Bachelor of Business (Honours)

The Bachelor of Business (Honours) at the University of the Sunshine Coast is a one-year qualification for students who have already completed a bachelor degree in business or a related field and want to take their research skills further. It sits at AQF level 8, above a standard three-year bachelor degree and below a master's. You will spend the year working on a supervised research project in an area of business that interests you, while also completing coursework in research methods and theory.

The degree is typically structured over two semesters, though some institutions use trimesters. You will enrol in a set of units that usually include advanced research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, and a thesis component. The thesis is the centrepiece: you work one-on-one with a supervisor to design a study, collect and analyse data, and write up your findings. Assessment is based on your thesis and coursework, not exams alone. The exact unit list and credit points are set by the university, so check the official course page for the current structure.

Skills you gain include designing a research project, reviewing academic literature, collecting and analysing data using software like SPSS or NVivo, and writing for an academic audience. You also learn to present your research clearly, which is useful whether you go on to further study or into a workplace that values evidence-based decision-making. The program is small, so you get plenty of contact with supervisors and fellow students.

This course suits recent business graduates who finished their bachelor degree with good grades and want to try research before committing to a PhD or a master's by research. It also suits professionals who want to add a research qualification to their resume without stepping away from work for two years. If you are an international student, you can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after you graduate, provided you meet the requirements. While you study, your visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. English requirements for international applicants are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, but confirm the exact score and accepted equivalents on the official page. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register.

• Business analyst, working in banks, consultancies, or government departments to interpret data and improve processes.
• Market research analyst, designing surveys and analysing consumer data for retail, tech, or marketing firms.
• Policy officer, in state or federal public service, using research to inform policy advice.
• Management consultant, at professional services firms, helping organisations solve operational problems.
• Research assistant, at universities or research institutes, supporting larger studies.
• PhD candidate, continuing to a doctorate in business or a related field.
• Project officer, in not-for-profits or community organisations, coordinating programs and evaluating outcomes.

Australian industries that hire honours graduates include professional services, banking and finance, government, health administration, education, and market research. Some graduates also move into roles in startups or small businesses where research skills are valued.