Bachelor of Arts with Honours

This course is designed to allow well-qualified graduates to extend their studies in areas listed, either to improve their career prospects or to proceed to higher degree studies.

Completion of the degree to the standard of Honours Class II Division 2 or better is the normal mode of entry to the research degree of Master of Philosophy.

Completion to the standard of Honours Class II Division 1 or better is the normal mode of entry to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Arts with Honours offers students the opportunity to undertake advanced study and research in a broad range of humanities, arts and social science disciplines. The course provides a capstone to an undergraduate degree, prepares students for postgraduate study and establishes a sound basis for a successful future career.The course aims to encourage students to:(i) extend their intellectual range, both in respect to breadth and depth, in their chosen field of study;(ii) hone their research abilities; (iii) sharpen their analytical and communication techniques; (iv) refine their ability to think clearly and evaluate evidence and arguments; (v) further develop personal and professional skills required to work independently and collaboratively; and (vi) cultivate an ethical and non-discriminatory work practice.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: independently apply a coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying theories and concepts, as well as research principles and methods, in one or more disciplines; produce a dissertation that demonstrates original thinking, a high level of research skills and the ability to write creatively and critically; conduct and report independent research that contributes new knowledge to a particular discipline and integrate and position that research within the current body of discipline knowledge; demonstrate enhanced communication proficiency within a discipline-specific context; and demonstrate an understanding of the social and ethical issues in relation to their particular disciplinary areas with intellectual independence.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates will have coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as well as highly developed knowledge of research principles and methods and an advanced comprehension of one particular area of study. Communication Skills Graduates will have high level communication skills, oral and written, and be able to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences. These skills will be relevant in global employment market and further study. Problem Solving Graduates will have cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence. They will exercise initiative, critical thinking and judgement in adapting knowledge and skills in diverse contexts and in developing new understanding. These skills will enable graduates to locate, evaluate and apply information from a variety of sources enabling them to evaluate and interpret information in a constructive manner, to deconstruct relevant literature and to integrate theoretical and critical approaches into their work. Information Literacy Graduates will be able to recognise pertinent information and will have the advanced cognitive skills to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access, critically analyse and interpret information. They will have the cognitive skills to exercise critical and creative thinking as well as judgement in developing new understanding of a subject. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Graduates will be aware of their professional responsibilities as a researcher to provide balanced and accurate research and data. In addition, graduates will be taught that they have a social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts'. Lifelong Learning Graduates will have the research and critical thinking skills as well as intellectual capacity to enable them to continually further their learning. They will possess the necessary lifelong skills to be able to independently research, write about and discuss critical issues. These skills can be transferred to any discipline, will be useful in any career positions and are essentially lifelong competences. Independence and Collaboration Graduates will be able to exercise responsibility and accountability for their own learning and professional practice as well as the ability to work collaboratively with others within broad parameters.