Honours vs Bachelor Degree: 11 Key Differences

High school graduate students often remain confused about whether to pursue an honours degree or a bachelor’s degree, as choosing the right degree is one of the most critical decisions in their academic life.

It is essential to know the key differences between ‘honours vs bachelor degree’ to understand which degree would suit you the best, as it will set the pathway where your career will lead you.

In this blog, we will explore the basic concepts of these two degrees in detail to clear up any confusion you may have. But before we delve deeper, it is important to understand that the value of these degrees may vary in different countries.

What is an Honours Degree?

An honours degree (widely known as Hons) is not so different from a bachelor's degree, but it consists of an additional level of study in accordance with a higher standard. At the undergraduate level, this degree offers a higher level of education and achievement. To extend knowledge in the relevant fields, one might get involved in research and professional work.

Types of Honours Degrees

One of the benefits of pursuing an honours degree is that there are different study modules designed to meet the goals of students. Here are some types of honours degrees that you can get enrolled in:

1. Single Honours Degree: In this particular method, you will gather expertise in one specific subject. Throughout the degree, you will be focussing on only one subject.
2. Double Honours Degree: You will specialise in two subjects. It implies finishing two research papers, and upon completion, you will get two honours degrees. This means it will add another year to your single honours degree and two years to your bachelor's degree.
3. Joint Honours Degree: For ambitious students who want to achieve beyond, this degree is suitable for them as they can gain expertise in several subjects independently.
4. Degree with honours project: This is perhaps the easiest way to obtain an honours degree. With a three-year bachelor’s degree, students have to pursue one more year of study, which includes completing research or a dissertation to attain an honours degree.

What is a Bachelor Degree?

A bachelor's degree offers a variety of subjects in a specific field, unlike an honours degree, which focusses on one or two subjects. Students who want to study numerous subjects can choose this degree. In the job world, it might help you land jobs as the companies often seek graduates with extensive knowledge.

Types of Bachelor Degrees

There are various types of Bachelor’s degrees available to pursue; here are some of them mentioned:

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA): This degree primarily focusses on the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, literature, history, and more.
2. Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc): It includes courses like Biomedical, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Geology, and more.
3. Bachelor of Law (LLB): It provides a general law degree that comprises legal studies.
4. Bachelor ͏of Business Administration (BB͏A͏): This is a degree that includes courses like accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more.
5. Bachelor of Engineering (͏BEng): This is for those who want to pursue civil, chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
6. Bachelor of Education (BEd): It is typically a 2-year degree that an individual can take to become a teacher.

Honours vs Bachelor Degree: What’s the Difference?

The prime key difference between an honours degree and a bachelor’s degree is that honours are typically taken to gain expertise in one or two subjects, whereas a bachelor’s degree covers a wide range of subjects.

The table will give you a sound knowledge of eleven critical differences between honours and bachelor’s degrees.

Honours Classification

The rating system may vary by country and institution. The international grading system for honours degrees is given below.

Pros and Cons of a Bachelor Degree

The pros and cons of pursuing a bachelor's degree are mentioned below.

Pros:

1. Shorter Duration
2. Wider Education
3. Flexibility in career path
4. Low Cost
5. Immediate placement opportunities

Cons:

1. Less Specialisation
2. Very few research opportunities

Pros and Cons of an Honours Degree

While aiming for an honours degree, one might find these types of pros and cons.

Pros:

1. Specialised Knowledge
2. Extensive research opportunities
3. Enhanced career opportunities
4. Networking and Mentorship
5. Academic Recognition

Cons:

1. Longer Duration
2. Increased pressure and workload

Honours or Bachelor: Which one should you choose?

You should ask yourself this question. As we are unaware of your schedule and lifestyle, it would be rather difficult for us to tell you which degree would suit you the best, but we can certainly help you reach a decision.

1. Students who remain interested in one particular subject, are determined to gain expertise in one specific area, have a knack for research, and can handle a considerable workload, then an honours degree is for them.
2. However, for those who want to explore different fields, can’t focus on only one area, or prefer a more comprehensive education, then a bachelor’s degree would fit them the best.

How do honours degrees vary in other countries?

An honours degree may seem different in various countries. The type of an honours degree may vary depending on the country, as each country follows different education methods.

The UK: In Great Britain, most degrees are recognised as honours programmes. They can take 3 to 5 years to complete, and typically, all programmes last 3 years except Scotland, where it takes 4 years.

The US: There are no honours degrees in the USA. Students will be graduated with a general bachelor's degree with honorific titles.

Canada: In Canada, it takes about 4 years to complete an honours degree, which includes an intensive curriculum that might consist of research, a thesis, and a major project.

Australia: You can get an honours degree in Australia in two ways. Firstly, you can add an extra year to your bachelor's degree, and the second one is to integrate the degree into your bachelor’s during your final year. That extra year might include research and extensive coursework.

New Zealand: In New Zealand, an honours degree is recognised as a postgraduate programme that students can pursue after completing their bachelor's. They can also integrate the programme into their bachelor’s degree, which takes up to four years to complete.

Conclusion

That sums up the differences between 'Honours vs Bachelor Degree.' I hope after reading this blog, you can choose your programme with ease. As it stands, both degrees have different benefits. Take your time while considering which degree you should take, as it will have an immense effect on your future career. It is up to you to decide, and we wish you nothing less than the best in your future endeavours.