single degree

Bachelor of Pacific Studies

A single three year undergraduate award offered by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific

BPACSTD
  • Length 3 year full-time
  • Minimum 144 Units
Admission requirements
  • Mode of delivery
    • In Person
  • Field of Education
    • Studies in Human Society
  • Academic contact
  • Length 3 year full-time
  • Minimum 144 Units
Admission requirements
  • Mode of delivery
    • In Person
  • Field of Education
    • Studies in Human Society
  • Academic contact

Program Requirements

 The Bachelor of Pacific Studies requires the completion of 144 units, of which:

  A maximum of 60 units can come from the completion of 1000 level courses.

 The 144 units must include:

  24 units from the following compulsory courses:

  PASI1011           Pacific Encounters: An introduction to Pacific Studies

  PASI1012           Pacific Worlds: critical inquiry in Oceania

  PASI2001           Pacific Studies in a Globalising World

  PASI3001           The Contemporary Pacific: Society, Politics and Development

  A minimum of 6 units from the following 3000 level PASI-coded courses:

  PASI3002           Gender and Sexuality in the Pacific

  PASI3012           Readings in Indigenous Studies

  PASI3005           Pacific Islands Field School

  PASI3010           Pacific Engagement Project

PASI3013 Environment and Development in the Pacific

  A minimum of 12 units from the following thematic lists:

  History and Archaeology

  ASIA2301           Human migration and expansion in the rise of the Asia-Pacific

  ARCH2005         Archaeology of the Pacific Islanders

  PASI2006           War in the Islands: The Second World War in the Pacific

  PASI2002           Australia in Oceania in the 19th and 20th centuries

  HIST2231           Exploration: Columbus to the Moon

  Politics, international relations and security

  INTR2010           International Relations in the Asia-Pacific

  STST2001           International Security issues in the Asia Pacific

  ASIA2087           Peace Building in the Pacific and Asia

  ASIA2093           Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific

  POLS2055          Pacific Politics

  STST2003           Australia and Security in the Pacific

  PASI3002           Gender and Sexuality in the Pacific

  PASI2030           Study Tour: Regional Policymaking for Pacific Development

  Environment and resources

  ASIA2301           Human Migration and Expansion in the Rse of the Asia-Pacific

  ENVS2005         Islands Sustainable Development: Fiji Field School

  ASIA2093           Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific

  PASI3013           Environmentand Development in the Pacific

  PASI2030           Study Tour: Regional Policymaking for Pacific Development

  Culture, literature and language

  ASIA2001          Language in Asia and the Pacific

  ASIA2308          Linguistic Histories in Asia and the Pacific

  ASIA3053           The Death of God in the Asia-Pacific

  PASI3002           Gender and Sexuality in the Pacific

  PASI3005           Pacific Islands Field School

  A maximum of 24 units from one of the following minors of languages spoken in the Pacific:

  French Language and Culture Minor

  Tetum Language Minor

  Tok Pisin Language Minor

   24 units from completion of one of the following minors:

Languages spoken in the Pacific or of historical and community importance:

Chinese language

 French Language and Culture

 German Language and Culture

 Indonesian language

 Japanese language

 Tetum Language

 Tok Pisin Language 

 Spanish

  Disciplinary and regional studies minors of relevance to the study of the Pacific Islands:

  Archaeology

  Art History and Theory

  Asia-Pacific International Relations

  Asian history  

  Asian Art History

  Asian and Pacific Anthropology

  Asian and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender

  Anthropology

  Australian Indigenous Studies

  Biodiversity and Conservation Management

  Climate Science and Policy

  Comparative Politics

  Demography

  Development Studies

  Digital Humanities

  Economic Studies

  Environmental Policy

  Environmental Studies

  Gender and Sexuality

  Geography

  Heritage and Museum Studies

  History

  Human Rights

  Indonesian Studies

  International Relations

  Linguistics

  Peace and Conflict Studies

  Philosophy

  Political Science

  Political Theory

  Popular Music

  Social Research Methods

  Sociology 

  Sustainable Development

  Visual Arts Practice

  War Studies

  A maximum of 6 units from the completion of courses from VCUG Vice Chancellor’s Undergraduate Courses or the following list:

  ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program Internship A

  ASIA2110  International Affairs Internship

  ASIA2098 Asian and Pacific Studies Internship

  ASIA3023 Asia Pacific Week Internship

  ASIA3024 Editor’s practicum: online public engagement, academic blogging and digital disruption

  ESEN1101 Essential University English

  LING2107 Advanced Academic English

  48 units of from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Minors

Elective Study

Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective majorminor or specialisation.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units PASI1011 Pacific Encounters: An introduction to Pacific Studies 6 units Major 1000 level course 6 units Elective 1000 level course 6 units Elective course 1000 level course 6 units
PASI1012 Pacific Worlds: critical inquiry in Oceania 6 units Major 1000 level course 6 units Elective course 1000 level course 6 units Elective course 1000 level course 6 units
Year 2 48 units PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalizing World 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
PASI2002 Australia in Oceania in the 19th and 20th centuries 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
Year 3 48 units Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Elective 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Elective 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units

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 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.

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:
80
QLD Band:
10
International Baccalaureate:
29

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.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

Annual indicative fee for international students
$38,880.00

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.

As Australia’s engagement with the Pacific increases, so too does the need for graduates with Pacific expertise.

The Bachelor of Pacific Studies will provide you with a deep understanding of the diversity, history and contemporary issues of Oceania, so you can take a leading role in Pacific policy and development.

You will also have the opportunity to engage in internship and immersion programs in Oceania, boosting your language skills and expertise in the region.

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

  1. Critically apply theoretical frameworks and research techniques to understand the global significance of Oceania as a region of diverse societies, cultures and languages;
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of diverse disciplinary approaches and methods drawn from the humanities, social sciences and environmental studies, to synthesize knowledge about Oceania and its place in the
        world;
  3. Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the diversity of indigenous, popular culture, policy and scholarly perspectives on and within Oceania;
  4. Evaluate knowledge and ideas and debate issues using academic and other approaches addressing a variety of scholarly, policy and public audiences;
  5. Exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems individually as well as collaboratively.

Inherent Requirements

Deliberately blank - SAS migration 22/11/2018

Back to the Bachelor of Pacific Studies page

The Bachelor of Pacific Studies is offered through the School of Culture, History and Language.  Upon completion of this degree, you will have developed specific knowledge of Pacific Studies and a range of transferable skills that will prepare you for work or further study.

Single degree

  • This degree requires the completion of 144 units
  • A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses is allowed
  • 48 units must come from completion of the Pacific Studies major
  • 24 units from completion of a minor approved by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
  • 72 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Double degree

  • This degree requires the completion of 96 units
  • A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses is allowed
  • 48 units must come from completion of the Pacific Studies major
  • 24 units from completion of a minor approved by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
  • 24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

About this degree

Single degree
In a Bachelor of Pacific Studies 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 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree. Once you have fulfilled the requirements of the Pacific Studies major, you can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a subject of your choice.

Double degree
You will need to complete a minimum of 96 units towards the Bachelor of Pacific Studies degree but will also get to choose 4 courses (24 units) from other ANU Colleges.

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.

Remember you will need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.  You will be able to change your enrolment in courses up until the end of week 2 of each semester without penalty.

Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses

If you are intending to enrol into our language courses and have previous experience with the language you want to study, even if you think it might not be relevant or was too long ago, you need to sit a placement test for the College to ensure you are enrolled into the most appropriate level of language study.  

Relevant past experience include:

  1. Previous study of the language
  2. Being exposed to the language in childhood
  3. Travel or living in a country where the language is spoken
  4. The language being spoken in your home (even if you don’t speak it)

Languages available for the placement test:

  1.  Indonesian
  2. Chinese
  3. Japanese
  4. Korean

Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program

Students in this degree must complete a Pacific Studies Major, and a minor from the following list:

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Development Studies
  • Environmental Studies
  • Environmental Policy
  • Heritage and Museum Studies
  • History
  • Human Ecology
  • Australian Indigenous Studies
  • International Relations
  • Political Science
  • Social Research Methods
  • Sociology
  • Chinese
  • French Language and Culture
  • German Language and Culture
  • Hindi
  • Indonesian
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
  • Biodiversity Conservation and Management
  • Climate Science and Policy
  • Environmental Policy
  • Forest Science and Policy
  • Geography
  • Human Ecology
  • Integrative Methods in Environment and Society
  • Soil and Land Management
  • Sustainable Development
  • Water Science and Policy
  • Philosophy
  • Visual Arts Practice
Students can however can choose to do a second major from the following list in place of a minor:
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Development Studies
  • Environmental Studies
  • Gender, Sexuality and Culture
  • Geography
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Chinese
  • French Language and Culture
  • German Language and Culture
  • Hindi
  • Indonesian
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
  • Environmental and Landscape Sciences
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Sustainability Science
  • Philosophy
Once you've selected courses for a major, and/or a minor or second major, you should choose electives to make up the balance of your courses.

Electives

You can use your electives to enrol in any courses that you like, provided you meet prerequisite requirements. Students who choose to do a second major will need to take the additional 24 units for their major from their electives.

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 Pacific Studies program.

Study Options

Bachelor of Pacific Studies Double Degree Study Plan

Study Options

Year 1 48 units PASI1011 Pacific Encounters: An introduction to Pacific Studies 6 units Language Course 6 units Course from other Degree 6 units Course from other Degree 6 units
PASI1012 Pacific Worlds: critical inquiry in Oceania 6 units Language Course 6 units Course from other Degree 6 units Course from other Degree 6 units

Academic Advice

If after reading through these guidelines you are unsure about your which courses to enrol in, you can come to an academic advice session at Melville Hall during Orientation week.

If you are seeking status (credit) from previous study at another university you will need to come to an academic advice session at Melville Hall during Orientation week, and we will help you choose the correct courses for your first year.

Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?

Contact Katerina Teaiwa at Katerina.Teaiwa@anu.edu.au

Back to the top

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions