feedback.

UQ alum Madeleine Green now works as a training and professional development program officer at Museums and Galleries Queensland. She agrees that her experience completing honours enhanced her employability through the opportunity to practise deep learning.

The intensive nature of the program allowed her to dive into her specialisation, encouraging critical thinking and creative solutions. Her major in archaeological studies led to a project examining a pathology disease in Homo erectus skulls.

Honours introduced me to a really niche field within paleoanthropology that I was not aware of. This led to my research on biological anthropology for my PhD project, where I looked at bone microstructure.

For Madeleine, honours was a formative experience that required a proactive approach to practical aspects of the program, including finding a supervisor.

Amy confirms that the key to a successful project is to start early. She suggests reaching out to various lecturers to chat over coffee in order to decide who would be the best fit as a supervisor for your project. Not only does this show initiative and enthusiasm, which academics look for in a research partner, but it also ensures you'll have an excellent team to work with across the year.

On top of this, honours can be a rewarding experience that encourages you to follow your passions.

"Honours is an opportunity to tackle questions that remain."

- Dr Amy Hubbell

Enrich your knowledge

Georgia Forster, a current Bachelor of Advanced Humanities (Honours) student, believes the program has equipped her with skills in two key areas: critical thinking and detailed analysis .

She loves this program as it encouraged her to challenge her perspective and learn deeply, while gaining an understanding of interdisciplinary thinking.

I’m so thankful that I stuck with Advanced Humanities. I’ve almost finished my honours year and it has absolutely been my favourite year of my degree by far.

Georgia’s favourite part of the honours program has been the insightful and engaging coursework subjects.

"These classes have allowed me to consider ideas that I never would have otherwise and have also really boosted my confidence," she says.

Elena Dias-Jayasinha, a recent graduate, found her experience provided her with the skills to enter the workforce. She studied a Bachelor of Advanced Humanities (Honours) with a major in Art History, which led her to examine the influence of Japanese culture on a contemporary Brisbane artist.

Elena's honours project required in-depth archival research, which she continues to use in her current role as associate curator at the Museum of Brisbane. This strengthened her research skills while she developed expertise alongside a network of industry connections.

I think it’s really set me up for my job here. I came away with a good understanding of Brisbane’s art scene.

Forge connections

Oscar O’Brien, a current Bachelor of Advanced Humanities (Honours) student, has had the opportunity to undertake multiple interstate research trips as part of his honours project.

While his major is in Western Civilisation, Oscar’s interests lie in theatre. His research has allowed him to form invaluable connections with people across the GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives and museums) sector, including archivists, actors, directors, historians, and philanthropists.

"These are connections that I can appreciate have only been made possible as a result of embarking upon honours," he says.

He also acknowledges the value of the honours program as an opportunity to develop as both an academic and employee.

"The lessons you learn are also very unique to the process of taking on such a significant project, and they are the kinds of lessons that you’re glad you had the opportunity to learn, even if they are mostly through mistakes," says Oscar.

Honours is inherently a place for self-growth. I think the ability to show employers that we have engaged with a topic intensely over the course of an entire academic year is a great sign of being self-motivated and having an overall passion for learning.

Overall, honours provides emerging professionals with the practical skills and enriched knowledge to enter the workforce with the confidence to succeed. The connections you make along the way are simply the cherry on top.

• Learn more about UQ's Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
• Learn more about UQ's Bachelor of Advanced Humanities (Honours)

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Study honours

Gain a competitive edge, undertake an honours research project with a single year of study

If you’re looking to improve your career prospects or open the door to postgraduate research degrees such as a PhD, honours is your next step.

Honours is an additional qualification that can be completed at the end of your undergraduate degree. Usually honours needs to be completed in full-time study mode over one year.

To be admitted to honours you need to meet specific entry requirements. Most honours courses require a WAM of 65.00 and some study areas require higher marks. Additional entry requirements may also apply.

Why study honours?

Honours is the next step if you’re seeking a competitive edge in your career.

Through honours, you’ll develop transferrable skills to complement your bachelor’s degree:

• Critical thinking and communication skills
• Time management and research skills
• Project management and delivery
• Demonstrate to employers you can investigate independently and achieve more complex goals
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary research opportunities
• Not to mention, kick start your pathway to further research in the future

Independent research can be a life-changing opportunity to become a subject matter expert in a niche area. You’ll have the chance to develop significant insights and make your own meaningful contribution to a field of knowledge.

An honours pathway can open the door for further research study, equipping you with the prerequisite research skills to undertake a research degree such as the PhD.

How does honours work?

Honours is an optional full-time pathway usually taking one year to complete. Generally, your honours year consists of:

• an independent research project, mentored by your academic supervisor
• additional units in research design/technical training
• some honours and coursework units.

Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, you’ll select a thesis topic, create a reading list, and identify your method of research.

During the year you’ll be mentored by scholars in your faculty as you write a thesis to document your research journey from proposal to conclusion.

About to start your bachelor's course and already know you want to pursue honours?

• Consider a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree  or an embedded or integrated year in some professional or specialist degrees.

Already studying and looking to pursue an honours year?

• Depending on your current study area, you can consider a one-year appended honours degree following completion of a qualifying undergraduate degree. Alternatively, you can also consider transferring to a c ombined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree . Please note that any course transfers may have an impact on your units of study choice and fees.

See types of honours .

Types of honours

Appended honours.

Appended honours are additional courses you enrol into after completing your undergraduate degree.

External students, returning students or University of Sydney students who completed an eligible single Bachelor degree can pursue honours via our appended honours degrees.

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
• Bachelor of Economics (Honours)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
• Bachelor of Design (Honours)
• Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science) (Honours)
• Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours)
• Bachelor of Music Studies (Honours)
• Bachelor of Architecture and Environments (Honours)
• Bachelor of Design in Architecture (Honours)
• Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science (Honours)
• Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)
• Bachelor of Project Management (Honours)
• Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science (Advanced)(Honours )

Honours fees

The fees you pay for your honours study will depend on the degree you are enrolled in and the type of honours.

If you enrol in a degree with embedded or integrated honours, the honours fees are already included in the fee for your degree.

If you enrol in an appended honours, you can find out more about the fees payable on the relevant Sydney Courses page. If your application is accepted, your fees will be confirmed in your offer letter from the University. 

Important information about honours fees for Commonwealth supported students who commenced their studies before 1 January 2021.

Students are advised to consider the impact of the Job-ready Graduates package on their honours fees.

In 2020, the Australian government’s Job-ready Graduates package made changes to fees for domestic students who commenced new programs with a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) from 1 January 2021. The new fee rates are higher for some programs, and lower for others. Some existing students are “grandfathered” and pay the pre-2021 fees. 

Prior to 2023, honours students were only grandfathered if they completed their pre-honours course of study as a CSP before 1 January 2021 and then commenced a related honours degree. 

Following changes to the Higher Education Support Act in 2023, CSP students doing honours are now grandfathered if they start a pre-honours course of study as a CSP before 1 January 2021, complete that course of study after 1 January 2021 and then start an eligible related honours degree. For example, if you commenced a Bachelor of Arts prior to January 2021, complete this course and undertake honours through the related appended honours degree, the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), you are eligible for the grandfathered rate.

For more information about the changes, see the Higher Education Support Amendment (2022 Measures No. 1) Act 2023 . 

If you transfer to a new course to do honours, you may not be grandfathered and will be charged the new fee rates for honours. For example, if you are in a single degree and transfer to the Combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree, this will be considered a new course enrolment and will not be grandfathered. 

Students who commenced a course with an integrated or embedded honours component before 1 January 2021 will continue to pay the pre-2021 fees for their honours component because this is part of a single course of study. For example, if you commenced in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies prior to 1 January 2021 and undertake the honours pathway through this degree, you will pay the pre-2021 rate (indexed by CPI each year).

For more information, see the Job-ready Graduates program and its impact on fees .

Honours in the combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies

If you are currently enrolled in a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies, you can apply for an embedded honours component in either of the two majors you have selected in your degree (you must still meet the eligibility criteria with a minimum WAM of 65). Please note some streams do not allow you to undertake honours in your second major or as an embedded component in the combined degree. Please check the stream requirements in your handbook to confirm.

If you are a Commonwealth supported student (who commenced your degree prior to 2021) and you are considering transferring to a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree at the University of Sydney, please be aware that this transfer will be treated as a new course enrolment. This means you will be charged the new Job-ready Graduates package fee rates for units going forward in your new degree. In some cases, this may mean that you will be paying higher tuition fee rates. Any units you have already studied will be credited to your new course and noted as paid under the old rates.

Please carefully check information on fees and consider the implications of transferring courses before you take any action.

Joint and double honours

Some students choose to complete either double honours or joint honours.

Double honours mean you complete two separate honours thesis in different subject areas. This usually takes an additional year, extending your studies by two years full time.

Joint honours are when you complete an honours thesis in two subject areas closely related to each other. This type of honours allows you to complete the course concurrently in one year. To apply for double or joint honours, you need to meet the eligibility requirements for both honours programs.

For more information, check the honours page for your faculty or school. Please note that some faculties and subject areas may not offer this study option.

Embedded honours

Some University of Sydney bachelor’s degrees have an embedded Honours component. This means you will complete your honours study in the final year of your current undergraduate degree by completing specific units. Your honours component will not increase the overall time taken to complete your studies. 

Integrated honours

In some degrees, honours is integrated and runs alongside the pass degree. This means you won’t have to apply separately to do honours and won’t need to complete specific honours units. An example is the Bachelor of Engineering Honours where all students will complete and be awarded honours as part of completing the requirements of the degree.

Some integrated honours degrees may additionally require students to maintain a certain minimum weighted average mark to be eligible for an honours award, or alternatively exit with a non-honours degree.

How to apply for honours

Honours scholarships, student enquiries.

Got a question? Contact us

• Current students
• Prospective students (domestic and international)

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Study with us and open the door to a range of rewarding career opportunities. Become a part of a community of alumni that includes Nobel Prize winners, pioneering researchers and world-renowned leaders in health. Our research programs are held in high regard, their quality and impact respected by peers and the community.

What is honours?

Honours is a one-year qualification studied as an addition to an undergraduate degree. Completing an honours degree provides an opportunity to investigate an area of interest in greater detail. As an extension of an undergraduate degree, honours is recognised as a prestigious qualification and develops specific knowledge and skills in your chosen research field as well as working independently, critical reasoning, scientific writing and presentation. An honours degree will prepare you for further postgraduate study, such as a masters and/or PhD. For those interested in academia or a research-based career, honours is the platform to kick start these professions. The skills and knowledge developed throughout an honours degree are highly transferable and are sought by employees and can provide a distinct point of difference in a competitive job market.

Why study honours?

Studying honours can provide you with the skills and experience to pursue different career opportunities, particularly a career in research. Employers recognise that the research ability and broad range of transferable skills which University of Adelaide graduates possess equip them well for challenging and diverse roles in industry, government and business, as well as in research and academic organisations. By undertaking a research degree with us, you will be involved in discovery, innovation and cutting-edge research. Our strong focus on addressing global challenges creates a highly stimulating setting for our students interested in changing the world.

We have a huge range of research projects listed in the Research Opportunities Guide (pdf file) .

Honours scholarship opportunities

To apply for a scholarship please visit the university scholarships page and apply by following instructions listed. All scholarship applications are separate to honours program applications.

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Honours Scholarships

Amount: $4,000 paid in two equal instalments.

The scholarships are available to students enrolled in an Honours program in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Selection of the successful candidates will be made according to academic merit. Academic merit for continuing students will be determined according to students’ cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) or equivalent score.

Students must declare if they have applied for other scholarships on the project nomination form. 

For more information regarding scholarships, visit the scholarships website .

Jeffrey Robinson Scholarship

Open to students with a Robinson Research Institute supervisor (can be within or outside of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences).

Selection of the successful candidates will be made according to academic merit. Academic merit for continuing students will be determined according to students’ cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) or equivalent score. Final recommendation will be made by the Director of the Robinson Research Institute.

Please refer to 'How do I apply to study Honours?' below, for the relevant project nomination form and download the Jeffrey Robinson Scholarship rules .

Repromed Reproductive Health Scholarship

Amount: $5000 of which $4,000 will be paid to the student in two equal instalments and $1,000 for the supervisor.

Open to students who have a demonstrated interest in human reproduction health and/or animal reproductive health that is transferable to humans.

One scholarship shall be awarded to a student undertaking an Honours Degree of Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences, Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in the areas of Animal Science or undertaking the further or subsequent year of the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program of study at the University of Adelaide. Selection of the final candidate will be made by the Director of the Robinson Research Institute or nominee.

Please refer to 'How do I apply to study Honours?' below, for the relevant project nomination form and download the Repromed Reproductive Health Scholarship rules .

Which degrees offer an honours program?

You can choose to undertake honours in the following:

Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Honours)

Bachelor of psychological science (honours), how do i apply to study honours.

Some Honours degrees have two intake periods per year: semester 1 and mid-year . Please note:

• Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) applicants have an early application deadline of 16 October 2023, refer to the Admissions Guide for detailed information.
• Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) mid-year entry is not available.

For all other honours programs, please refer to: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/honours > Application rounds

Contact  Professor Joanne Bowen , FHMS Honours Coordinator, to discuss how honours can fit your career goals.

The application process varies depending on which degree you are applying for. Choose your desired degree and follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1: Find a supervisor and project opportunity Identify an area of interest and potential supervisor by browsing research areas in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences . Contact the Honours Coordinator to discuss project opportunities.

Step 2: Complete the relevant form Complete the Honours application and project nomination form (for this honours you will need to complete the project nomination section) and research proposal on the  Honours website .

Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Honours) - Public Health specialisation

Step 1: Find projects that interest you Read the Research Opportunities Guide (pdf file) to find out what project opportunities are available. Choose three preferred projects from the list. If your application is successful, the Honours Coordinator will allocate you to one of these projects.

Eligibility to this course requires a major in Psychology from a university whose program has been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Applicants will be ranked for an offer based on academic performance of psychology courses taken at Level II and Level III. The formula used to calculate this weighted average score is as follows: Weighted average = (Level II Psychology courses x 50% weighting) + (Level III Psychology courses x 50% weighting)

Step 1: Refer to the admissions guide Please consult the  Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) Admissions Guide  for further information on eligibility and the application process.

Step 2: Attend the information session The Honours information session was held on Tuesday, 29 August 2023. Watch the presentation here . (start at 13mins)

Step 3: Complete the application form Applications will close on Monday 16 October 2023.

• Domestic applicants must apply through SATAC (external link)
• International applicants must apply through International Student Admissions

If you have any questions about the application process, contact the relevant Honours Coordinator . You will receive a confirmation receipt of your expression of interest upon submission. 

Further information

The University offers scholarships to undergraduate students. These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students. 

Are you a current medical student? Students enrolled in either the MBBS or BMedSt/MD are eligible to enrol in the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Hons) at the University of Adelaide at any time after completion of the 3rd Year of the MBBS or the BMedSt. Projects are normally completed with researchers from the University and can be undertaken in a broad range of fields, including, but not limited to, clinical science, biomedical science and public health. Interested students, should, in the first instance, contact Professor Ben Canny , Director Medical Education to discuss their eligibility and a leave of absence.

Are you currently studying at another university? If you are completing undergraduate studies at another institution, you will need to provide a copy of your academic transcript once your final results are available.

Study Online

Australian Qualification Levels Differences Explained

When considering which postgraduate qualification to undertake, there are different options available to match your personal goals. By choosing the right course and its corresponding qualification level, you will be guided to find a program that fits your needs to advance in your chosen field. There are numerous benefits to undertaking further studies, such as gaining a higher earning potential, demonstrating initiative through study, upskilling in new areas, finding networking opportunities , fulfilling educational requirements, and so many more. Everyone has unique aspirations and there are different courses available to meet those needs. Learn about the different Australian qualifications levels available to decide which route will work best for you.

Understanding the difference between postgraduate qualification levels

There are different phrases, acronyms and industry terms when entering the tertiary education system. Understanding how to navigate the new terrain can be daunting without the right guidance. The University of Adelaide offers dedicated support staff to guide all online students through the post-graduate study experience.

Learn about the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) levels and explanations below.

Undergraduate qualifications (levels 1-7)

Level 1 – Certificate I

Level 2 – Certificate II

Level 3 – Certificate III

Level 4 – Certificate IV

Level 5 – Diploma

Level 6 – Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree

Level 7 – Bachelor Degree

Postgraduate qualifications (levels 8-10)

Level 8 – Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma

Level 9 – Master’s Degree

Level 10 – Doctoral Degree  

Graduate Certificate

Undertaking a graduate certificate program provides a competitive advantage over those with an undergraduate degree and can provide an extra specialisation into a given field. Typically, graduate certificate programs can be completed in six months (full-time) or eight months (part-time) with a previous degree or equivalent work experience. It signifies additional authority on the subject with advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in your given field. In addition to this, employers regard graduate certificate qualifications highly.

Enrolling into a graduate certificate program like the Graduate Certificate in Data Science online , Graduate Certificate in Business Administration online , or the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security online all demonstrate advanced knowledge with the ability to communicate expertise to other colleagues.  

Graduate Diploma

This in-depth postgraduate qualification is typically finished in one year (full-time) or one and a half years (part-time) and provides additional knowledge to a chosen field. A graduate diploma offers students flexibility, as it is a strong qualification in its own right or can be used as a pathway towards further study. Depending on the program, this degree usually shares similar entry requirements to the graduate certificate and both are categorised as level 8 by the AQF. However, a graduate diploma goes into more depth and covers more than its partner category.

A postgraduate qualification like the Graduate Diploma in Psychology online prepares students who have no previous psychology experience to progress further and provides missing knowledge required to progress further in Psychology.  

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree demonstrates specialised knowledge and research in a chosen field, it’s an advanced degree that builds authority and expert skills. Employers regard masters degrees very highly as it highlights critical thinking and the ability to integrate teaching into real-world situations.  By learning to communicate information to specialists and non-specialists, masters graduates can communicate at different levels of a business. Expert and situational judgement are taught throughout the master’s degree and graduates can demonstrate a strong application of key learnings.

Programs like the Master of Business Administration online , Master of Business Administration (Health Management) and the Master of Data Science online develop industry leaders with comprehensive knowledge in their field.  

Doctoral Degree

The highest tertiary qualification is a doctoral degree which has two main categories, PhDs and professional doctorates. Both cover complex areas of a topic. PhDs redefine existing knowledge and work to advance scholarly understandings in a field, whilst professional doctorates make a significant and unique contribution to advancing professional practice. They both generate original thought and develop key concepts in the study area. When wanting to become an authoritative voice on a topic, doctoral degrees are the highest of the Australian qualification levels.  

Undertake postgraduate study with a top university

Once you have figured out which Australian qualification level is right for you, the next step is choosing a university. A reputable university will set your postgraduate qualification apart from the other graduates. The University of Adelaide offers flexible online learning options to facilitate study without compromising a busy work schedule. Gain study assistance from dedicated advisors who can guide you through the tertiary education process and give you the confidence you need to succeed. Finally, the University of Adelaide belongs to the Group of Eight , a prestigious ranking that makes the University of Adelaide amongst the leading schools in Australia. Make the most of your qualification and choose a university with the resources that will set you up for success.

If you’re ready to unleash your full career potential, make an appointment to speak with an advisor today .

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Your online help and support centre, difference between honours and postgraduate diploma.

In some specialisations there is the option to undertake postgraduate study in either a postgraduate diploma or an Honours degree. Both are 120 point, one year full-time study, programmes that can lead to masters study depending on your grades. There is usually significant overlap in the schedule of courses available, which means that Honours and postgraduate diploma students will attend the same classes.  

Important differences to note are:

• Honours degrees typically have a higher grade requirement for entry.  
• Honours degrees often have a compulsory research component in the form of a dissertation.  
• Upon completion, Honours degrees may provide direct entry to PhD study.
• Postgraduate diplomas can be completed part-time over four years, while Honours degrees must be completed within two years.
• Honours degrees are awarded with a class of honours; postgraduate diplomas may be awarded with Distinction or Merit.

This information is offered as a general guide only. It is important to familiarise yourself with the specific regulations and structure and content of each of the programmes you are interested in to ensure you choose the option that best suits your goals.  

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What is an Honorary Doctorate or honorary PhD?

“The honorary doctorate or doctoral or PhD degree is given to someone for their outstanding achievement in their field.”

PhD is the utmost honor in the academic system, and obviously, hard to get. A student willing to go for PhD has to sacrifice a lot, he or she also has to overcome so many problems, hurdles and obstacles to get a PhD degree, moreover. Hence getting admission to a doctorate is a hard process but achieving a PhD honor is harder, indeed. 

So I can say those who are studious scholars can only dare to invest their 3 to 5 years for the prestigious label “Dr”. On the contrary, those who are impatient can go for jobs, because as aforementioned, getting a doctorate is a frustrating, lengthy and time-consuming process.  

The process itself takes around a year to ‘stamp’ the admission; students have to work for publication, lab work, reviews and thesis writing for the remaining tenure. And after all the hard work, if the external examiner suggests a re-review, one has to invest another year too.   

So it’s quite a frustrating process. But what if I tell you that universities can directly award someone a doctorate in no time and even without writing a thesis. Quite annoying, right! 

It’s true. 

There’s a special doctorate honor that can be given straight to the scholar without examination, synopsis, course work, article publication or thesis, it is known as an honorary PhD or honorary doctorate.     

Though the honorary PhD is given to reputed and well-known personalities for their outstanding achievements and contributions, what it is and how it is given, let’s find out. 

What is an honorary doctorate or PhD degree? 

When universities award someone a doctorate for their outstanding achievements, and groundbreaking contribution to a nation or world, such honor is referred to as an honorary PhD. 

Politicians, musicians, authors, philanthropists, actors, scientists, freedom fighters and other popular personals can be awarded by an honorary doctorate for their contribution to mankind.  

Technically, It is more of an award than a degree therefore abbreviated as “H.C”, not “Dr”. So Person with an honorary award can’t use “Dr” in their name. 

The abbreviation H.C means “ Honoris cause ” which literally means “ for the sake of the honor ” in the Latin language. 

In the usual process, universities conduct the honorary award session with the annual ceremony. So the honorary recipient will get the honor with other students. And give a small motivational speech to the students (this is the process actually).   

As universities honor PhD for achievements; usually it isn’t given to persons associated with the honorable university by any means. This means that universities can’t give honorary PhD to their own trustees or employees.  

The PhD or doctorate is not only an honorary degree, some universities also award honorary master’s degrees. Benjamin Franklin was honored with an honorary master’s degree by the college of Wiliam Mary in 1756. In 1759, the University of St. Andrews had given them honorary doctorates. 

The significant historical evidence of when it was started is less, but historical data manifest that the University of Oxford first awarded the honorary doctorate degree to Lionel Woodville in 1470. We can say Oxford university might have first initiated to reverence someone with an honorary award. 

The event of giving an honorary PhD became more popular during the 16 century; during that time, Oxford, Cambridge and other reputed universities across the world started awarding the honor. 

Common PhD criteria, as we stated above, like entrance exam, course work, research synopsis preparation, article publication, thesis writing and viva are not required here, and more to this, one should not need to pay fees and attend regular classes. 

The honorary degree as ‘more of an honor’ can’t be utilized for academic purposes and nurturing the research career. It is also important to know that only reputed and renowned universities can award the honorum . 

However, it is a kind of tradition in deemed and smaller universities nowadays to conduct an honorary doctorate ceremony as a marketing tool. Those are not considered valuable honors, indeed. Read further: A Complete Roadmap for Degree to PhD .

Criteria to award honorary doctorate: 

Universities don’t have specified criteria and requirements to honor a doctorate in this way, rather it is given by third-party nominations. Also, some universities accept applications for an honorary doctorate. 

However, a person who is selected for the present honor should be 

• Well known 
• National face
• A kind of celebrity 
• Should have outstanding contribution to their field or country 
• Achieved something extraordinary 
• Who is important for the nation or the world.

Moreover, the prominent criterion universities look for is that the nominee doesn’t have any criminal case or crime involvement. In those cases, universities have the right to revoke the award. Note that the recipient of the honor may get more than two or many honors but never from the same university. 

In addition, the present honor can’t be given to university employees, professors or blood relatives. The honor is given to a person, not to families, groups of people or organizations.

Do you know? 

Theodore Hesburgh has been awarded more than 150 honorary doctorates by various universities across the United States during his entire life. It was a world record itself. Moreover, universities honor a person only once.

These are some of the legal criteria or we can say a kind of requirement for an honorary doctorate degree for universities as well a person who is receiving it. 

Read more: How much does a PhD Degree Cost in the USA, UK and India?

Selection process: 

The selection process for the honor is not so complicated, unlike the PhD degree. I can say it is just a formality. The university honorary award committee reviewed the application of the third parties. 

The committee goes through their achievements and verifies all the documents (and nationality) and their criminal background. The selection procedure is based on the decision of the review committee.

Notably, the university has already decided for itself who will be awarded the honorary degree.

What are the differences? 

Now if you are a student of doctorate you may wonder how the two are different. 

Well, let me tell you that both honors is significantly different

With an academic PhD degree, you can apply for various positions and jobs, but the honorary one is an honor or just esteem and a kind of “thank you” for serving a nation, industry, culture or society. 

One with an honorary PhD or doctorate can’t use it as an educational qualification. Even to use “Dr” as a prefix is also not a good practice for an honorary PhD degree holder, in fact, it is not a degree! 

Dress wear during the annual occasion is also substantially different for both. The typical PhD or doctorate of philosophy degree holder wears a full gown with a hood. For an honorary PhD, a full dress without a hood is allotted by the University of Cambridge. 

The University of St Andrews allotted a black cassock for an honorary PhD holder instead of a normal PhD student gown. Nonetheless, there are no clear indications for using a dress, usually, an honorary PhD holder can wear a dress like a normal PhD holder. Read more: PhD in USA- Admission, Process, Universities, Salary and Jobs .

The misuse of honor: 

As we said, there are no strong rules or regulations to whom an honorary degree or honorary doctorate is to be given. It may vary from university to university. Originally, the concept was evolved to honor someone who is very special to the country or society. But unfortunately over a period of time, people started misusing it. 

Small and unrecognized universities started awarding the honorary PhD or doctorate on behalf of huge donations. 

Some even misuse the honor to take land for the university campus and other activities. This kind of misuse of the highest level of academic esteem is a shame for the honor and injustice for the normal PhD holder who has worked hard to take the privilege. 

Also, awarding such degrees to political figures raise questions about the stand of the university.  

Unfortunately, there are no specific authorities to monitor such types of activities. 

Some universities refuse to conduct such type of honorary degree activities to regulate their policies. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University and Cornell University are some of them. 

Related article: What is a Professional Doctorate Degree? How is it different from PhD?

Top Peoples who had been awarded an honorary doctorate: 

Dalai Lama: 

14th Dalai Lama was conferred with the honoris causa (honorary PhD) doctor of literature by the private university of India for their outstanding contribution to world peace and humanity. 

Morgan Freeman: 

Morgan Freeman was awarded with a Doctor of Humane Letters as an honorary PhD by the University of Boston in 2013. He was also awarded by honorary doctorate second time by Howard University in 2015 for their outstanding achievements in films. 

Meryl Streep: 

Yet another Hollywood celebrity Meryl Streep received a prestigious honorary doctorate four times from Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University and the Department of Fine Arts from Indiana University. 

Mahendra Singh Dhoni: 

Indian Cricketer M. S. Dhoni was awarded an honorary doctorate in exemplary leadership skills by De Montfort University, Leicester. 

Maya Angelou: 

Filmmaker, historian, poet, civil rights activist and producer Maya Angelous received more than 30 honorary doctorate awards. 

Billy Taylor: 

Jazz pianist was awarded more than 20 different honorary awards during his lifetime in music. 

Daisaku Ikeda: 

The Buddhist philosopher and writer Daisaku Ikeda received more than 300 honorary awards from various universities across the world. 

Other Hollywood celebrities who received an honorary doctorate

• Denzel Washington
• J.K. Rowlings 
• Ben Affleck
• Dolly Parton 
• Robert De Niro 
• Orland Bloom
• Muhammed Ali 

List of the Honorary doctorate subjects: 

• Honorary Doctor of Science- Hon. D. Sc 
• Honorary Doctor of Divinity- Hon. D. D
• Honorary Doctor of Letters- Hon. Litt.D
• Honorary Doctor of Liberal Arts- Hon. D. L. A
• Honorary Doctor of Arts- Hon. D. A
• Honorary Doctor of Mathematics- Hon. D. Math
• Honorary Doctor of Laws- Hon. LL. D
• Honorary Doctor of Arts and Human Letters- Hon. D. A. H 

Read more: What is PhD?- History, Definition, Origin, Requirement, Fees, Duration and Process .

Conclusion: 

Giving the honorary doctorate degree to a person who is a well-known face, is an honor and esteem for both the university as well as the person. However, as we said, people also misuse honor. To maintain the dignity of the utmost academic honor- the PhD, universities have to make rules and regulations to award the honorary PhD degree. 

Dr. Tushar Chauhan is a Scientist, Blogger and Scientific-writer. He has completed PhD in Genetics. Dr. Chauhan is a PhD coach and tutor.

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Honours Degree VS Master Degree, which one should a graduate go for?

• Post published: 30 Mar 2023
• Post category: Education
• Reading time: 10 mins read

The higher education systems in Australia may be different than in other countries. One aspect that often confuses international students in Australia is the Honours Degree . You may wonder whether you should study an extra year after your Bachelor’s degree. Well, the answer is that it really depends. 

This blog post aims to provide a detailed understanding of Honours Degree. AAS will also analyse and provide advice on whether an Honours degree or a Masters degree is more suitable in different situations at the end of this article.

Table of Content

• What is an Honours Degree?
• When and why pursue an Honours Degree?
• Curriculum of an Honours degree
• Advantages of getting an Honours Degree
• Honours Degree or Masters Degree?
• How to apply for an Honours Degree
• Honours degree entry requirements

1. What is an Honours degree?

An Honours degree is commonly found in the British education system, particularly in the UK and Australia, where undergraduate degrees typically last three years.

The Honours degree is a qualification that is higher in level than a Bachelor’s degree and is equivalent in level to a Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma. In the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), a Bachelor’s degree is classified as AQF level 7, an Honours degree as AQF level 8, and a Master’s degree as AQF level 9.

Honours Degree vs Honorary Degree

An Honours degree is different from an Honorary degree. An Honours degree requires academic achievement and completion of an additional year of study, whereas an Honorary degree is a title conferred by universities or societies upon individuals who have made significant social contributions or achievements. An Honorary degree does not require enrollment or coursework.

2. When and why pursue an Honours Degree?

You might get an Honours degree in the following situations:

• Your undergraduate degree program comes with an Honours year.

In Australia, most of the 4-year Bachelor’s degree consist of a 1-year Honours degree. Bachelor of Engineering is one of the examples that is a 4-year degree with Honours, which is also a requirement of the Engineers Australia, the industrial authority.

• You are invited by the university to undertake an Honours year after completing a three-year undergraduate degree. 

Students who achieve excellent academic results in commerce or business degree programs are often invited to take an Honours year at the Group of Eight universities in Australia. Generally, universities or faculties invite students who have a GPA of 5.5 or above, equivalent to 70% or higher.

• You are planning to apply for certain postgraduate courses.

An Honours degree is often a requirement for some of the postgraduate courses, such as the Master of Clinical Psychology. Additionally, some Master’s degree programs offer credit exemptions and a shorter duration of study to those who hold an Honours degree. Contact us to learn more.

3. Curriculum of an Honours degree

The one-year Honours Bachelor’s degree program mainly revolves around two topics: ‘learning to do research’ and ‘writing a thesis.’ 

For instance, the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) program at the University of Queensland requires students to complete three courses during the Honours year. Check the screenshot below for more details. Two of the courses focus on research methods and advanced reading, while the third course involves completing an Honours thesis based on the student’s chosen research area and topic. The thesis carries a credit weighting equivalent to half of the entire program and is supervised and guided by a faculty advisor.

Talk to us today and get admitted to an Honours degree program in Australia.

4. Advantages of getting an Honours Degree

4.1. you can apply for a phd with an honours degree.

One of the most significant advantages of obtaining an Honours degree, particularly achieving a First Class Honours, is that it enables students to bypass the Master’s degree program and apply directly to a PhD program. An Honours degree is often a minimum entry requirement for a PhD, students could potentially save a year of time and tuition fees from a Masters degree pathway.

Masters degree or Honours degree pathway to PhD?

In Australia, there are two main types of master’s degree programs: Masters by coursework and Masters by research. While the former usually have insufficient research component, the latter is heavily focused on research.

Therefore, having an Honours degree with Class I could be more advantageous than having a Masters by coursework when it comes to applying for a research-focused PhD program. Talk to us now for free tailored advice.

4.2. Honours degrees are highly recognised worldwide

Honours degrees are highly regarded by universities in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. Many postgraduate programs offered by top universities in these countries only consider applicants who hold an Honours degree. Based on the case handled by AAS, it is clear that Honours degree holders generally have a higher acceptance rate at prestigious universities in the UK, US, and Canada.

4.3. Honours degrees are highly regarded in the Australian job market

Honours degree is widely considered as a valuable asset in one’s career path and highly favoured by the employers. Honours degree is a common standard qualification in many different fields including positions on the board of directors in large corporations and even the Prime Ministers in Australia.

However, it’s important to know that in certain non-British education systems, a Bachelor’s degree holds the same value as an Honours degree. Most people are also not familiar with what an Honours degree entails.

5. Honours Degree or Masters Degree?

Here is a summary and some advice for you in different situations.

a. If you are planning to pursue a PhD:

You are advised to consider getting an Honours degree as you may be able to skip the Masters degree and enter a PhD program directly with an Honours degree, saving you a year of time and tuition fees of a Masters degree.

b. If you are planning to pursue higher education at top universities in the UK, US, or Canada:

You should consider acquiring an Honours degree as these universities highly regard an Honours degree and it increases your chances of getting admission to these prestigious universities.

c. If you are planning to work in Australia:

You can consider getting either an Honours degree or a Masters degree. Both qualifications are highly recognised by Australian employers and more valuable than a general Bachelor’s degree. It really depends on your academic goal and career goal in the long run.

d. If your occupation requires you to get a licence:

Obtaining an Honours degree may be a minimum requirement for getting a licence or registration in certain fields, such as engineering. Additionally, pursuing a Master’s degree can also help advance your career path.

e. If you are planning to return to your home country and start working:

You are recommended to obtain a Masters degree to distinguish yourself in the job market. In certain countries, an Honours degree may not hold much additional value compared to a Bachelor’s degree, or an Honours degree may already be included as part of the Bachelor’s degree in the local university’s program. In such cases, pursuing a Master’s degree would be more advantageous for your career development in your hometown.

6. How to apply for an Honours Degree

1. built-in honours degree.

Some Honours degrees are included in a Bachelor’s degree program when you are admitted to the university. The admission requirements are usually higher than regular undergraduate programs. Contact AAS to learn more.

2. High-achieving students

Students who achieve excellent academic results and rank in the top 3% of their Bachelor’s degree program may receive an invitation from their university or faculty to pursue an Honours degree via email during their final semester. If you have received such an invitation, we can assist you in accepting the offer and handling your student visas. Click here to contact us.

3. Submit an application

If your Bachelor’s degree does not come with an Honours degree, or you did not receive an invitation from your institution upon graduation, you can contact AAS . We can try to submit an application for an Honours year program. We can assist you in submitting an application for an Honours year program.

7. Honours degree entry requirements

If you are interested in applying for an Honours degree program at another Australian university, you will need to fulfil the admission requirements set by the institution. It generally requires you to meet the following criteria:

1. English language proficiency

You may be exempted from the English language requirement if you have an Australian undergraduate degree. But you may still need to provide an IELTS or other recognised English test for certain faculties or majors.

2. Qualifications

You must hold a Bachelor’s degree that is highly relevant to the Honours degree that you are applying. Please note that some requirements may vary for some specific Honours programs.

3. Academic results

Academic performance requirements for Honours degree programs vary among universities and disciplines. Based on AAS experience, students who score 70% or above in their academic results are more likely to receive offers of popular Honours degrees. However, requirements for less popular programs, such as biotechnology, may be lower.

4. Supervisor approval

The application process of some Honours degree programs is similar to a PhD program. It requires students to gain approval from a supervisor at the university in advance. Please note that this is only an additional requirement for particular Honours programs.

5. Faculty approval

In addition to the conditions above, approval by the relevant faculty dean at the university is also required for Honours degree admission.

Free Consultation & Application Services for International Students

Interested in getting an Honours degree or Masters degree? Please don’t hesitate to contact AAS for help. We offer free consultation and university application services for international students.

At AAS, we are dedicated to helping our clients make informed decisions about studying in Australia.

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