Studying Honours in Information Technologies
Applications are open for scholarships for new or continuing students intending to enrol in an Honours program at The University of Sydney for the following year. Find out more...
The degree program
The Honours degree program in the School of IT is split into two streams: Computer Science and Information Systems.
The Computer Science Honours stream provides specialist training for postgraduate research in Computer Science, and for IT research and development in industry or business.
The Information Systems Honours stream provides graduates with the analytical and consulting skills for solving problems (or performing research) in a variety of areas in the IT sector.
Both streams consist of advanced coursework related to the research interests of members of the School and a year-long project conducted in a research group in the School under the supervision of an academic staff member. The School has several research groups.
Information and contact details for research groups »
As a specialist degree, the aim of Honours is not to cover the full breadth of IT, but rather to introduce students to the cutting edge in selected areas of research and practice. It provides an opportunity to become actively involved in the research carried out by members of the School. Graduates take skills with them into the workplace which give them a competitive edge. Consequently, University of Sydney graduates are much in demand within industry.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for entry to Honours, students are required to have:
- completed the requirements for their current degree
- completed 24 credit points from 3rd year IT units of study (excluding project units).
- a WAM (Weighted Average Mark) of at least 65
- a Credit average result (65%+) for their 3rd year IT units.
Applying for Honours
You should first determine what sort of research areas and/or projects you would be interested in undertaking, then contact the relevant academic staff to discuss potential projects and to organise a supervisor. Dr Josiah Poon is the Honours Director and can help you find a project and supervisor.
The next step is to complete an Honours application form.
a) Internal Students currently enrolled in IT degrees (BIT, BCST, BCST (Adv), combined BIT)
Please submit the online form for internal degree transfers. You will be notified via email by the Administrative Officer from the Faculty of Engineering and IT once your application has been approved. This may take a few weeks before you receive any confirmation.
International students also need to lodge a separate application form with the International Office, in addition to the School Honours application form. Please visit the International Office website for more information.
The application closing date for domestic students who commence in S1 2013 is Friday 30 November 2012.
The application closing date for international students who commence in S1 2013 is Wednesday 31 October 2012.
b) Bachelor of Science students
Please download the application form from the Faculty of Science website. Instructions on completing the form can also be found on this website.
Note: Your completed application form must be lodged with the Faculty of Science Office.
c) Students enrolled in other University of Sydney degrees
Please contact your home faculty office for application advice.
d) External (non-University of Sydney) students
The School welcomes applications from external students. Please visit this webiste and apply for BCST Honours degree.
Scholarships and Prizes
SIT/NICTA Vacation Scholarships
Vacation Scholarships are available for interested 3rd/4th year undergraduate students to undertake projects in the School of Information Technologies and in NICTA at the Australian Technology Park. The research period normally starts in late November or early December and finishes in February the following year. Summer Scholars are awarded $5500 over the 12-week period. More information is available on the SIT/NICTA Vacation Scholarships website »
University of Sydney Honours Scholarships
The University offers scholarships to new or continuing local students, and international students who have completed undergraduate study at the University of Sydney, who are intending to commence Honours at the University of Sydney the following year. The value of the scholarship is $6000, which is awarded for one year. For further details and application information, please refer to the Scholarships Office website »
Allan Bromley Prize
This prize is awarded annually to the student who achieves the highest IT Honours thesis mark, and has a value of $500. This prize is awarded automatically – students do not need to apply.
More information is available from the SIT scholarships and prizes website »