College of Science and Engineering Student Resources Honours Program

Honours Program

Our Honours Program provides students with their first opportunity for original scientific research. Staff that are world experts in their chosen field and experienced in Honours supervision enable students to conduct research at the cutting-edge of their chosen discipline. Our Honours program is internationally recognized as being a world-class research degree. Students work closely with staff in a mentor relationship.

For students wishing to continue studies in Australia (and some other parts of the world), excelling in the Honours program allows them to apply for direct entry to a PhD program.

Honours programs in our Science degrees can be completed disciplines including:

  • Aquaculture
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Science
  • Ecology
  • Geology
  • Marine Biology
  • Marine Science
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Zoology

Course Overview

To be eligible for admission into an Honours program you need a good performance throughout your Bachelor degree (a grade point average or GPA at least equivalent to 5.5/7.0 is considered the minimum standard required).
Please note that the standard of academic performance required for admission to honours may be higher than average in some years, depending upon the level of competition for places in a particular research group. Also, bear in mind that your subject selection and its relevance to the proposed Honours work (as well as your GPA) may also be considered.
Agreement by a staff member to supervise the research component of your Honours year is required in order to consider your application. This means that you need to contact staff members directly outlining your interests and academic history and asking if they will consider supervising you research project.  Potential supervisors need to confirm in writing to you if they agree to supervise your Honours degree.  A list of academic and research staff, and their research interests, can be found on our website, by browsing JCU's Research Portfolio, or by viewing the currently available projects online.
Most of these staff will supervise Honours students in their areas of expertise, and will also be prepared to suggest specific projects within these areas. In any case, you should identify a prospective supervisor and discuss possibilities with them before settling on a topic. Once you have identified a supervisor you need to complete a Course Enrolment Application and an Honours Additional Information sheet where your prospective supervisor confirms support for your application and project proposal.
You may start Honours in either February or September. The application deadline for a February start is the first working Monday in December. The deadline for a September start is the first working Monday in July; however, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible, to ensure that a place is kept for you.

How to Apply

International Student Application Form

Additional Information Form

Contact Details

For further information please contact the Postgraduate Office: