Honours

Honours is a one-year qualification studied as an addition to an undergraduate degree, giving you the opportunity to investigate an area of interest in greater detail.

Honours years are recognised as prestigious qualifications that enhance students’ research and reporting skills, and indicate strong commitment, ability and creative thinking. By taking this path you may be particularly highly regarded by employers.

Honours degrees are also excellent preparation for studying a higher degree by research, such as a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Should I study honours or the Master of Philosophy?

If you have completed or are nearing completion of your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible to study either Honours or the Master of Philosophy (MPhil).

Honours is one year of full time study at undergraduate level. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a higher degree by research (postgraduate qualification) and is conducted over two years of full time study.

Tuition fees apply for honours but may not apply for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) (if you are a domestic student). Both honours and the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) can be pathways to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Degrees offering honours

  • Engineering

    At the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering, and Technology, all our engineering degrees include Honours. So if you’re an engineering student, you will complete an Honours year as part of your degree.

    Honours calculation tool

    Are you currently a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) student? We provide an Honours calculation tool to assist you with calculating your Honours grade.

  • Computer and mathematical sciences

    We also offer computer and mathematical sciences degrees in which you can apply to undertake Honours in your fourth year.

    These are the:

    If you’re a current School of Mathematical Sciences or Computer Science student:

    As a general rule, the basic prerequisite for undertaking honours studies in mathematical or computer sciences is achieving at least a credit average (grade point average of 5.0) in your third-year mathematical or computer science degree courses at the University of Adelaide. For honours in a single discipline, there may be specific prerequisites that each school’s honours coordinator can explain. For example, the usual prerequisite for honours in Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics and Statistics is at least 12 units of level III Mathematical Sciences courses at a credit standard or above, with at least 9 units in the relevant discipline.

    Guaranteed entry:

    If you’re completing the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (Advanced), you’ll be guaranteed entry into the Honours Degree of Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.

    If you didn’t study with us:

    Applications from students with other backgrounds, such as those with degrees from other faculties or universities, are welcome. Generally, you’ll need to have studied a similar degree.

    If you haven’t completed a mathematical or computer science undergraduate degree, but now wish to study in these areas, we encourage you to consider a postgraduate coursework degree. We offer graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master degrees.

    How to apply

    High-performing third-year undergraduate students, who are enrolled into computer or mathematical sciences are encouraged to submit an enquiry for Honours.

    Study Honours

    If you completed a mathematical sciences degree at a different university, you can apply for direct entry into our Honours degrees. See the step-by-step guide to applying.

  • Science

    An honours degree in science is one year of study where you concentrate on a project or area of science that interests you the most. Both our disciplinary research and professional skills pathways:

    Disciplinary research

    Bachelor of Science (Honours) or Bachelor of Food & Nutrition Science (Honours)

    • More research intensive.
    • Study area specific coursework.
    • Prepares you for a career in your preferred discipline of science.
    • Choose this option if you would prefer to work with a specific researcher or research group; or in a particular scientific discipline.

    Direct entry honours

    We also offer four-year undergraduate degrees with direct entry into Honours at the end of your third year.

     Study Honours