Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences) (Honours)
The Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences) (Honours) is a fourth year program that often serves as a prelude to study in the research field.
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.
Duration
Course overview
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) is a fourth-year program that serves as a prelude to a higher degree in research or to professional practice in a range of careers that entail advanced research work.
With half the program dedicated to a thesis-based experience of independent research conducted professionally, the program prepares individuals for professional or research work in the disciplinary field of their preference. It provides training in methodology, research skills and theoretical inquiry.
This Social Sciences stream enables students to choose to study Sociology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Community and Human Services, History or Indigenous Studies.
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.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
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
Course co-ordinator
Daniel Tout
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
Contact hours
You’d be looking at about 25-30 hours per week (if you’re full time), but this includes on-campus classes and self-directed study (i.e. homework).
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.
- Honours Thesis 130 credit pointsBAHRS4001
- Research Design, Management and Methods15 credit pointsBAHRS4034
- Literature Review15 credit pointsBAHRS4035
- Honours Thesis 230 credit pointsBAHRS4002
- Advanced Theory for Honours Students30 credit pointsBAHRS4033
Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non year 12)
A Bachelor or Arts program with a sequence in the relevant discipline with Distinction average in upper-level discipline-specific courses and no less than a Distinction in upper-level discipline-specific courses (giving a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 6.0).
English language requirements
Academic IELTS of 6.0 overall with no bands less than 6.0
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 applying, developed in consultation with a potential supervisor and the Honours Coordinator.
Some questions to help you identify an area for your research project are:
• What aspects of your undergraduate degree did you find most interesting?
• Which courses did you enjoy the most?
• What topics or issues did you wish you could have studied in more depth?
• Which academic staff in the School of Arts are working in areas that interest you?
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
- HS8
