Purpose
A Bachelor Honours Degree recognises study at an advanced level.
It prepares qualification holders for entry into professional practice in some disciplines and/or provides a supported introduction to independent research carried out at higher levels.
It may be either a 480-credit (or more) degree with study at an advanced level that requires a particular level of achievement, or a discrete 120-credit degree following a Bachelor’s degree.
Research in the context of a Bachelor Honours Degree develops an individual’s ability to design and undertake a project under supervision, and to report on this in an appropriate way. It sharpens the individual’s analytical and communication skills and provides a supported introduction to planning, conducting and reporting on the type of independent research that may be undertaken at higher levels.
The award of honours recognises outstanding achievement, meritorious achievement or a pass. These may be termed first class honours, second class honours: first or second divisions, and third-class honours.
Credit requirements
The degree has a minimum of 120 credits at level 8 or above, including a research component of at least 30 credits.
A 480-credit (or more) degree has a minimum 480 credits. At least 120 credits are at level 8 or above including a research component of at least 30 credits.
In special cases a 480-credit (or more) degree may have a minimum 60 credits at level 8 or above including a research component of at least 30 credits at level 9.
Special cases are most likely to be degrees in which professional or accreditation requirements make it difficult to meet the 120-credit level 8/9 requirement, e.g. degrees in law or engineering.
Entry
A 480-credit (or more) degree is open to those who have met the specified entrance requirements, normally at level 3 on the NZQCF.
Entry to a 120-credit discrete degree is normally based on achievement of above average performance in the credits within the Bachelor’s Degree that are relevant to the proposed honours study.
Outcomes
A graduate of a Bachelor Honours Degree is able to:
- engage in self-directed learning and advanced study
- demonstrate intellectual independence, analytic rigour, and the ability to understand and evaluate new knowledge and ideas
- demonstrate the ability to identify topics for original research, plan and conduct research, analyse results, and communicate the findings to the satisfaction of subject experts.
Relationship with other qualifications
Achieved to an appropriate standard, a Bachelor Honours Degree should prepare graduates for admission to further postgraduate study.