When is the due date for the Thesis?
2023 CASS Honours and Master’s (Advanced) Thesis Due Dates
Semester 1, 2023 thesis is due 5:00PM, Monday 22nd May 2023
Semester 2, 2023 thesis is due 5:00PM, Monday 23rd October 2023
Supervision
How do I find a supervisor?
Working closely with a supervisor is a core part of doing an Honours degree. The supervisor is there to help you choose and design the research project, guide the research in a practical and productive way, and advise you on writing the best thesis of which you are capable. It is critical that you identify your potential supervisor as your research interests will need to align with theirs so that you have a fruitful and successful relationship.
Check the ANU Researcher website to find an academic undertaking research in a field that you're interested in. All Honours degrees and Honours specialisations have an Honours Convenor who can help you with this step. You can find a list of these convenors at this link.
Does the supervisor have to be from CASS?
No. Your supervisor needs to have academic expertise in the discipline or field in which you will write your thesis and must also agree to supervise your thesis. This agreement is subject to the approval of the Head of School in which the supervisor is based. Before approaching a potential supervisor, you must consult with the Honours Convenor for your degree or, if in the BA or PhB, the Convenor of your Honours Specialisation. The CASS Student and Education Office unfortunately cannot assist in finding a supervisor.
What if my supervisor is on leave for some of the Honours year?
If the academic staff member knows that they won't be able to supervise you for the whole Honours year, then they should not agree to supervise you. If their absence is unexpected and for a significant amount of time, then the area needs to find another supervisor for you. If this occurs, please contact us, as we will need to update the records.
Proposal
What should a thesis proposal include?
A thesis proposal's content, structure, length, and formatting will vary from area to area. You can check with your Honours Convenor about what to include for your proposal.
Please note that the Thesis Supervisor Confirmation Form is separate to the thesis proposal. On the Thesis Supervisor Confirmation Form, please only write a brief title or overview of your project (maximum 50 words).
Will the grades from a either an exchange or study abroad count?
If courses undertaken on exchange or study abroad count towards the Major from which your entry into an Honours program is calculated, then those grades will count. Please provide an official transcript from your host institution with your application.
Eligibility
What are the requirements to be eligible to apply for Honours?
Information on How to Apply and Admission Requirements are available on the How to Apply for CASS Honours site
What is the required grade average?
It is best to check the entry requirements under your program as listed on the How to Apply for CASS Honours site, but generally it is an average grade of 70% for the top 36 units in the major associated with your intended Honours specialisation, or list courses as per the Program you are applying for.
What is the longest time period that a student can apply for Honours after completing a respective undergraduate degree?
Please note that according to the Coursework Awards Rule 2020 of the ANU, Section 18 point (3) says: "If a person is admitted to a 1-year honours program for a degree of Bachelor Honours, the person must enrol in the program within 2 years after the day the person completes the requirements for the award of the pass degree relevant to the program." That is, that students must apply within 2 years of completing their UG degree, or they are ineligible to apply (as they couldn’t start within two years, as it has passed). If you completed your Undergraduate program more than 2 years ago, you may like to consider a Masters program. More information can be found here Students must commence their Honours program within 2 years of completing their undergraduate degree. This allows them to have 1 year away from studies. After this time, your application will not be assessed.
Can I start Honours mid-year (in July)?
Some disciplines have a mid-year intake. Please confirm with your Honours Convenor.
In the event that my application is rejected, can I apply again at a later date?
If it has been rejected because you have exceeded the 2 year time limit, then you will not be able to apply again.
If it has been rejected on academic grounds then unfortunately you may have to complete further undergraduate studies before you can apply again.
If it has been rejected because your research proposal was not strong enough then you’ll need to revise this and will be able to apply again. Before applying again, you are strongly encouraged to discuss your submission with your potential supervisor and Honours Convenor.
I did not do my Undergraduate degree at ANU, can I apply to the Honours program at ANU?
Yes. Admission requirements are available on the How to Apply for CASS Honours site
What is involved in Honours coursework?
Each Honours program has set coursework that students have to complete. These courses will give you the skills and techniques you will need to undertake your research and write a successful thesis. These have been carefully selected by the discipline areas and are unique to honours programs. In the rare case where you have completed a course in your undergraduate degree that is identical to a course prescribed in your honours program, you may request exemption through your supervisor and Honours Convenor.
Can I do part-time Honours?
- If you want to do part-time Honours from when you apply, there is a specific question on the application form. Your request will be factored into the application process. It is very important to decide before you start if you are going to be a part-time student, as it can be difficult to go part-time once you commence.
- If you want to do part-time Honours after you start your program, please contact us. We will organise a revised Thesis Supervisor Confirmation Form with a revised expected submission date.
Please note that students are required to complete their Honours program within two years of commencing.