What is Honours?

Honours is a postgraduate course designed to introduce students to Reserach. It is designed for students who have recently completed an IT (or IT related) Bachelors degree. It aims to provide and understanding of what research is and to develop basic research skills.

Why should you do Honours?

Honours is the recommended first step for students wishing to go on to higher research degrees. With a Honours degree (1st class or class 2A), you are able to proceed directly into the PhD program. Obtaining a First Class Honours also provides you with the greatest likelihood of receiving a full PhD scholarship.

Other students complete Honours with no intention of continuing to higher research degrees. The research skills they learn in Honours can also be applied in industry and are highly sought after by employers, especially for more high-end (challenging and specialised) jobs.

What would you do in the Honours program?

Research is best learned through doing. The core of the Honours program is a 48 credit point project that will provide you with the opportunity to learn about research by conducting a small research project together with an experienced researcher who acts as both supervisor and mentor. You will learn the types of processes, creativity and analytical thinking that leads to scientific advances and how to communicate such findings in a rigorous scientific manner.

How do you select a research topic?

The first step is generally to find a supervisor that shares your general research interests. You can discuss possible research projects that would be of mutual interest. You are advised to talk to a number of different potential supervisors so that you can choose the research project that interest to you.

Information on available projects can be found here

How do you find a supervisor?

Firstly it is never too early to start looking. You might start by talking to lecturers who teach units you found particularly intereting. Next you should narrow down your general areas of interest. The Faculty has large numbers of researchers working in a range of research themes. The Honours course coordinator will help you idenify the research group that is best suited to your interest and put you in contact with the relevant group leader.