Honours Program FAQs

Find information on our Honours programs, including requirements, expectations, and benefits of pursuing an Honours degree within Human Biosciences.

Deciding whether or not to pursue an Honours degree depends on your career aspirations, academic strength, and personal goals:

  • If you’re planning a career in research, completing an Honours degree is strongly recommended. Some graduate programs may require an Honours degree as part of their admission criteria.

  • If you’re academically strong and have good marks, an Honours degree could be a valuable choice to further develop your research and academic skills.

  • If you’re considering professional schools (e.g., medicine, dentistry), check the specific admission requirements. Some schools may prefer applicants with an Honours degree.

  • If you’re hoping an Honours degree will compensate for a weak academic record, you may want to reconsider. An Honours program is demanding and requires deep commitment. If you’re not passionate about the project or lab work, you might find it difficult to complete. The final stages, particularly writing and revising your dissertation, can at times be tricky. Ensure you’re committed to seeing the project through before starting.

Do I need research experience to do honours?

While having previous lab experience can certainly help, it is not a requirement to pursue an Honours degree. If you are already familiar with laboratory protocols and procedures, you will be able to get started more quickly and with less of a learning curve. However, if you don’t have prior experience, your supervisor will likely design a project that accommodates your skill level.

If you're looking to gain research experience before starting your Honours program, there are several ways to do so:

These programs provide opportunities to work in research labs, helping you build valuable experience.

When Should I Apply for Honours?

Applications for the Honours program are typically accepted after near the end of your 3rd year. By this point, you will have completed enough Human Biosciences courses in order to accurately assess your readiness for the program.

In some cases, students may apply for Honours after completing a general degree.

The deadline for applications is typically near mid-to-late March each year. 

What grades do I need to apply for honours?

To apply for the Honours program, you need strong grades!

  • For admission at the end of third year:

    • You must have a 75% average or at least a "B" (ie. a 65%) in every required Human Biosciences course.
    • Overall GPA of at least 2.75

Your academic performance in relevant courses is essential for consideration.

How do I apply for honours?

To apply for Honours, you need to complete the Application for Honours Program and email it to the department’s Academic Program Officer at bcadvice@mun.ca. The form can be obtained from the Department's Academic Program Officer.

If you meet the requirements for Honours standing, the department will approve your application and send the form to the Registrar’s Office to update your standing on Student Self-Service. You will also be notified of whether your application has been successful.

What Marks Do I Need to Stay in Honours Standing?

To remain in Honours standing, it’s essential to maintain strong grades. Never aim for a "C" or worse, especially in Human Biosciences courses. It’s generally easier to get a "B" in your required Human Biosciences courses than to maintain a 75% average across all of them.

What Happens If I Get a "C"?

If you get a "C," you may need to repeat the course if your average calculated from your HuBi courses is below 75%. Honours students are able to repeat or substitute up to three courses for their Honours degree.

How Do I Get a Supervisor?

As part of the Honours application process, you will also submit a Supervisory Selection form where you identify your top three preferred supervisors. You will be assigned to one of supervisors you list on your form.

To help you in ranking your top three supervisor picks, the most effective approach is simply to reach out to them. By the end of your third year, you’ll have a better sense of which areas of Human Biosciences interests you. Familiarize yourself with faculty research by checking out their web pages and identifying potential supervisors. You can also consider applying for a MUCEP position in a research group to get hands-on experience before deciding on your ranked list.

If you would like further help with this, please visit the Human Biosciences Advising Office.

What Should I Know About Joint Honours Programs?

Joint Honours programs are excellent but demanding, with potential course scheduling conflicts. We offer a number of joint honours programs, all of which are rewarding. It’s crucial to plan ahead, as course clashes are likely. We recommend having a backup honours option in mind.

When applying for a joint honours program, you must be approved by both departments involved. Additionally, decide which department will be your primary research focus, as you’ll need to complete your honours research in one of the two departments.