If you value independent thinking and are looking for a pathway to research degrees and enhanced career opportunities, the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) could be ideal for you. In this optional year of specialised study, you will conduct in-depth research on a topic you are passionate about and develop advanced research skills and disciplinary knowledge through coursework.

Our experienced academics will supervise you as you work on your thesis and engage with the wider discourse around your chosen topic. You will improve your critical and constructive thinking and gain practical research skills you can use in a range of private and public sectors to positively impact issues you care about.

Want to conduct your own research to make a real impact in the social sciences, humanities or literary studies?

This course is a wonderful way to interrogate the world. Enjoy the intellectual stimulation and personal fulfilment that comes with deep learning about a subject that is vitally important to you, while appreciating the supportive environment Deakin has to offer.

 

After graduation, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) high-achieving students are eligible to extend their research experience through masters and doctoral research programs.

edge on a chosen topic within the biology and chemistry field through independent, sustained and academically supervised research.

With the guidance and supervision of our internationally recognised research staff in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, you’ll undertake research to develop an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas. By generating a substantial contribution to knowledge in your chosen area – in the form of a thesis of up to 50,000 words – you’ll become an expert in your field and advance your career prospects.

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Additional course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Academic requirements

To be considered for selection into a Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) degree, you are required to have completed either: 

• A research project in a related area including a thesis which is equivalent to at least 25% of a year's full-time study at Level 8 or 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework with achievement of a grade for the project equivalent to a Deakin grade of 70% or equivalent
• A higher degree by research (HDR) in a related area.

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you’ll need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• bachelor degree
• IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
• other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements.

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.