Students continue social science undergraduate studies at a higher level by specialising in an area of interest.
Studies develop an independent style of learning, combined with advanced knowledge in a specific research area. This academic background offers advantages in the employment market. An honours program is the main pathway to further postgraduate study, particularly research-focused study. Studies are supervised by a Faculty of Arts and Business academic who has relevant research interests and expertise in the chosen field of study. There is a thesis component.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Studies develop an independent style of learning, combined with advanced knowledge in a specific research area. This academic background offers advantages in the employment market. An honours program is the main pathway to further postgraduate study, particularly research-focused study. Studies are supervised by a Faculty of Arts and Business academic who has relevant research interests and expertise in the chosen field of study. There is a thesis component.
Specialisations
Counselling; development studies; geography; human services; Indigenous studies, politics and international relations; social work; sociology; sustainability.
Admission requirements
Students must have completed a Bachelor of Social Science, or a related degree from a recognised higher education institution, with at least eight courses in the area of study of their thesis topic. A good level of achievement in the intended area of study must be demonstrated. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Importantly, enrolment is contingent upon the Faculty's capacity to provide appropriate supervision in the intended field of research.
Career opportunities
Depending on the research area selected, academia, government / corporate positions in applied sociology, community and welfare services, policy development, public administration.
Program structure
Program structure
The Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) structure is usually as follows:
- a 48 unit coursework component (consisting of a combination of courses weighted from 12 to 24 units), and
- a 48 unit thesis component
Satisfactory participation in the Faculty Honours Seminar is also required.
If completing your honours program part-time over two years, the first year will normally comprise coursework and the second will be dedicated to your thesis.
Coursework component
Coursework comprises a mix of:
- ART411 Research Methods in Arts and Social Science
- reading courses based on a program of supervised reading
- existing courses in the chosen area of study, with additional prescribed reading and assessment
- dedicated honours courses, or
- relevant courses through other universities
Thesis component
The thesis component consists of a sustained scholarly project developed from the research proposal a student submits with their honours enrolment application.
The nature and topic of the thesis component is determined by the student's interests, the interests of potential supervisors and the availability of appropriate supervision.
The research proposal accompanying the honours enrolment application is normally two to three pages in length. It includes an outline of the research topic, its rationale, and an indication of the research methodology, and should refer to relevant literature in the topic area.
The completed thesis is normally 15,000–25,000 words in length. The required length is determined by the precise nature of the research, in consultation with the supervisor and subject to the approval of the Dean.
Classes of honours
The degree is awarded in one of the three classes:
- Class 1
- Class 2 (awarded as Division 1 or Division 2)
- Class 3
The class of honours awarded may not be more than one grade higher than the grade for the thesis. For example, if you receive a ‘Credit’ grade for your thesis, you may not be awarded the honours degree at a higher level than Class 2 Division 1, regardless of the average mark.
Enrolment and fees
- In any semester, standard full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL **
- In any semester, standard part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL **
- The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date
- Commonwealth supported students pay student contributions
- Students who are not Commonwealth-supported pay full tuition fees
** EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL
Program requirements and notes
Faculty Honours Seminar Program
The University’s Honours Seminar Program helps build an honours research culture within USC, and provides opportunities for honours students from across the University to meet. At least one oral presentation at the Faculty’s honours seminars is a requirement of the Bachelor of Social Science (Honours).
Examination
All coursework is normally graded internally. A copy of your thesis will be sent to two independent examiners, one of whom is normally internal and the other of whom is external to the University of the Sunshine Coast.