Honours and Employability: Perceived Value, Null Effects, and Decision Psychology

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63608/ssj.3942

Keywords:

Employability, Propensity Score Matching, Expectancy Theory, Signalling, Legal education, Honours

Abstract

This study examines the gap between law graduates’ perceived employability value of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
and actual employment outcomes. Using a convergent mixed-methods survey of Bachelor of Laws (LLB) alumni (n = 66),
we integrate perception data with propensity score matching analysis comparing Honours and non-Honours graduates.
Honours completers reported substantially higher perceived job-market value (M = 3.91 vs. 2.56), yet causal analysis
revealed no effect on legal-sector employment (ATE = 0 percentage points, 95% CI [−48.8, 48.4]). We interpret this pattern
through expectancy theory and decision psychology: heterogeneous Honours models weaken completion–outcome
linkages, while confirmation bias elevates post-decision perceptions among Honours graduates. The tentative findings
suggest a need for evidence-based program communication and transparent outcomes reporting to align student
expectations with realistic employment payoffs. This research informs advising practices and Honours program design in
law schools, with implications for credential evaluation across professional education contexts.

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Author Biography

Aaron Timoshanko, University of Southern Queensland

Dr Aaron Timoshanko is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Business, Law, Humanities and Pathways at the University of Southern Queensland. Aaron has been the Law Honours Program Director since 2021. Aaron has previously held positions at the Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University and Flinders University. Aaron’s main research foci lie in corporate law, accountability, and regulatory theory. Aaron’s PhD thesis was conferred in 2018 by Monash University and was awarded the 2018 Mollie Holman Medal for the best thesis for the Faculty of Law. Prior to undertaking post-graduate study, Aaron worked in-house and as a solicitor in private practice. Aaron has also worked in the Public Health Department in the United Kingdom, the airline industry in Canada and commercial radio in South Australia.

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Published

20-04-2026

How to Cite

Timoshanko, A. (2026). Honours and Employability: Perceived Value, Null Effects, and Decision Psychology. Student Success, 17(1), 80–90. https://doi.org/10.63608/ssj.3942

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Aaron Timoshanko

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors retain copyright and grant the Journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution International Licence (CC BY 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.