Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) requires completion of 192 units, of which:
A maximum of 60 units can come from the completion of 1000 level courses
A minimum of 30 units from completion of 3000 level courses from the Science Course list
The 192 units must include:
144 units from completion of 1000, 2000 and 3000 level courses chosen with the approval of the program convenor, of which:
36 units from completion of Advanced Studies courses, including:
A minimum of 18 units from the completion of Advanced Studies (ASC) courses from the following list:
SCNC2101 Advanced Studies 1
SCNC2102 Advanced Studies 2
SCNC2103 Advanced Studies 3
SCNC2104 Advanced Studies 4
SCNC3101 Advanced Studies 5
SCNC3102 Advanced Studies 6
A maximum of 18 units from completion of Advanced Studies Extensions (ASE) courses
48 units from completion of one of the following Honours specialisations:
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Biological Anthropology
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth and Marine Science
Environment
Mathematics
Medical Research
Physics
Physics of the Earth
Population Health
Psychology
Science
Science Communication
Statistics
Students must achieve a minimum 75% weighted average mark in Science courses in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) subsequent to the first year of study in order to continue in the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours). Students who do not achieve a minimum 75% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours).
Students must complete 144 units and achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark calculated from the 36 units of courses in disciplines cognate to the Honours specialisation, excluding 1000-level courses, with the highest marks and satisfy all admission requirements specified in the Honours specialisation in order to commence the Honours specialisation. Students who do not achieve the 70% weighted average mark after 144 units or do not satisfy all admission requirements specified in the Honours specialisation will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.
Students must achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark in order to graduate with the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours). Students who achieve a final Honours mark from 50% to 79% will graduate with the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours). Student who do not successfully complete the Honours year with a final mark of at least 50% will graduate from the Bachelor of Science.
Specialisations
Elective Study
Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation.
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
| Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Science 1000 level Course including Advanced Studies Extension 6 units | Elective Course 6 units | |
| Year 2 48 units | Science 2000 level Course 6 units | Science 2000 level Course 6 units | Advanced Studies Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
| Science 2000 level Course 6 units | Science 2000 level Course including Advanced Studies Extension 6 units | Science 2000 level Course including Advanced Studies Extension 6 units | Elective Course 6 units | |
| Year 3 48 units | Science 3000 level Course 6 units | Science 3000 level Course 6 units | Advanced Studies Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
| Science 3000 level Course 6 units | Science 3000 level Course 6 units | Advanced Studies Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units | |
| Year 4 48 units | 4000 level Honours Course 24 units | 4000 level Honours Course | 4000 level Honours Course | 4000 level Honours Course |
| 4000 level Honours Course 24 units | 4000 level Honours Course | 4000 level Honours Course | 4000 level Honours Course |
Admission Requirements
Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) requires 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 National Register of higher education providers is an authoritative source of information that will help you confirm your institution of choice is registered to deliver higher education in Australia.
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website is HERE. Based on surveys done by thousands of students across Australia you can find out about universities that interest you, doing side-by-side comparisons.
Application Information
A supplementary form and two referee reports are used in the selection of students and must be submitted by November 30 in the year of application. Click here to access the forms.
You must list the PhB (Hons) degree as a preference through the University Admissions Centre to be considered for admission. Interviews and school recommendations may also be used in the selection of students. Quotas may apply.
The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.
Domestic applicant entry requirements
Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on an ATAR 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.
- ATAR:
- 99
- QLD Band:
- 1
- International Baccalaureate:
- 42
Prerequisites
There are no formal program prerequisites and many first-year science courses assume little specific knowledge. The exceptions are:
- For many of the biology majors, chemistry is a requirement, therefore it is recommended that students have an ACT major in chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in the biological streams of biochemistry and cell biology, microbiology and immunology, molecular genetics, animal and human physiology, and some parts of botany and neuroscience. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
- CHEM1101: ACT major in Chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent, is required. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in chemistry. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
- MATH1003: Assumed knowledge: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent
- MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent
- MATH1013: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics Major - Minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent. Students with a good pass in ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent will be considered
- MATH1115: A satisfactory pass in 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
- PHYS1101: There is a corequisite of MATH1013/1115. See the entries above. There is no formal physics prerequisite but preparation is assumed and recommended. Recommended preparation is - NSW: a high standard in 2 unit physics or a multistrand science; ACT: a high standard in physics (major).
Adjustment Factors
A maximum of 5 equity adjustments apply to programs with a minimum selection rank of 98 or higher. Visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
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
For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees
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.
Inspire your curious mind with the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours).
There’s no other degree like it in Australia. You’ll get to explore your interests by undertaking research as an undergraduate student, get one-on-one mentoring by leading academics… all while enjoying the camaraderie of a group of like-minded students.
The research you’ll do throughout your degree is excellent preparation for your fourth, or Honours year of your PhB. You will undertake a year-long research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor. This is where you can really indulge your passion and explore a topic in detail.
Find out more about the Bachelor of Philosophy, 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.
Employment Opportunities
Many of our graduates have
used the PhB program as a pathway to completing PhDs in some of the best
universities around the world, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Yale, UC Berkley
and, of course, ANU.
The PhB can also provide a pathway to
the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) without having to sit the GAMSAT.
Each year, 10 places are reserved in our medicine program for students who
successfully graduate from the PhB program and undertake a successful
interview.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop, apply, integrate and generate knowledge in educational and professional contexts:
- Develop and use a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse and respond to complex problems and issues;
- Identify and apply various research concepts, methodologies and methods
- Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives;
- Negotiate research projects considering their academic relevance, possible academic contributions, and ethical implications;
- Source and critically analyse research literature related to their topics of interest and research;
- Appraise concepts and arguments related to their topics of interest and research;
- Convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
- Develop high level project management skills as support for independent study; and
- Exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.
Further Information
Advanced Studies consist of individually tailored courses specifically designed to provide students with a strong base in research. Advanced Studies are available in two formats: courses that are inherently taught at a higher level and are entirely research focussed (Advanced Studies Courses, ASC); or in the form of an extension, assessed at a higher level, attached to a regular course (Advanced Studies Extension, ASE). Students must seek approval from the program and course conveners in order to enrol in Advanced Studies.
Back to the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science 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.
The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) or PhB is a unique program that allows intellectually ambitious students to explore their interests, develop their research skills and be mentored by leading academics, while enjoying the camaraderie of a group of like-minded and social students. The PhB degree has been offered in Science since 2003. The PhB degree is now rolling out for offer across a broader range of disciplines and in 2014 this degree will allow you to focus either on science or on Asia and Pacific studies - an exciting new development for high achieving students. Regardless of your main focus, there is still room for you to explore other disciplines.
The four year PhB program is designed with flexibility in mind - each PhB program is as individual as the student taking it. Each year, you will work with your mentor to tailor a program you will find stimulating and challenging, including courses from other Colleges for those who wish to pursue cross-disciplinary interests.
One quarter of the studies, in the first three years, consist of individually tailored Advanced Studies specifically designed to provide you with a strong base in research. These courses may consist of a reading course with a world-leading scientist or a globally recognised expert on the Asia Pacific region, or joining a research team to get 'hands-on' experience.. In the fourth or Honours year of a PhB, you will undertake a research project for most of the year under the guidance of an academic supervisor.
After completion of each 48 units towards the degree, the PhB Committee will determine whether the level of performance is sufficient to remain in the degree program. It is possible to transfer to another undergraduate degree program and receive credit for work successfully completed in the PhB. To remain enrolled in the PhB(Hons) degree, students must maintain an average mark of 80 percent each semester.
To qualify for the degree the Honours year must be completed with first class honours.
Single degree
- This degree requires 192 units
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
- A minimum of 36 units 3000 or 4000 level courses for students undertaking a focus in science
- 36 units from the completion of Advanced Studies including a minimum of 18 units of Advanced Studies Courses (ASCs) and a maximum of 18 units of Advanced Studies Extensions (ASEs)
- 48 units from completion of either a Science or an Asia and the Pacific Honours research project.
- An average of 80% in courses must be maintained to remain in the program.
About this degree
I
In a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), PhB, single degree program you will study a total of 192 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.
While you do not need to complete majors in this degree, the Science majors and Asia and the Pacific majors are helpful to give you an idea of possible areas you might like to focus on in your degree. You will focus on either Science or on Asia and the Pacific as your main area of interest. In addition, you can choose eight electives from courses right across ANU. You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a cohesive group of courses, such as a language, philosophy or economics. Alternatively, bringing in some Asia and the Pacific courses to complement a science focus would be an exciting combination. Similarly, picking up some science to support studies in Asia and the Pacific could give you a real edge in the employment market.
The core of this degree is the opportunity for you to undertake research projects (known as Advanced Studies). You will probably not undertake an Advanced Studies in your first semester of first year because most PhB students like to use this semester to get used to university and find out about as many disciplines as possible. You will undertake an Advanced Studies (as an Advanced Studies Extension project most likely) in second semester of first year and then some kind of Advanced Studies in each semester of second and third year. You will have lots of help from the program convenor in helping you decide courses and showing you how to organise Advanced Studies.
In your 4th year of
study you will undertake the Honours year in a single discipline usually closely
related to your main area of focus.
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 unless you already have some advanced levels of achievement in a subject. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as SCNC1234 or ASIA1234
- 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, so normally eight for the year. (Some students choose to undertake an Advanced Studies Course research project over the summer just because they are fun, exciting and challenging – you don’t have to though.)
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science focus or one potential Asian and the Pacific focus.
- 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.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
Remember, you do not have to undertake a formal major of minor in this degree but you might like to check out the 60+ Science majors, minors and specialisations available for you to study or the 53 , majors and minors offered by the College of Asia and the Pacific. A list of these is available from the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Studies http://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/Bsc and http://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/BAPST .
If you aren’t sure what you want to study for your whole degree, that’s fine. Use first year to explore lots of discipline areas and let your interests develop on the basis of this experience. The PhB program convenor will ensure you are choosing something academically sensible and that will allow many paths of study in the later years of your degree.
Because there are so many options available, you will need to take your time choosing what you want to study.
To help you choose Science courses you can go to the following link to download (and print) the Science First Year Guide:
http://cmbe-cpms.anu.edu.au/resources/first-year-course-guide
To help you choose Asia and the Pacific courses you can go to http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/students/undergrad/asia-pacific-studies
Study Options
Typical first year enrolment pattern for Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours):
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) with a focus in courses from the College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP).Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | CAP 1000 level Course in an Asian Language 6 units | CAP 1000 level Course 6 units | CAP 1000 level Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
| CAP 1000 level Course in an Asian Language 6 units | CAP 1000 level Course 6 units | CAP 1000 level Course including Advanced Studies Extension 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
Typical first year enrolment pattern for Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours):
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours).Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
| Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Science 1000 level Course 6 units | Science 1000 level Course including Advanced Studies Extension 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information on prerequisites and Science disciplines you can:
- Download the First Year Science Guide: http://cmbe-cpms.anu.edu.au/resources/first-year-course-guide or
- Email PhB.Science.Enquiries@anu.edu.au or
- Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with the Science PhB program convenor by emailing science.enquiries@anu.edu.au or phoning 6125 2809.
For further information on Asian and the Pacific disciplines you can:
- Email PhB.Enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with the CAP PhB program convenor by emailing CAP.student@anu.edu.au or phoning 6125 3207.
Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?
Contact phb.enquiries@anu.edu.au
