The Bachelor of Arts is the most diverse, most flexible, and most popular degree at The Australian National University. Each of its more than forty majors, in fields throughout the arts, humanities and social sciences, is taught by truly outstanding scholars to ensure that each student receives the very best education, is engaged with cutting-edge research, and learns to think like a researcher. These majors can be coupled with more than seventy minors and specialisations to broaden or deepen your study. Regardless of your choices, your Arts degree will provide you with core skills in critical analysis and in written and oral communication, while developing your adaptability and ability to help shape change and prepare you for a multifaceted career or further study.
The Bachelor of Arts can be combined with all other ANU undergraduate degrees except the PhB as a Flexible Double Degree.
The program is an elite, research-focused program for exceptional students who want to pursue
- A career based in the quantitative modelling of the real world;
- A research oriented career in government, commerce or industry;
- Or postgraduate research leading to a higher degree.
This program provides a unique opportunity within Australia to study mathematics.
- We offer small class sizes when compared to other top Australian universities.
- We offer student access to some of the best mathematicians in Australia.
- We offer a stream of advanced courses from first year through to the honours year.
This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.
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
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts may find work in publishing, policy, education, international development, politics, media, information technology, communications, journalism, aid, advertising, art conservation, government and many other fields.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts may find work in publishing, policy, education, international development, politics, media, information technology, communications, journalism, aid, advertising, art conservation, government and many other fields.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- critically apply theoretical frameworks and research techniques to understanding national and international issues and problems;
- identify, including through interrogation of databases, relevant sources of information from across a variety of media (print and digital, written and audio-visual) and judge the importance and reliability of those sources;
- evaluate ideas and develop creative solutions to problems, including through independent pursuit of knowledge and making connections between different disciplinary approaches and methods;
- communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a variety of media; and
- understand the ethical implications of ideas, communications, and actions.
Upon successful completion, students will have the skills and knowledge to:
- Think clearly, sequentially and logically, as demonstrated by the critical analysis of quantitative problems, such as the ability to read, understand and write mathematical proofs.
- Demonstrate mastery of the concepts and techniques of Advanced Mathematics
- Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally
- Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions
- Engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
- Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.
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:
- 95
- QLD Band:
- 4
- International Baccalaureate:
- 37
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.
Prerequisites
ACT Specialist Mathematics double major or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. Students with excellent marks in either ACT Specialist Mathematics major-minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent may be permitted to enrol.
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 Arts - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences - 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 Arts 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 the completion of one Arts major
Australian Indigenous Studies Major
French Language and Culture Major
Gender, Sexuality and Culture Major
German Language and Culture Major
International Communication Major
Italian Language and Culture Major
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies Major
Either:
24 units from the completion of one Arts minor or specialisation:
Advanced Hispanic Culture Minor
Advanced Hispanic Linguistics Minor
Advanced Hispanic Studies Specialisation
Advanced Italian Studies Minor
Advanced Spanish Studies Minor
ANU Leadership and Research Minor
Australian Indigenous Studies Minor
Climate Science and Policy Minor
French Language and Culture Minor
German Language and Culture Minor
Health, Medicine and the Body Minor
Heritage and Museum Studies Minor
Integrative Methods in Environment and Society Minor
International Communication Minor
Italian Language and Culture Minor
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies Minor
24 units from completion of courses listed in any Arts major, minor, or specialisation
Or:
24 units from completion of ANIP3007 Australian National Internships Program D
24 units from completion of courses listed in any Arts major, minor, or specialisation.
Or:
48 units from completion of a second Arts major
The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences 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:
36 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2
MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines
MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I
MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications
MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra
36 units from completion of 3000- or 4000-level courses from the subject area MATH Mathematics
6 units from completion of an introductory statistics course from the following list:
STAT1003 Statistical Techniques
STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods
6 units from completion of an introductory computing course from the following list:
COMP1100 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms
COMP1130 Introduction to Programming and Algorithms (Advanced)
COMP1730 Programming for Scientists
24 units from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list and 2000-level courses from the following subject areas:
MATH Mathematics
STAT Statistics
COMP Computer Science
Students must achieve a minimum 75% weighted average mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in order to continue in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.
Students who do not achieve a minimum of 75% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.
Majors
Bachelor of Arts Majors
- Environmental Studies
- European History
- French Language and Culture
- Gender, Sexuality and Culture
- Geography
- German Language and Culture
- Hindi Language
- History
- Human Rights
- Indonesian Language
- International Communication
- International Relations
- Italian Language and Culture
- Japanese Language
- Korean Language
- Latin
- Latin American Studies
Minors
Bachelor of Arts Minors
- Advanced Ancient Greek
- Advanced French Studies
- Advanced German Studies
- Advanced Hispanic Culture
- Advanced Hispanic Linguistics
- Advanced Italian Studies
- Advanced Latin
- Advanced Spanish Studies
- Advanced Studies
- American Studies
- Ancient Greek
- Ancient History
- Anthropology
- ANU Leadership and Research
- Applied Linguistics
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Art Theory
- Asian Art History
- Asian Studies
- Australian Indigenous Studies
- Australian Politics
- Biological Anthropology
- Chinese Language
- Classical Chinese
- Climate Science and Policy
- Contemporary Europe
- Criminology
- Demography
- Development Studies
- Digital Humanities
- Economic Studies
- English
- Environmental Studies
- European History
- Forensic Anthropology
- Forensic Linguistics
- French Language and Culture
- Gender and Sexuality
- Geography
- German Language and Culture
- Health, Medicine and the Body
- Heritage and Museum Studies
- Hindi Language
- History
- Human Ecology
- Human Rights
- Indonesian Language
- Integrative Methods in Environment and Society
- International Communication
- International Relations
- Italian Language and Culture
- Japanese Language
- Korean Language
- Latin
- Latin American Studies
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
- Music
- Music Technology
- Pacific Studies
- Persian
- Philosophy
- Philosophy and Science
- Political Science
- Popular Music
- Russian
- Sanskrit Language
- Social Psychology
- Social Research Methods
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Sustainable Development
- Thai Language
- Urdu Language
- Vietnamese Language
- Visual Arts Practice
Specialisations
Bachelor of Arts Specialisations
Study Options
Year 1 | Arts Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units | STAT1008 or STAT1003 6 units |
Arts Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units | COMP1100 or COMP1130 or<b/>COMP1730 6 units | |
Year 2 | Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines 6 units | MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications 6 units |
Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra 6 units | Science course 6 units | |
Year 3 | Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Elective 6 units | MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I 6 units | 3000 level MATH coded course 6 units |
Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Elective 6 units | 3000 level MATH coded course 6 units | 3000 level MATH coded course 6 units | |
Year 4 | Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Elective 6 units | 3000 level MATH coded course 6 units | 3000 level MATH coded course 6 units |
Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Elective 6 units | 3000 level MATH coded course 6 units | 3000 level MATH coded course 6 units |
Honours
For information about honours, please see Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Single degree
Three years full time (144 units)
Four Courses per semester
A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
One Arts major (48 units)
One Arts minor, specialisation or a second Arts major (24 units/48 units)
Elective courses from Arts & Social Sciences and/or from another ANU College
Double degree
This degree requires 96 units
A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses
One Arts major (48 units)
One Arts minor, specialisation or a second Arts major (24 units/48 units)
Elective courses from the College of Arts and Social Sciences
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Arts 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 one Arts major (8 courses) and one Arts minor (or specialisation) (4 courses), and four Arts electives (4 courses). If you'd like to, you can use your Arts electives to extend your Arts minor into a second Arts major. 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 of Arts double 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 Arts 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 one Arts major (8 courses) and one Arts minor (or specialisation) (4 courses), and four Arts electives (4 courses). If you'd like to, you can use your Arts electives to extend your Arts minor into a second Arts major.
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.
• You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Arts major
• You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Arts minor or a second potential Arts major
• 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 Arts 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.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
There are over one hundred Arts majors, minors and specialisations available for you to study, from Ancient Greek to Visual Arts Practice.
If you aren’t sure what you want to study for your whole degree, that’s fine. You don’t need to commit to majors or minors until after your first year. Using electives can help to keep your options open.
From the list of Bachelor of Arts majors and minors choose the 1000 level courses you need to enrol in.
Because there are so many options available, you will need to take your time choosing what you want to study.
Electives
While you only need to enrol in courses for one Arts major and one Arts minor, you can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Arts majors or minors. That way you keep your options open. Once you've selected courses for an Arts major, and an Arts minor or second Arts major, you should choose electives to make up the balance of your courses.
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 Arts program.
Study Options
Bachelor of Arts - Single
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Art with one Arts Major and one Arts minor.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | Arts Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | Arts Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
Arts Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | Arts Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
Bachelor of Arts - Double Degree
Study Options
Year 1 48 units | Arts Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
Arts Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?
Contact students.CASS@anu.edu.au
Back to the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences page
Please note that if you are commencing your studies in semester 2 there may be restrictions on the courses available for enrolment. We strongly recommend that you make an appointment with an academic advisor (science.enquiries@anu.edu.au or phoning 6125 2809) to discuss your options. There will also be advisory sessions offered during the week before semester commences.
Mathematics is the study of universal patterns and structures and is the quantitative language of the world. It underpins information technology, computer science, engineering, and the physical sciences; and it plays an increasingly important role in the biological and medical sciences, economics, finance, environmental science, sociology and psychology. The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences provides the tools to study these patterns and structures and along the way you learn transferable skills in critical thinking, analysis, investigation and evidenced-based decision making.
Your program can concentrate on theoretical mathematics, or can extend to a range of applicable mathematical areas such as mathematical modelling, mathematical finance, mathematical economics, mathematical physics, and quantitative biology.
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences single degree program you will study a total of 144 units (24 courses) and as a full time student you will need to take 24 units (4 courses) per semester. Of these courses you will need to complete a minimum of 12 core and advanced MATH courses (72 units) together with another 4 of either MATH, or COMP or STATS or level 3000 Science courses (24 units). You also can choose 8 elective courses (48 units) from any ANU Colleges. You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-mathematics subject, such as philosophy, history or computing. The choice is yours.
Summary:
This degree requires 144 units (24 courses)A maximum of 60 units (10 courses) of 1000-level courses
36 units (6 courses) of core MATH courses
A minimum of 36 units (6 courses) of advanced MATH 3000-level courses
24 units (4 courses) of MATH, COMP or STATS 2000-level courses or 3000-level Science courses
An average mark of 75% in core and advanced MATH courses must be maintained to remain in the program
48 units (8 course) from Science or another ANU College
Double degree
The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences can also be taken as a part of many double degrees.
In a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences double degree program you will study a total of 96 units (16 courses) and as a full time student you will take 4 courses per semester (24 units). However, in each semester you will be likely to take 2 courses from your Mathematical Sciences degree and 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
Summary:
36 units (6 courses) of core MATH courses
A minimum of 36 units (6 courses) of advanced MATH 3000-level courses
24 units (4 courses) of MATH, COMP or STATS 2000-level courses or 3000-level Science courses.
An average mark of 75% in core and advanced MATH courses must be maintained to remain in the program
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 (4 course) each semester.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
- You can’t study more than 4 courses (24 units) per semester, 8 courses (48 units) 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 Mathematical Sciences half of
the double degree.
Electives
To find 1000-level
courses, use the catalogue finder. Remember you can
choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Mathematical
Sciences program.
Study Options
Single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units | MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem-Solving and Proofs 6 units | Science or non-science course | Science or non-science course |
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units | MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra 6 units | Science or non-science course | Science or non-science course |
Double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (degree A) with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (degree B). Please note that for some double degrees (e.g. with Bachelor of Engineering) you may only be able to take one course in semester 1 for your mathematical science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take MATH1115, MATH1116.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units | MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem-Solving and Proofs 6 units | Degree B Course | Degree B Course |
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units | MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra 6 units | Degree B Course | Degree B Course |
Academic Advice
For further information you can:
- Download the First Year Science Guide: http://cmbe-cpms.anu.edu.au/resources/first-year-course-guide
- Email science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to
someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor by
emailing science.enquiries@anu.edu.au or phoning 6125 2809.
Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?
Contact Science Enquiries at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au