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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for Honours?

To apply for the Honours program, you need to apply directly to the Division's research office. The application will include

The letter needs to include information on:

Your letter needs to be sent, either as a hardcopy or email, to Dr Manjit Monga. Once the application letter is received, you will be contacted and advised of the outcome.

When do I apply for entry in to the Honours program? What are the closing dates?

You can apply for Honours at any time of the year. The Honours program has two intakes, one in study period 2 and another in study period 5. The closing date for study period 2 is the end of January, and the closing date for study period 5 is the end of June.

Can I apply for Honours before I have completed my undergraduate degree?

Yes, you do not need to have completed your undergraduate degree to apply for entry into the Honours program. However, you must have fully completed your undergraduate degree, to at least a credit standard, to be able to enrol if a tentative offer was made to start in the program. Hence, even if you have been offered a place, if your final grade point average for the completed degree falls below a credit average, you will not be admitted into the program.

Am I eligible for the Honours program?

You are eligible to apply for the Honours program, if you have studied, and completed, your undergraduate degree in a business discipline and graduated with a GPA of 5 or more (credit average or above).

How long is the Honours program?

Honours can only be done as a 1 year full-time or a 2 year part-time program. A student can switch to part-time from full-time on application, but the degree cannot be completed beyond 2 years part-time. Extensions beyond 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time are not available except in the exceptional circumstance of illness, backed-up by medical certificates.

Can I study Honours externally?

No, Honours is not offered externally and must be studied internally only.

Is Honours studied full-time or part-time?

Honours is usually completed full-time, but in exceptional circumstances a student could apply to do the degree part-time but it must be completed in 2 years part-time.

Can I study Honours part-time while I work?

Yes, you can study Honours part-time but it must be studied internally. Please note that the Honours year is a demanding one and students will struggle with working too many hours in paid employment. One day per week of employment (or no employment) is recommended for a full-time Honours student.

Do I need a supervisor before I apply for Honours?

No, you do not need a supervisor before you apply. The Honours Program Director will help you with gaining a supervisor and will discuss supervision with you once you have been accepted into the program. All supervisors must be approved by the Honours Program Director.

Do I need to decide on a research topic before I apply?

No, you do not need to decide on a research topic before you apply for Honours. Many students have a broad idea of the area they are interested in and from there the Honours Program Director, in the first instance, can assist you in deciding on the final area. Often new students may not be aware of the range of topics from which they could choose and so meeting with the Honours Program Director, and subsequently the supervisor, can help to focus down to the specific area of study. The Honours Program Director is available at any time to discuss these issues with you.

What courses do I have to do in Honours?

The Honours program has 3 coursework subjects, as well as a thesis. The program is 36 units and includes the following courses:

In the first half of the Honours year, you will learn about research methods in social sciences and develop a research proposal as a part of the assessment of Research Methods in Business and Management H (BUSS 4022), learn how to write a critical literature review in the Special Topics in Business and Management (BUSS 4024), and review the presentation of research in academic seminars in Developments and Debates in Business and Management (BUSS 4021). In the second half of the Honours year you will work closely with your supervisor on your Honours thesis.

What are the fees for the Honours program?

Australian citizens or permanent residents can apply to defer all, or part, of their fees through HECS-HELP. For more information you can see: http://www.unisa.edu.au/future/fees/commonwealthsupported.asp.

International students are full-fee paying. The annual fees for international students are $16,288 in 2008. Please see this website for all program fees: http://www.unisa.edu.au/prospective/Program/fees.asp.