Upon completing a Bachelor’s degree, students can pursue a year-long research program that involves the production of an 18,000-20,000 word thesis.

This can be a capstone to your pursuit of American Studies at the undergraduate level, giving you an edge on other graduates with your level of expertise in a specific area of enquiry. In addition, this also acts as a significant independent project to prepare graduates for the workforce, as the autonomous pursuit of information and personal setting of targets and goals makes the transition to project-based work easier. Honours in the first or second class is also a great pathway to PhD research.

"I’ve always been passionate about America and exploring its role in the world and an American Studies honours year allowed me to delve even deeper. At the US Studies Centre, I know I can pursue my interest surrounded by a world-class community of students and academics." Jay Ng

Our previous honours students have researched such diverse subjects as the Women’s National Basketball Association, political memes, Hollywood bromances, race and fashion, religion and US foreign policy, and American exceptionalism.

Honours admission requirements

If you commenced your degree prior to 2018: Admission to honours requires a major in American Studies with an average of 70% or above or approval of the Program Coordinator.

If you commenced your degree in or after 2018:

• Admission to honours is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies and requires the completion of a major in American Studies with an average of 70% or above or approval of the Program Coordinator.
• Prior to commencing Honours, you will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or other bachelor degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and a second major.

Requirements and units of study for honours can be found on the American Studies handbook page.

The deadline to apply to Honours is usually 30 November of the preceding year. This year, due to COVID-19 related barrier, the deadline has been extended to 31 January, 2021.

We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited.

More information about the program is available on the University of Sydney website.

Honours coordinator

If you are interested in honours in American Studies, please contact Dr Aaron Nyerges to discuss your candidacy.