Honours classes are generally smaller than pass groups and, being comprised of high achievers with an interest in Accounting research, provide an exciting and challenging study environment. While the pass program provides a context for study of present professional methods and standards and a perspective for exploring possible innovations, the honours program is able to provide graduates with additional skills. By means of maximum participation and interaction, students are encouraged to think clearly and critically about the objectives of accounting and financial management, and to become familiar with present methods of achieving those objectives and the actual operation of accounting information systems. The program also helps students to critically appreciate how and why accounting changes in the face of new competitive pressures, different government priorities and technological development.

Pre-Honours classes (i.e. honours major) may be introduced during second or third year where extra seminar classes involve an average of one hour per week. The main purpose is to provide additional disciplinary training to that provided in the pass courses and an introduction to research training by an exposure to a range of research questions within the discipline. Intending Honours students are encouraged to enrol in these Pre-Honours courses which include material covered in the normal pass courses and additional research material covered in the seminars. Students typically undertake research projects and sit for pass examination papers which have been modified to include question(s) on the Honours work. The composite mark for the pre-honours course covers both the pass and Honours material.

As a consequence, students who choose (a) an Honours major and (b) an Honours degree have a more developed critical sensibility and improved ability to obtain, categorise and evaluate information and its impact. In addition, an Honours degree is a requirement for anyone contemplating an academic career.

This stream consists of 48 UOC of coursework and thesis as specified below.

Required courses:

More details on the requirements of the thesis (ACCT4794) and information on topics and supervisors, please refer to the Accounting Honours Program page

Honours mark and Class of Honours

The Honours degree is awarded in the classes shown below. A composite Honours mark will be calculated for each student at the end of the Honours year and used to determine the class of Honours degree awarded:

First Class Honours 85 and above
Second Class Division I 75 – 84
Second Class Division II 65 – 74
Third Class 50 – 64

Each student’s final composite Honours mark will be calculated using the following scheme:

Semester 1 (50%)

ACCT4897 12.5%
ACCT4851 12.5%
ACCT4852 12.5%
ACCT4809 12.5%

Semester 2 (50%)

ACCT4794 Honours Thesis 50%

Please note that the Third Class is rarely awarded due to the satisfactory performance requirement for the coursework component in Semester 1.

The following baseline requirements apply for admission to the Honours program. The applicant must:

The Head of School has authority to recommend admission if these requirements are not strictly met, but in doing so will consider the student’s ability to perform at an appropriate level in fourth year.

It is recommended that students have completed the following courses prior to commencing this honours stream:

Applicants intending to apply to the Honours programs are encouraged to discuss their eligibility and study program with the Honours Coordinator for Accounting.

After these discussions, internal applicants the following information should be sent to the Honours Coordinator for Accounting:

For more information about the application procedure, applicants should contact the Honours Coordinator for Accounting.

External domestic applicants should apply directly to UNSW UAC Admissions. External international applicants should apply directly through UNSW Apply Online.

CPA Australia

Associate membership of CPA Australia may be obtained with a UNSW undergraduate degree that incorporates a major in Accounting and completion of the other accredited courses to satisfy its core knowledge requirements. A list of the required courses can be accessed through www.cpaaustralia.com.au or the Professional Recognition of Programs for Undergraduate Students in the Online Handbook.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia

Graduates who have completed the required accredited courses in a UNSW undergraduate degree are eligible to enter the Chartered Accountants Program leading to membership. A list of the required courses can be accessed through www.charteredaccountants.com.au or the Professional Recognition of Programs for Undergraduate Students in the Online Handbook.

Institute of Public Accountants (formerly the National Institute of Accountants)

The Institute of Public Accountants has approved UNSW for the purpose of its membership qualifications. Further information is available from Professional Recognition of Programs for Undergraduate Students in the Online Handbook.

Please note that these requirements may be subject to change.

Students are advised to follow requirements according to the year they commenced. Please refer to previous editions of the Online Handbook for your program requirements.

Contact the Australian School of Business Student Centre for advice.
tel: + 61 2 9385 3189
location: Ground Floor, West Wing, Australian School of Business Building
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