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The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at La Trobe University is designed for students who want to deepen their expertise in a chosen discipline while building advanced research and analytical skills. It suits students who are academically driven and interested in independent study, critical thinking, and preparing for research or professional careers. The program focuses on producing a major research project alongside advanced coursework in the chosen field.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1:
Students undertake advanced-level study in their selected discipline, focusing on strengthening theoretical knowledge and research capability. Learning includes advanced seminars and research-focused subjects that prepare students for independent academic work. They also develop skills in research design, academic writing, and critical analysis in preparation for the honours thesis.
Focus areas:
Advanced disciplinary study, research methods, critical analysis, independent research, academic writing, theoretical frameworks, thesis preparation
Learning outcomes:
Advanced research skills, independent thinking, academic writing, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, discipline-specific expertise
Professional alignment (accreditation):
This program prepares graduates for research roles, professional positions requiring advanced analytical skills, and entry into postgraduate study such as Master’s and PhD programs
Reputation (employability rankings):
La Trobe University is internationally recognised and its arts and humanities disciplines are consistently included in global rankings such as the QS World University Rankings.
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at La Trobe University is built around advanced, research-led learning where students develop real academic research skills by working on an independent honours thesis. Students gain practical experience in designing a research project, analysing information, and communicating findings in a professional academic format, closely mirroring real-world research environments. The program also strengthens critical thinking and academic writing through structured supervision and advanced seminars.
This experiential learning includes:
• Independent honours research thesis completed under academic supervision in a chosen discipline
• Advanced research seminars focused on research design, methodology, and critical analysis
• Use of academic databases, journals, and library resources for literature review and research development
• Training in qualitative and quantitative research methods depending on the discipline
• Regular one-on-one supervision sessions with academic staff throughout the research process
• Peer discussion and feedback sessions to refine research ideas and arguments
• Exposure to academic research standards and scholarly writing practices
• Access to university libraries, digital research platforms, and academic support services
• Presentation of research outcomes through formal academic writing or seminar-style assessment tasks
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at La Trobe University are well prepared for careers that require strong research ability, analytical thinking, and advanced communication skills. The program develops graduates who can work in research-focused roles, policy environments, education, media, or continue into higher study such as a Master’s or PhD. It is especially valuable for students aiming for academic or research-driven careers.
This leads to strong future opportunities across academic, government, and professional sectors:
• Students receive support through La Trobe’s Career Hub, internship guidance, employer networking events, and academic mentoring that helps build pathways into research and professional roles.
• Employment outcomes vary by sector, but honours graduates often move into research, policy, education, and communications roles that align with early-career professional salary ranges in Australia.
• The program is delivered in a research-led environment with close academic supervision, helping students build direct experience in real research practice.
• The qualification is AQF Level 8, giving it strong national and international recognition for both employment and further study.
• Graduates develop advanced research, critical analysis, academic writing, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across many industries.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students can progress into Master’s by coursework, Master’s by research, or PhD programs in humanities and social sciences. It also provides a strong pathway into specialised postgraduate study in areas such as public policy, international relations, education, sociology, and related fields.
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) is offered at La Trobe University’s Melbourne (Bundoora) CampusCompletion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline at a minimum 70% average WAM across all 3rd year subjects, preferably with an 80% average WAM in subjects from the intended Honours discipline.A signed supervisor and School acknowledgement formApplicants with a lower WAM may be considered at the discretion of the Course CoordinatorEnglish language Requirement: IELTS Overall 6.5, no band less than 6.0 or TOEFL(iBT) Overall score of 79 with 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in WritingStudents may be eligible to undertake Honours in their undergraduate major, subject to meeting entry requirements and the availability of a suitable supervisor, with further details provided in the University Handbook.The median starting salary for La Trobe University graduates is around AUD 67,000 per year, based on national graduate outcomes data for the university.Student researcherResearch assistantPolicy analystSocial researcherAcademic researcherData analystCommunity development officerCommunications officerProgram evaluatorPublic sector analystNGO project officer
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