Bachelor of International and Global Studies in Political Economy (Honours)

The University of Sydney

The Bachelor of International and Global Studies (Honours) is an intensive year-long program of advanced study with research at its centre. Students take seminar classes and research and write a substantial thesis on a topic they work out in collaboration with a supervisor who is a specialist in the relevant field. Where the pass degrees give students the opportunity to explore a range of fields and concentrate on one or two areas (the majors), the honours year enables students to engage with the subject of their major in depth and learn how to practise its methods by undertaking research of their own. The Honours year is both a preparation for postgraduate study and a capstone to an undergraduate degree. For some students, honours is the culmination of their formal education, an experience that extends their intellectual range, hones their abilities in research, analysis, and communication, and helps them develop the body of personal and professional skills needed to see a major project though to completion. For other students, honours is the first step on the path to careers as professional researchers and academics.The Honours degree in Political Economy is the premier undergraduate degree offered by the Department. This degree offers high performing students with a major in Political Economy the opportunity to develop superior research, writing and communication skills. This one year program is made up of two advanced level seminar courses and the preparation of a 20,000 word honours thesis on a topic of the student’s choice. The honours thesis is a self-directed research project that is completed under the supervision of a member of the Department. Students are welcome to pursue honours theses that focus on questions of economic theory, policy or method. The program provides a straightforward pathway into postgraduate study. Honours graduates in political economy are sought out by employers who value the superior research and writing skills they develop in the preparation of their honours thesis. Only students with an undergraduate WAM of 70 are eligible to apply for the fourth year honours program.

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