Program Overview

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation (Honours) is an optional year that follows the successful completion of a three-year undergraduate degree. This program provides students with the opportunity to focus on a topic of choice, exploring it in greater depth and detail to find answers. The Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation (Honours) consists of 50% coursework and 50% research work.

Sociology (major)

Sociology is the study of society, examining social life, cultural and social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behaviour. Throughout the studies, students will develop an understanding of our diverse and rapidly changing world and identify the roots of and solutions to social problems. Areas of study include power and stratification, globalisation, sexualities, social movements, and bodies.

Careers

Possible career paths for graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation (Honours) include:

• Archiving and Librarianship
• Art & Design
• Arts
• Business Development & Administration
• Community & Social Services
• Consultancy
• Diplomacy
• Education
• Entrepreneurship
• Government Policy
• Healthcare Policy & Management
• Heritage Specialist
• Historian
• Human Resources
• Information Technology & Design
• Journalism
• Social Policy
• Translation & Interpreting
• Legal Work
• Marketing & Advertising
• Media & Publishing
• Politics
• Production and Management
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Writing

Admissions information

Entry requires a Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation or another relevant bachelor’s degree, with an average of at least 80% (normally) in the core Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation subjects or across a relevant major in which the Honours degree will be undertaken. Additionally, a Distinction is required in two of the 300-level subjects required by the major.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants must complete a 500-word outline of the proposed thesis topic.
• The outline should indicate the primary question the applicant wishes to research, as well as provide a justification for the significance of the research.
• Applicants must achieve the required score in a previous qualification, equivalent to completing at least 13 years of schooling in Australia.

Academic Entry Requirements

To succeed in the chosen course, students should have completed relevant subjects in senior high school or other qualifications.

English Language Requirements

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

• IELTS Academic: 8.5 overall, with at least 8.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
• TOEFL (Internet-based): 115 overall, with at least 29 in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
• UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Distinction (weighted average mark of 75 overall and minimum 75 in Academic Reading and Writing).

More detail

Fees

International Course fees:

• Session fee: $16,320 (2025)
• Course fee: $32,640 (2025)

Key dates

• Autumn Session, 2025:
  • Application Deadline: See important dates for more information
  • Orientation: Check your campus details
  • Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025
• Spring Session, 2025:
  • Application Deadline: See important dates for more information
  • Orientation: Check your campus details
  • Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025
• Autumn Session, 2026:
  • Application Deadline: Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete.
  • Orientation: Check your campus details
  • Session start: 2 March, 2026
  • Census date: 31 March, 2026
  • Mid-session recess: 20 - 24 April, 2026
  • Session end: 25 June, 2026
• Spring Session, 2026:
  • Application Deadline: Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete.
  • Orientation: Check your campus details
  • Session start: 27 July, 2026
  • Census date: 31 August, 2026
  • Mid-session recess: 28 September - 2 October, 2026
  • Session end: 19 November, 2026

Workload

As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study.

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.