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.
Are you a leader? The Australian National University is a leader too, especially in the fields of philosophy, politics and economics. This progressive and well regarded degree will arm you with the moral, economic and political perspectives you need to make a real impact.
The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics has a strong international component that gives you the opportunity to engage with other leading Universities around the world.
You will develop exceptional problem solving skills and critical and conceptual thinking, all while gaining a passport to some of the world’s most promising careers.
Career Options
Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.
The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Political Science, graduates will be able 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.
Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, graduates will be able to:
Identify the principal theoretical approaches to the study of PPE, and the relationships between them;
Identify main currents in the three disciplines of PPE and their theoretical bases;
Define, critically discuss and apply:
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major philosophical theories and approaches to the evaluation of social institutions;
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the methods of economics to the study of political institutions and processes;
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the methods of economics to questions within political philosophy;
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the assumptions, ‘tools’ and limitations of political economy;
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the core arguments and principles of public choice and rational choice theory.
Describe and evaluate how the core arguments and principles of public choice and rational choice theory affect and influence political situations, institutions and complex political processes in liberal democracies;
Recognise and analyse the different actors, processes and stages involved in formulating public policies; and
Analyse practical dilemmas that arise in politics using the theories, approaches and methods of the three main disciplines of PPE.
Admission Requirements
Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications:
• An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR
• A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR
• At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR
• An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.
Click HERE for further information about domestic admission.
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:
- 96
- QLD Band:
- 3
- International Baccalaureate:
- 38
Domestic applicant entry requirements
Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on a UAI equivalent that is not available to students.
International applicant entry requirements
International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants
The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.
Adjustment Factors
The National Access Scheme 2014
ANU offers bonus points for nationally strategic senior secondary subjects, and in recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
Bonus points are applied to all applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedule, and no more than 10 points (maximum 5 academic points and maximum 5 equity points) will be awarded.
Bonus points do not apply to programs with an ATAR cutoff of 98 or higher.
Bonus Points are only awarded to domestic applicants applying for admission through UAC who have not previously attempted tertiary study.
How to apply
Academic Bonus Points: senior secondary students do not need to apply for ANU academic bonus points. They are automatically added in accordance with the schedule.
Educational Access Scheme: senior secondary students do not need to apply if their school is part of the Priority School Funding Program or Country Areas Program. All other applicants should refer to http://www.uac.edu.au/eas/ for more information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Political Science - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $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 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
The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must include:
54 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
ECON1101 Microeconomics 1
ECON2101 Microeconomics 2(P)
ECON3056 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 3: Classic Literature in PPE
PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction
PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking
PHIL2116 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 2
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS1008 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 1: Puzzles in Politics, Philosophy and Economics
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science
A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses from the following list, which must also be counted towards completion of any other requirements for the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics:
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An introduction to Game Theory
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
POLS2105 Political Leadership and Executive Government
POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia
POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2126 Democracy: Its causes and consequences
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
POLS3029 Sharing Power: Federalism in Comparative Perspective
POLS3031 Comparative Judicial Politics
POLS3034 Comparative Political Parties and Party Systems
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice
PHIL2057 Philosophy of Science
PHIL2080 Logic
PHIL2113 Global Justice
PHIL2121 Philosophical Logic
PHIL3073 Advanced Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
CRIM2000 The Illicit Economy
ECHI1006 The Australian Economy: Past and Present
ECHI3008 History of Economic Thought(P)
ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1
ECON2013 Behavioral Economics
ECON2014 Managerial Economics
ECON2026 Money and Banking
ECON2120 Law and Economics(P)
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An introduction to Game Theory
EMET1001 Foundations of Economic and Financial Models
INDG3003 The Indigenous Economy
6 units from the completion of 2000- and 3000-level courses from the following subject areas and courses:
ANIP Australian National Internship
ECON Economics
PHIL Philosophy
POLS Political Science
ASIA2090 The Political Economy of Myanmar
Study Options
Year 1 | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units |
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking 6 units | |
Year 2 | POLS2119 Ideas in Politics 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units | Non-compulsory Politics list Course 6 units |
POLS3025 Contemporary Political Analysis 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | POLS1008 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 1: Puzzles in Politics, Philosophy and Economics 6 units | Non-compulsory Philosophy list Course 6 units | |
Year 3 | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | ECON2101 Microeconomics 2(P) 6 units | Non-compulsory Economics list Course 6 units |
Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | PHIL2116 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 2 6 units | Non-compulsory Politics list Course 6 units | |
Year 4 | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | Non-compulsory Philosophy list Course 6 units | ANIP/ECON/PHIL/POLS 2000/3000 Level Course 6 units |
Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | ECON3056 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 3: Classic Literature in PPE 6 units | Non-compulsory Economics list Course 6 units |
Honours
For information about honours, please see Bachelor of Political Science (Honours)
For information about honours, please see Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Honours) and Bachelor of Economics (Honours)
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 |
Bachelor of Political Science - Double Degree
Study Options
Single degree
Three years full time (144 units) - 4 courses per semester (24 units)
54 units of compulsory courses
A minimum of 6 units from the following list, which may also be counted towards any other requirements :
. ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory (P)
. POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
. POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics12 units from Political Science List of Courses
12 units from Philosophy List of Courses
12 units from Political Science List of Courses
12 units from Economics List of Courses
6 units from completion of 2000/3000 level from one of the following subject areas
. ANIP Australian National Internship
. ECON Economics
. PHIL Philosophy
. POLS Political Science
Eight Electives from across the ANU (48 units)
Double degree
This degree requires 96 units
A maximum of 48 units of 1000 level courses
Three years full time - 4 courses per semester (24 units)
54 units of compulsory courses
A minimum of 6 units from the following list, which may also be counted towards any other requirements :
. ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory (P)
. POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
. POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics12 units from Political Science List of Courses
12 units from Philosophy List of Courses
12 units from Political Science List of Courses
12 units from Economics List of Courses
6 units from completion of 2000/3000 level from one of the following subject areas
. ANIP Australian National Internship
. ECON Economics
. PHIL Philosophy
. POLS Political Science
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to complete 15 compulsory courses and an additional course from you choice of Economics, Philosophy or Political Science.
You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right across ANU. You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Arts subject.
Double degree
In a Bachelor Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree program you will study a total of 96 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and International Relations degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
You'll need to take 15 compulsory courses and an additional course from you choice of Economics, Philosophy or Political Science.
Enrolment Status
While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree program half of the double degree
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
When
you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses
have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as POLS1234.
You must enrol in the following courses:
• ECON1101 - Microeconomics in First Semester
• PHIL1004 - Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy in First Semester
• POLS1002 - Introduction to Politics in First Semester
• POLS1009 - Research and Writing in Political Science in Second Semester
• PHIL1005 - Critical Thinking and Practical Reasoning in Second Semester
• POLS1008 - Integrative Seminar 1 in Second Semester
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
There is no major or minor requirement for this degree, however you can use your 48 units of electives to complete a major or minor.
Electives
Single Degree
While you only need to enrol in the 15 compulsory courses and a course (from the designated list), you can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Arts majors or minors. That way you keep your options open.
Study Options
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Single Degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units | Elective Course 1000 level course 6 units |
PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking 6 units | POLS1008 PPE Integrative Seminar Year 1: Puzzles in Politics, Philosophy and Economics 6 units | POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | Elective Course 1000 level course 6 units |
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Double Degree
Study Options
Year 1 48 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units OR ECON1101; | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking 6 units OR ECON1101; | POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |