Honours at Monash:

is usually an extra year of study following an undergraduate degree*

provides an opportunity for more specialised, advanced work

opens the door to postgraduate study options (coursework and research masters or PhD) through the research skills gained

gives graduates enhanced employment opportunities, as employers recognise a degree with honours as a guarantee of additional skills, knowledge and achievement

* This can differ by faculty (eg. Honours in Law is completed during a student's final year and the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering with Honours is awarded for meritorious performance in the course as a whole)

Who does honours?

High-achieving and motivated students

If you are maintaining a 70 per cent average or better during your University studies, especially in your major discipline, then you have the potential to be an honours candidate

Students wishing to progress to postgraduate coursework, masters by research or PhD, or a career in research and academia

Your honours year

The honours year is often regarded as the most challenging level of academic study, requiring significant levels of personal motivation and commitment though it is also an inspiring, stimulating and rewarding experience

During the honours year, you will develop:

in-depth knowledge of a specialist area
comprehensive research skills
technical and analytical skills
critical and independent thinking skills
the ability to effectively communicate research activities and findings

Entry into honours is normally at the commencement of the academic year

Mid-year entry into honours may be offered at the discretion of your faculty

Supervision during honours

The role of academic staff develops from that of teachers (as at undergraduate study) to supervisors or advisers (as appropriate for postgraduate research)

During honours you will be assigned to a supervisor who can provide individual guidance and one-on-one academic mentoring

The supervisor is only responsible for suggesting, guiding, advising, assisting and providing constructive criticism

A supervisor is not required to apply any pressure on a student to complete their studies in a timely manner

Applying for honours

Future students

Most students apply for an honours year during the third-year of their course

For some degree courses you can preference honours when first applying to Monash. Where available these will be listed in Course Finder

Current students

All students are advised to understand their faculty's policies regarding eligibility and application for honours (see faculty links below)

Applications should be made directly to the faculty office of the campus where you are planning to take your honours degree

Recent graduate students

If you are offered a place in honours you can often elect to defer for a semester or two

Graduates may be eligible to apply to study at honours level for up to five years after graduation and can submit an application when ready to return