Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours)
The
Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours) is designed to provide graduates
specialised knowledge within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge that
builds on the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills from the
graduates’ existing discipline or professional area. Candidates who successfully complete this course may be
eligible to apply for a doctoral program (PhD). The program director is Graduate Research School Director, Associate Professor Ben Myers.
Course Description
This course will develop graduates who will be able to provide creative solutions, by integrating a Christian worldview and discipline expertise, to complex issues such as social and environmental responsibility. Skills in problem solving and communication to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences are developed alongside high-level specialist knowledge and expertise in the graduates’ chosen discipline area.

Course Structure
The course structure is based on two semesters (each of 12 weeks duration, plus an exam week), with 40 credit points taught in each semester. It comprises:
- one 20 credit point research methods subject;
- one 40 credit point honours research thesis (15,000 words) in the area of specialisation;
- one 20 credit point methods, theories and practices subject taken from the area of specialisation.
To qualify for award of the degree of Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours) a candidate shall complete at least 80 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the core subjects.
Subjects
Subject code | Subject name | Subject description |
---|---|---|
Core | ||
RES402 | Honours Research Methods | This subject is not available in 2020. |
RES403 | Honours Research Thesis | |
XXX406 | Research in Discipline Area | Subjects with a 'XXX' code will be replaced with th… |
Subjects with a 'XXX' code will be replaced with the discipline code as determined by your supervisor. For example, if your discipline area is Education, the code will be replaced as EDU406.
Admission Criteria
Academic
Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)This course requires the completion of previous higher education study.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) StudyThis course requires the completion of previous higher education study.
Applicants with Higher Education StudyApplicants seeking entry on the basis of a higher education qualification will need to demonstrate the completion of an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree in a relevant field, or overseas equivalent. This must include an overall GPA at least 2.8.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
This course requires the completion of previous higher education study.
Language
Overseas students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency skills. Such students admitted into our programs must attain an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 7.0 (with no score below 6.5 in any of the four skills areas). IELTS (or equivalent) is not required for applicants who have undertaken five years of required higher education study (or equivalent) in English from an approved country or who have completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded in English under the Australian Qualification Framework by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.
Study Modes
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face, online
Locations: All AC campuses and online
Duration: 1 year full-time/up to 4 years part-time
Intakes: Semester 1, Semester 2
Fees & Timetable
A complete Fee Schedule for all Alphacrucis programs and courses can be found in our Fees Information section.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.
Course Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:
Demonstrate
- integrated understanding of key issues, theoretical concepts and practices within the discipline area;
- knowledge
of various approaches used in the discipline area within the Christian
worldview framework;
Skills:
Demonstrate
- critically apply knowledge developed for use in the discipline area;
- use
critical, evidenced based and innovative thinking skills to analyse and
synthesise ideas and theories from other disciplines related to the discipline
area;
- design
a research question that explores an original and complex issue and propose
solutions;
- communicate effectively ideas and proposed solutions to peers and general audiences;
- identify and critically evaluate new developments and scholarship in the discipline area.
Application of Knowledge and Skills:
Demonstrated ability to:
- apply the knowledge and skills developed within the selected research field to engage with new questions and find innovative and creative solutions;
- work independently and responsibly in the selected research field;
- effectively
design, implement and communicate a major honours thesis in the selected
research field to contribute original knowledge and expertise to peers and the
community;
- develop
an advanced level of integrative reflection which will inform and enhance professional practice.
STUDENT STORY
"Studying at AC has provided me with the perfect blend of experience and theory, exposed me to different perspectives and helped me to broaden my worldview. There is a sense of intimacy on campus, and online, everyone knows each other and you get to do this journey together."
THOMAS BOBAN
UNDERGRADUATE AC STUDENT
