Do you see yourself shaping Australia's foreign policy decisions? Or working with elite international organisations like the United Nations or our top spy agencies? The Bachelor of International Security Studies can help you make your dream career a reality.
When you study the Bachelor of International Security Studies you will delve deeply into the contemporary security threats facing nations, international organisations and businesses around the world – including the threat of military power, civil war, terrorism, cybercrime, environmental degradation and food security to name just a few. Read more about this degree on our website.
The Bachelor of Political Science is the only dedicated Political Science degree in Australia. The ANU has some of the world’s finest political scientists, and was the only Australian university to receive a 5 (“well above world class”) in both of the Excellence in Research for Australia’s reports. Located in the national capital, the ANU is the only university with a right to place interns in Australian Parliament House. The Bachelor of Political Science will give you the knowledge, theoretical understandings, and practical skills that underpin a successful career that engages with politics.
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.
Employment Opportunities
From instability in the Middle East, to the rising occurrences of
computer hacking or global warming and its impact on human populations,
there’s a whole range of global security challenges which face business,
government and international organisations today. As a result,
employers across industry have begun to seek out graduates who have the
confidence to provide advice on these issues and how to minimise their
impacts.
The Bachelor of International Security Studies gives you
the practical skills and knowledge that will set you apart as a leader
in this field and graduates from this degree can expect to find
themselves working in a range of fields including business analysts,
defence policy, foreign affairs, intelligence agencies, journalism and
media. Recent graduates of security studies are currently working with
organisations like the Attorney Generals Department, United Nations,
Telstra, Boeing, the Australian Federal Police and the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade. More information can be found here.
From instability in the Middle East, to the rising occurrences of
computer hacking or global warming and its impact on human populations,
there’s a whole range of global security challenges which face business,
government and international organisations today. As a result,
employers across industry have begun to seek out graduates who have the
confidence to provide advice on these issues and how to minimise their
impacts.
The Bachelor of International Security Studies gives you
the practical skills and knowledge that will set you apart as a leader
in this field and graduates from this degree can expect to find
themselves working in a range of fields including business analysts,
defence policy, foreign affairs, intelligence agencies, journalism and
media. Recent graduates of security studies are currently working with
organisations like the Attorney Generals Department, United Nations,
Telstra, Boeing, the Australian Federal Police and the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade. More information can be found here.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to:
• Identify and explain the key concepts, ideas and principal actors in international security.
• Evaluate the major theoretical frameworks for understanding the complexities of contemporary international security challenges.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the historical and contemporary dimensions of international, internal and transnational security, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Analyse the key challenges facing Australian security and defence policy in the ‘Asian Century’.
• Reflect critically on the principal factors that determine the security policies of Australia and the major Asia-Pacific powers.
• Employ communication and presentation skills (oral, written and electronic).
• Demonstrate teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Exhibit the ability to write for both academic and professional audience
Upon successful completion, students will have the skills and knowledge to:
- Apply concepts and theories used in the study of political science to the analysis of interests, ideas, institutions and behaviour and to the evaluation of political phenomena;
- Apply a range of research methods to the investigation of political phenomena;
- Demonstrate understanding of differences in political systems and the contexts in which they operate; and
- Communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a variety of media.
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:
- 90
- QLD Band:
- 6
- International Baccalaureate:
- 33
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 International Security Studies - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Political Science - 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 International Security 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 consist of:
48 units from completion of the International Security major
24 units from completion of one of the following minors:
Arabic
Asia-Pacific Politics
Asia-Pacific Security
Chinese Language
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi Language
Historical International Security
Indonesian Language
International Relations
Italian Language and Culture
Japanese Language
Korean Language
Latin American Studies
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
Pacific Studies
Peace and Conflict Studies
Persian
Russian
Sanskrit Language
Spanish
Thai Language
Urdu Language
Vietnamese Language
24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
The Bachelor of Political Science flexible double degree component requires the completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must consist of:
24 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science [new course]
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
POLS3025 Contemporary Political Analysis
A minimum of 12 units from completion of political theory and political philosophy courses from the following list:
PHIL1004 Fundamanetal Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction
PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice
PHIL2113 Global Justice
PHIL2115 Political Philosophy from Hobbes to Mill
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2075 Globalism and the Politics of Identity
POLS2102 The Political Philosophy of Deception
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
A minimum of 12 units from completion of methodology courses from the following list:
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
SOCY2043 Qualitative Research Methods
A minimum of 12 units from completion of Australian politics courses from the following list:
HIST2227 Australian Political History
POLS2009 Bureaucracy and Public Policy
POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia
POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions
POLS2121 Ideas in Australian Politics
A minimum of 12 units from completion of comparative politics courses from the following list:
ASIA2065 Comparative Politics (Asia Pacific)
POLS2043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying
POLS2104 Media Politics: Political leaders, media moguls, journalists and audiences
POLS2105 Political Leadership and Executive Government
POLS2126 Democracy: Its Causes and Consequences
POLS3029 Multi-Level Governance and Comparative Federalism
POLS3031 Comparative Judicial Politics
A minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 units from completion of area studies courses from the following list:
ASIA2026 The Politics of China
ASIA2031 Japanese Politics
ASIA2049 Politics and Society in Contemporary Korea
ASIA2070 Democracy in Southeast Asia
ASIA2109 Politics of South Asia
ASIA2516 Indonesia: Politics, Society and Development
EURO2003 European Union: Policies, Institutions and Challenges
MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security
POLS2025 Politics in Britain
POLS2031 Politics in the Middle East
POLS2055 Pacific Politics
POLS2069 Politics in Russia
POLS2070 Politics in Central Asia
POLS2095 Politics in Latin America
POLS2118 Democracy and Democratization in Latin America
POLS2127 U.S. Politics
POLS3030 Contemporary Politics of Brazil
A maximum of 6 units from completion of political economy courses from the following list:
ECON2013 Behavioural Economics: Psychology and Economics
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
PHIL2120 Towards a Critique of Political Economy: the Young Marx on Work, Property and Emancipation
POLS2011 Development and Change
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
A maximum of 12 units from completion of internship/Vice-Chancellors courses from the following list:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program Internship A
ANIP3005 Australian National Internships Program Internship B
POLS3022 Washington DC Internship
VCUG2001 Creating Knowledge
VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
VCUG3002 Mobilising Research
Majors
Bachelor of International Security Studies Majors
Minors
Bachelor of International Security Studies Minors
Honours
For information about honours, please see Bachelor of Political Science (Honours)
Back to the Bachelor of International Security Studies page
When you study the Bachelor
of International Security Studies you will delve deeply into the
contemporary security threats facing nations, international organisations and
businesses around the world - including the threat of military power, civil
war, terrorism, cybercrime, environmental degradation and food security to name
just a few. Read more about this degree on our website.
Single degree
This degree requires the completion of 144 units:
· A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses is allowed
· 48 units must come from completion of the International Security major
· 24 units from completion of a minor approved by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
· 72 units
from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
Double degree
This degree requires the completion of 96 units:
· A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses is allowed
· 48 units must come from completion of the International Security major
· 24 units from completion of a minor approved by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
· 24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of International Security Studies single 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. Once you have fulfilled the
requirements of the International Security Studies major and a minor, you can try a range of
courses or take a second major or minor in a subject area of your choice.
Double degree
You will need to complete a minimum of 96 units towards the Bachelor of
International Security Studies degree but will also get to choose 4 courses (24
units) from other ANU Colleges.
Enrolment Status
It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester but it
will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an
international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each
semester.
Remember you will need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second
Semester. You will be able to change your enrolment in courses up until
the end of week 2 of each semester without penalty.
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 ASIA1234.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
Students in this degree must complete the International Security Major, and a minor from the following list:
Arabic
Asia-Pacific Politics
Asia-Pacific Security
Chinese Language
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi Language
Historical International Security
Indonesian Language
International Relations
Italian Language and Culture
Japanese Language
Korean Language
Latin American Studies
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
Pacific Studies
Peace and Conflict Studies
Persian
Russian
Sanskrit Language
Spanish
Thai Language
Urdu Language
Vietnamese Language
You can choose to turn your minor into a major. Once you've selected courses for a major, a minor or a second major or minor, you should choose electives to make up the balance of your courses.
Electives
You can use your electives to enrol in any courses that you
like, provided you meet prerequisite requirements. Students who choose to do a
second major will need to take the additional 24 units for their major from
their electives.
To find 1000-level courses, search Programs and Courses. Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College at the University if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of International Security Studies program.
Study Options
Study Options
Year 1 48 units | STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units | 1000 level Language Course 6 units | Elective 6 units | Elective 6 units |
STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units | 1000 level Language Course 6 units | Elective 6 units | Elective 6 units |
Study Options
Year 1 48 units | STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units | 1000 level Language course 6 units | 1000 level course from other degree 6 units | 1000 level course from other degree 6 units |
STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units | 1000 level Language course 6 units | 1000 level course from other degree 6 units | 1000 level course from other degree 6 units |
Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?
Contact Student Centre, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific at cap.student@anu.edu.au
Single degree
The Bachelor of Political Science requires the completion of 144 units
A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
24 units of compulsory courses
A minimum of 12 units of Political Theory and Political Philosophy courses for designated list
A minimum of 12 units of methodology course from designated list
A minimum of 12 units of Australian Politics courses from designated list
A minimum of 12 units of Comparative Politics courses from designated list
A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 12 units of Area Studies courses from designated list
A maximum of 6 units of Political Economy courses from designated list
A maximum of 12 units of Internship/Vice-Chancellors courses from designated list
48 units of Elective Courses from across the ANU
Double degree
The Bachelor of Political Science requires the completion of 96 units
A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses
24 units of compulsory courses
A minimum of 12 units of Political Theory and Political Philosophy courses for designated list
A minimum of 12 units of methodology course from designated list
A minimum of 12 units of Australian Politics courses from designated list
A minimum of 12 units of Comparative Politics courses from designated list
A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 12 units of Area Studies courses from designated list
A maximum of 6 units of Political Economy courses from designated list
A maximum of 12 units of Internship/Vice-Chancellors courses from designated list
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Political Science 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 4 compulsory courses (24 units), a minimum of two Political Theory and Political Philosophy courses (12 units), a minimum of two Methodology courses (12 units), a minimum of two Australian Politics courses (12 units), a minimum of two Comparative Politics courses (12 units), a minimum of one and a maximum of two Area Studies courses (6-12 units), a maximum of one Political Economy course (6 units), A maximum of two Internship/Vice-Chancellors courses (12 units), and 8 Elective Courses from across the ANU.
Double Degree
In a Bachelor of Political Science 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 24 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree.
You'll
need to take 4 compulsory courses (24 units), a minimum of two
Political Theory and Political Philosophy courses (12 units), a minimum
of two Methodology courses (12 units), a minimum of two Australian
Politics courses (12 units), a minimum of two Comparative Politics
courses (12 units), a minimum of one and a maximum of two Area Studies
courses (6-12 units), a maximum of one Political Economy course (6
units), A maximum of two Internship/Vice-Chancellors courses (12 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.
A
course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or minor.
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.
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.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
The Bachelor of Political Science does not have a major or minor requirement, however in a single degree you can complete a major with your elective courses.
Electives
Once you have enrolled in the compulsory courses you can choose elective courses to make up the balance of your courses.
Study Options
Bachelor of Political Science - Single Degree
Study Options
Year 1 48 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units | Elective 6 units | Elective 6 units |
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | Elective 6 units | Elective 6 units | Elective 6 units |