University of Sydney Handbooks - 2020 Archive

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About the Bachelor of Advanced Studies

The Bachelor of Advanced Studies gives students the opportunity to deepen critical thinking skills through advanced coursework and real-world industry, entrepreneurial, community and research challenges across disciplines or by completing an Honours project. The Bachelor of Advanced Studies can be taken:

  • in combination with a liberal studies, and some professional or specialist bachelor degrees
  • as a standalone degree for students who have completed a qualifying bachelor degree at the University of Sydney or another university.

The Bachelor of Advanced Studies gives students the opportunity to complete either an Advanced Coursework component or an Honours component. Either component complements their prior studies and deepens students' expertise in their chosen field, thereby enhancing their employment prospects and (in the case of Honours) enabling opportunities for the pursuit of Higher Degree research studies, such as a PhD.

Combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies

Combining an eligible bachelor degree with the Bachelor of Advanced Studies gives students the opportunity to:

  • tailor their degree by combining studies from a range of disciplines
  • explore their interests by completing a second major from either their primary study area or the shared pool of majors and minors (Table S), and
  • complete either an Advanced Coursework component or Honours component within the discipline area of their first or second major.

The Bachelor of Advanced Studies can be combined with the following bachelor degrees:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Economics
  • Bachelor of Design Computing
  • Bachelor of Visual Arts, and
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science).

Standalone Bachelor of Advanced Studies

The standalone Bachelor of Advanced Studies is available to students who have completed a qualifying bachelor degree at the University of Sydney or another university and wish to undertake an additional year of intensive study in their main area of expertise. The degree is available in an Advanced Coursework [Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Coursework)] or Honours [Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours)] option, each offering a range of subject area pathways. Admission to a specific pathway is based on the completion of a relevant major during the qualifying bachelor degree.

The standalone Bachelor of Advanced Studies is available to students who graduated with one of the following bachelor degrees (or equivalent):

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Economics
  • Bachelor of Visual Arts, and
  • Bachelor of Design Computing.

Advanced Coursework vs Honours

In the Advanced Coursework degree, students will undertake challenging coursework and an advanced project. These learning activities will enhance knowledge, collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking. This is an opportunity to experience work outside the classroom by collaborating across disciplines on a substantial real-world project in a professional, community or entrepreneurial setting, increasing graduate employability.

In the Honours degree, students will develop deep analytical skills by undertaking an independent research project and connected discipline-based and/or research-focused coursework. This degree provides students with a pathway towards a higher degree by research, such as a master’s by research degree or a PhD and equip them with attributes for a range of careers.