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Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Honours)

Become an expert. Investigate complex ideas. Develop key research skills.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

If you’re planning to study at UOW immediately after finishing your HSC, International Baccalaureate (IB), or an interstate equivalent, you can apply for Early Admission to this course. Applications can be submitted via the UOW Early Admission website during the designated period, usually June – August each year.

Students can also apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

If you’re a non-school leaver (e.g., completed Year 12 previously and/or have a TAFE qualification or equivalent), you can apply directly to UOW.

Before applying, please review the requirements, intakes, and deadlines for your chosen degree.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent. An agent can help navigate the application process and ensure that you submit all necessary documentation. For your nearest agent, please see our agent list.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply directly (without an agent), you can start the process through our Apply Online portal. Please note, some applicants will not be eligible to apply directly and will be prompted to apply via an agent.

International students who are studying an Australian Year 12 qualification in or outside of Australia may choose to apply through UOW Early Admission, and/or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Domestic
Campus
Wollongong
Delivery ?
On Campus
Starts
  • Autumn 2025
  • Spring 2025
  • Autumn 2024
  • Spring 2024
Code
UOW: 389

Overview

If you've excelled in your Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree, you should consider an honours year to gain an in-depth understanding of a topic that interests you. The honours research topics available are varied and negotiable: if you are passionate about a topic and want to find answers, you'll be encouraged and supported to do so.

Whatever your topic, being able to demonstrate your ability to achieve a complex goal, meet deadlines, investigate independently, use resources effectively and write coherently will be highly regarded by potential employers.

The honours year has two functions; as an in-depth project at the end of undergraduate study and as a bridge between undergraduate study and advanced research.

See the course handbook for more information.

Studying honours will:

  • Teach you research skills, navigation skills and how to use information systems (archives, the library, databases and electronic research networks)
  • Provide an opportunity to articulate complex ideas in both verbal and written format
  • Provide the experience of working closely with a supervisor on a project and preparing a major project to meet a deadline
  • Provide experience in devising, researching and delivering an individual topic of study in an extended thesis of approx. 15,000 words

 

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Careers

  • Business Development and Administration
  • Diplomacy
  • Economist
  • Foreign Affairs Advisor
  • Lobbyist
  • Political Advisor
  • Social Policy Development
See more

Admissions information

The University assumes students will have studied any 2 units of English.. Ideally, students will have studied English Advanced.

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • Higher Education Study

    For your application to be assessed on your university results you need to have completed at least one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) at a Bachelor's degree level or higher. Your grades will be converted to a selection rank to be used for admission purposes. Students may also be eligible for credit for prior learning.

  • Work and life experience

    Admission to UOW is primarily based on your academic qualifications, with work or life experience generally not considered. If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, we recommend exploring recognized pathway programs, such as those offered by UOW College or the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC).

    For more information, please refer to the UOW Admissions Information page.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

    UOW's Woolyungah Indigenous Centre's Indigenous Admissions Program (IAP) offers an alternative pathway for Indigenous Australians aged 17 and over who are seeking entry into an undergraduate course at UOW. Upon completing the IAP, applicants will be considered for admission based on an interview and assessment of both academic and non-academic qualities. For further details, including the application process, please contact Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.

  • Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

    If you have completed or partially completed studies at an approved university or tertiary institution, you may be eligible for entry to UOW. You'll need to provide academic records, and your course must be at least one-sixth complete. Non-English documents must include an official English translation. For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • English language proficiency

    All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.

    Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.

    Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

  • Workload
    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

    Part-Time Study Load

    For part-time students, study hours will vary based on the number of units taken, with similar expectations for class and independent study.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Record Check

    Questions relating to personal record checks for this degree should be referred to the School of Law.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available. For eligible domestic students, Australian government funding will contribute towards your tuition fees. The remaining proportion, known as a student contribution, will depend on when you begin study (enrolment year) and study area. Read more domestic student fees and CSPs.

  • Autumn, 2025 at Wollongong

    Orientation: 24 - 27 February 2025
    Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 October 2024*
    • International Applicants: 31 October 2024*

    *Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by these dates will receive an outcome prior to the start of session.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.

  • Spring, 2025 at Wollongong

    Orientation: 14 July 2025
    Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 May 2025*
    • International Applicants: 31 March 2025*

    *Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by these dates will receive an outcome prior to the start of session.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.

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