PROGRAM INFORMATION
Additional Information about the research interests of staff and their availability to supervise new students can be accessed on the
staff page.
About Honours – From The Head of School
The development of political science at the University of Queensland commenced in 1949, with the appointment of a Chair in History and Political Science. The Department of Government was established a few years later and in 2001 we became the School of Political Science and International Studies. We are now the largest political science department in Australia and have an international reputation for excellence in research and teaching.
Our prestigious Honours program offers applicants the opportunity to enhance the value of their undergraduate degree, improve their career prospects and enhance their skills for the job market. A number of students also choose Honours as a pathway towards further postgraduate research. The status of the University of Queensland as a leading Australian research university and the excellent reputation of the School of Political Science & International Studies with its team of dedicated research staff and thriving postgraduate program ensure that an Honours degree from the School is highly regarded by employers and universities nationally and internationally.
The fourth year Bachelor of Arts Honours program provides an opportunity for politics and international relations students to sharpen their research and analytical skills and to acquire a more specialised knowledge of a topic or policy area. Students in the School of Political Science and International Studies can enrol in either a Political Science or an International Relations Honours program. At the heart of the program is a ten to twelve thousand word thesis which is written with the support of an academic supervisor. This project allows students to develop research skills and to obtain experience in the planning and execution of a major study. In addition to the thesis, students also undertake a research methods course designed to build a broad range of research skills that will help prepare them for postgraduate research degrees or for careers requiring developed analytical and research skills. To complete the Honours Program students are also required to undertake a further course extending their knowledge base in political science or international relations.
A fourth year Bachelor of Social Science Honours program is also available. It includes a flexible mix of coursework and an approved social science research project which is submitted as a formal honours thesis. Honours students are encouraged to undertake a research project that enables them to extend their specialised study in one of the program’s majors. The School of Political Science and International Studies provides supervision particularly for students who have completed a Development or Social & Public Policy major, and who are interested in undertaking projects in these and related areas such as globalisation and international political economy.
Honours students have twenty four hour access to a dedicated, on-line, study room located at the centre of the School. Students are also given the opportunity to present drafts of their research work to a panel of academics during two one-day Honours conferences and encouraged to attend research seminars by visiting speakers.
Honours is an intense year which allows the best undergraduate students to realise their full academic potential. In previous years students have produced some outstanding research projects. With the help and advice of all our staff we expect you will be able to do the same.
Welcome to the School of Political Science and International Studies.
Associate Professor Gillian Whitehouse, Head of School.
Please address enquiries concerning the Honours programs in Political Science and International Relations to:
Dr Richard Shapcott
Honours Coordinator
School of Political Science and International Studies
The University of Queensland QLD 4072
Telephone: 07 3365 3290 (International prefix +61 7, Interstate callers +07)
Facsimile: 07 3365 1388 (International prefix +61 7, Interstate callers +07)
Students requiring administrative assistance can contact:
Student Enquiries Officer
School of Political Science and International Studies
The University of Queensland QLD 4072
Telephone: 07 3346 9544 (International prefix +61 7, Interstate callers +07)
Facsimile: 07 3365 1388 (International prefix +61 7, Interstate callers +07)
A Brief Overview of the Fourth Year BA Honours Program
An Honours degree involves an additional fourth year of specialised study and research training. It is only available to students who have recently graduated. Honours is a necessary step for those who wish to study for research degrees such as a PhD, and is a first step in preparing for an academic career. An Honours degree is also an attractive credential for those seeking employment in the public and private sector because it offers students the opportunity to further develop their analytical and research skills. Most politics and international studies students enrol in the BA Honours program. However graduates with a BA as well as those with a BSocSci may also be eligible to enrol in the BSocSci Honours program and to complete coursework and a thesis in the School of Political Science & International Studies.
Students who enrol in the School’s BA Honours program may specialise in either Political Science or International Relations. Students in the program will complete a first semester, specialised course (POLS6301) which provides a general training in research and methodology and research.
The core of the fourth year BA Honours program is a year-long research project. Working under the immediate supervision of a researcher in the School of Political Science & International Studies, students will research and write a 12,000 word thesis over two consecutive semesters. This offers a way of extending and developing expertise in a particular topic or field of study. In previous years some students have published the results of their research in scholarly journals.
Entry to the BA Honours program in the School of Political Science & International Studies is available to students who have recently graduated and have completed a major within the School with a grade point average of 5 or better from this major. Alternatively students may be admitted to the School program based on the results for the top #16 units of POLS courses undertaken in their program. Courses without a POLS prefix which are in a related field taken outside of the School may count toward the required #16 units with the approval of the Honours Co-ordinator.
Note that entry to Honours in international relations does not require completion of a designated major in international relations. Graduates who have not completed a designated major in international relations may still enrol in the fourth year Honours program in this field if they have completed #16 units of other political science coursework. Equally students who focussed on international relations in completing their bachelor’s degree may still choose to enrol in Honours in the political science field.
The entry requirements in place are intended to ensure that students admitted to the Honours program will succeed. In special cases the Head of School may waive the entry requirements. Students who are uncertain whether they qualify for admission should consult the Honours Co-ordinator for the School of Political Science & International Studies.
How to Apply to Enter the BA Honours Program
There is presently no quota for the BA Honours program. All eligible students who apply will be accepted, subject to the School being able to provide satisfactory supervision of their thesis research projects.
Applications should be lodged with the School’s Student Enquiries Officer before 30 November to commence in Semester 1 and 31 May for mid-year entry. On the application form students will be asked to nominate the preferred area of their thesis research. This may require prior discussion with the Honours Co-ordinator, and with members of staff with relevant research interests and expertise. On the application form students may also indicate members of staff who they would like to supervise their thesis research (however, there is no guarantee that a particular staff member will be available). Academic supervisors will be assigned to honours students in February, for those commencing in Semester 1 or in July for students commencing their cond semester.
Upon acceptance by the School and Faculty of Arts, students will need to formally enrol with the University via mySI-net.
Part-Time Study and Employment
The fourth year Honours program is a full-time, full year program and can be a very busy. No other courses may be taken. It may also be advisable for students enrolling in the Honours program on a full-time basis to avoid too great a commitment to part-time employment.
We encourage full-time enrolment in the Honours program because typically, each year, the Honours class forms a strong and supportive collective identity. However Honours may be completed over a maximum of four consecutive semesters on a part-time basis. Normally students would be expected to complete the course work component of the degree in the first year, and the year long research project and thesis during the second year.
In 2009 mid-year entry is available to both full- and part-time students. Full-time students are required to complete the Honours program in two consecutive semesters. (Note that for students entering the program in mid-year this does not include the summer semester.)
Joint Honours Degrees and Other Special Arrangements
Students who have majored in international relations or political science at another university will automatically be granted entry to fourth year Honours if they have been accepted into their ‘home’ university’s political science honours program. Otherwise they will need to demonstrate that they have an appropriate background in political science or international relations. In the first instance, inquiries should be directed to the Honours Co-ordinator, Dr Richard Shapcott.
It is possible to complete a joint Honours degree, for example in history and international relations or politics and economics. Students wishing to pursue this option will need to consult the honours co-ordinators in both schools and negotiate an appropriate program plan.
Special arrangements may also be made to allow students to complete part of their Honours coursework at another university where this is appropriate. Those wishing to pursue this option must first seek the permission of the Honours Co-ordinator. Students may also complete part of their Honours program by studying abroad as exchange students. However student exchanges can be difficult to put in place because many overseas universities do not have equivalent Honours degrees. Students wishing to pursue this option should discuss it with the Honours Co-ordinator well in advance.
Under some circumstances students not meeting the required GPA of 5 or better, or not having completed 16 units of political science or international relations, may nevertheless be admitted to the Honours program. This includes students who have majored in Peace and Conflict Studies or Industrial Relations. Anyone interested in enrolling in Honours in Political Science or International Studies who does not meet the entry requirements but wishes to make a case for admission should first consult with the Honours Co-ordinator.
Students who have completed a Bachelor of Social Science at the University of Queensland may be admitted to the fourth year BA Honours program in Political Science by the Head of the School where their undergraduate program suggests they have a sufficient background in political science (and related areas) to successfully meet the demands or the program.
Graduates who do not have a recent degree but who wish to enter the School’s Honours program in 2009 may be granted entry where they are able to demonstrate that they have maintained a current knowledge of the field by virtue of their employment and professional practice, or where they have recently completed other relevant studies in international relations or political science. Such applications will be decided on a case by case basis. In the first instance, inquiries should be directed to the Honours Co-ordinator.
The Structure of the Fourth Year BA Honours Program
The fourth year BA Honours programs in international relations and political science have an identical structure. Each program requires students to complete a yearlong supervised research project. At the end of this students will submit a 12,000 word thesis reporting their findings and conclusions. Accordingly students in both the international relations and political science honours programs will enrol in a year-long, two semester course – either POLS6305 Honours Research Thesis (for students commencing in 1st semester) or POLS6306 Honours Research Thesis (for students commencing in 2nd semester).
All students must also complete POLS6301 Honours Research Methods. This first semester course is the one class which will bring together all students in the program. It is designed to expose students to a range of methods and methodological issues associated with studying politics, and to provide extended research training.
In addition to POLS6305/6306 and POLS6301, honours students will also complete a seminar course POLS6312. Please note that Honours seminar courses carry a very substantial workload even though they typically require only two contact hours per week.
Program Plan for Full-Time Students (International Relations or Political Science)
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Semester One
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Semester Two
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POLS6301 #4 Honours Research Methods
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POLS6312 #4 Knowledge, Power and Politics
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POLS6305 #8 Honours Research Thesis*
(Year-long; #4 per semester)
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POLS6305 #8 Honours Research Thesis*
(Year-long; #4 per semester)
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Program Plan for Part-Time Students (International Relations or Political Science)
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Semester One
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Semester Two
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POLS6301 #4 Honours Research Methods
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POLS6312 #4 Knowledge, Power and Politics
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Semester Three
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Semester Four
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POLS6305 #8 Honours Research Thesis*
(Year-long; #4 per semester)
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POLS6305 #8 Honours Research Thesis*
(Year-long; #4 per semester)
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Honours Courses Offered in 2009
POLS6301 Honours Research Methods
This course has two purposes in mind. First, to develop an understanding of the role of theory, methodology and specific research strategies and methods currently used in both political science and international studies. This should provide the basis for successful completion of the Honours thesis and help prepare students for future higher degree research. A second aim is to introduce students to research strategies and techniques and develop analytical skills that should be useful in professional life.
POLS6311 Knowledge, Power and Politics
This unit addresses the relationship between language, power and the study and practice of politics. In particular it addresses the questions: `what type of knowledge is possible in the human or social sciences?' and `what type of knowledge do we gain when we study politics?'. The unit studies the methodological, epistemological and philosophical issues surrounding research in the social and political sciences. It seeks to address the conclusions which can be drawn from these debates for the nature of the study of politics and international relations.
Choosing an Honours Thesis Topic and The Appointment of Academic Supervisors
Half the Honours program involves carrying out a year-long research project. Hence care should be taken to select an appropriate topic. Topics may be assigned where students request this. Typically students choose their own topic, subject only to the School’s ability to provide appropriate supervision. However most of the staff in the School of Political Science & International Studies have ongoing research projects in hand which offer research opportunities. We are keen to see Honours students investigating topics directly related to the research work being undertaken by the supervisors who will oversee their work.
Students interested in working with individual members of staff may discuss possible thesis topics with them prior to applying for entry to the program. Supervision preferences can also be indicated on the application form for entry to honours. However, there is no guarantee that a particular member of staff will be available for a specific honours project. After consultation with academic staff, Honours supervisors will be assigned by the Honours Co-ordinator in February (for students commencing in 1st semester) and July (for students commencing in 2nd Semester) . If you are unsure about your project and possible supervisors, contact the Honours Co-ordinator for advice.
An Honours degree provides students with an opportunity to acquire new skills and a knowledge base that will enhance their career opportunities. It is sensible to choose your research topic with an eye to the position you wish to be in at the end of your Honours year. For example, if you wish to find employment with an NGO then it is a good idea to use your thesis research project to explore a policy issue or a topic of concern to a potential employer. This may require some preliminary research (by asking several NGOs about their immediate concerns and investigating their selection criteria.) Students who intend targeting a particular government department should similarly explore its requirements and frame an appropriate research project.
It is important to understand that the research project is a year-long commitment. Some Honours research projects may require the collation of documentary material not presently available in the University of Queensland Social Sciences & Humanities Library, fieldwork, or travel away from UQ which is not possible during semester when seminar classes are held. Accordingly prospective students should, where possible, discuss their projects with staff when they submitt their applications in order to establish whether there are tasks which will need to be tackled prior to.
Working With an Honours Thesis Supervisor
Honours thesis supervisors will be appointed for each student enrolled in POLS6305/6306. The supervisor’s role is to provide academic guidance and advice which will assist students to complete their theses successfully. Although student-supervisor relations will vary considerably and there is no rigid template for student-supervisor interaction, there are a number of roles that the supervisor is expected to perform.
These include:
- Giving advice about the limits or boundaries of the thesis;
- guiding students to suitable reading, and discussing this material;
- helping to develop a timetable for thesis completion;
- helping students understand relevant theoretical frameworks and develop the technical skills needed to answer the questions posed in the research;
- fostering writing skills by way of constructive commentary. Supervisors should give general editorial guidance but are not responsible for detailed editing or proof reading;
- being available to meet regularly and frequently with the student for discussion
- providing timely feedback on materials submitted;
- monitoring student progress;
- encouraging student participation in the wider intellectual life of the School and University, such as enrolment on the school’s email lists.
Students and supervisors are expected to have regular meetings (usually fortnightly but at least monthly) with their supervisors. A schedule of meetings may be arranged by supervisor and student at the beginning of the semester. Alternatively students may contact their supervisors ahead of time to arrange meetings, and, if appropriate, provide them with completed work prior to the meeting. This schedule of meetings may need adjustment depending on student need and supervisor commitments, and email or phone contact may on occasion replace or supplement meetings. It is important, however, that regular meetings occur.
In addition to formal supervision, meetings will be arranged of all students enrolled in POLS6305 and POLS6306 to discuss the thesis requirements and to ensure that the thesis preparation is ‘on track’. Each semester there will also be an Honours Conference in which students will participate and present reports on their thesis research projects.
Publication of work by students is encouraged. Supervisors and students planning to publish should discuss joint authorship and reach agreement about expectations in order to minimise misunderstanding.
Although this is written primarily for higher degree students, much of it also applies to Honours students.
Ethical Clearance for Honours Research Projects
It is a University requirement that the School of Political Science and International Studies, through its Research Committee, assess and where appropriate approve, the 'ethical conduct' of research activities. This University policy applies to any honours research project involving human subjects. Working with their course convenors or supervisors, students are expected to seek ethical approval for any interview, survey or other research involving people.The application form can be downloaded from the School's website at:
Ethical Clearance Form 2009. It is not necessary to lodge an application for Ethical Clearance with your initial Honours application. However this must be done prior to commencing research.
Completed applications should be forwarded to the Chair of the School's Research Committee for consideration. Honours students undertaking field work, interviewing or other forms of research that involves contact with human subjects must apply for ethical clearance. In political science, this type of research contact typically includes questionnaires and/or interviews. Passive observation of human subjects in a public arena, or research involving accessing public documents does not require ethical approval.
The rationale for ethical approval is to ensure that the process of research is conducted 'ethically'. This mainly involves establishing procedures for the informed consent of those subjects involved in the research, as well as appropriate handling of research findings (e.g. secure storage of data, confidentiality where agreed etc).
Bachelor of Social Science (Honours)
BA as well as BSocSci graduates may be eligible to enrol in Social Science Honours degree program within the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences and to complete a thesis under the supervision of a member of the School of Political Science & International Studies. Students in this category should initially discuss their application with the Honours Co-ordinator, Dr Richard Shapcott. For more information about the social science Honours program search the ‘Programs & Courses’ webpage of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at
http://www.uq.edu.au/study.
How Honours Students are Assessed
Students will normally be awarded either a first class, second-class division A, or second-class division B Honours degree. The level of award is decided by the calculation of a combined mark which reflects the different unit weightings given to the thesis and course-work components of the honours program. The thesis research project (POLS6305/6306) is worth 50% of the overall honours result. The two coursework courses are worth 25% each – ie 25% for POLS6310 (Research Methods) AND 25% for either POLS6311 (Frontiers of Political Science) or POLS6321 (Contemporary Issues in International Relations).
Once the combined mark has been calculated a class of honours will be assigned according to University policy for the Award of Honours (HUPP 3.20.14).
Class of Honours Percentage range
Fail Less than 50%
Class III 50 - 59.99%
Class IIB 60 – 69.99%
Class IIA 70 - 79.99%
Class I 80 - 100%
Honours Thesis Examination
Students submit their completed thesis research project - on disc - to the School Office (39A-535). Theses are then printed, photocopied, bound and sent for examination. Two markers - appointed by the Head of School - will examine each thesis. The final mark awarded for a thesis will be an average of the marks given by the two markers unless there is a discrepancy of more than 10%. In cases where there is a discrepancy of more than 10%, a negotiation will occur between the two original markers, the Honours Co-ordinator and the Head of School. A third marker may then be appointed. Final honours results will be reviewed by a School Examiner’s Meeting chaired by the Head of School.
Criteria that examiners will take into consideration in arriving at a final thesis grade.
- Research Question: Has the student identified a clear and coherent research question? Is this research question important, interesting or innovative
- Knowledge of Relevant Literature. Has the author reviewed, and critically assessed, the academic literature relevant to this research question?
- Method. Has the author identified an appropriate method for answering the research question and given reasons for the adoption of this method? Has the method been consistently and correctly utilised in the thesis?
- Use of Primary Source Materials. Where relevant, does the author demonstrate a proficiency in selecting and locating relevant primary source materials/data?
- Quality of Analysis. Has the student presented an argument or thesis that answers the research question? Has the argument been clearly explained and adequately substantiated? Has the hypothesis been adequately explored and tested? Does the author demonstrate an ability to make scholarly judgements through critical analysis and argument?
- Written Expression. Is the thesis written in a lucid, engaging manner and without grammatical and other infelicities?
- Overall presentation of the thesis. Is the thesis of adequate length (minimum 10,000, maximum 12,000 words)? Is it adequately referenced and does it systematically utilise the referencing system recommended in the School’s Essay Guide or another appropriate method?
Additional Support for Honours Students
For Students Studying on the St Lucia Campus:
The School of Political Science and International Studies recognises the research intensive needs of honours students. For this reason, the School seeks to provide additional facilities and services, such as:
- access to computer facilities and specialist research software (if required);
- lockers in which to secure books and belongings while studying on campus;
- printing and photocopying facilities; and
- shared access to the Honours Room (Room 567 in Building 39A).