What Are Honours Degrees? Should You Study an Honours Bachelor's in 2025?
With so many types of undergraduate degrees available, such as Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, and Bachelor of Laws, it can be overwhelming to decide which one suits you. The concept of an honours degree further complicates this decision. But what exactly is an honours degree, and how does it impact your academic and career plans?
An honours degree represents a higher level of academic achievement than a regular Bachelor's degree. It typically involves more coursework, research, and sometimes a thesis. Honours degrees often indicate a deeper specialization in a subject, and they can be seen as a pathway to postgraduate studies or higher-level career opportunities.
In the United States, there is no specific honours degree. Instead, students can graduate with honours titles based on their Grade Point Average (GPA), such as:
In Canada, honours degrees take four years to complete and are more intensive than regular Bachelor's degrees. A 4-year honours degree is often required for admission to Master’s programs. Canadian universities designate honours degrees as ‘(Hons)’ or ‘(Honours)’, like:
The UK is renowned for its honours degrees, which usually take 3-4 years to complete and typically include a research project or thesis in the final year. Degree classifications in the UK are:
In Ireland, honours Bachelor’s degrees are more demanding and require higher academic performance. They also feature challenging assignments and exams. Look for degrees labeled as ‘(Hons)’ or ‘(Honours)’.
Australia offers two types of honours degrees:
Degrees like Engineering (Honours) and Law (Hons) are common.
In New Zealand, honours degrees are either a postgraduate one-year program or a more advanced undergraduate degree. Similar to Australia, honours work is often completed within the same duration as a regular Bachelor’s degree.
While not as prevalent, honours degrees are also offered in countries like:
For those seeking flexibility, many universities, especially in the UK, offer online honours degrees. Over 350 such programs are available, allowing students to study from home while earning a prestigious qualification.
Deciding whether to pursue an honours degree depends on your career and academic goals. In countries like Canada, it is often a requirement for postgraduate studies. In others, the differences between a regular and an honours degree may be less significant. Ultimately, it boils down to your ambition and willingness to commit to a more challenging academic path.
Honours degrees offer an opportunity for greater academic specialization and achievement. They can be essential for certain careers or further studies, but they also demand a higher level of commitment. Whether or not an honours degree is right for you depends on your personal goals, study preferences, and career aspirations.
Savanis