Can you see yourself jet-setting the globe with a career in trade, foreign affairs, journalism, international business or research? You have found the right degree.
ANU is a leader in the field of International Relations.
Our program will introduce you to International Relations, initially via the broad historical and intellectual framework which has framed the modern world of states since the 17th century. It will then concentrate on the 20th century, the age of World Wars and the Cold War, before addressing contemporary issues, the age of global political economy, global culture and communication, global environmental concerns and post-Cold war political conflict, including the 'War on Terror'.
With our flexible program you can extend your chosen language subject into a major, and have the opportunity to go on exchange or an international/national internship.
As Australia’s engagement with the Pacific increases, so too does the need for graduates with Pacific expertise.
The Bachelor of Pacific Studies will provide you with a deep understanding of the diversity, history and contemporary issues of Oceania, so you can take a leading role in Pacific policy and development.
You will also have the opportunity to engage in internship and immersion programs in Oceania, boosting your language skills and expertise in the region.
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
At the completion of the degree graduates are expected to:
- Identify the principal theoretical approaches to the study of international relations, and the relationships between them;
- Have a thorough understanding of the historical development of the global system;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principal actors in contemporary global politics and the challenges they face;
- Understand the principal factors that determine the foreign policies of major powers and of Australia;
- Reflect critically on the knowledge and skills developed in their study of International Relations.
Upon completion of a Bachelor of Pacific Studies, graduates will be able to:
- Speak and write about theories, factual content and research approaches relevant to Pacific Studies.
- Identify relevant regional and international literature relevant to Pacific Studies.
- Determine the processes through which current knowledge about Pacific Studies has been developed.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of perspectives on indigenous, popular, policy and scholarly debates in Oceania.
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:
- 89
- QLD Band:
- 7
- 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 Relations - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Pacific Studies - 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 Relations 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:
36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
POLS1005 Intro to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
POLS1006 Intro to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
POLS2133 International Organizations in World Politics
POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis: Understanding Global and Australian Foreign Policy Decision-Making
POLS3017 International Relations Theory
A minimum of 6 units from the following theory courses:
PHIL2064 Theories of Ethics
PHIL2115 Political Philosophy from Hobbes to Mill
PHIL2120 Towards a Critique of Political Economy: the Young Marx on Work, Property and Emancipation
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2075 Globalism and the Politics of Identity
POLS2102 The Political Philosophy of Deception
POLS3032 The Politics of Empire
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
A minimum of 6 units from the following methods courses:
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Science
POLS3025 Contemporary Political Analysis
POLS3028 Researching and Writing Human Rights
SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
SOCY2043 Qualitative Research Methods
A minimum of 12 units from the following areas studies courses:
ASIA2109 Politics of South Asia
EURO1004 Europe in the Modern Era
EURO2003 European Union: Policies, Institutions and Challenges
INTR2010 International Relations of the Asia-Pacific
INTR2028 Southeast Asia: ASEAN and Regional Order
MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East
MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
POLS1007 An Introduction to Latin American Studies
POLS2095 Politics in Latin America
POLS2117 The International Relations of Latin America
A minimum of 6 units from the following security courses:
INTR2012 China's New Approaches to Asia Pacific Security
INTR2014 Indian Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2016 US Security Policy in Asia
INTR2018 Japan's Security Dilemmas
INTR2020 Security and Stability on the Korean Peninsula
INTR2024 Nuclear Politics in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities
POLS2099 Cartographies of Security: Critical Security Studies and International Politics
POLS2123 Peace and Conflict Studies
POLS2124 Politics of Nuclear Weapons
POLS2131 Security Communities: From War to Peace
POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict
STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies
STST2001 International Security Issues in the Asia Pacific
STST3001 Transnational Security Issues in the Asia-Pacific
STST2003 Security in the South Pacific: Is it Australia's "Arc of Instability"?
STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century
A minimum of 6 units from the following global politics courses:
HIST2136 World at War, 1939-1945
HIST2140 Europe in the 20th Century
HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989
PHIL2064 Theories of Ethics
PHIL2113 Global Justice
PHIL2120 Towards a Critique of Political Economy: the Young Marx on Work, Property and Emancipation
POLS2011 Development and Change
POLS2064 Global Social Movements
POLS2096 Genocide Studies
POLS2100 Genocide Post-1945
POLS2101 Refugee Politics: Displacement and Exclusion in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries
POLS2113 Human Rights
SOCY2030 Sociology of Third World Development
A maximum of 12 units from the following internships and Vice Chancellors courses:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internship A
ANIP3005 Australian National Internship B
VCUG1001 The Art of Computing
VCUG2001 Creating Knowledge
VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
VCUG3002 Mobilising Research
A maximum of 24 units from courses in the following language minors
Advanced Hispanic Culture
Advanced Hispanic Linguistics
Ancient Greek
Japanese Linguistics
Latin
The Bachelor of Pacific 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:
The Bachelor of Pacific Studies requires the completion of 144 units, of which:
A maximum of 60 units can come from completion of 1000 level courses
The 144 units must include:
48 units from completion of the Pacific Studies major
Either:
24 units from completion of a minor from following list:
Anthropology
Archaeology
Development Studies
Environmental Studies
Environmental Policy
Heritage and Museum Studies
History
Human Ecology
Australian Indigenous Studies
International Relations
Political Science
Social Research Methods
Sociology
Chinese
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi
Indonesian
Japanese
Spanish
Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Climate Science and Policy
Environmental Policy
Forest Science and Policy
Geography
Human Ecology
Integrative Methods in Environment and Society
Soil and Land Management
Sustainable Development
Water Science and Policy
Philosophy
24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
Or:
48 units from completion of a major from following list:
Anthropology
Archaeology
Development Studies
Environmental Studies
Gender, Sexuality and Culture
Geography
History
International Relations
Political Science
Sociology
Chinese
French Language and Culture
German Language and Culture
Hindi
Indonesian
Japanese
Spanish
Environmental and Landscape Sciences
Natural Resource Management
Sustainability Science
Philosophy
Visual Arts Practice
Majors
Bachelor of Pacific Studies Majors
Bachelor of International Relations Majors
Minors
Bachelor of International Relations Minors
Bachelor of Pacific Studies Minors
Study Options
| Year 1 | POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 Level Course 6 units | PASI1011 Navigating Pacific Studies Online Course 6 units | Major 1000 level course 6 units |
| POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 Level Course 6 units | Pacific Studies Major ASIA1025 or ASIA1030 6 units | Major 1000 level course 6 units | |
| Year 2 | POLS2133 International Organisations in World Politics 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalizing World 6 units | Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units |
| POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | PASI2002 Australia in Oceania in the 19th and 20th centuries 6 units | Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units | |
| Year 3 | POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis: Understanding Global and Australian Foreign Policy Decision-Making 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units | Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units |
| POLS3017 International Relations Theory 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units | Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units | |
| Year 4 | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units | Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units |
| Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units | Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units |
Honours
For information about honours, please see Bachelor of International Relations (Honours)
Single degree
Three years full time (144 units) - four courses per semester (24 units)
A maximum of 60 units 0f 1000 level courses
36 units of Compulsory Bachelor of International Relations Courses
6 units of theory courses
6 units of method courses
12 units of areas studies courses
6 units of security courses
6 units of global politics courses
Up to 12 units of internships and Vice Chancellors courses
Up to 24 units of language minor courses
48 units of electives courses from across the ANU
Double degree
This degree requires 96 units
A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses
Three years full time - four courses per semester (24 units)
36 units of compulsory Bachelor of International Relations courses
6 units of theory courses
6 units of method courses
12 units of areas studies courses
6 units of security courses
6 units of global politics courses
Up to 12 units of internships and Vice Chancellors courses
Up to 24 units of language minor courses
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of International Relations 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 the 36 units of International Relations compulsory courses, 6 units of theory courses, 6 units of methods courses, 12 units of areas studies courses, 6 units of security courses, 6 units of global politics courses. To complete the required 96 units, you may take more than 6 units from each of the specified lists or you may take up to 12 units of internships and Vice chancellors courses and/or up to 24 units of language minors courses. You'll also get to choose 48 units of electives courses from 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 of International Relations 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 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 the 36 units of International Relations compulsory
courses, 6 units of theory courses, 6 units of methods courses, 12 units
of areas studies courses, 6 units of security courses, 6 units of
global politics courses. To complete the required 96 units, you may take more than 6 units from
each of the specified lists or you may take up to 12 units of
internships and Vice chancellors courses and/or up to 24 units of
language minors courses.
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, minor or specialisation.
• 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 compulsory 1000 level courses for the Bachelor of International Relations POLS1005 and POLS1006
• You need to enrol in 12 units of 1000 level courses from the areas studies list EURO1004, MEAS1001 and POLS1007 and/or courses from the language minor
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 International Relations 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.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
You need to enrol in two 1000-level compulsory courses for the Bachelor of International Relations:
• POLS1005 - Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
• POLS1006 - Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
You need to enrol in two 1000-level courses from the areas studies list
• EURO1004 Europe in the Modern Era
• MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East
• POLS1007 An Introduction to Latin American Studies
or
You need to enrol in two courses from the language minors
Electives
Single Degree
You can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Arts majors or minors.
Study Options
Bachelor of International Relations - Single Degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of International Relations.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units | Language Minor Course 6 units | Areas Studies Course 6 units | Elective 1000 level Course 6 units |
| POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units | Language Minor Course 6 units | Areas Studies Course 6 units | Elective 1000 level Course 6 units |
Bachelor of International Relations - Double Degree
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 level Course | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
| POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 level Course | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
Back to the Bachelor of Pacific Studies page
The Bachelor of Pacific Studies is offered through the School of Culture, History and Language. Upon completion of this degree, you will have developed specific knowledge of Pacific Studies and a range of transferable skills that will prepare you for work or further study.
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 Pacific Studies 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 Pacific Studies 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 Pacific 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 Pacific Studies major, you can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a subject of your choice.
Double degree
You will need to complete a minimum of 96 units towards the Bachelor of Pacific 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
If you are intending to enrol into our language courses and have previous experience with the language you want to study, even if you think it might not be relevant or was too long ago, you need to sit a placement test for the College to ensure you are enrolled into the most appropriate level of language study.
Relevant past experience include:
- Previous study of the language
- Being exposed to the language in childhood
- Travel or living in a country where the language is spoken
- The language being spoken in your home (even if you don’t speak it)
Languages available for the placement test:
- Indonesian
- Chinese
- Japanese
- Korean
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
Students in this degree must complete a Pacific Studies Major, and a minor from the following list:
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Development Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Policy
- Heritage and Museum Studies
- History
- Human Ecology
- Australian Indigenous Studies
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Social Research Methods
- Sociology
- Chinese
- French Language and Culture
- German Language and Culture
- Hindi
- Indonesian
- Japanese
- Spanish
- Biodiversity Conservation and Management
- Climate Science and Policy
- Environmental Policy
- Forest Science and Policy
- Geography
- Human Ecology
- Integrative Methods in Environment and Society
- Soil and Land Management
- Sustainable Development
- Water Science and Policy
- Philosophy
- Visual Arts Practice
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Development Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Gender, Sexuality and Culture
- Geography
- History
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Chinese
- French Language and Culture
- German Language and Culture
- Hindi
- Indonesian
- Japanese
- Spanish
- Environmental and Landscape Sciences
- Natural Resource Management
- Sustainability Science
- Philosophy
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, use the catalogue finder. Remember you can choose up to 8
courses from another ANU College at the University if you are
undertaking the single Bachelor of Pacific Studies program.
Study Options
Bachelor of Pacific Studies Double Degree Study Plan
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | PASI1011 Navigating Pacific Studies Online Course 6 units | Language Course 6 units | Course from other Degree 6 units | Course from other Degree 6 units |
| PASI1012 Pacific Worlds: critical inquiry in Oceania 6 units | Language Course 6 units | Course from other Degree 6 units | Course from other Degree 6 units |
Academic Advice
If after reading through these guidelines you are unsure about your which courses to enrol in, you can come to an academic advice session at Melville Hall during Orientation week.
If you are seeking status (credit) from previous study at another university you will need to come to an academic advice session at Melville Hall during Orientation week, and we will help you choose the correct courses for your first year.
Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?
Contact Katerina Teaiwa at Katerina.Teaiwa@anu.edu.au