Studying Honours in Information Technologies
The degree program
The Honours degree program in the School of IT is split into two streams: Computer Science and Information Systems.
The Computer Science Honours stream provides specialist training for postgraduate research in Computer Science, and for IT research and development in industry or business.
The Information Systems Honours stream provides graduates with the analytical and consulting skills for solving problems (or performing research) in a variety of areas in the IT sector.
Both streams consist of advanced coursework related to the research interests of members of the School and a year-long project conducted in a research group in the School under the supervision of an academic staff member. The School has several research groups.
Information and contact details for research groups »
As a specialist degree, the aim of Honours is not to cover the full breadth of IT, but rather to introduce students to the cutting edge in selected areas of research and practice. It provides an opportunity to become actively involved in the research carried out by members of the School. Graduates take skills with them into the workplace which give them a competitive edge. Consequently, University of Sydney graduates are much in demand within industry.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for entry to Honours, students are required to have:
- completed the requirements for their current degree
- completed 24 credit points from 3rd year IT units of study (excluding project units).
- a WAM (Weighted Average Mark) of at least 65
- a Credit average result (65%+) for their 3rd year IT units.
Applying for Honours
You should first determine what sort of research areas and/or projects you would be interested in undertaking, then contact the relevant academic staff to discuss potential projects and to organise a supervisor. Dr Kalina Yacef is the Undergraduate Director and can help you to find a project and supervisor.
The next step is to complete an Honours application form.
For students enrolled in IT degrees, e.g. BIT, BCST, BCST (Adv): please download and complete the application form and return it to the School of Information Technologies Office.
International students also need to lodge a separate application form with the International Office, in addition to the School Honours application form. Please visit the International Office website for more information.
The closing date for application for local students is Thursday 26 November 2009.
The closing date for application for international students is Friday 30 October 2009.
If you are a BSc student you can download the form from the Faculty of Science website. Instructions on completing the form can also be found on this website. Your completed application form must be lodged with the Faculty of Science Office.
Students enrolled in other University of Sydney degrees should contact their home faculty office for application advice.
External (i.e. non-University of Sydney) applications are also welcome; please contact the directly for application advice.
Scholarships and Prizes
SIT/NICTA Vacation Scholarships
Vacation Scholarships are available for interested 3rd/4th year undergraduate students to undertake projects in the School of Information Technologies and in NICTA at the Australian Technology Park. The research period normally starts in late November or early December and finishes in February the following year. Summer Scholars are awarded $5500 over the 12-week period. More information is available on the SIT/NICTA Vacation Scholarships website »
University of Sydney Honours Scholarships
The University offers scholarships to new or continuing local students intending to commence Honours at the University of Sydney the following year. The value of the scholarship is $6000, which is awarded for one year. For further details and application information, please refer to the Scholarships and Prizes Office website »
Allan Bromley Prize
This prize is awarded annually to the student who achieves the highest IT Honours thesis mark, and has a value of $500. This prize is awarded automatically – students do not need to apply.
Soprano Software Engineering Prize
This annual prize has been donated by Soprano Design. Each year, the best Computer Science and Information Systems Honours students are invited to present their projects to a committee comprising the Head of the School of IT and the Soprano Design management team.
The student judged to have the best project is awarded $1000.
More information is available from the SIT scholarships and prizes website »