Theory Honours - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Honours?

Honours is a fourth year of study which follows the completion of the normal requirements of an undergraduate pass degree. The Honours program offers an opportunity for more specialised, advanced work in any topic of art and design history and theory.

Why do people do Honours?

At the end of their undergraduate degree many students feel that their learning has only just begun. They want to learn more about other areas of a particular discipline or to go more deeply into a special area and make it their own. Many students welcome the opportunity to conduct independent research.

Employment opportunities are enhanced for Honours graduates. Employers appreciate the Honours degree as a guarantee of additional skills, knowledge and achievement. The Honours degree also opens the door to all kinds of postgraduate study (Masters and PhD) through the research skills gained during this fourth year of study.

How do I know if I should apply for Honours?

If you are maintaining a 70% average or better in your studies, especially in your major discipline, then you have the potential to be an Honours candidate.

Course Structure
The Faculty of Art & Design offers two separate Honours programs for students interested in undertaking theory studies at Honours level:

• Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours), majoring in the Theory of Art & Design
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours), majoring in Visual Culture - offered on behalf of the Faculty of Arts.

Your academic background will determine the appropriate course you should enter . Contact the Theory Honours Coordinator if you are unsure: daniel.palmer@artdes.monash.edu.au

Candidature
Full-time
Students studying full-time are expected to complete the 48 points of the single or combined Honours course in one year. Full-time students commencing Honours are not permitted to undertake Honours over three semesters. Students carrying large responsibilities in the form of work or family, or other burdens beyond their control, may apply to enrol as part-time candidates. Students undertaking more than sixteen hours of paid employment per week are strongly advised to enrol part-time.

Part-time
Students enrolled on a part-time basis are expected to complete their single or combined Honours course in two consecutive years, with the thesis being undertaken in the second year.

How do I apply?

1. Intending students should contact the Theory Honours Coordinator to discuss areas of research interest and potential supervisors: daniel.palmer@artdes.monash.edu.au, Room G3.27 (Art & Design Building, Caulfield Campus), T 9903 2480. Students at Clayton may alternatively direct their inquires to Dr Leigh Astbury: leigh.astbury@arts.monash.edu.au, Room S710 (Menzies Building,); T 9905 4220
2.  Complete an application form. The BVA (Honours) application can be downloaded from Honours Local Applicants Website or obtained from the Student Administration Services Office at Caulfield, D1.02. The BA (Honours) application can be downloaded from Honours Applications Website or obtained from the Faculty of Arts office at Clayton.
3. All Honours applicants are asked to submit (in addition to the application form, citizenship details and academic transcripts) a one page (300 word) thesis proposal. This proposal should outline a potential topic for the thesis or areas of research interest.

When should I apply?

For normal entry at the beginning of the academic year, applications should be submitted by 31st October in the year prior to commencement of Honours. However, late applications may be considered at the discretion of the Theory Honours Coordinator. Mid-year entry into Honours may be offered at the discretion of the Faculty.

Can I undertake concurrent studies at fourth-year level?

In the case of the Bachelor or Arts (Visual Culture), under special circumstances students may be permitted to meet the BA pass degree requirements by undertaking an undergraduate unit or units valued at not more than 12 points in conjunction with their fourth year studies. If you are in this position you must make a request to the Theory Honours Coordinator. Students may also be permitted to take an additional unit in order to complete a second major required as a teaching discipline, or because the unit complements the Honours studies. Such permission will only be given where the student's past performance warrants it.

Is it possible to get extensions in Honours?

Extensions will only be granted for a maximum of one week after the submission date. Thereafter students will need to apply for special consideration. Note that if your results are not ready in time to be submitted to the Board of Examiners you cannot be considered for a postgraduate scholarship for the following year.

Who will mark my Honours thesis?

An Honours thesis will always be marked by two independent examiners, and results will be returned separately. Where the marks differ by 10% or more, or by a grade, an adjudicator who is nominated by the Honours Coordinator (or delegate), in consultation with the supervisor, will recommend a mark based on the reports of the original two examiners. In order to reach his/her decision the adjudicator will be permitted to access the thesis. The decision of the adjudicator is considered final. Where a student is successfully appealing a result the same process of adjudication applies.

Are results available for Honours coursework units?

Results for all honours units will be available at the end of the semester in which they are taught. Your final overall Honours grade will be reported in the following way at the end of the final semester of your honours degree:

Honours Grades

Is it possible to transfer from full-time to part-time Honours?

Under special circumstances a full-time student may apply for permission to transfer to part-time study. He/she can do so by submitting an application to the Theory Honours Coordinator.

What if I want to take an Intermission?

Special leave from the Honours program is only granted under exceptional circumstances. Requests must be made by completing an application to the Theory Honours Coordinator.

Is it possible to withdraw and return at a later stage if my circumstances change?

Approval to Withdraw in Good Standing may be granted in circumstances where Intermission is not appropriate and the student requires an extended period of leave from their studies.

What happens if I fail a coursework unit?

If you fail a coursework unit, you will be required to repeat the unit or a suitable substitute. In such cases you will only be eligible to receive the maximum mark/grade of 50/Pass.

What happens if I fail the thesis component?

If you fail the thesis component you will be deemed to have failed the entire program and will be ineligible to take out the Honours degree.

When do I start research on my thesis?

Ideally students should start with a bibliographical search after approval has been given for Honours, before the academic year begins.

What does the Honours thesis consist of?

A 15,000 to 18,000 word research thesis written in English.

Mid-Year Feedback

Mid-year feedback to students on the progression of their theses will take the following form. Students must submit their abstract, a draft chapter of at least 2000 words and a bibliography. The supervisor will then assess this material before Semester 2 begins. This applies for both VIS4001 in the BVA (Honours) and VSA4002(A) in the BA (Honours) Culture).

When is the thesis submission date?

The last day of Semester 2 for normal year entry; the last day of Semester 1 for mid-year entry. If you require a specific date, or an extension, please contact the Theory Honours Coordinator.

Thesis schedule

This is a compulsory schedule for normal entry full-time Honours:

First week of Semester 1
Discuss thesis topic, material collected so far and draft thesis research question of thesis with your supervisor
Last day of Semester 1
Submit the abstract, a chapter draft and a bibliography

Sixth week of Semester 2
Submit a draft of the whole thesis to supervisor for comment
Last day of Semester 2
Submit completed thesis

Submission of Thesis

The final text of the thesis must be submitted by the last day of Semester 2. Two bound copies of the thesis must be presented for examination.