Honours degree applications

Honours is a specialised year of study drawing together the theory and practical skills gained in your undergraduate studies. You'll develop an in-depth knowledge of your chosen discipline through research and additional course work.

Studying at the honours level is a great way to get valuable research experience, improve your career opportunities or specialise in an area that you love. Honours students are encouraged to take part in research seminars and forums and to present their research at conferences.

Deakin offers honours degrees by research or on-course, and your application processes depend on the individual faculty and what type of honours degree you want to pursue. 

Follow the steps below to understand the application process.

Make sure you understand the entry requirements for your chosen course by reading the course details carefully.

While almost all research honours degree courses welcome applications from students who have completed their bachelor's degrees at another university, there are a couple of specialist courses that can only admit Deakin bachelor's degree holders due to the prerequisite of specific units.

Your course may require you to fill in an application form with information regarding a thesis topic or project outline.

When you apply to Deakin, it's important to attach any requested supporting documentation, otherwise your application could be delayed or disallowed.

Find out more about preparing your application

If circumstances in your life have limited your potential for studying at university, we also have a scheme that increases your chance of receiving a course offer (but doesn’t guarantee it).

If your course application is through VTAC, you can apply for access and equity through the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application, and if you apply direct, provide us with more detail in the Application Portal.

Learn more about our Access and Equity Program

 The following research honours courses have additional special requirements:

Examples of additional requirements could include the following:

The individual course page will provide a list of requirements specific to your chosen field of study. Some of these additional selection criteria may need to be submitted with your application, while others may only be required after you receive an offer of a place. 

It’s your responsibility to check these requirements and ensure that all instructions are followed.

You might be eligible for one of the many scholarships Deakin has on offer. Our handy scholarship search tool can help you find all the scholarships that you could be eligible for. Remember to read each scholarship's details carefully and apply before the due date.

Find a scholarship

Recognition of prior learning is the recognition of previous study, work or volunteer experience you might have completed. If approved, it can reduce the number of units you need to study at Deakin, allowing you to complete your course earlier.

Find out more about recognition of prior learning

When submitting your application, we’ll ask you to provide any extra information necessary, like details of previous study and work experience to help us consider your application. All applicants will be asked to demonstrate a level of English proficiency. Depending on the course, a more specific requirement such as maths or a portfolio may also be required.