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.
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.
What makes the human brain tick?
Find out with the Bachelor of Science (Psychology), which provides you with a great base in six different areas of psychology: developmental, social, personality, methods, cognition and biological.
In your later year courses, you’ll apply this knowledge and your skills in more specialised areas such as neuroscience, counselling, health and organisational (business) psychology.
Once you’ve completed your third year, you can apply to undertake an Honours year and pursue further postgraduate study. This will allow you to practice as a clinical psychologist.
Find out more about psychology, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
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
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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.
Upon successful completion of this program Science graduates will be able to:
- Plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic
- 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
- Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally
- Record original data and apply statistical or other evaluation processes to original data when appropriate
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 96
- QLD Band:
- 3
- International Baccalaureate:
- 38
Adjustment Factors
ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Subject and performance-based adjustments do not apply to programs with a minimum selection rank of 98 or higher. Visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Science (Psychology) - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $43,680.00
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 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:
48 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
ECON1101 Microeconomics 1
ECON2101 Microeconomics 2(P)
ECON3056 PPE Integration 3: Classic Literature in PPE
PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking
PHIL2116 PPE Integration 2
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS1008 PPE Integration 1
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science
6 units from completion of the following courses:
PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction
PHIL1008 Introduction to Ethics
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
Note: these courses are included in the following lists.
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
EURO2003 European Union: Policies, Institutions and Challenges
POLS2043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
POLS3039 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
POLS2127 U.S. Politics
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
POLS3022 Washington DC Internship
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:
PHIL2016 Philosophy of Language
PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice
PHIL2057 Philosophy of Science
PHIL2080 Logic
PHIL2082 Sex and Death: the Philosophy of Biology
PHIL2101 Democracy, Difference and Desire
PHIL2113 Global Justice
PHIL2121 Philosophical Logic
PHIL2122 Philosophy and Public Policy
PHIL2124 Philosophy of Cognitive Science
PHIL2125 Rationality and Social Cooperation
PHIL2126 Science in Society: Ethics, Public Policy and Scientific Practice
PHIL3073 Advanced Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL3075 The Philosophy of Gender: Knowledge, Power, Bodies
PHIL3076 Philosophy of the Life Sciences
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)
ECHI3009 World Economy Since 1800
ECHI3019 The World Economy Since 1800 (H)
ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1
ECON2013 Behavioral Economics
ECON2014 Managerial Economics
ECON2016 Economics II (H)
ECON2026 Money and Banking
ECON2091 The Economy, Politics and the State
ECON2102 Macroeconomics 2 (P)
ECON2120 Law and Economics (P)
ECON2125 Optimisation for Economics and Financial Economics
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An introduction to Game Theory
ECON3100 Economics 3 (H)
ECON3101 Microeconomics 3
ECON3102 Macroeconomics 3
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 Internships Program
ECON Economics
PHIL Philosophy
POLS Political Science
ASIA2090 The Political Economy of Myanmar
POLS2127 U.S. Politics
The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) 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:
60 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour
PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context
PSYC2001 Social Psychology
PSYC2002 Developmental Psychology
PSYC2007 Biological Basis of Behaviour
PSYC2008 Cognition
PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods
PSYC3025 Psychopathology Across the Lifespan
PSYC3026 Personality Psychology
18 units from completion of 3000-level courses in the subject area PSYC Psychology
12 units from completion of further 1000-level courses from the Science Course List
6 units from completion of further courses from the Science Course List
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.
Study Options
| Year 1 | For study plans, please see following link http://cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plans | - | PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour 6 units | 1000 level Science elective 6 units |
| - | - | PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context 6 units | 1000 level Science elective 6 units | |
| Year 2 | - | - | PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology 6 units | PSYC2002 Developmental Psychology 6 units |
| - | - | PSYC2001 Social Psychology 6 units | PSYC2008 Cognition 6 units | |
| Year 3 | - | - | 3000 level PSYC course 6 units | Science elective 6 units |
| - | - | PSYC2007 Biological Basis of Behaviour 6 units | PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods 6 units | |
| Year 4 | - | - | PSYC3025 Psychopathology Across the Lifespan 6 units | 3000 level PSYC course 6 units |
| - | - | PSYC3026 Personality Psychology 6 units | 3000 level PSYC course 6 units |
Honours
If you attain a sufficient standard in the pass degree, you may be admitted to the Honours year to become a candidate for the degree with Honours. For more information please see the Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) entry in the Programs and Courses catalogue.
Single degree
This following information is to be read in conjunction with the program rules that are outlined on the “Study” tab. Please always make sure that you refer to the program rules for the year that you commenced your program.
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics consists of 144 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load.
For the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics you will need to complete:
- Eight compulsory courses (48 units)
- One introductory Philosophy course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list, which may also be counted towards any other requirement (6 units)
- Two Political Science courses from the designated list (12 units)
- Two Philosophy courses from the designated list (12 units)
- Two Economics courses from the designated list (12 units)
- One 2000-level or 3000-level course from the designated list (6 units)
- Eight electives from across the ANU (48 units)
Please note that you are only permitted to count ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your program.
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics. This will help you seek advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and give you a plan that you can refer to for the duration of your program.
Double degree
This following information is to be read in conjunction with the program rules that are outlined on the “Study” tab. Please always make sure that you refer to the program rules for the year that you commenced your program.
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics Double Degree program consists of 96 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load. During each semester you are likely to take two courses from your Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree and another two courses from the other half of your double degree – making up a total of four courses per semester.
You will need to complete:
- Eight compulsory courses (48 units)
- One introductory Philosophy course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list, which may also be counted towards any other requirement (6 units)
- Two Political Science courses from the designated list (12 units)
- Two Philosophy courses from the designated list (12 units)
- Two Economics courses from the designated list (12 units)
- One 2000-level or 3000-level course from the designated list (6 units)
Please note that you are only permitted to count eight 1000-level courses (48 units) towards your degree.
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics. This will help you seek advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and give you a plan that you can refer to for the duration of your program.
Enrolment Status
While it is possible for domestic students to enrol in fewer than four 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.
First year students are not permitted to study more than four courses (24 units) per semester.
If you are beginning your program in Semester 1, you should enrol for all your courses for both Semester 1 and Semester 2 (8 courses for full time), so that you can plan your study 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. Whilst it is important to take 1000-level courses in your first year (so that you can meet the pre-requisites for later year courses) they also can be taken later in your program.
You can only count a maximum of 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 half of the double degree.
In your first year you need to enrol in:
- Following compulsory courses:
- ECON1101 - Microeconomics 1
- PHIL1005 - Logic and Critical Thinking
- POLS1002 - Introduction to Politics
- POLS1008 - PPE Integrative Seminar Year 1: Puzzles in Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- POLS1009 - Research and Writing in Political Science
- Either PHIL1004 or PHIL1008
- Elective courses for students undertaking the single degree.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
You are not required to take a major or a minor in the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree, however you can use your electives to make up a major or a minor.
A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one
list such as in a major or minor or designated list. For example, you are not
permitted to count POLS1002 towards the compulsory courses list and the Political
Science major.
Electives
For students in the single degree, your electives (48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU) can be additional courses from your discipline (including the option of a major or minor) or courses from another ANU College. If you have an interest in another discipline such as management, psychology or mathematics, then you should explore first year courses in these areas. In particular look at the majors and minors in these areas. These will give you an idea of the first year courses you can study.
If you are interested in undertaking a language and have
prior knowledge/experience with that language you may need to undertake a
placement test – you should check with the relevant language area for further
details.
Study Options
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |
Back to the Bachelor of Science (Psychology) 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. You can make an appointment by using our online booking system here. Alternatively, you can call Science Central on 6125 2809. There will also be advisory sessions offered during the week before semester commences.
What is
consciousness? Do people see colours the same way? How do we make decisions?
Contrary to popular belief most psychologists work with healthy people, trying
to find the answers to questions like these.
Studying psychology at ANU will expose you to a wide range of psychological
sciences, covering topics as varied as how groups interact, vision and how it
can be tricked to see what is not really there, how the brain develops as a
baby and how it will change again as you get older, how impulses are carried
from brain to muscle, and how things go wrong in abnormal psychology.
The ANU Bachelor of Science (Psychology) teaches you skills sought after by
employers including statistics and experimental design, critical thinking and
communication, and provides an excellent grounding to enter the workforce or
continue with further study.
Single degree
- This degree requires 144 units
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses of which 24 units must be Science
- A minimum of 36 units 3000 level PSYC courses
- Completion of the accredited sequence of psychology courses
- Other courses from the Science course list or another ANU College (48 units maximum of non-science courses allowed)
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 PSYC courses
- Completion of the accredited sequence of psychology courses
- Other courses from the Science course list
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) 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 will need to complete a minimum of 16 science courses (96 units) including the following accredited courses:
PSYC1003 Psychology 1
PSYC1004 Psychology 2
PSYC2001 Social Psychology
PSYC2002 Developmental Psychology
PSYC2007 Biological Basis of Behaviour
PSYC2008 Cognition
PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods
PSYC3025 Psychopathology across the Life Span
PSYC3026 Personality Psychology
You will also get to choose eight courses (48
units) from other ANU Colleges. You can try a range of courses or take a
major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing. The
choice is yours.
Double degree
In a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) double degree program you will study a total of 96 units including all the courses listed above. 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 (Psychology) degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
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.
- 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 Science (Psychology) half of the double degree.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
There are two compulsory 1000 level courses you must take in your first year:
Electives
Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Science (Psychology) program.
Study Options
Bachelor of Science (Psychology) - single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Science (Psychology).Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour 6 units | 1000 level Science elective 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units |
| PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context 6 units | 1000 level Science elective 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units |
Bachelor of Science (Psychology) - double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour 6 units | 1000 level Science elective 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units |
| PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context 6 units | 1000 level Science elective 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
- Visit the Research School of Psychology 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.
Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?
Contact Science Enquiries at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
