Honours degrees

What is Honours?

A research Honours year is the perfect way to find out whether you have the aptitude or ability for research and is available for each of the disciplines of Biochemistry, Human Nutrition, Microbiology and Molecular Biotechnology. It allows you to focus on the intellectual and practical challenges of a research project by conducting original research under the supervision of a member of our academic staff, culminating in the presentation of a thesis.

The Honours program is an excellent introduction to a career in science and a significant first step towards a PhD or a Masters degree by research. If you are currently unsure about whether or not you have the aptitude or ability for research, Honours is the opportunity to find out.

Nutrition students have a choice when it comes to Honours. They can choose either a research year, similar to the one described above, or complete the training in clinical nutrition necessary to receive accreditation as a dietitian. In most cases Nutrition students will undertake the clinical Honours year. Students who do this can still apply for postraduate research degrees in Nutrition at the University of Sydney. Please note that due to availability of placements, clinical Honours is available only to students who have completed the Senior year of the BSc (Nutrition) at the University of Sydney.

Entry requirements

Since the Honours degree is an advanced degree there are some specific academic requirements. For research Honours, students must have:

• a completed pass degree from a relevant area in Science;
• completed a minimum of 24 credit points of Senior units of study relating to the intended Honours area;
• either a credit average in the relevant Senior units of study or a SCIWAM of at least 65; and
• satisfied any additional criteria from the discipline in which students intend to undertake Honours.

Nutrition students intending to undertake a clinical Honours year must achieve a WAM of at least 65 in their Senior year and results of at least Credit (65) in each of their senior Nutrition units.

A WAM or Weighted Average Mark is the average mark in the units of study completed by a student, weighted according to the credit point value and academic level of the particular unit. You can calculate your WAM using the Faculty of Science's WAM Calculator.

Students eligible for Honours must also be of not more than four years standing in the Faculty (or five years in the case of part-time students) at the time that requirements for the pass degree are completed.

Even if you have plans to move into a different area in the future, an Honours degree in one of the School's disciplines is an important qualification that will have a significant impact on how your academic achievements at university are judged in future years. In many instances, an Honours degree is seen as a minimum qualification for appointment to an employment position, particularly one with a research focus.

The Information Handbook for Honours in 2012 is available here.