The program provides opportunities for students to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills as well as improve their ability to work independently in business research and communicate the results in a professional manner. Students will develop advanced knowledge in their area of research.

Graduates who have demonstrated high achievement throughout their degree studies are encouraged to apply to enrol in this program.  Students with a particular topic in mind that they wish to research will be assisted in finding an appropriate supervisor, and supervisors also propose topics which fall within their area of expertise. The dissertation topic must be based on the following disciplines: management, marketing, organisational behaviour, human resource management and tourism.

Graduates with honours degrees have more opportunities for employment in areas such as business management, human resources management, marketing management and research, and consulting.  Honours degrees are required for many government positions and graduates with honours may qualify to undertake further study at either the Masters or PhD level.

On completion of this program, students should be able to:-

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge in an area within the business management discipline and knowledge of research principles and methods;
• Exercise critical thinking and apply initiative and judgement in adapting knowledge to complex business situations;
• Communicate complex ideas effectively to a wide variety of audiences;
• Work independently and collaboratively;
• Apply advanced analytical and research skills to provide solutions to complex business problems in diverse contexts;
• Apply ethical standards when conducting research activities. 

Candidates must complete 48 units of credit to graduate from this course, comprising of:

• 2 courses (12 credit points each) with coursework; and
• a dissertation equivalent to 24 credit points.  

The sequence of study for part-time candidates will be determined in consultation with their supervisors and the Associate Dean (Research).  This may differ from that of full-time students and different study loads and time limits may apply.