Course title	Bachelor of International Studies (Honours)
Faculty	Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Study level	Undergraduate coursework
Credit points	48
CRICOS code	116269G

The Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) is an additional year of full-time undergraduate study following completion of the Bachelor of International Studies (or equivalent). It provides high-achieving students an opportunity to develop research skills in International Studies by undertaking advanced-level coursework and conducting a supervised but independent research project. The course enables students to develop the interdisciplinary expertise to understand, and work effectively on, matters of international scope that cross disciplinary and linguistic boundaries. The honours year adds greater depth to the Bachelor of International Studies and provides a pathway to higher degree by research (e.g., PhD) studies. Honours graduates are sought after by employers who value their superior research, analytical, and communication skills.

The honours year is both a capstone to an undergraduate degree and preparation for higher degree by research (e.g., PhD) studies. For some students, honours is the culmination of their formal education, an experience that extends their intellectual range, hones their abilities in research, analysis, and communication, and helps them develop the body of personal and professional skills needed to see a major project through to completion. For other students, honours is the first step on the path to careers as professional researchers and academics.

Students complete:

• two ‘seminar’ units of study relevant to their research project, from the disciplinary areas of History, Languages and Cultures, and/or Social Sciences, which provide training in critical analysis and the application of theoretical approaches to case studies; and
• a substantial independent research project on an approved topic of their choice, culminating in the submission of a thesis of approximately 20,000 words. Students work on their thesis throughout the course, under the supervision of an academic staff member with expertise in the chosen area. The research should identify an area for investigation which makes an original contribution to knowledge.

Admission criteria

Applicants must have:

• completed the requirements of the Bachelor of International Studies from the University of Sydney, including a major in International Studies with a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 70, or an equivalent qualification. 

Admission is subject to the availability of appropriate supervision.

Students interested in undertaking Honours should contact the International Studies Honours Coordinator during the final semester of enrolment in the Bachelor of International Studies (or equivalent). Information on the application process is available on the Honours page.

Degree structure and requirements

For detailed information on degree rules and requirements, please refer to the course resolutions.

A summary of course requirements and list of units of study available in the course can be found in the honours unit of study table.

Contacts and further information

Website	School of Social and Political Sciences
Email	ssps.enquiries@sydney.edu.au