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What's the difference between a BSc(Hons) and a BSc?

Hi....

Could someone tell me what's the difference between those 2 kinds degree? Does it have something to do with distinctions? or with the number of years to complete the course (3 for standard, 4 for hons)?. And what does "hons" stand for anyway?

Thanks :wink:

honours, perhaps?

Honours are given provided you get more than a pass.

Reply 3

greenmuzz

It varies on the uni, but generally, the difference is that an honours degree will include a major project/dissertation in the final year that makes up a significant portion of the overall marks (and which, if you fail, you fail the degree overall too, regardless of your exams), whereas a non honours degree does not include such a project/dissertation.

Reply 4

bananas1234

(Hons) is not a different 'type' of degree it just shows you have achieved a 1st, 2i or 2ii overall and have passed every graded piece of work

Reply 5

ThePants999

A 3rd is still an Honours pass.

Reply 6

Octavius85

ThePants999

A 3rd is still an Honours pass.

thanks for all your answers. However, if a 3rd is still an honours pass.. then there is no difference between holding a BSc or holding one with honours (BSc(Hons)). :confused:

Reply 7

ChemistBoy

Octavius85

thanks for all your answers. However, if a 3rd is still an honours pass.. then there is no difference between holding a BSc or holding one with honours (BSc(Hons)). :confused:

Some institutions award general or special degrees - these either lack the level or subject specific content to be classified as honours degrees. There are also special cases (for instance medical science at St Andrews) where no dissertation/thesis work is undertaken so a non-honours degree is awarded.

Reply 8

Né Stig

Its also true that if doing a degree for 1 year (final year), an HONS degree won't be provided. I think I heard that from my lecturer. It has to be 2 or more.

Reply 9

Drogue

Octavius85

thanks for all your answers. However, if a 3rd is still an honours pass.. then there is no difference between holding a BSc or holding one with honours (BSc(Hons)). :confused:

Yes there is. A 3rd is still a classified degree. Below that there is a "pass", which is a seperate degree awarded without honours. Every degree at a 3rd or above has honours, only unclassified pass degrees do not have honours.

The full title of a 3rd is "a degree with 3rd class honours".