GES Honours Program
Who to contact | Choosing a topic | Facilities | Scholarships | Potential thesis topics | Completed thesis topics |
The Honours program in the School of Geography and Environmental Science is open to students who wish to pursue a research project and who have the requisite results in their third year undergraduate studies, either at Monash University or elsewhere.
We support Honours students in the BA, BSc, and BEnvSc programs, and provisions can be made for joint Honours programs (e.g. Geography / Earth Sciences; Geography / History; Geography / Law etc.).
Students normally enrol in first semester (late February) and present their thesis for examination at the end of semester two (October). However, it is possible to start mid-year and present a thesis a year later. It is also possible to do Honours on a part-time basis.
It is strongly recommended that students intending to do Honours investigate possible thesis topics and supervisors in their third year, so they can have a well-formulated thesis topic by the start of the program (and even get a head start on fieldwork).
The thesis ( GES4860 for most students except those enroled under the old 24 point BEnvSc Honours, who take ENV4100 ) is worth 50% of the overall assessment. This is done on a specialised topic in Geography and Environmental Science supervised by one or more staff members.
The other 50% of the assessment is split between two course-work units, each equivalent to 12 points. The first is the compulsory first semester unit,GES4820: Seminar in Geography & Environmental Science. This is the only unit where all the Honours students come together to discuss their research topics and the broader issues surrounding the research process and thesis writing. The second is an individually chosen GES4840: Directed Studies in Geography unit. Normally, this would be a third year subject chosen for its particular relevance. Alternative arrangements can be made with permission of the Honours coordinator.
Honours information session slides 
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Choosing an Honours thesis topic
A key challenge for Honours students is determining the thesis topic. Sometimes, potential supervisors have specific on-going projects into which they can slot Honours students; others expect student to develop their own, independent projects. The key is to investigate possibilities with different staff members as far ahead of time as possible.
Specific Honours project openings may be posted on the School of Geography and Environmental Science website homepage or determined in consultation with specific staff members in your area of interest.
You might also browse through a list of past thesis topics to see the range and scope of typical Honours theses.
Scholarships
A variety of scholarships are available, from the University, the Faculties, and the School. Contact your Faculty for more information on central scholarships.
The School of Geography and Environmental Science supports three kinds of Honours scholarships:
- Merit Scholarships: A number of $1,000 scholarships will be offered to students who enrol in the School of Geography and Environmental Honours program on the basis of academic merit. There is no need to apply.
- Needs Scholarships: Students with demonstrable need may apply for grants of up to $1000 (apply to Honours Coordinator)
- Summer Vacation Scholarships: Students expecting to complete at least third year studies in a relevant area and likely to proceed to Honours can apply for a scholarship, tenable for a duration of at least four weeks in the December to February period. Scholarship holders will be able to participate in research projects or pursue, under supervision, some independent work of mutual interest to the student and a staff member. The research may relate to a subsequent Honours project. The scholarship benefits include a stipend of $250 per week and, for students outside Melbourne, an allowance equivalent to an economy return rail fare. You can download an application form here (PDF 77KB) and submit it to the Honours Coordinator.
Departmental Facilities Available to Honours Students
A variety of facilities are available to you as an Honours student in this School. All requests (including special requirements such as access to specialised equipment, etc.), should be through your supervisor directly. The General Staff will be happy to help with any queries.
- GIS and IT lab computing and printing facilities
- Cartographic advice and extensive collection of Australian aerial photographs , plus 50,000 topographic and geological Australian and international maps
- Final binding of three thesis copies.
- Departmental photocopier access (charges apply)
- Field equipment (discuss with your supervisor)
- Laboratory facilities (discuss with your supervisor)
Who to Contact
Honours Co-ordinator
- Dr. Christian KULL
- Room S122
- Phone: (03) 990 52913
- christian.kull@arts.monash.edu.au
Convenor of Honours Seminar (GES4820) and Deputy Honours Co-ordinator
- Dr. Stephen Legg
- Room S221
- Phone: (03) 990 52916
- Stephen.Legg@arts.monash.edu.au