THEL405 - Honours Thesis a (Part-Time)

Year

Credit points

Campus offering

Prerequisites

Teaching organisation

Unit rationale, description and aim

Honours thesis units involve the preparation of an Honours thesis based on original research. The preparation of an Honours thesis is intended to foster intellectual growth and constitutes a scholarly contribution to knowledge. This is achieved by providing an opportunity for students to produce a scholarly, well-written, well-organised piece of formal prose on a topic negotiated between the student and supervisor. The thesis of 15,000 words will be prepared under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the National Head of School. The selection of a topic or general area of research should be discussed with appropriate staff well before the commencement of the academic year.

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

LO1: Formulate a complex research project according to the methodological and ethical conventions of the field of study (GA5, GA8);

LO2: Critical identify a problem (or set of problems) requiring research and to develop appropriate solutions/methodology to collect, analyse and interpret data (GA4, GA8);

LO3: Demonstrate advanced conceptual and critical analysis skills and further development and consolidation of specialist/discipline knowledge (GA4, GA9);

LO4: Apply research skills, methodology and technology in order to conduct independent, self-directed research, and if relevant, contribute effectively to research teams (GA5, GA8, GA9);

LO5: Generate an advanced scholarly, theoretical and/or technical contribution in the form of a thesis with a significant component of research (GA5, GA9).

Graduate attributes

GA4 - think critically and reflectively 

GA5 - demonstrate values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession 

GA8 - locate, organise, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information 

GA9 - demonstrate effective communication in oral and written English language and visual media 

Content

As appropriate to the topic selected.

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This unit emphasises students as active learners. Students are recognised as adult learners who engage best when what they are learning is relevant to them and gives them the opportunity to be responsible for their own learning. In many ways, the student is the one who drives the learning forward. Active participation in this unit is essential. Learning is designed to be an engaging and supportive experience, which helps students to develop critical thinking and reflection skills.

Assessment strategy and rationale

On completion of the course of study and research a candidate must submit a 15,000 word written thesis based on work carried out during the period of study. The thesis must adhere to the conventions of the candidate’s field of study and the requirements stipulated in the University Guidelines for Honours Programs.

The final thesis contents will assess students’ ability to formulate, analyse, evaluate and transmit knowledge addressing an original research problem. The thesis will also assess application of cognitive and research skills through clear and precise, scholarly writing.

An Honours Thesis refers to the output of research undertaken is typically wholly in written form (12,00-15,000 words), but may be a creative work in the form of a composition, performance, exhibition or other approved work accompanied by a written critical analysis or exposition (5,000-7,000 words). The research component of the BTHEOL Honours Thesis must be compliant with AQF Level 8 Specifications. At a minimum, it must comprise a research proposal, a review of the literature or of previous creative material in the field, a description of relevant research methodology, and a record of the outcomes of the research.

Every honours thesis will be examined by two examiners appointed by the National Head of School or nominee. This may include one internal and one external examiner and will exclude the student’s supervisor(s). The thesis examination will be in line with the University Guidelines for Honours Programs.

Overview of assessments

Representative texts and references

Texts and references appropriate to the topic selected.