Students need three or four years to finish their Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours degree according to university and national requirements. The standard duration for Honours degrees across UK and Australian and Canadian educational institutions goes up to three years but select universities allow members of specialized research programs to extend their studies by an additional fourth year. Indian and American universities offer Honours programs that last four years yet the fourth year mostly focuses on a deep research project or thesis.
The time needed to complete studies depends on a combination of aspects which include studying part-time and engaging in internship experience or participating in student exchange programs. Some institutions run speeded-up degree paths enabling students to graduate early and specific programs give students flexibility to select extra classes or minor subjects. Student education consists of basic required subjects in addition to optional topics and research work that readies graduates for more education or professional positions. Student progression together with university guidelines and other academic or professional responsibilities determine the total duration of their education.