Bachelor of Arts with Honours
Course details
| NZQF Level | 8 |
|---|
About the course
Enhance your Bachelor's degree with advanced study and research in your major subject area.
Explore your area of interest in more detail and improve your career prospects with a BA(Hons). Refine your research, writing and analytical skills while expanding your knowledge.
You'll need to complete 120 points over one year, or if studying part time, over a maximum of four years.
At Honours level your learning will be more self-directed. You'll have the opportunity to do a 30-point research project and this will include designing, undertaking and reporting on a research project under supervision.
As an Honours student you'll be in smaller classes and will be able to build closer relationships with academic staff.
If you want to continue studying at an advanced level and have at least a B average in your Bachelor's degree for the subject you intend to study (or a B+ average for some subjects), then you can do a BA(Hons).
Sign up for more information
Fill in the form to receive information on postgraduate study with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Workload
You'll study four to eight courses, usually full time over two trimesters. You can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year.
Part-time students will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working while studying.
You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you'll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10–12 hours work.
What can I do with my degree
To find out about career opportunities with the Bachelor of Arts with Honours, see what you can do with a degree in humanities and social sciences.
Scholarships
You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.
Summer Research Scholarships
Take the opportunity to apply for a Summer Research Scholarship—where you'll work with academics and sometimes an external organisation on a research project over the summer. Applications normally close in September each year.
Complete a Master's
At the end of your Honours year you can apply to continue your studies to gain a Master of Arts, which you'll be able to complete in one further year of study.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor's degree with a B range average in the relevant subject.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.