Are you seeking a dynamic career in politics, the public service, advocacy organisations, not-for-profit social and community services or private industry?
The ANU Bachelor of Policy Studies equips you with a comprehensive understanding of Australian public policies and related international policies.
This well-regarded education experience includes the Applied Policy Project, in which you will be engaged in an intensive student-led investigation of a policy issue or controversy relevant to your interests. You may also have the opportunity to attend the Australian National Internship Program.
Our program is designed to develop the skills and knowledge you need to gather and analyse a range of economic, demographic and social data, to evaluate public policies and programs, and to participate in policy design, advocacy and communication.
Are you a leader? The Australian National University is a leader too, especially in the fields of philosophy, politics and economics. This progressive and well regarded degree will arm you with the moral, economic and political perspectives you need to make a real impact.
The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics has a strong international component that gives you the opportunity to engage with other leading Universities around the world.
You will develop exceptional problem solving skills and critical and conceptual thinking, all while gaining a passport to some of the world’s most promising careers.
Career Options
Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.
The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the requirements of the program, students will have the skills and knowledge to:
- define key areas of contemporary Australian public policy;
- critique the historical development of current Australian public policies;
- gather and analyse economic data, social data, and statistics related to Australian public policies;
- interpret and evaluate the outcomes of analysis of Australian public policies;
- produce professional written documentation for use within the Australian policy process;
- communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, the findings of policy analysis and the evaluation of public policies; and
- engage and intervene effectively in the contemporary Australian public policy process to effect change.
Identify the principal theoretical approaches to the study of PPE, and the relationships between them;
Identify main currents in the three disciplines of PPE and their theoretical bases;
Define, critically discuss and apply:
major philosophical theories and approaches to the evaluation of social institutions;
the methods of economics to the study of political institutions and processes;
the methods of economics to questions within political philosophy;
the assumptions, ‘tools’ and limitations of political economy;
the core arguments and principles of public choice and rational choice theory.
Describe and evaluate how the core arguments and principles of public choice and rational choice theory affect and influence political situations, institutions and complex political processes in liberal democracies;
Recognise and analyse the different actors, processes and stages involved in formulating public policies; and
Analyse practical dilemmas that arise in politics using the theories, approaches and methods of the three main disciplines of PPE.
Admission Requirements
Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications:
• An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR
• A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR
• At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR
• An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.
Click HERE for further information about domestic admission.
The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.
- ATAR:
- 96
- QLD Band:
- 3
- International Baccalaureate:
- 38
Domestic applicant entry requirements
Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on a UAI equivalent that is not available to students.
International applicant entry requirements
International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants
The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.
Adjustment Factors
The National Access Scheme 2014
ANU offers bonus points for nationally strategic senior secondary subjects, and in recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
Bonus points are applied to all applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedule, and no more than 10 points (maximum 5 academic points and maximum 5 equity points) will be awarded.
Bonus points do not apply to programs with an ATAR cutoff of 98 or higher.
Bonus Points are only awarded to domestic applicants applying for admission through UAC who have not previously attempted tertiary study.
How to apply
Academic Bonus Points: senior secondary students do not need to apply for ANU academic bonus points. They are automatically added in accordance with the schedule.
Educational Access Scheme: senior secondary students do not need to apply if their school is part of the Priority School Funding Program or Country Areas Program. All other applicants should refer to http://www.uac.edu.au/eas/ for more information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Policy Studies - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $34,944.00
Scholarships
ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.
Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.
For further information see the Scholarships website.
Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Policy Studies flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must include:
54 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
DEMO2001 Population Studies
ECON1101 Microeconomics 1
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS2009 Bureaucracy and Public Policy
POLS2105 Political Leadership and Executive Government
SOCY1002 Self and Society
SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
SOCY2043 Qualitative Research Methods
SOCY2101 Social Policy: Principles and Practice
6 units from completion of a Capstone course from the following list:
SOCY3001 Research Internship
SOCY3030 Applied Policy Project
6 units from completion of a course from the following list:
ECON1100 Economics 1 (H)
ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1
6 units from completion of an Australian Politics course from the following list:
HIST2227 Australian Political History
POLS2043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying
POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia
POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions
POLS2121 Ideas in Australian Politics
6 units from completion of a Political Theory course from the following list:
PHIL2020 Politics Theories of Social Justice
PHIL2115 Political Philosophy from Hobbes to Mill
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
18 units from completion of Key Issues in Policy Studies courses from the following list:
ANIP3005 Australian National Internship B
ASIA1022 Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
ASIA2020 Engaging Asia: Working with Government
CRIM2001 Doing Criminology: Research Methods in Crime and Criminal Justice
CRIM2003 Controversies in Crime Control
CRIM2004 Dimensions of Crime: Identifying and Controlling Offenders
ENVS3001 Climate Change Science and Policy in Practice
ENVS3020 Climate Change Science and Policy
ENVS3028 Environmental Policy
ENVS3033 International Environmental Policy
INDG3001 Public policy development and implementation and Indigenous Australians
LING2022 Language Policy and Language Politics
SOCY2021 Education and Society
SOCY2022 Environmental Sociology
SOCY2056 Sociology of Work and Employment
SOCY3021 Sociology of Health and Illness
SOCY3123 Research for Public Policy
STST2001 International Security Issues in the Asia-Pacific
STST2002 Internal Security Issues in the A-P
STST2003 Securing Australia's Asia-Pacific 'Arc of Instability'
STST3002 Australian Security in the Asian Century
STST3003 The Evolution and Roles of Australia's Security and Intelligence Organisations
The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must include:
54 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
ECON1101 Microeconomics 1
ECON2101 Microeconomics 2(P)
ECON3056 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 3: Classic Literature in PPE
PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction
PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking
PHIL2116 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 2
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS1008 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 1: Puzzles in Politics, Philosophy and Economics
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science
A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses from the following list, which may also be counted towards completion of any other other requirements:
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory (P)
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia
POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice
PHIL2057 Philosophy of Science
PHIL2064 Theories of Ethics
PHIL2080 Logic
PHIL2113 Global Justice
PHIL2115 Political Philosophy from Hobbes to Mill
PHIL3073 Advanced Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
CRIM2000 The Illicit Economy
ECHI1006 The Australian Economy: Past and Present
ECHI2005 History of Economic Thought(P)
ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1
ECON2013 Behavioural Economics: Psychology and Economics
ECON2014 Managerial Economics
ECON2026 Money and Banking
ECON2120 Law and Economics(P)
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory (P)
EMET1001 Foundations of Economic and Financial Models
INDG3003 The Indigenous Economy
6 units from the completion of 2000- and 3000-level courses from one of the following subject areas:
ANIP Australian National Internship
ECON Economics
PHIL Philosophy
POLS Political Science
Study Options
Year 1 | ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units |
ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 6 units OR ECON1100; | INTR1022 Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution 6 units | POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking 6 units | |
Year 2 | SOCY1002 Self and Society 6 units | SOCY2101 Social Policy: Principles and Practice 6 units | ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units | Non-compulsory Politics list Course 6 units |
Core Course 6 units | POLS2105 Political Leadership and Executive Government 6 units | POLS1008 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 1: Puzzles in Politics, Philosophy and Economics 6 units | Non-compulsory Philosophy list Course 6 units | |
Year 3 | POLS2009 Bureaucracy and Public Policy 6 units | SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods 6 units | ECON2101 Microeconomics 2(P) 6 units | Non-compulsory Economics list Course 6 units |
Core Course 6 units | SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods 6 units | PHIL2116 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 2 6 units | Non-compulsory Politics list Course 6 units | |
Year 4 | Core Course 6 units | DEMO2001 Population Studies 6 units | Non-compulsory Philosophy list Course 6 units | ANIP/ECON/PHIL/POLS 2000/3000 Level Course 6 units |
Capstone Course 6 units | Core Course 6 units | ECON3056 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 3: Classic Literature in PPE 6 units | Non-compulsory Economics list Course 6 units |
Honours
For information about honours, please see Bachelor of Policy Studies (Honours)
For information about honours, please see Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Honours)
Single degree
Three years full time (144 units) - four courses per semester (24 courses)
A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
54 units of Compulsory Courses
6 units of Capstone Courses
6 units of either ECON1101 or ECON1102
6 units of Australian Politics Courses
6 units of Political Theory Courses
18 units of Key Issues in Policy Studies courses
Eight Electives from across the ANU (48 units)
Double degree
This degree requires 96 units
A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses
54 units of Compulsory Courses
6 units of Capstone Courses
6 units of either ECON1101 or ECON1102
6 units of Australian Politics Courses
6 units of Political Theory Courses
18 units of Key Issues in Policy Studies courses
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Policy Studies degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to take 9 Compulsory Courses (54 units), 1 capstone course (6 units), Either ECON1100 or ECON1102 (6 units), 1 Australian Politics course (6 units), 1 Political Theory Course (6 units), and 3 Key Issues in Policy Studies courses (18 units).
You'll also get to choose eight elective courses (48 units) from courses right across ANU. You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Arts subject.
Double degree
In a Bachelor Policy Studies degree program you will study a total of 96 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Bachelor of Policy Studies degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
You'll need to take 9 Compulsory Courses (54 units), 1 capstone course (6 units), Either ECON1100 or ECON1102 (6 units), 1 Australian Politics course (6 units), 1 Political Theory Course (6 units), and 3 Key Issues in Policy Studies courses (18 units).
Enrolment Status
While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
You need to enrol in the 1000 level compulsory courses.
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Bachelor of Policy Studies half of the double degree
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as ARTS1234.
You will need to enrol in the followng 1000-level courses:
• POLS1002 Introduction to Politics in First Semester
• SOCY1002 Self and Society in First Semester
• ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 in First Semester 1
• ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 in Second Semester or ECON1100 Economics 1 (H) in Second Semester
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
There is no major and minor requirement for this degree, however you can use your elective courses to make up a major or minor.
Electives
Single Degree
While you only need to enrol in the Compulsory 1000 level Courses you should choose electives1000-level courses to make up the balance of your courses.
Study Options
Bachelor of Policy Studies - Single Degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Policy Studies.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | SOCY1002 Self and Society 6 units | ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
POLS2105 Political Leadership and Executive Government 6 units | DEMO2001 Population Studies 6 units | ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 6 units OR ECON1101; Microeconomics 1 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
Bachelor of Policy Studies - Double Degree
Study Options
Single degree
Three years full time (144 units) - 4 courses per semester (24 units)
54 units of compulsory courses
A minimum of 6 units from the following list, which may also be counted towards any other requirements :
. ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory (P)
. POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
. POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics12 units from Political Science List of Courses
12 units from Philosophy List of Courses
12 units from Political Science List of Courses
12 units from Economics List of Courses
6 units from completion of 2000/3000 level from one of the following subject areas
. ANIP Australian National Internship
. ECON Economics
. PHIL Philosophy
. POLS Political Science
Eight Electives from across the ANU (48 units)
Double degree
This degree requires 96 units
A maximum of 48 units of 1000 level courses
Three years full time - 4 courses per semester (24 units)
54 units of compulsory courses
A minimum of 6 units from the following list, which may also be counted towards any other requirements :
. ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory (P)
. POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
. POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics12 units from Political Science List of Courses
12 units from Philosophy List of Courses
12 units from Political Science List of Courses
12 units from Economics List of Courses
6 units from completion of 2000/3000 level from one of the following subject areas
. ANIP Australian National Internship
. ECON Economics
. PHIL Philosophy
. POLS Political Science
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to complete 15 compulsory courses and an additional course from you choice of Economics, Philosophy or Political Science.
You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right across ANU. You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Arts subject.
Double degree
In a Bachelor Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree program you will study a total of 96 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and International Relations degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
You'll need to take 15 compulsory courses and an additional course from you choice of Economics, Philosophy or Political Science.
Enrolment Status
While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree program half of the double degree
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
When
you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses
have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as POLS1234.
You must enrol in the following courses:
• ECON1101 - Microeconomics in First Semester
• PHIL1004 - Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy in First Semester
• POLS1002 - Introduction to Politics in First Semester
• POLS1009 - Research and Writing in Political Science in Second Semester
• PHIL1005 - Critical Thinking and Practical Reasoning in Second Semester
• POLS1008 - Integrative Seminar 1 in Second Semester
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
There is no major or minor requirement for this degree, however you can use your 48 units of electives to complete a major or minor.
Electives
Single Degree
While you only need to enrol in the 15 compulsory courses and a course (from the designated list), you can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Arts majors or minors. That way you keep your options open.
Study Options
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Single Degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units | Elective Course 1000 level course 6 units |
PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking 6 units | POLS1008 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 1: Puzzles in Politics, Philosophy and Economics 6 units | POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | Elective Course 1000 level course 6 units |
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Double Degree
Study Options
Year 1 48 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units OR ECON1101; | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking 6 units OR ECON1101; | POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |