Information for Bachelor of Advanced Studies students

The University identified the potential for confusion about the number of, and Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level of, qualifications achieved by graduates of the combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degrees.

To address the administrative issues, students in the combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degrees are awarded two testamurs. The two testamurs reflect the two qualifications completed. Additionally, students who commenced their studies in the combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degrees prior to 1 July, 2024 and who would like to study honours must apply directly for admission to a disciplinary appended honours degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or the appended Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours)).

This depends on whether you complete advanced coursework or honours.

Advanced coursework

If you complete the advanced coursework pathway, you will receive two AQF level 7 awards, a 'Bachelor of X' and a 'Bachelor of Advanced Studies' on two separate testamurs (where X is the relevant degree, such as Bachelor of Arts).

Honours

If you would like to study honours, you need to apply for admission to an appended honours degree (e.g. Bachelor of X (Honours)). If your application is successful and you accept the offer, you will exit with a 'Bachelor of X' and enrol in the appended honours degree.

You will be awarded the core bachelor's degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts) regardless of which option you select.

If you commenced a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree prior to July 1, 2024, you can choose between applying for admission to a discipline appended honours degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) or the Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours).

If you commenced your studies in a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree on or after July 1, 2024, you can apply for admission to study honours in the form of a discipline appended honours degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science). You can’t apply for admission to the appended Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours).

To be eligible for admission to honours, you need to apply directly and meet the relevant academic requirements applicable to the honours degree.

In addition, to be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours), you will need to have enrolled in a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree prior to 1 July, 2024 and complete two majors before being eligible for admission.

If you are enrolled in a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree and commenced your studies prior to 1 July, 2024, you will receive an email from the University outlining your options with links to submit a direct application.

Emails regarding honours will be sent to you in the lead up to the relevant application opening period. You can expect to receive this email in early September where you can apply for admission for Semester 1 of the following year, and April where you can apply for admission for Semester 2 of the same year.

The key differences are:

• the name of the qualification listed in front of ‘(Honours)’ on your testamur
• eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours) requires the completion of two majors in the bachelor’s degree.

The decision is a personal consideration for you and should be based on your preference for the respective name to attribute.

If you complete honours in a Table S major, you will receive your underlying bachelor’s degree and the Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours) which will reflect the honours area of study.

We will be able to adjust your application between the disciplinary honours degree or the Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours) degree during the application and admission process at your request.

If you commenced your studies prior to 1 January 2021, you may be affected by the Job-ready Graduates fee changes. The Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates program made changes to fees for students on Commonwealth supported places who commence a new course of study from 1 January 2021. Under the package, some students are 'grandfathered students', meaning they continue to pay their original fee rate. If you transfer to a new course to study honours, you may not be grandfathered and may be charged the new fee rates for honours. Read our page on the Job-ready Graduates Package for more information about the changes.

Applications for commencement in Semester 1 close on 15 January of the commencing year.

Applications for commencement in Semester 2 (where relevant) close on 25 June of the commencing year.

You should refer to your respective subject areas for available intakes, as not all subject areas are available to commence in Semester 2.

If you are considering honours but are not yet at the appropriate stage of your bachelor’s degree, we recommend you consider your unit of study choices in consultation with the relevant honours coordinator to ensure you are on track to meet the relevant admissions requirements.

If you’re enrolled in a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree and planning to apply to commence honours next semester, you will receive an email with a link to book a direct consultation with one of our specialist staff.

For all other enquiries, please submit an online enquiry or call us on 1800 SYD UNI (1800 793 864) (in Australia).