Bachelor’s Degree vs Honours Degree

Choosing between a bachelor’s degree vs honours degree can feel confusing. Many students face this choice when considering university programmes. This decision is crucial as it shapes both academic and career directions.

A bachelor’s degree is broad, versatile, and covers many areas. An honours degree provides a focused, in-depth study of one subject. Both are useful, but the right choice depends on your goals.

This guide will give you all the details about each degree. We’ll also discuss career impacts, postgraduate eligibility, and ways to switch later. With this knowledge, you can make the right choice about your future. Let’s start.

What is a Bachelor’s Degree?

A bachelor’s degree is the standard first degree at university. It is a broad qualification designed to prepare students for many careers. It usually lasts three to four years. It builds a strong base of knowledge and opens access to entry-level jobs or further studies.

Key Features

Flexible Curriculum With Electives

A bachelor’s degree allows students to choose subjects outside their main area. For example, a science student can take a language course. This makes the degree flexible. It helps students explore new fields and keep more career options open.

Focus on Foundational Knowledge

The degree covers the core ideas of the chosen subject. For example, a business degree teaches finance, management, and marketing basics. This programme builds a strong base of knowledge. It prepares students for jobs or further study.

Minimal or no Research Component

Most bachelor’s degrees do not require a long research project. Instead, students complete exams, essays, or group work. This makes the degree faster to complete. However, it provides limited practice in independent research.

Global Variations

UK/Europe: In most of Europe, a bachelor’s degree typically takes three years and requires 180 ECTS credits. In the UK, universities use the CATS system instead. A standard three-year bachelor’s degree requires 360 CATS credits.

USA/Canada: The degree takes four years and combines a major with liberal arts courses. This structure develops both specialist knowledge and broad transferable skills.

India: Universities have shifted to a 4-year multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree under the NEP 2020. Students may follow a general track or an honours track. However, adoption of this policy across the country is uneven.

Common Types

BA (Bachelor of Arts): Focuses on humanities, social sciences, and languages. It suits careers in education, culture, writing, and communication.

BSc (Bachelor of Science): Covers natural sciences, maths, and technology. It prepares students for careers in science, health, and technology.

BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration): Specialises in management, finance, and marketing. It supports entry into corporate roles or entrepreneurship.

BEng (Bachelor of Engineering): Professional degree for applied sciences and technology. It focuses on design and practical projects and often requires accreditation for engineering careers.

What is an Honours Degree?

An honours degree is an advanced undergraduate route. It focuses on research, in-depth subject study, and critical analysis. It offers higher workload intensity and prepares students for Master’s preparation.

Key Features

Thesis/dissertation mandatory

An honours degree requires a research dissertation. This is a comprehensive project covering a single topic. It demonstrates that the student can work independently, gather information, and provide clear results. It builds strong skills for higher study.

Higher credit load

An honours degree has more study hours than a normal bachelor’s degree. Students complete extra modules and more credit hours. This requires more effort, but it helps gain a deeper understanding and advanced skills in the subject.

Performance-based classification

Honours degrees are awarded in classes based on performance.

• First-Class (70%+)
• Upper Second-Class (2:1, 60–69%)
• Lower Second-Class (2:2, 50–59%)
• Third-Class (40–49%)

Global Structures

UK: In the UK, an honours is part of the normal three-year degree. Most students finish with an honours classification. The class they earn decides their future academic choices.

Australia/New Zealand: Students complete a three-year bachelor’s, then add a one-year honours. This year focuses on research and prepares students for postgraduate entry, especially PhD programmes.

USA: Some universities have “Honours Colleges” or special tracks. These allow selected students to study higher-level courses or complete research projects.

Honours Types

Single Honours: The student studies one subject in detail, such as physics or history.

Joint Honours: The student studies two subjects together, such as economics and politics. It offers more flexibility and career options across both areas.

With a Research Project: The student completes a subject degree, but also writes a research project.

Key Differences: Honours vs Bachelor’s Degree Compared

Academic & Structural Differences

Regional Naming Conventions

Country-by-Country Analysis: How Systems Differ

UK/EU: Most UK bachelor’s degrees are honours. Students earn classes like First, 2:1, 2:2, or Third. These grades matter because most Master’s programmes require at least a 2:1. A First or strong 2:1 is usually needed for PhD entry. In Europe, most bachelor’s degrees last three years with 180 ECTS credits.

Australia: In Australia, an honours degree is an extra year after a three-year bachelor’s degree. It focuses on research and includes a thesis. Students need strong results for direct PhD entry. Many students also use it to prepare for a Master’s study.

USA/Canada: In the US, “Honours” means a selective track or Latin honours based on GPA. It is not a separate degree, though some tracks include a thesis. In Canada, an honours is a four-year bachelor’s, while general degrees take three.

India: India is introducing a four-year honours bachelor’s under the National Education Policy 2020, though implementation varies.

Career Implications: Employability, Salaries, and Advancement

An honours degree and a bachelor’s degree offer different career paths. You need to choose based on your goals.

Honours Advantages

A bachelor’s degree increases income and job access compared to non-graduates. In 2024, UK graduates earned £42,000 annually, while postgraduates earned £47,000. Non-graduates earned £30,500. Postgraduates also held 79% high-skilled jobs, compared to 67.9% for graduates and 23.7% for non-graduates.

Bachelor’s Advantages

An honours degree adds a research dissertation and stronger academic rigour. It helps secure roles with strict admission criteria, especially in research and government sectors. It also improves postgraduate eligibility, which is vital in countries like Australia and the UK.

Pros and Cons of Honours and Bachelor’s Degrees

You should compare both degree types carefully before deciding. Here is a quick comparison.

Choosing the Right Degree for Your Career Goals

The choice depends on your strengths, location, and future plans.

Choose Honours if you:

• Want to join academia or start a PhD.
• Enjoy independent study,
• Seek the benefits of a honours degree for postgraduate studies.
• Have a career goal that is research-driven, or you are in a system where an honours is highly valued.

Choose a Bachelor’s if you:

• Prefer to work earlier.
• Enjoy learning across different fields.
• Want to study in the USA or Germany because in these countries, a Bachelor’s degree is typically sufficient for most entry-level jobs.

How to Upgrade or Switch Degrees Midway

It is possible to change your degree path if your goals or interests shift. Universities give students some flexibility, though rules differ across countries.

Bachelor’s to Honours: How to Upgrade

In Australia and New Zealand, students can add a one-year honours programme after a three-year bachelor’s degree. Entry usually requires a strong academic record, often a GPA of 70% or higher. The honours year involves advanced study, supervised research, and a dissertation. Many universities, such as the University of Sydney, describe it as a bridge to Master’s or PhD study.

Honours to Bachelor’s: Stepping Down

Some students begin an honours degree but later decide to transfer back to a standard bachelor’s degree. This can happen if the workload feels too demanding or if career goals change. While less common, many universities allow this switch under set policies.

Quick Tips to Make the Transition

• Keep your GPA high to meet entry criteria.
• Secure strong recommendation letters from faculty.
• Learn the steps for how to upgrade a bachelor's degree to a honours degree or step down in your country’s system.
•  In Australia, an honours is a Level 8 qualification under the AQF, meaning it adds prestige and opens research or PhD paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an honours degree harder than a bachelor’s?

Yes. It usually has a higher workload and requires independent research.

Can I do a PhD without an honours degree?

Yes, in some countries. In Australia, an honours is usually expected for direct PhD entry, but a research-based master’s can also qualify. In the US and Canada, you can enter a PhD programme with a strong bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Do employers value honours degrees more?

Yes, especially in research, academia, or government roles. In business, experience often matters more.

What does First-Class Honours mean?

In the UK, it means achieving an average mark of 70% or higher.

How does an honours affect immigration?

In countries like Australia and Canada, completing an honours degree grants extra points for skilled migration.

Can I switch to honours after starting a bachelor’s?

Yes, if you maintain strong academic performance.

Is an honours degree worth the extra year?

Yes, if you plan for postgraduate or research-based careers.

Conclusion: Aligning Your Degree with Your Future

There is no universal “better” choice in the bachelor’s degree vs honours degree debate. The right choice depends on your career and study goals. If you want career advantages of a honours degree and research opportunities, go for honours. If you want flexibility and early work, a bachelor’s is often enough.

Audit your strengths, consult mentors, and review country systems. Then choose the degree path that matches your future.