Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a Bachelor of Social Science from UNE, or equivalent, and specific GPA and credit point requirements.
Entry is based on a Bachelor of Social Science from UNE, or equivalent, and specific GPA and credit point requirements. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- 002578G
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Aimed at high achievers, Honours is an extra year of study after completing your undergraduate degree. UNE's Bachelor of Social Science with Honours allows you to extend your studies in psychology or sociology, to build on knowledge and skills in social science theory while undertaking research in your chosen topic.
Honours is a valuable, additional qualification that improves career prospects, plus you'll have the option to proceed to higher degree studies — either a masters or PhD. With an honours degree, your skills in critical analysis and research will be transferable across a range of fields, future proofing your career.
Why study the Bachelor of Social Science with Honours at UNE?
By advancing your knowledge and skills in either psychology or sociology with UNE's Bachelor of Social Science with Honours, you will extend and hone your intellectual range, research abilities, analytical skills and communication techniques. Individual academic supervision and support with your research dissertation, in a topic of your choosing, guides you on your journey and that dissertation contributes to 50% of your assessment. Honours prepares you for postgraduate study and can pivot your career to rewarding, satisfying work.
Consider UNE as your partner in education; we share your goals and we work by your side to overcome challenges. By choosing UNE, you will be studying with Australia's longest continuous provider of distance (now online) education.
What makes our course different?
At UNE, our honours program enables you to pivot your career in the social sciences. You will get to:
- Study national and global perspectives in your chosen field of study.
- Gain a coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in social science including high-level knowledge of research principles and methods.
- Learn how to apply advanced quantitative and/or qualitative research techniques by analysing real-world empirical data through a range of methodology.
- Apply advanced quantitative research techniques to real-world empirical data through statistical analysis and/or survey methodology.
- Be supported by our researchers, who are also your teachers. They offer support and supervision with your studies and research, so you are informed, with expert guidance.
- Learn advanced writing skills, and how to coherently and persuasively communicate findings effectively to diverse audiences.
- Gain an understanding of, and sensitivity to, the ethical dimensions of research.
UNE is an industry leader in the provision of online learning. Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed the UNE Bachelor of Social Science, or an equivalent relevant qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent).
- You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
- You have achieved a minimum result of Distinction for at least 18 credit points of 300-level units in the subject you want to study.
- You have completed a minimum of 48 credit points of study in the subject you want to study.
- You have fulfilled discipline-specific requirements as listed in the Additional Admission Requirements section below.
- Students must submit a research proposal of 1000 words, containing a written, cogent, proposal of the topic, which must include a thesis statement, and/or a problem to be solved, and/or a question to be answered, and/or a line of argument to be explored.
- You can provide evidence of the support of a suitably qualified supervisor who is a member of the relevant discipline, or you have received approval from the relevant discipline and Head of School (or delegate).
Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School (or delegate) on the recommendation of the discipline convenor.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Criminology
To be eligible to undertake Criminology Honours within this course, you must have completed the unit CRIM244 Criminological Perspectives (or equivalent).
Sociology
If you have majored in Sociology, Organisational Management, Social and Philosophical Inquiry, Social Philosophy or Studies in Settler Colonialism, you are eligible to complete Sociology Honours within this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed the UNE Bachelor of Social Science, or an equivalent relevant qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent).
- You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
- You have achieved a minimum result of Distinction for at least 18 credit points of 300-level units in the subject you want to study.
- You have completed a minimum of 48 credit points of study in the subject you want to study.
- You have fulfilled discipline-specific requirements as listed in the Additional Admission Requirements section below.
- Students must submit a research proposal of 1000 words, containing a written, cogent, proposal of the topic, which must include a thesis statement, and/or a problem to be solved, and/or a question to be answered, and/or a line of argument to be explored.
- You can provide evidence of the support of a suitably qualified supervisor who is a member of the relevant discipline, or you have received approval from the relevant discipline and Head of School (or delegate).
Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School (or delegate) on the recommendation of the discipline convenor.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Criminology
To be eligible to undertake Criminology Honours within this course, you must have completed the unit CRIM244 Criminological Perspectives (or equivalent).
Sociology
If you have majored in Sociology, Organisational Management, Social and Philosophical Inquiry, Social Philosophy or Studies in Settler Colonialism, you are eligible to complete Sociology Honours within this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- A completed Honours Application form. This must be included in your online application.
- A research proposal. Please see the Honours application form linked above for instructions on how to develop your research proposal.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the dissertation component of this course.
You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed the UNE Bachelor of Social Science, or an equivalent relevant qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent).
- You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
- You have achieved a minimum result of Distinction for at least 18 credit points of 300-level units in the subject you want to study.
- You have completed a minimum of 48 credit points of study in the subject you want to study.
- You have fulfilled discipline-specific requirements as listed in the Additional Admission Requirements section below.
- Students must submit a research proposal of 1000 words, containing a written, cogent, proposal of the topic, which must include a thesis statement, and/or a problem to be solved, and/or a question to be answered, and/or a line of argument to be explored
- You can provide evidence of the support of a suitably qualified supervisor who is a member of the relevant discipline, or you have received approval from the relevant discipline and Head of School (or delegate).
Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School (or delegate) on the recommendation of the discipline convenor.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Criminology
To be eligible to undertake Criminology Honours within this course, you must have completed the unit CRIM244 Criminological Perspectives (or equivalent).
Sociology
If you have majored in Sociology, Organisational Management, Social and Philosophical Inquiry, Social Philosophy or Studies in Settler Colonialism, you are eligible to complete Sociology Honours within this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- A completed Honours Application form. This must be included in your online application.
- A research proposal. Please see the Honours application form linked above for instructions on how to develop your research proposal.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the dissertation component of this course.
Course structure
1. To qualify for the award a candidate must pass unit/s to the value of 48 credit points at 400-level comprising an advanced course work component and a dissertation.
2. Each Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) candidate will be required to consult with thier supervisor(s). The nature and extent of such consultations will be determined by the supervisors and Head of School after consultation with the candidate prior to commencement of each year of candidature and may require face-to-face consultation.
3. A candidate may not enrol concurrently for other units at this University or at another institution, except that, upon the recommendation of the Head of School, the course coordinator may grant permission to do so.
48 credit points
Candidates may only choose the major detailed in their offer letter48 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Honours in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS400H) – 48 credit points
48 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Honours in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS400H) – 48 credit points
48 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Honours in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS400H) – 48 credit points
48 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Honours in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS400H) – 48 credit points
48 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Honours in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS400H) – 48 credit points
48 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Honours in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS400H) – 48 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| International | $30,200* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place | $16,320* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
Attaining an honours degree to a high standard will enable you to progress your studies to a master’s degree or PhD with potential for a career in academia. The required standards to enable entry to candidature are:
- Master of Philosophy research degree — Honours Class II Division 2 or higher
- Doctor of Philosophy — Honours Class II Division 1 or higher.
Careers outside academia include positions in a wide range of public and private sector organisations, including:
- policy advisers
- planning and research officers for state/federal government
- market and social researchers
- personnel officers
- human resource management.
Course outcomes
- apply advanced quantitative research techniques to real-world empirical data through statistical analysis and/or survey methodology, and judge the suitability of given methods to given applications; and/or
- apply advanced qualitative research techniques to real-world empirical data through a grounding in a range of qualitative methods, and judge the suitability of given methods to given applications;
- design, research and present a clear and coherent exposition of advanced knowledge addressing complex research questions and solutions in their area of study, demonstrating the potential to make original contributions to knowledge in that particular discipline;
- apply advanced writing skills and coherently and persuasively communicate findings in an appropriate form to diverse audiences; and
- apply, where appropriate, an understanding of, and sensitivity to, the ethical dimensions of research with intellectual independence and honesty.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will have coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in their chosen field, including a global perspective, as well as highly developed knowledge of research principles and methods and an advanced comprehension of one particular area of study that the student has selected to research. Supervisors will guide students to identify important resources that will be used as the basis for their dissertation. This knowledge will then be assessed throughout the degree through a range of assessment tasks to be determined by the relevant discipline, including the dissertation.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have high level communication skills, oral and written, and be able to convey ideas and information effetively to a range of audiences. Guided by their supervisor, these communication skills will be developed by students when completing, for example, ethics applications, contacting potential research participants, conducting empirical and other research, communicating their ideas orally, and in the writing of the dissertation. The honing of these skills will stand students in good stead for the workplace.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will be able to apply logical, critical and creative thinking to solve a range of problems with intellectual independence. With initiative and judgement these skills will enable students to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts. Students will need to locate, evaluate and apply information from a variety of sources throughout their degree. Students will be taught how to evaluate and interpret information in a useful manner and will be assessed on their ability to deconstruct relevant literature and to integrate theoretical and critical approaches into their work.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will recognise when information is needed, and identify, evaluate, and effectively use information as required. They will have the advanced cognitive skills to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access, critically analyse and interpret information. They will have the cognitive skills to exercise critical and creative thinking and judgement in developing new understanding of a subject.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will be able to recognise, reflect on and respond appropriately to social, cultural and ethical issues. Graduates will be aware of their professional responsibilities as researchers to provide balanced and accurate research and data. In addition, students will be taught that they have a social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts'.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will be prepared for lifelong learning in pursuit of personal and professional development. Graduates will have the research and critical thinking skills as well as intellectual capacity to enable them to continually further their learning. These attributes will be fostered throughout the honours program. Through completing the coursework and dissertation students will be provided with the necessary lifelong skills to be able to, with a degree of independence, research, write about and discuss critical issues. These skills can be transferred to any discipline, will be useful in any career positions and are essentially lifelong competences.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will work independently and collaboratively to achieve individual and common goals. Graduates will be able to exercise responsibility and accountability for their own learning and professional practice as well as the ability to work collaboratively with others within broad parameters. Students will be required to participate in professional, respectful and ethical discussions with their supervisor, and with other students, on issues associated with their area of study.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024 No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
The most rewarding experience has been noticing my critical thinking and problem-solving skills rapidly improve. Skills that I have been able to apply in every aspect of my life.
Why study with us?
Studying at UNE has broadened my perspective and I have experienced different cultures from the local and international students. The learning environment at UNE is very conducive to success.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024* | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
| Trimester 3 | 11 October 2024 | 21 October 2024 |
*Early closing date
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
