Honours

Study with us and open the door to a range of rewarding career opportunities. Become a part of a community of alumni that includes Nobel Prize winners, pioneering researchers and world-renowned leaders in health. Our research programs are held in high regard, their quality and impact respected by peers and the community.

What is honours?

Honours is a one-year qualification studied as an addition to an undergraduate degree. Completing an honours degree provides an opportunity to investigate an area of interest in greater detail. As an extension of an undergraduate degree, honours is recognised as a prestigious qualification and develops specific knowledge and skills in your chosen research field as well as working independently, critical reasoning, scientific writing and presentation. An honours degree will prepare you for further postgraduate study, such as a masters and/or PhD. For those interested in academia or a research-based career, honours is the platform to kick start these professions. The skills and knowledge developed throughout an honours degree are highly transferable and are sought by employees and can provide a distinct point of difference in a competitive job market.

Why study honours?

Studying honours can provide you with the skills and experience to pursue different career opportunities, particularly a career in research. Employers recognise that the research ability and broad range of transferable skills which University of Adelaide graduates possess equip them well for challenging and diverse roles in industry, government and business, as well as in research and academic organisations. By undertaking a research degree with us, you will be involved in discovery, innovation and cutting-edge research. Our strong focus on addressing global challenges creates a highly stimulating setting for our students interested in changing the world.

We have a huge range of research projects listed in the Research Opportunities Guide(pdf file).

Honours scholarship opportunities

To apply for a scholarship please visit the university scholarships page and apply by following instructions listed. All scholarship applications are separate to honours program applications.

  • Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Honours Scholarships

    Amount: $4,000 paid in two equal instalments.

    The scholarships are available to students enrolled in an Honours program in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Selection of the successful candidates will be made according to academic merit. Academic merit for continuing students will be determined according to students’ cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) or equivalent score.

    Students must declare if they have applied for other scholarships on the project nomination form. 

    For more information regarding scholarships, visit the scholarships website.

  • Jeffrey Robinson Scholarship

    Amount: $4,000 paid in two equal instalments.

    Open to students with a Robinson Research Institute supervisor (can be within or outside of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences).

    Selection of the successful candidates will be made according to academic merit. Academic merit for continuing students will be determined according to students’ cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) or equivalent score. Final recommendation will be made by the Director of the Robinson Research Institute.

    Please refer to 'How do I apply to study Honours?' below, for the relevant project nomination form and download the Jeffrey Robinson Scholarship rules.

    For more information regarding scholarships, visit the scholarships website.

  • Repromed Reproductive Health Scholarship

    Amount: $5000 of which $4,000 will be paid to the student in two equal instalments and $1,000 for the supervisor.

    Open to students who have a demonstrated interest in human reproduction health and/or animal reproductive health that is transferable to humans.

    One scholarship shall be awarded to a student undertaking an Honours Degree of Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences, Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in the areas of Animal Science or undertaking the further or subsequent year of the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program of study at the University of Adelaide. Selection of the final candidate will be made by the Director of the Robinson Research Institute or nominee.

    Please refer to 'How do I apply to study Honours?' below, for the relevant project nomination form and download the Repromed Reproductive Health Scholarship rules.

    For more information regarding scholarships, visit the scholarships website.

Which degrees offer an honours program?

You can choose to undertake honours in the following:

How do I apply to study honours?

Some Honours degrees have two intake periods per year: semester 1 and mid-year.

Please note:

  • Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) applicants have an early application deadline of 16 October 2023, refer to the Admissions Guide for detailed information.
  • Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) mid-year entry is not available.

For all other honours programs, please refer to: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/honours > Application rounds

Contact Professor Joanne Bowen, FHMS Honours Coordinator, to discuss how honours can fit your career goals.

The application process varies depending on which degree you are applying for. Choose your desired degree and follow the steps outlined below.

If you have any questions about the application process, contact the relevant Honours Coordinator. You will receive a confirmation receipt of your expression of interest upon submission. 

Further information

The University offers scholarships to undergraduate students. These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students. 

Are you a current medical student? Students enrolled in either the MBBS or BMedSt/MD are eligible to enrol in the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Hons) at the University of Adelaide at any time after completion of the 3rd Year of the MBBS or the BMedSt. Projects are normally completed with researchers from the University and can be undertaken in a broad range of fields, including, but not limited to, clinical science, biomedical science and public health. Interested students, should, in the first instance, contact Professor Ben Canny, Director Medical Education to discuss their eligibility and a leave of absence.

Are you currently studying at another university? If you are completing undergraduate studies at another institution, you will need to provide a copy of your academic transcript once your final results are available.