The Honours year in Geography is a lot more than just the fourth year of the degree. The Level 4000 modules typically have smaller numbers than other levels enabling a greater degree of interaction with staff and between students, while the curriculum exposes students to the key issues and concerns at the cutting edge of particular topics. The Honours year is a time to concentrate on geography and to engage in debates about the nature and direction of the discipline. It is a time to enhance analytical and reflective skills. The Department also strives to provide a conducive atmosphere for class identity to emerge. All teaching is based in the Honours Room, which serves as a homebase outside class hours. Geography Honours student typically develop a strong sense of place and cohort identity, often arranging extra curricular activities. Students are also encouraged to support the Department’s seminar programme.

Honours students must complete a total of eight Geography modules or higher-level approved GE-recognised modules. One of these modules, Development of Geographic Thought, is compulsory for all Honours students. The remaining modules may be selected from a list offered each year (note: this includes one Geography-accepted module offered in the Department of Japanese Studies). Based on Faculty criteria, students who obtain a CAP of 4.0 and above (or SJAP of 4.0 and CAP of at least 3.5) are eligible to undertake the Honours Thesis (HT) during the following semester. In the Department of Geography, the HT is equivalent to three modules (or 15 MCs). Students with a CAP of 4.0 and above do have the option of not pursuing an HT. An alternative for students who do not qualify for the HT (or who do not wish to pursue it) is the Independent Studies Module. The ISM is equivalent to one module (5 MCs).

All HTs and ISMs have to be completed within one semester. Formal supervision of HTs can begin six weeks before the beginning of the semester concerned. However, students who have opted to do the HT can begin preliminary research and planning prior to the commencement formal supervision. The Department has a standing arrangement with a number of public and private sector organisations whereby students can undertake research for their HTs in areas which are of interest and relevance to these organisations. Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) are currently involved in these schemes. Formal supervision of ISMs is restricted to the semester concerned. Submission deadlines for both HT and ISM is currently the last Friday of the semester.

The maximum word limit for all HTs is 15,000. Each student is required to submit three typed and bound copies of the HT to the Department (one copy each for the supervisor, the Department, and the University library). The maximum word limit for ISMs is 5,000. It is also possible to consider alternative submission formats for ISM projects (e.g. design of a web site; GIS analysis).

The Cumulative Average Point for the award of Class of Honours for cohorts 2000/2001 and after can be found here.

Honours students may borrow past years Honours Theses from the Map Resource Unit at AS2 02-02.

HT Guidelines
HT Supervision Guidelines
Supervision Timetable 2009/10
Ooi Jin Bee Scholarship for Geography Honours