BA Hons, also known as Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours, programs are highly sought-after career options for students after completing their 12th grade. While BA courses are commonly pursued by students from Humanities backgrounds, they are also open to students from Science and Commerce streams. These courses offer a wide range of specialisations, catering to both traditional subjects like English and Philosophy, as well as trending fields such as Biomedical Sciences and Management. In this blog, we will explore the distinctive features of the BA Hons degree and delve into its various specialisations.
What is BA Hons?
BA Hons, also known as Bachelor of Arts Honours [B.A. Honours], is an undergraduate course that delves into various branches of arts. The program offers major specializations such as History, Music, Political Science, Languages, Archeology, Psychology, Sociology, and more. For those who prefer the convenience of studying from home, working professionals or students can opt for the distance learning method to pursue their BA Hons. This program can be pursued on a full-time basis, remotely, or online.
Overview of BA Hons
The Bachelor of Arts with Honours, also known as BA Honours, is an undergraduate degree program that typically spans a duration of three years. To be eligible for this program, students must have obtained at least 50% in their Class XIIth examination from any recognised Board and should have covered the subject of specialisation. The admission process for BA Honours includes both merit-based selection and entrance tests. The average annual fees for this program range from INR 5000 to 1 Lakh. Graduates with a BA Honours degree can pursue various employment roles such as researcher, professor, political analyst, content writer, counselor, translator, journalist, operations manager, graphic designer, archaeologist, customer service representative (CSR), and more.
Why pursue a BA honours?
A BA Honours degree is a necessary requirement for pursuing higher degrees such as MA, M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. Upon successful completion of a BA Honours degree, individuals become eligible for lecturer positions in institutions or colleges, providing them with enhanced professional opportunities. The BA Honours program is highly advantageous for specialisation in specific subjects, making it one of the most valuable and impactful degrees. After completing a BA Honours, individuals can further pursue post-graduation in various disciplines. It is important to note that there are distinctions between BA Honours and a regular BA program. Although both programs are undergraduate degrees with a duration of three years, BA Honours is particularly suitable for individuals seeking an in-depth exploration of a specific subject, such as Psychology, Geography, and History, among others. On the other hand, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree encompasses a wider range of subjects, providing knowledge in various fields. Similar to the Honours course, a regular BA program also fosters excellent analytical and reasoning skills.
Eligibility Criteria
As the demand for higher education continues to rise, the Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons) has become a popular choice among students worldwide, extending beyond the Humanities stream. Numerous universities in India and abroad provide this program, offering a range of specialisations to cater to different interests. Although the specific variants may vary, the general entry requirements for BA Hons programs remain largely consistent. Let us now explore the common entry requisites for pursuing a BA Hons degree.
Admission Procedure for BA Hons
The admission procedure for the Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons) program typically involves a combination of merit-based selection and entrance tests. Universities and colleges offering BA Hons programs evaluate applicants based on their academic performance, usually considering their Class XIIth scores or equivalent. Students are required to have obtained a minimum percentage, often around 50%, in their Class XIIth examination from a recognised educational board. Additionally, some institutions may also consider the subject of specialisation when assessing applicants. Alongside the merit-based selection, certain universities may conduct entrance tests to further evaluate the candidates' aptitude and knowledge in relevant subjects. These entrance tests can include written examinations, interviews, group discussions, or a combination thereof. The specific admission criteria and weightage given to merit and entrance test performance may vary among institutions. It is recommended that prospective students refer to the official websites of the respective universities or colleges to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding the admission procedure for BA Hons programs.
List of BA Hons Specialisations
Now that you are familiar with the basic details pertaining to the degree course, let us now take a quick look at some of the most opted BA Hons subjects:
- English
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Economics
- BA Hons in foreign languages like French, Spanish, etc.
- BA History Hons
- Geography
- Music
- Political Science
- Communication Studies
- Anthropology
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- Public Administration, etc
- BA LLB
- BA Psychology Subjects
- BA Sociology
- MA History
Syllabus and Subjects
The syllabus of B.A Hons ranges from various compulsory subjects and electives. Let’s look at a gist of some of the most opted courses:
BA English Hons
Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours degree in English will greatly improve your communication skills, both written and verbal, by providing a comprehensive curriculum. This program encompasses a wide range of subjects, including literary texts, dramas, proses, and poems from historical, prehistorical, modern, and post-modern English times. By immersing yourself in these various forms of literature, you will not only gain theoretical and practical knowledge but also enhance your linguistic capabilities. Additionally, the course will offer insights into political, social, and cultural events relevant to diverse eras of literary history.
BA Sociology Hons
The BA Hons course in Sociology offers a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles governing society and explores diverse aspects of human behaviour within various contexts. It delves into the structural dynamics of society, examining the organisation and functioning of different social settings. By pursuing this Bachelor of Arts Honours program, you will gain in-depth knowledge about a wide range of topics such as family structures, global welfare systems, social class dynamics, and religious cults. This course aims to provide students with a holistic perspective on society and social behaviour, enabling them to analyse and interpret these intricate aspects with clarity and depth.
BA Political Science Hons
With a specific focus on global and comparative politics, the BA Hons program in Political Science offers a curriculum that aims to provide extensive knowledge of diverse governance models. Throughout your academic journey in Bachelor of Arts Honours, you will delve into theoretical concepts and practical aspects of politics, examining various political systems prevalent worldwide. This comprehensive understanding will enable you to critically analyze and interpret global political trends.
BA Psychology Hons
Regarded as one of the most preferred Bachelor of Arts Honours (BA Hons) courses, the BA Honours in Psychology will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour and various psychological disorders. In addition, you will gain knowledge about diverse branches of Psychology, along with the methods and approaches utilised in professional counselling and psychological guidance sessions.
Prominent Institutions
BA courses are offered by scores of universities across the world. While exploring academic institutions for any program, you must take the course structure, research facilities, career opportunities, and other such important parameters into consideration. Tabulated below are some of the popular institutions for pursuing BA Hons in India and abroad. If you are having difficulty with studies check how can you get a first class degree.
Jobs After BA Hons
After obtaining a BA Hons degree, you can explore scores of opportunities in your chosen field of study. If not the entry-level jobs, then you can also consider pursuing higher education in a similar stream or an interdisciplinary field. Often, the graduates work as a:
1. Content Writer
2. Primary School Teacher
3. Graphic Designer
4. Consultant
5. Business Development Manager
6. Operation Manager
7. Political Analyst, etc
Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in honors Degree get a salary that various according to the company they are recruited in, type of Job or position, that is offered to them. However, the average minimum salary of a BA Hons Graduate ranges between INR 2,00,000 and 3,00,000 p. a. The salary will also depend upon the skill-sets, experience of an individual and the educational background and its marks in their previous education.