The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) or PhB is an innovative, research-focused undergraduate degree designed for intellectually curious students who want to explore their interests beyond the classroom. It’s the only program of its kind where disciplinary knowledge is enriched by a deep regional understanding of Asia and the Pacific.

As a member of our interdisciplinary research community you will have the opportunity to explore your interests through a diverse range of disciplines including: history, international relations, gender, culture, strategic studies, literature, politics, linguistics, anthropology, law and regulation, archaeology and economics.

You will receive one-on-one mentoring from a range of world-leading researchers at the forefront of their fields and develop your capacity for independent research and critical thinking in an academically rigorous learning environment.

The flexible nature of our PhB allows you and your academic mentors to design the program to suit your interests and includes advanced courses tailored to provide you with the high-level academic skills you need to take the first step in your research career.

During your final year of study you will be encouraged to undertake fieldwork abroad as you embark on a year-long independent research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor. With the PhB you can choose your own adventure while gaining exceptional preparation in your chosen field and special opportunities to pursue the study of Asia and the Pacific at the highest level.

The PhB is an ideal path to take if you are already aiming for a career in research, but it is equally good if you decide to enter the workforce directly, as you will not only have gained the academic and generic skills normally obtained within a degree but will have gained highly marketable skills in independent research, oral and written communication and also in teamwork.

Learning Outcomes

1. Engage with Asia and the Pacific using sophisticated concepts and methods from the humanities and social sciences to develop, review, analyse and synthesise knowledge about this region, and its place in the world.
2. Critically analyse the research literature related to topics of interest to make meaningful contributions to the study of the Asia and Pacific region.
3. Create specialist knowledge on the Asia Pacific region that helps to build an integrated understanding of complex social, cultural, political and/or linguistic issues.
4. Convey and relate professional and disciplinary knowledge to diverse audiences using appropriate styles.
5. Exercise critical thinking and judgment in identifying and solving problems, while working and learning in both independent and collaborative ways.
6. Negotiate research projects considering their academic relevance, possible academic contributions, and ethical implications,
7. Undertake independent research drawing on high level project management skills and a well-honed understanding of feasibility and collegiality.
8. Exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.