The Bachelor of Arts with Honours program is a separate fourth year of study that is undertaken following the successful completion of an undergraduate Arts degree. In addition to the skills and knowledge that graduates have developed in their undergraduate degree, the Honours degree is highly regarded in providing advanced intellectual education in research, analysis and writing. It signifies a demonstrable ability in conducting research in the Arts. For creative writers, it also demonstrates a the ability to produce a significant creative work. As well as a completion point for tertiary study itself, Honours also represents the starting point for entry into postgraduate and academic research. The Honours degree includes a unit in research methodology and management that assists students to conduct a significant research project on a topic of their interest. Generally this research project will be documented in a written thesis. Students undertaking a creative project will produce a creative work and a shorter thesis that discusses the theoretical underpinnings of the creative work. An Honours Supervisor will assist students at each stage of their project.

A key aim of the Honours degree is to provide graduates with research training and a range of lifelong learning skills. These skills have vocational relevance that varies depending on the professional field you wish to enter. Adding Honours to an undergraduate degree is a useful qualification for: Graduates to gain an edge for employment in vocational positions as Honours demonstrates their ability to successfully design and complete a significant research project; Creative writers to demonstrate their ability to produce a significant, high quality creative product; Gaining entry into graduate programs such as the Public Service graduate program, for which Honours is often a requirement; and Honours is the best pathway for those wishing to undertake a PhD, which is generally required for an academic or research-oriented career.