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Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (Honours)

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  • Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences false false
  • Undergraduate false false
  • Coursework false false
  • Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (Honours) true true

Overview

Course title Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (Honours)
Faculty Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Study level Undergraduate coursework
Credit points 48
CRICOS code 116270C

The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (Honours) is an additional year of full-time undergraduate study following completion of the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (BPPE) (or equivalent). It provides high-achieving students an opportunity to develop research skills in the discipline of their major (Economics, Philosophy, Political Economy, or Politics) by undertaking advanced-level coursework and conducting a supervised but independent research project. The honours year adds greater depth to the BPPE 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 serves as both a capstone to the undergraduate degree and preparation for higher degree by research (e.g., PhD) studies. For some students, honours represents the culmination of their formal education—an opportunity to broaden their intellectual horizons, refine their research, analytical, and communication skills, and develop the personal and professional abilities needed to complete a major project. For others, honours is the first step toward a career as a professional researcher or academic.

Students complete: 

  • ‘seminar’ units of study relevant to their research project as specified for the chosen discipline; and
  • a substantial independent research project on an approved topic of their choice, culminating in the submission of a thesis of 15 - 20,000 words, depending on the discipline. 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 BPPE from the University of Sydney, including a major in the proposed honours discipline with a minimum weighted average mark of 70, or an equivalent qualification; and
  • met any admission requirements specified for the proposed honours discipline: Economics, Philosophy, Political Economy, or Politics.

Admission is subject to the availability of appropriate supervision. Admission in Semester 2 is not possible in Political Economy and Politics.

Students interested in undertaking Honours should contact the relevant discipline's Honours Coordinator during the final semester of enrolment in the BPPE (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. 

Requirements and units of study for the available honours disciplines are listed in the honours unit of study tables:

Contacts and further information

Website Honours
Contact Please contact the Honours Coordinator in the relevant subject area for discipline-specific information.