what does honours stand for in BA(hons)degree? is it just the dissertation or are electives included aswell?

Answer 1

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are two different types of degree: Honours degrees and Ordinary degrees. The degrees awarded carry a designation related to the broad subject area such as B.A., B.Sc, B.Eng etc. Most degrees are now honours degrees, with an option not to take honours, and the standard length of a Honours bachelor's degree is 3 years. Prior to the mid 20th century all candidates would take an Ordinary degree and then be selected to go on for a final year for the Honours degree. Now this may be reduced to two either by direct second year entry (for people who have done foundation degrees or changed subject or similar) or by doing compressed courses (which are currently being piloted by a small number of newer universities). Industrial years or language study abroad can extend the course to four years. For funding reasons (funding for undergraduate programs is automatic, funding for postgraduate programs is not) it is becoming increasingly common to skip the bachelor's stage entirely and go straight to masters level on a four year (five year if with industrial experience) course (which often shares the first three years with the equivalent bachelor's course).

Honours degrees are of a superior academic standard. However the practice of writing 'Hons' as part of the degree designation is unofficial and is considered by many as an affectation. An Honours degree is always awarded in one of four classes depending upon the marks gained in the final assessments and examinations. The top students are awarded a first class degree, the next best, an upper second class degree (usually referred to as a 2:1), the next a lower second class degree (usually referred to as a 2:2), and those with the lowest marks gain a third class degree. An Ordinary or unclassified degree (which does not give the graduate the right to add '(Hons)') may be awarded if a student has completed the full honours degree course but has obtained a very low pass mark which is insufficient to merit a third-class honours degree.

Answer 2

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what does honours stand for in BA(hons)degree? is it just the dissertation or are electives included aswell?

Answer 3

Ba Hons Meaning

Answer 4

The term "honors" is used in different ways. One way is that an Honors degree in, say, English, is like majoring in English but a somewhat tougher degree, usually with an Honors thesis involved. But one can also graduate "with Honors" meaning you did extremely well in your program.

Answer 5

Not 100% sure , but it might be ungraded modules completed. e.g. industrial placement year where one has to complete individual coursework was not graded, but I got 100 credits toward my degree.

Answer 6

Hair-raising questions!