Studying arts (Honours)

With increasing competition in all sectors of employment, students who graduate with an Honours degree have a distinct advantage. It is often considered by employers as an added skill and has been used by previous graduates to pursue higher positions and salaries. You can develop and carry out research on a topic of interest, potentially leading to further academic study such as a PhD.

If you perform well (credit average) during the Bachelor of Arts you may undertake a further year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) study to obtain an Honours degree. The Honours degree allows you to further develop your specific areas of interest.

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at the University of Newcastle offers a range of specialisations which are an extension of undergraduate work in a discipline and a pathway to postgraduate research. You will undertake a substantial research thesis, with individual supervision, and participate in courses with a small group of peers.

Some graduates may pursue careers in the area of their major, and others may be employed on the basis of skills acquired through their University study.

Because of the diversity of course areas, arts graduates find work in areas including teaching, government positions, management and administration, public relations, human resource management and marketing.

Candidates normally undertake an Honours degree in a single discipline.

Honours degrees are available in the following areas:

• Aboriginal studies
• Ancient history and classical languages
• Chinese (from 2013, commencing students wishing to undertake studies in Chinese will need to contact the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Program Convenor for further information)
• Creative and performing arts
• English and writing
• Film, media and cultural studies
• French studies
• German studies
• History
• Human geography and the environment
• Japanese studies
• Linguistics
• Philosophy and religion
• Politics and international relations
• Psychology studies
• Sociology and anthropology.