The honours year in social and political sciences is a highly esteemed additional year of study that becomes available to you upon completing your undergraduate course.
An honours qualification in social and political sciences not only carries weight in academic circles but is also highly valued in the fields of criminology, sociology, political economy, government and international relations and anthropology. In these industries, research experience and strong critical thinking skills are in high demand. Honours provides a unique opportunity for students to explore their potential by conceiving and executing an independent project within our five core research themes: health, markets, governance, inequality, and environment, culminating in the production of a thesis. This thesis constitutes an original contribution to knowledge and stands as a significant accomplishment and highlight of your undergraduate degree.
Furthermore, Honours serves as a pathway to pursuing higher research degrees, including a PhD.
More information about honours can be found on the understanding honours page.
If you are interested in pursuing an honours year in Social and Political Sciences, there are two ways to apply, depending on the degree you are completing. These options have different closing dates, so be sure to plan accordingly and apply as early as possible.
Regardless of which method applies to you, the first step should be to review the specific entry requirements for your desired Honours program. To qualify for admission to honours, you need to complete a major in the intended subject area with an average mark of 70% or above.
Students who are currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Advanced Studies (BA/BAS), or other degree with an Advanced Studies component, you should apply for the Embedded Honours.
Note that for most Advanced Studies degrees, you must complete a double major before undertaking Honours.
Students should apply through Sydney Student as soon as they have confirmed a supervisor. The application deadline is strictly enforced. To apply, go to Sydney Student and select 'Course details' then 'Apply for Advanced Studies Honours'.
When submitting your application, you must upload an expression of interest signed by a potential supervisor or honours coordinator.
If you have already re-enrolled and selected advanced coursework units, you will need to remove these units before you can apply for honours.
Students who are currently enrolled in any other degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts, you should apply for the Appended Honours.
You may also apply for the Appended honours if you are currently enrolled in a combined degree, including the BA/BAS but you will first need to make an application for early exit. You can apply for Honours before you receive the early exit. Early exit requests cannot be processed until all results are finalised.
New interdisciplinary units allow students to broaden their knowledge of the social sciences as a whole, learning different ways of understanding human experience and how they fit together. This will enrich the disciplinary knowledge you already have and add important new concepts and methods to your research toolkit.
The 2024 Anthropology Honours program requires:
What you’ll study
Semester 1:
And one of these two options - chosen in consultation with your supervisor:
Semester 2:
The 2024 Socio-Legal Studies Honours program requires:
What you’ll study
Semester 1:
And one of these options – chosen in consultation with your supervisor:
Semester 2:
The 2024 Criminology Honours program requires:
What you’ll study
Semester 1:
Semester 2:
The 2024 Sociology Honours program requires:
What you’ll study
Semester 1:
And one of these options – chosen in consultation with your supervisor:
Semester 2:
The 2024 Government and International Relations Honours program requires:
What you’ll study
Semester 1:
And one of these two options – chosen in consultation with your supervisor:
Semester 2:
The 2024 Political Economy Honours program requires:
What you’ll study
Semester 1:
Semester 2:
The next step is to find a supervisor for your thesis project. You will need to provide an expression of interest from your potential supervisor or Honours Coordinator with your application.
If you have discipline-specific questions about honours or honours projects, get in touch with a coordinator below.
Honours Coordinators: