Humanities and Social Sciences

History Program

Honours Program

(Incorporating Honours in Latin American Studies, North American Studies, Religion and Spirituality Studies and Western Culture.)

An honours degree in history requires intensive study of the discipline during both third and fourth years. Separate honours studies commence in third year. To be eligible to apply for the honours year students are normally expected to have completed at least 130 credit points of history units with mid-B grade average. While it is strongly recommended that students who wish to undertake honours complete the special, third year honours preparation unit HIS3RHB: Reflective and Narrative History (see Undergraduate studies), it is not compulsory to take the unit for admission into honours. Honours students are encouraged to take at least 150 credit points of history units. Students are advised to consult with the history lecturers and tutors with whom they are studying before applying, as a high standard is expected in the course.

History honours at fourth year consists of: two components of coursework, each of which counts for 20% of the final mark; attendance at and participation in the History Honours General Seminar in both first and second semesters, including an examination in the first semester which counts for 10% of the final mark; and a research thesis of 12000 to 15000 words, which counts for 50% of the final mark.

Completion of the honours degree at first-class or upper second-class level qualifies a student to continue on to postgraduate study. (It is also possible to qualify for postgraduate studies by taking a Masters Preliminary course, subject to the same requirements and recommendations as above.)

If you are interested in undertaking an honours year in history, you should:

1. DISCUSS ideas for a thesis topic with the lecturers and tutors with whom you have studied.
2. SECURE the agreement of a staff member who is willing to act as your supervisor.
3. WRITE a 200-300 word abstract of your thesis research topic (this is not binding).
4. APPLY for admission using the application form below.

The completed Application Form (PDF 104Kb) for admission in Honours should be returned by Friday 23rd November 2007 to either: the essay box outside the History Program General Office (David Myers Building East, room E111), or by registered post to Honours Applications, History Program, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086.

Students wishing to take the Honours preparation unit (HIS3RHB) should also complete the application form (pdf 16KB), attach a copy of your academic transcript (from StudentOnLine) and submit to the Honours Coordinator for approval by Friday 6 June 2008.

Students applying for an honours year may also apply in advance for a grant of up to $2,000 through the La Trobe University Scholarships Unit. Applications for grants close on 31st January 2008. All queries should be directed to the Scholarships Unit.

Honours Coordinator

Dr Tracey Banivanua-Mar
61 3 9479 2373
t.banivanuamar@latrobe.edu.au