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 complex and interconnected challenges of creating sustainable societies within a healthy global environment demand an integrative, holistic appreciation of environment and sustainability that requires a broad understanding of the world.
This contemporary cross-disciplinary degree prepares you to address the complex challenges of sustainability by giving you a broad environmental education with a sound basis in theory and methods and a focus on hands-on applications and research-led, field-based learning. You will learn to link perspectives from the natural and social sciences with their applications in your chosen major in environmental science, sustainable natural resource management or sustainability studies; and can select from minors that range from biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, climate change and water resources to indigenous studies, international relations and development studies.
If you care about meeting the challenges and opportunities facing us this century this degree will prepare you for an effective professional career in environment science, sustainable natural resource management and developing pathways to a sustainable future.
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 of a Bachelor of Arts, graduates 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 of a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability, graduates will be able to:
-
Evaluate current understandings of environmental science, natural resource management and sustainability, and of a range of response strategies for sustainable resource management and development.
-
Integrate knowledge from relevant scientific areas and from policy approaches across disciplines into approaches designed to address complex contemporary environment and sustainability issues, in global, national and local contexts.
-
Apply a range of written, oral and visual communication skills to effectively convey and discuss information about environmental science, sustainable development and resource management decisions and relevant policies across discipline
-
Engage with ongoing debates on environmental science, resource management and sustainability issues, recognising the importance of biophysical and socio-political and cultural contexts.
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.
More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found HERE.
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:
- 80
- QLD Band:
- 10
- International Baccalaureate:
- 28
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 Arts - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $36,720.00
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
Human Evolutionary Biology 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
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 and the following list:
ESEN1101 Essential University English
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 and the following list:
ESEN1101 Essential University English.
Or:
48 units from completion of a second Arts major
The Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability 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
A minimum of 36 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list
A minimum of 96 units must come from completion of courses from the Science course list
The 96 units must consist of:
48 units from completion of one of the following majors:
Environmental Science
Resource and Environmental Management
Sustainability Studies
Either:
24 units from completion of one of the following minors:
Australian Indigenous Studies
Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Climate Science and Policy
Environmental Policy
Forest Science and Policy
Geography
Human Ecology
Soil and Land Management
Sustainable Development
Water Science and Policy
24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
Or:
48 units from completion of a second major from the following list:
Biology
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Resource and Environmental Management
Geography
Marine Science
Sustainability Studies
A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements.
In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list.
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 Evolutionary Biology
- Human Rights
- Indonesian Language
- International Communication
- International Relations
- Italian Language and Culture
- Japanese Language
- Korean Language
- Latin
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Arts Minors
- Advanced Ancient Greek
- Advanced Arabic
- 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
- Burmese Language
- 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 Evolutionary Biology
- Human Rights
- Indonesian Language
- 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
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Minors
Specialisations
Bachelor of Arts Specialisations
Study Options
Year 1 | Arts Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | ||
Arts Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | |||
Year 2 | Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | ||
Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | |||
Year 3 | Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Elective 6 units | ||
Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Elective 6 units | |||
Year 4 | Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Elective 6 units | ||
Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Elective 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 |
Back to the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability page
Are you concerned about the state of the environment and want to be part of the solution?
With a strong emphasis on getting outside and learning in the field, the ANU Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability will give you a broad environmental education, teaching you to link the natural and social sciences with their applications in environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
If you enjoy the great outdoors and are passionate about keeping them pristine for future generations, this degree will teach you to be an effective environmental scientist and natural resource manager, helping you to meet the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing us this century.
Single degree
- This degree requires 144 units
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
- A minimum of 36 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units) from a pre-selected list
- One Science minor, or a second Science major (24 units/ 48 units) from a pre-selected list
- Other courses from the Science course list or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)
Double degree
- This degree requires 96 units Science courses
- A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level Science courses
- A minimum of 36 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units) from a pre-selected list
- One Science minor, or a second Science major (24 units/ 48 units) from a pre-selected list
- Other courses from the Science course list
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability 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 courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses) from a pre-selected list for this degree, and four Science electives (4 courses). You can also choose to complete 2 Science majors (16 courses) from the list instead. You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right across ANU (science of non-science courses). You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing.
Double degree
In a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability double degree program you will study a total of 96 units of Science course. 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 Science 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 Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses) from a pre-selected list for this degree, and four Science electives (4 courses). You can also choose to complete 2 Science majors (16 courses) from the list instead.
Study Options
The maximum period for completion of the degree program is 10 years from the date of first enrolment in the program. The 10 years includes periods of leave.
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.
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 SCNC1234.
- 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 Science major from the list.
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science minor or a second potential Science major from the list.
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 Medical Science half of the double degree.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
A course can only ever be counted toward one major or minor.
Exception: A maximum of 12 units of 1000 level courses can count toward two majors that share common first year requirements.
You can find a list of Majors and Minors for this program on Program and Courses, under the ‘Study’ tab on the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability webpage.
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.
To choose courses for majors and minors, view the Science majors and minors available on the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability webpage that interest you and enrol in the first year courses (1000 level).
Electives
Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability program.
Study Options
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability – single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units |
1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units |
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability - double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science minor from list 6 units | Degree B course 6 units | Degree B course 6 units |
1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science minor from list 6 units | Degree B course 6 units | Degree B course 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
Visit the Fenner School of Environment & Society webpage here, or
Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
View our program presentation videos located on our New commencers & first year students page, or
Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor here or by calling Science Central on 6125 2809