Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

At Australian Catholic University, the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) is designed to give you practical, hands-on experience in research and creative work. Throughout the year, you’ll develop skills in designing research projects, analysing data, and presenting your ideas clearly—both in writing and through creative outputs. You’ll also benefit from close guidance from experienced supervisors and have access to campus facilities that support your work, including libraries, studios, and collaborative spaces:

Some of the ways you’ll gain practical experience include:

• Professional internships: You can undertake an honours internship that complements your thesis or creative project, giving you real-world experience in cultural institutions, government agencies, community organisations, or the creative industries.

• Field trips and study tours: Certain advanced units may include local or international field trips, providing firsthand exposure to research contexts and cultural environments beyond the classroom.

• Research mentoring and support: You’ll receive personalised guidance while completing your Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Thesis, helping you develop strong skills in planning, gathering, and analysing research.

• Library and research facilities: ACU’s libraries provide extensive print and online resources, quiet and group study spaces, and support programs to assist with literature reviews, data searches, and preparing your work for publication.

• Collaborative and creative spaces: Depending on your focus area, you can make use of studios, galleries, and breakout rooms to work on group projects, presentations, or creative outputs, with opportunities to showcase your work within the university community.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at Australian Catholic University are well-prepared to take the next step in their careers or continue with further study. Many go on to work as researchers, policy advisers, educators, or cultural program coordinators, and the advanced skills you develop in research, critical thinking, and communication make you highly valued across a range of industries:

• Career support services: ACU’s Careers and Employability team provides personalised guidance during your honours year and even after graduation. They help with resumes, interviews, job and internship listings through CareerHub, and host workshops and networking events tailored for research-focused students.

• Employment outcomes: Most ACU graduates find full-time work within a few years of completing their degree, showing that the university’s focus on practical and professional skills pays off.

• Graduate salary prospects: Alumni from honours programs report competitive starting salaries, typically around AUD 57,000, with strong growth as careers progress.

• Industry and academic engagement: Through honours internships and program connections, you can gain experience in cultural organisations, archives, festivals, and community projects, helping you build professional networks while still at university.

• Long-term value: Completing an honours year demonstrates advanced research skills and discipline expertise, giving you an advantage with employers or postgraduate programs.

Further Academic Progression:
Many honours graduates continue into postgraduate study, such as a Master of Research, Master of Arts by Coursework, or even a PhD. These pathways allow you to deepen your expertise and open doors to careers in research, higher education, policy analysis, cultural leadership, or specialist roles in government and international organisations, making the honours year a strong stepping stone for your future.