Division of Economic and Financial Studies

Honours

The Division of Economic and Financial Studies (EFS) is the largest division in Macquarie University and amongst the largest of all economics/commerce faculties in Australia. Honours programs are offered by all departments in the Division: As well, Applied Finance has its own Honours program. Further information is available from departmental websites.

Benefits of the Honours program

The Honours program is designed to extend an undergraduate degree. The program provides an opportunity to expand a student’s theoretical and conceptual knowledge as well as to undertake an original piece of research or investigative work.

An Honours degree distinguishes an undergraduate from his or her peers. Successful completion of the degree enhances a graduate's ability to pursue a career within their chosen profession or industry, or in fields which require an Honours degree, such as research positions with private or public organisations, and academia. The attainment of a high quality Honours degree is a requirement for entry to many doctoral programs.

The Honours degree is awarded at four levels: First Class, Second Class (First Division), Second Class (Second Division), and Third Class.

Entry requirements

Students from Macquarie University are normally only accepted into the Honours program if their grade point average is at least 2.5 overall and 3.0 – 3.25 at 300 level (depending on the department). Students will have studied an undergraduate degree in the area they wish to do Honours. Similar criteria will be determined for students from other institutions.

Program Structures

Most Honours programs offered by the Division commence in March (some Departments allow a mid – year intake) and are taken on a full time basis over a year. Programs normally consist of a number of compulsory units, taken in the first half of the program, plus a piece of research or investigative work completed in the second half of the program. Honours programs are designed to be both academically rigorous and also flexible, in order to meet the needs and develop the talents of individual students. A list of recent Honours topics is available here.

Fees and Financial Support

Domestic Honours students pay tuition fees and consume their Student Learning Entitlement. International Honours students should contact Macquarie International to confirm their fee structure.

A limited number of financial scholarships for full-time study are available on a competitive basis. Part-time employment as casual tutors in the undergraduate teaching program may also be available, to provide further financial support during the Honours year.

Application Procedures

Applications should initially be discussed with the Honours Co-ordinator (see list below), and other members of staff if desired.

For more information (including application cut-off dates) visit the Undergraduate Studies Section website.

As well, International Students should submit their application to Macquarie International and apply early to ensure it is processed in good time.

Areas of Study and Honours Co-ordinators

Honours degrees follow on from each undergraduate degree offered by the Division. Students should contact the Honours Co-ordinator in the department that offers their undergraduate degree. Students from other institutions should contact the co-ordinator in the department that offers their area of study.

Department of Accounting and Finance: contact Ed Watts or Geoff Loudon

Area of Study

  • Accounting or finance

Macquarie Degree

  • BCom – Accounting
  • BCom with a coherent study in accounting or finance


Department of Actuarial Studies: contact Shauna Ferris

Area of Study

  • Actuarial Studies

Macquarie Degree

  • BCom – Actuarial Studies


Department of Business: contact Peter McGraw

Area of Study

  • Business
  • Business Administration
  • Demography
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing

Macquarie Degree

  • BBA
  • BCom with a coherent study in marketing and organisational behaviour, demography or marketing and demography
  • BCom – Marketing
  • Bachelor of International Business (commencing 2008)
  • Bachelor of Human Resource Management (commencing 2008)


Department of Economics: contact Tony Bryant

Area of Study

  • Economics
  • Finance

Macquarie Degree

  • BCom with a coherent study in economics or finance
  • BEc


Department of Statistics: contact Tania Prvan

Area of Study

  • Statistics

Macquarie Degree

  • BCom with a coherent study in statistics


Applied Finance: contact Mr Chris Heaton

Area of Study

  • Applied Finance

Macquarie Degree

  • BAppFin