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Honours Study @ MWAC - Climatology

What is it?

Honours in Climatology is a one year program designed to introduce undergraduate students to the techniques and principles of original research and to professional-level coursework topics in climatology. The Honours course focusses on understanding the principles behind the climate system and its variability, and the various earth systems interact with each other.

What does it involve?

The Arts Honours program requires the completion of 48 points of study, consisting coursework and a research project.

Coursework I (12 points) - GES4820: Seminar in Geography & Environmental Science. This is a compulsory 1st semester unit (mid-year entrants need to enrol for this in the second half of their Honours candidature). It is the only unit where all the Honours students come together to discuss their research topics and the broader issues surrounding the research process and thesis writing.

Coursework II (12 points) - GES4840: Directed Studies in Geography. This consists of an individually chosen unit which would normally be an existing unit(s) chosen for its particular relevance to your research. This must be 12 points at fourth year level or its equivalent. Alternative arrangements can be made with permission of the Honours coordinator and your supervisor.

Research project (24 points) - The thesis – a document of about 15,000 words based on original research – is the centrepiece of the Honours year. The thesis (and the research and literature review upon which it is based) is developed by the student under the supervision of a staff member (and, as appropriate, with additional advice from other staff members or postgraduate students). The thesis is worth 50% of the overall assessment. Thesis research and writing is done under unit codes GES4860A (12 points) and GES4860B (12 points).

Am I eligible to do Honours?

1. Academic preparation (required)

  • Completion of normal bachelors degree, or minimum requirements of a double degree up to the stage required before commencing Honours in Arts or Science
  • A major sequence in GES
  • The average of marks for your four best GES units (of which at least three at 3rd year level) must be ≥ 70.

2. Supervision capacity (required)

  • GES must have the capacity to supervise you
  • Talk to potential supervisors ahead of time! You need this information so that you can complete the Honours application form with the Honours Coordinator, and so you can make an early start on the research for your thesis.
  • Joint supervision can be arranged within our school and with other schools. There are pros and cons to joint supervision, so consider the matter carefully with both proposed supervisors and the Honours Coordinator (in both schools).

3. Coursework preparation (recommended)

  • Strongly recommended to have taken 3rd year methods units relevant to your thesis topic

Climatology Honours Scholarships

The School of Geography and Environmental Science supports three kinds of Honours scholarships:

  • Merit Scholarships: A number of $1,000-1,500 scholarships will be offered to students who enrol in the GES Honours program on the basis of academic merit. There is no need to apply – once the Faculty has approved your Honours Application your university academic performance will be considered by the GES Honours Coordinator.
  • Needs Scholarships: Students with demonstrable need may apply for grants of up to $1000 (apply to GES Honours Coordinator).
  • Summer Vacation Scholarships: To participate in research projects or pursue, under supervision, some independent work of mutual interest to the student and a staff member, during the summer before the Honours year. The scholarship benefits include a stipend of $250 per week up to six weeks (apply to GES Honours Coordinator, having first arranged a suitable program with an GES academic staff member, usually your thesis supervisor).

How do I apply?

  • Please apply through your home faculty (see their website). Deadlines are typically in November of each year; the Arts Faculty accepts a second round in January. External applicants have different deadlines and forms. All application forms and specific deadlines must be obtained from the relevant Faculty Office (or website) and all must be checked with, and signed by, the GES Honours Coordinator before returning the forms to the relevant Faculty Office.
  • Discuss possible thesis projects, directed studies units, and likely supervisors with appropriate academic staff before applying. The Honours Coordinator can advise you on the process.

What if I have other questions?

Further information on Climatology Honours can be found on the Climate Group's Honours Study page.

Honours with MWAC can also be taken in Atmospheric Science or, go back to Honours Study@MWAC