Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) is a fourth-year program that often serves as a prelude to a higher degree in research or advanced professional practice in careers that entail complex research work.
Course essentials
Entry requirements
Credit
A full-time study load is 120 credits a year (usually four 15-credit units each semester). 120 credits equal one equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL). Each credit point equals about 10 hours of learning, so a 15-credit unit means roughly 150 hours.
Study mode
Study modes tell you how teaching and learning will be delivered for your course and include where and when classes can be scheduled, what you'll do and the tech you'll use.
Duration
Start dates
01 March 2027
26 July 2027
Locations
Camp St (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Course overview
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) is a fourth-year program that often serves as a prelude to a higher degree in research or advanced professional practice in careers that entail complex research work. With half the program dedicated to a thesis-based experience of independent research conducted professionally, the program will prepare individuals for professional or research work in the disciplinary field of their preference by providing training in theory, methodology and epistemology.
Within the integrated multidisciplinary Honours program, studies in communication, criminology, international studies, history, human services, literature, philosophy, politics, psychological studies, indigenous studies, screen studies and sociology are offered. The program involves four course-work subjects plus a dissertation of 12,000 to 15,000 words. Successful completion of this program will give you the foundation, knowledge and skills to:
- Develop skills in research and thesis writing;
- Pursue scholarly interests in an extended, specialised research project;
- Explore a range of subjects, by seminar and independent research.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
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Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Humanities and Social Sciences
Career paths
Honours graduates are highly valued for research work (academic and professional), and are especially prepared for a higher degree by research such as a PhD.
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it's calculated
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Camp St (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Semester 2, 2026-2027 (Northern Hemisphere)
1 March 2027
Locations
Camp St (on campus)
Semester 2, 2027
26 July 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Camp St (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
Contact hours
Four hours per week (plus regular fortnightly consultations with supervisor) for full time students
Work integrated learning
Completed Bachelor of Arts degree (or equivalent) with at least a 'D' (Distinction) average. Students will normally have a short thesis topic approved before enrolment, developed in consultation with a potential supervisor.
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Literature Review and Communication15 credit pointsARHON4101
- Advanced Research Methodology15 credit pointsARHON4102
- Honours Project Planning15 credit pointsARHON4103
Approved Elective
- Honours Project 130 credit pointsARHON4104
- Honours Project 230 credit pointsARHON4105
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level or above, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory course such as Federation Access Studies (FAST).
Successful completion of a bachelor's degree at AQF level 7 in a cognate discipline with a GPA 6.0 and above in;
- Arts, Creative Arts,
- Community and Human Services,
- Human Welfare Studies and Services,
- Performing Arts,
- Studies in Human Society
Extra requirements
All applicants must complete and submit the research proposal form as part of their application.
Students will normally have a short thesis topic approved before enrolment, developed in consultation with a potential supervisor and the Honours Coordinator.
How you apply will depend on your current situation – school leaver, tertiary background or life experience – and whether you’re also applying for courses at other institutions. Visit our how to apply page to find out more.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- AR8