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Make a meaningful contribution to the field of philosophy and enhance your career opportunities when you undertake an honours year in philosophy at ACU. You'll delve more deeply into the discipline, and learn skills in philosophical research, led by our world-class researchers in their areas of specialisation.
Contact the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy to find out more about undertaking an honours year in philosophy.
Our one-year honours degree for high-achieving students offers you an additional advanced coursework unit and training in research methodology, and the experience of undertaking a supervised research project leading to the production of a small thesis. You’ll work one-on-one with your supervisor and be embedded in ACU’s vibrant student community, where you will receive the support, guidance, and mentorship to succeed throughout your research journey. An honours year helps you develop skills highly valued by employers, including project management, scheduling, writing and researching, and critical, creative, independent and innovative thinking.
An honours degree is also a gateway to postgraduate coursework or higher degree research programs, such as ACU’s Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) and Doctoral (PhD) programs.
At ACU, you can undertake an honours year in philosophy within either the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or the Bachelor of Theology (Honours), depending on your pass degree.
Explore the Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Explore the Bachelor of Theology (Honours)
You will need to have completed a major in philosophy, with a GPA of 5.50 or above, and comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy. Admission requires the approval of the National Head of the School of Philosophy.
Admission may also be possible if you can demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and/or competencies based on previous experience, or are from a particular equity group.
Read the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy
You'll do one dedicated unit on research methods in the humanities, including philosophy, and two advanced coursework units with philosophers, on areas of their research expertise. At the same time, you'll be completing your honours thesis, with your supervisor, over the course of the year.
Semester 1
HUMA402 Introduction to Thesis Research and Design (10 credit points)
HUMA410 Honours Advanced Coursework A (10 credit points)
HUMA400 Honours Thesis A (20 credit points) *
Semester 2
HUMA411 Honours Advanced Coursework B (10 credit points)
HUMA406 Honours Thesis B (30 credit points) *
* There are different course codes if you do your thesis part-time.
You could be eligible to apply for one of the three ACU Arts, Theology and Philosophy Honours Scholarships that are awarded each year.
See the eligibility criteria and application process
ACU also has several other scholarships available to students. If you have faced barriers to accessing education, have displayed leadership skills, given back to the community in some way or achieved significant academic results, there may be a scholarship to assist you financially while you study.
Our community of philosophers teach and research across a broad range of philosophical topics and are ready to supervise your honours thesis.
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Monday to Friday
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