What is the difference between a major and an honours degree?

Answer 1

Some degrees are split up into two areas - say History and politics for example. You are said to Major in the one you have studied most of - say history.

Honours is just one of the 'pass levels' or grades that are awarded at the end of the degree. They go fron straight degree to pass with hons, then 3rd, 2.2, 2.1 and top of the tree !st class hons.

Answer 2

A BA is a bachelor's degree. 3 year program
A BAH is a bachelor's degree with honours. 4 year program (in arts this sometimes involves writing an undergraduate thesis- like at McGill University).

Someone who graduates with distinction is someone who got really good grades. Normally 80% or above. The way the average is calculated varies from school to school (some count every credit taken, others only count ones related to the degree and exclude electives etc).

Answer 3

Honours degrees and academic distinctions

Under the English system, and those influenced by it such as the Canadian, Irish, Indian, Maltese, Singaporean, and Hong Kong systems, undergraduate degrees are differentiated either as pass degrees or as honours degrees, the latter denoted by the appearance of "(Hons)" after the degree abbreviation. An honours degree generally requires a higher academic standard than a pass degree, and in Malta, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, and some Canadian Universities an extra year of study. In Scotland, there also exist Designated Degrees.

Source : Answers.com

Answer 4

Undergraduate degrees are differentiated either as pass degrees or as honors degrees, the latter denoted by the appearance of "(Hons)" after the degree abbreviation. An honors degree generally requires a higher academic standard than a pass degree.

Answer 5

The honours degrees are determined by the students average grades throughout their studies: 70%+ is 1st class honours, 60-69% is a 2:1 (also known as an upper second), 50-59% is a 2:2 (Lower second). An average score of 40-49% is a third, which becomes an Ordinary (standard) degree.

This differentiates between students with differing levels of achievement, which is important for those students who may be applying for jobs in industry or elsewhere and for those who wish to proceed to research within Universities. To go onto postgraduate study, a 2:1 or higher is required.

The honours degree is still widely seen as being more valuable than an ordinary degree. However there is a huge debate going on as to whether the degree classification system should be phased out.

Source(s):4 long years at uni as an undergraduate, 2 as a postgrad.

Answer 6

Honours degree is really still classified as undergraduate studies as you are completing your degree, but with higher merit than a regular undergraduate degree. Whereas a postgraduate diploma is postgraduate studies and you dont have to do a research project if you dont want. I assume you have to graduate before completing the latter

Answer 7

For a BA honors degree, one will attend university for an extra year, usually writing a thesis and preparing themselves for a MA. They will receive "Hons BA" as their degree title, and their degree will be more credible to an employer.

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It varies from country to country. In England, Honours degrees were traditionally more specialized (and demanding) than Ordinary degrees. The length of study was the same for both (three years). Honours degrees are classified into classes - I, II.i, II.ii and III). In England considerable (and often ridiculous) mystique attaches to an Oxford or Cambridge First Class Honours degree. In England it is also considered very olf fashioned and/or downright vulgar to put Hons. after BA.

Answer 8

The honors would look better on a resume. However, achieving honors does no mean a better choice particular to a position. It depends on the individual as a whole.