Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1 & 2
- Duration
- 1 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 4511
- CRICOS code -
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $12,500*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $12,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- -
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- -
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Research-focused
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Academic mentorship
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Pathway to further study
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Have you enjoyed researching as part of your Bachelor of Arts degree? The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at UNSW Canberra is a one-year, research-focused degree for high-achieving students who want to deepen their knowledge and expertise in their chosen field of study.
The program allows you to conduct an independent research project under the guidance of expert academics, choosing one of five specialisations: Indonesian Studies, International and Political Studies, English and Media Studies, History, or Human Geography.
Through a combination of advanced coursework and dedicated research, you’ll develop strong analytical, writing and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across a range of careers. Completing an Honours degree can also serve as a pathway to postgraduate research, such as a Master’s by Research or PhD.
As part of a close-knit research community at UNSW Canberra, you’ll have opportunities to engage in seminars and workshops, setting you up for success in academia, government and industry.
Key features
Lead a specialised research project
Undertake an independent research project in your area of interest, gaining expertise and contributing original insights to fields such as International Relations, History, or Human Geography.
Personalised academic mentorship
Work closely with expert academics who provide one-on-one support, helping you refine your research, critical thinking and analytical skills.
Advanced coursework in your field
Build on undergraduate knowledge with coursework that deepens your understanding of research methods, theoretical frameworks and perspectives relevant to your discipline. Graduate with specialised knowledge and a competitive edge.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
Join an engaged research community
UNSW Canberra has a vibrant and welcoming research community, where you can collaborate with peers and academics, participate in seminars and take part in thought-provoking discussions.
Pathway to postgraduate research
The Honours program provides a direct pathway to a Master’s by Research or PhD, ideal for those looking to pursue advanced studies and research careers.
Renowned faculty and resources
Learn from world-class educators in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, with access to UNSW Canberra’s specialised resources and network connections in government and industry.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?
Entry requirements
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
International direct entry
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) is a one-year, full-time Honours program open to high-performing students who have recently completed a Bachelor of Arts degree. It’s designed to help students connect their undergraduate studies with supervised independent research, providing a foundation for further study or research.
The program consists of 48 UOC, including a 30 UOC research component with core courses relating to your chosen specialisation.
Full program structure
This program consists of 48 UOC, and can be completed in one year with full-time study. Depending on your chosen specialisation, you’ll complete:
Indonesian Studies
Core courses – 18 UOC
● Arts Honours Special Topic 1
● Indonesian Studies Special Topic
Research Project – 30 UOC
● Arts Honours Research 1, 2 and 3
English and Media Studies
Core courses – 18 UOC
● Arts Honours Special Topic 1
● English and Media Studies Honours Special Topic
Research Project – 30 UOC
● Arts Honours Research 1, 2 and 3
Human Geography
Core courses – 18 UOC
● Arts Honours Special Topic 1
● Human Geography Honours Special Topic
Research Project – 30 UOC
● Science Honours Research 1, 2 and 3
History
Core courses – 18 UOC
● Historiography Honours
● History Honours Special Topic
Research Project – 30 UOC
● History Honours Research 1 and 2
International and Political Studies
Core courses – 18 UOC
● Arts Honours Special Topic 1
● International and Political Studies Honours Special Topic
Research Project – 30 UOC
● Arts Honours Research 1, 2 and 3
Future careers
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) will gain advanced research and analytical skills that can open doors to diverse roles in research, policy analysis, communications and education. This degree provides a strong foundation for research-focused careers, equipping graduates with the expertise to address complex issues across government, academia and industry.
Many Honours graduates continue on to postgraduate research, such as a Master’s by Research or a PhD, setting them on a pathway to specialised academic roles or senior research positions in their chosen field.
Potential roles:
● Academic Researcher
● Archivist
● Communications Specialist
● Cultural Heritage Manager
● Diplomatic Officer
● Editor
● Government Policy Advisor
● Historian
● Humanitarian Program Officer
● Intelligence Analyst
● International Relations Specialist
● Journalist
● Public Policy Analyst
● Social Researcher
● University Lecturer
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
