This is a unique, interdisciplinary program that will prepare you to be a future leader of the information and communications technology revolution.
As a degree accredited by the Australian Computer Society you will not only learn advanced computing techniques and have the opportunity to complete a unique specialisation, but also develop exceptional professional skills including communication and teamwork.
While some of our students are developing code which controls unmanned aerial vehicles, others are busy writing algorithms to mine through Peta-bytes of data. If mastering challenging projects is your thing, the ANU Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) can launch you into a spectacular career.
The Bachelor of Arts is the most diverse, most flexible, and most popular degree at The Australian National University. Each of its some fifty 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.
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
The best computing professionals often have knowledge or a wider field than computing alone. BAC graduates will be ideally positioned to shape their chosen sector of the computing industry now and into the future. They will acquire the skills and knowledge to become leaders in the ICT industry.
Opportunities exist in high tech industries, software start-ups computing research and development as well as specialist computing organisations. Examples include, software developers, data mining specialists for insurance, banking and health sectors, human-computer interaction specialists for software services industries, embedded systems developers for defence, and automotive industries.
The best computing professionals often have knowledge or a wider field than computing alone. BAC graduates will be ideally positioned to shape their chosen sector of the computing industry now and into the future. They will acquire the skills and knowledge to become leaders in the ICT industry.
Opportunities exist in high tech industries, software start-ups computing research and development as well as specialist computing organisations. Examples include, software developers, data mining specialists for insurance, banking and health sectors, human-computer interaction specialists for software services industries, embedded systems developers for defence, and automotive industries.
Learning Outcomes
Define and analyse complex problems, and design, implement and evaluate solutions that demonstrate an understanding of the systems context in which software is developed and operated including economic, social, historical, sustainability and ethical aspects.
Demonstrate an operational and theoretical understanding of the foundations of computer science including programming, algorithms, logic, architectures and data structures.
Recognise connections and recurring themes, including abstraction and complexity, across the discipline.
Adapt to new environments and technologies, and to innovate.
Demonstrate an understanding of deep knowledge in at least one area of computer science.
Communicate complex concepts effectively with diverse audiences using a range of modalities.
Work effectively within teams in order to achieve a common goal.
Demonstrate commitment to professional conduct and development that recognises the social, legal and ethical implications of their work, to work independently, and self- and peer-assess performance.
Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of research methodologies, including defining research problems, background reading and literature review, designing experiments, and effectively communicating results.
Apply research methods to the solution of contemporary research problems in computer science.
- 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.
Further Information
The computing industry has grown very rapidly in the last 40 years, with various specialized areas requiring advanced computational techniques emerging. The pervasiveness of computers and computer-enabled devices is rapidly becoming established in modern society. Humans are interacting with computers in ever more profound and sophisticated ways. Allied with this, computers are having to act more intelligently in many different contexts. As the scale and complexity of these computer systems increases, so too do challenges in their engineering. As the amount of data increases exponentially, new challenges in the mining and warehousing of information emerge. In all areas of computing, increasingly sophisticated algorithms underpin all of the resulting technologies. The resulting hardware and software systems in these areas are complex; hence a systems engineering perspective on their design and construction is valuable.
In these areas of computing, another emerging trend is linkages with other disciplines. Valuable perspectives on artificial intelligence are emerging from the study of natural intelligence and biological systems. Psychology is a central element in human-computer interaction. The explosion in the volume and utility of information from bioinformatics is a key driver of large-scale data systems. An engineering approach, with emphasis on both hardware and software, is needed for the design of embedded computing technology. In all cases, reliable and systematic software development remains as a key element.
The Bachelor of Advanced Computing graduate will posses technical knowledge of programming, With these as a foundation, their technical knowledge will have been honed by the study of a selection of advanced computing topics. Professional and practical skills in software development will be gained through a series of courses in software analysis, design and construction, capped off with a group software project, With professional skills developed in the areas of entrepreneurship and management, the graduate will be in a position to apply their in-depth technical knowledge to become innovators in industry.
The best computing professionals are informed by knowledge of a wider field than computing alone. Graduates fulfilling a Major in an area of advanced computing and a cognate interdisciplinary area will be ideally positioned to shape the respective sector of the computing industry as it evolves over the near future. This will also imbue a capacity for lifelong learning by exposure to a broader range of perspectives and of ways of studying.
The degree also offers a research pathway for graduates wishing to pursue careers with a high emphasis on research.
Learn more about the degrees offered at the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, read current student profiles to see what campus life is really like, and discover what our graduates have achieved since leaving the College - Visit the College of Engineering and Computer Science website.
The computing industry has grown very rapidly in the last 40 years, with various specialized areas requiring advanced computational techniques emerging. The pervasiveness of computers and computer-enabled devices is rapidly becoming established in modern society. Humans are interacting with computers in ever more profound and sophisticated ways. Allied with this, computers are having to act more intelligently in many different contexts. As the scale and complexity of these computer systems increases, so too do challenges in their engineering. As the amount of data increases exponentially, new challenges in the mining and warehousing of information emerge. In all areas of computing, increasingly sophisticated algorithms underpin all of the resulting technologies. The resulting hardware and software systems in these areas are complex; hence a systems engineering perspective on their design and construction is valuable.
In these areas of computing, another emerging trend is linkages with other disciplines. Valuable perspectives on artificial intelligence are emerging from the study of natural intelligence and biological systems. Psychology is a central element in human-computer interaction. The explosion in the volume and utility of information from bioinformatics is a key driver of large-scale data systems. An engineering approach, with emphasis on both hardware and software, is needed for the design of embedded computing technology. In all cases, reliable and systematic software development remains as a key element.
The Bachelor of Advanced Computing graduate will posses technical knowledge of programming, With these as a foundation, their technical knowledge will have been honed by the study of a selection of advanced computing topics. Professional and practical skills in software development will be gained through a series of courses in software analysis, design and construction, capped off with a group software project, With professional skills developed in the areas of entrepreneurship and management, the graduate will be in a position to apply their in-depth technical knowledge to become innovators in industry.
The best computing professionals are informed by knowledge of a wider field than computing alone. Graduates fulfilling a Major in an area of advanced computing and a cognate interdisciplinary area will be ideally positioned to shape the respective sector of the computing industry as it evolves over the near future. This will also imbue a capacity for lifelong learning by exposure to a broader range of perspectives and of ways of studying.
The degree also offers a research pathway for graduates wishing to pursue careers with a high emphasis on research.
Learn more about the degrees offered at the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, read current student profiles to see what campus life is really like, and discover what our graduates have achieved since leaving the College - Visit the College of Engineering and Computer Science website.
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 90
- QLD Band:
- 6
- International Baccalaureate:
- 34
Pathways
There are a range of pathways available to students for entry into Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours):
- ANU: The ANU Bachelor of Information Technology provides a pathway into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours).
- International agreements/pathways: College of Engineering and Computer Science has a range of articulation agreements with institutions around the world. Students completing the appropriate qualification in these institutions may be approved for entry and credit exemptions towards Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours).
Prerequisites
ACT: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics (Major)/Specialist Mathematics/Specialist Methods (Major), NSW: Mathematics or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.
Students who successfully complete the below program will be admitted to the Bachelor of Arts:
ELIBS Diploma of Liberal Studies (offered by the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences)
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. Please note that Adjustment Factors vary and do not apply to a select few programs, please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Arts - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $46,080.00
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 Advanced Computing (Honours) flexible double degree component requires completion of 144 units, of which:
A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
A minimum of 24 units that come from completion of 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science.
The 144 units must include:
54 units from completion of compulsory courses from the following list:
COMP1600 Foundations of Computing
COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies
COMP2120 Software Engineering
COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution
COMP2310 Systems, Networks and Concurrency
COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security
COMP3600 Algorithms
COMP4450 Advanced Computing Research Methods
MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models
6 units from completion of course from the following list:
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced)
6 units from completion of course from the following list:
COMP1110 Structured Programming
COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced)
24 units from completion of one of the following specialisations:
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Systems and Architecture
Theoretical Computer Science
6 units from completion of further courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science
6 units from completion of further 3000- level OR 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science
Either:
12 units from completion of 3000- or 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science
Or:
12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
ENGN3230 Engineering Innovation
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
VCUG3002 Mobilising Research
Either:
6 units from completion of further courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science
Or:
6 units from completion of courses from the following list:
MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1
MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2
MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines
ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering
STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods
STAT1003 Statistical Techniques
Either:
24 units from completion of COMP4550 Advanced Computing Research Project
Or:
12 units from completion of COMP4560 Advanced Computing Project
12 units from completion of further 4000-level or 3000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science
COMP4801 Final Honours Grade will be used to record the Class of Honours and the Mark. The Honours Mark will be a weighted average percentage mark (APM) calculated by first calculating the average mark for 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 level courses. We denote these averages: A1, A2, A3, and A4 respectively. The averages are computed based on all units counted towards satisfaction of degree requirements, excluding electives that are neither COMP courses nor courses that are listed within the degree's named specialisations. Finally these averages are combined using the formula APM = (0.1 X A1) + (0.2 X A2) + (0.3 X A3) + (0.4 X A4).
The APM will then be used to determine the final grade according to the ANU Honours grading scale, found at http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/grading-scale.
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 from any of the following lists:
Disciplines and Fields
Technology, Networks and Society
Languages
Geographically Defined Area Studies
Asia and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
Either:
24 units from the completion of one Arts minor, which must have a different name to the Major on any of the following lists:
Disciplines and Fields
Technology, Networks and Society
Languages
Geographically Defined Area Studies
Asian and Pacific Anthropology
Asia and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
Asia-Pacific International Relations
Asia and Pacific Literature and Film
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
24 units from completion of courses listed in any Arts major, minor and the following list:
Or:
24 units from completion of ANIP3007 Australian National Internships Program D
ESEN1101 Essential University English
24 units from completion of courses listed in any Arts major, minor and the following list:
ESEN1101 Essential University English
Or:
48 units from completion of a second Arts major
Majors
Bachelor of Arts Majors
- Ancient Greek
- Ancient History
- Anthropology
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Art History and Theory
- Asian and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
- Asian History
- Asian Studies
- Australian Indigenous Studies
- Biological Anthropology
- Chinese Language
- Chinese Studies
- Contemporary Europe
- Criminology
- Demography
- Development Studies
- Digital Humanities
- Economic Studies
- English
- Environmental Studies
- French Language and Culture
- Gender, Sexuality and Culture
- Geography
- German Language and Culture
- Global Security
- Hindi Language
- History
- Human Evolutionary Biology
- Human Rights
- India Studies
- Indonesian Language
- Indonesian Studies
- International Communication
- International Relations
- Italian Language and Culture
- Japanese Language
- Japanese Linguistics
- Japanese Studies
- Korean Language
- Korean Studies
- Latin
- Latin American Studies
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
- Music
- Music Technology
- Musicology
- Northeast Asian Studies
- Pacific Studies
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Performance
- Persian
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sanskrit Language
- Screen Studies
- Sociology
- Southeast Asian Studies
- Spanish
- Technology, Networks and Society
- Thai Language
- Vietnamese Language
- War Studies
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Arts Minors
- Advanced Ancient Greek
- Advanced Arabic
- Advanced Chinese Language
- Advanced English Language
- Advanced French Studies
- Advanced German Studies
- Advanced Hispanic Culture
- Advanced Hispanic Linguistics
- Advanced Italian Studies
- Advanced Japanese Language
- Advanced Korean Language
- Advanced Latin
- Advanced Persian
- Advanced Sanskrit Language
- Advanced Spanish Studies
- American Studies
- Ancient Greek
- Ancient History
- Anthropology
- ANU Leadership and Research
- Applied Linguistics
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Archaeology of Aboriginal Australia in its Regional and Cultural Context
- Art History and Theory
- Asian and Pacific Anthropology
- Asian and Pacific Archaeology
- Asian and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
- Asian and Pacific Linguistics
- Asian and Pacific Literature and Film
- Asian Art History
- Asian History
- Asian Studies
- Asia-Pacific International Relations
- Asia-Pacific Politics
- Australian Indigenous Studies
- Australian Politics
- Biological Anthropology
- Burmese Language
- Chinese Language
- Chinese Studies
- Climate Science and Policy
- Composition, Arranging and Sound Design
- Contemporary Europe
- Criminology
- Demography
- Design
- Development Studies
- Digital Humanities
- Economic Studies
- English
- Environmental Policy
- Environmental Studies
- Forensic Anthropology
- Forensic Linguistics
- French Language and Culture
- Gender and Sexuality
- Geography
- German Language and Culture
- Global Security
- Health, Medicine and the Body
- Heritage and Museum Studies
- Hindi Language
- History
- Human Ecology
- Human Evolutionary Biology
- Human Rights
- Indian and South Asian Studies
- Indonesian Language
- Indonesian Studies
- International Communication
- International Relations
- Italian Language and Culture
- Japanese Language
- Japanese Linguistics
- Japanese Studies
- Korean Language
- Korean Studies
- Latin
- Latin American Studies
- Linguistics
- Literary Chinese
- Mathematics
- Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
- Mongolian Language
- Music
- Music Technology
- Musicology
- Northeast Asian Studies
- Pacific Studies
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Performance
- Persian
- Philosophy
- Philosophy and Science
- Political Science
- Popular Music
- Russian
- Russian and Central Asian Studies
- Sanskrit Language
- Screen Studies
- Social Psychology
- Social Research Methods
- Sociology
- Southeast Asian Studies
- Spanish
- Sustainable Development
- Technology, Networks and Society
- Tetum Language
- Thai Language
- Tok Pisin Language
- Vietnamese Language
- Visual Arts Practice
- War Studies
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) Minors
Specialisations
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) Specialisations
Study Options
Year 1 | COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units OR COMP1130; | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | Computing Elective 6 units | |
COMP1110 Structured Programming 6 units OR COMP1140; | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | |||
Year 2 | COMP2100 Software Design Methodologies 6 units | COMP2300 Computer Organisation and Program Execution 6 units | ||
COMP2120 Software Engineering 6 units | COMP2310 Systems, Networks and Concurrency 6 units | Computing Elective 6 units | ||
Year 3 | COMP2420 Introduction to Data Management, Analysis and Security 6 units | Computing Specialisation Course 6 Units | ||
Computing Elective 3000 or 4000 level<b/>6 Units | COMP3600 Algorithms 6 units | |||
Year 4 | COMP4450 Advanced Computing Research Methods 6 units | Computing Specialisation course 6 units | ||
Computing elective 3000 or 4000 level 6 units | Computing elective 3000 or 4000 level 6 units | |||
Year 5 | COMP4560 Advanced Computing Project 6 to 12 units | Computing Elective course 4000 level 6 units | Computing Specialisation course 6 units | |
COMP4560 Advanced Computing Project 6 to 12 units | Computing Elective course 4000 level 6 units | Computing Specialisation course 6 units |
Back to the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) page
The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) (BAC) is a unique, interdisciplinary program that will prepare you to be a future leader in technology.
The BAC can be taken as a single degree which includes a number of core and compulsory courses including a computing specialisation. The single degree also offers 48 units (eight courses) of electives that can be taken from additional computing courses (enabling you to complete a further computing major, minor, or specialisation), or from other university courses.
The BAC can also be taken as a part of many Flexible Double Degrees.
Single degree
- This degree requires a total of 192 units (each course is typically 6 units though some may be 12 units or higher)
- Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units)
- There are a number of core and compulsory courses
- You will need to complete a computing specialisation
- 48 units (eight courses) of electives that can be taken from additional computing courses (enabling you to complete a computing major, minor, or specialisation), or from other university courses.
- You can do a maximum of 60u 1000 level courses in your single degree
Double degree
- There are no university electives available in the Flexible Double Degree.
- This degree requires 144 units of the compulsory Advanced Computing requirements (each course is typically 6 units though some may be 12 units or higher)
- Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units)
- You will need to complete a computing specialisation
- Typically you can do a maximum of 72u 1000 level courses in your Flexible Double Degree
- You can find your Flexible Double Degree with the BSEng from Program and Courses
About this degree
- The degree is made of up compulsory requirements, additional computing electives, and 48 units (eight courses) of electives
- In the single degree you have 48 units of university electives (eight courses). These courses can be used to study more computing courses, or a major or minor from another area of the university including Engineering, or a selection of courses that suits your interests.
- In the Flexible Double Degree, you have no university electives - your other degree requirements use up all of these.
Enrolment Status
While it’s possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. There are maximum time limits for completion of the degree on a part-time basis. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
- When you enrol for the first time you will typically study '1000-level' courses. These courses have '1' as the first number in their course code, such as COMP1100.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester though note that you can change your Semester 2 courses all the way until July.
- You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, 48u for the year, and international students cannot study less than 24u a semester expect in exceptional circumstances and with approval.
- 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 BAC half of the Flexible Double Degree.
- In choosing your first year programming courses you will have a choice of doing COMP1100 or COMP1130 in Semester 1, and COMP1110 and COMP1140 in Semester 2. The standard courses are COMP1100/1110 but if you have a strong maths background, and/or significant programming experience, you might like to choose COMP1130/1140. Note that you choose 1130 you will be able to drop back to 1100 in the first 2 weeks.
- You should make sure you do MATH1005 and COMP1600 in your first year.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
You will be required to complete a specialisation as a compulsory part of your BAC.
Electives
If you are in the single degree then in your first year you have two computing electives and two university electives to choose.
- To find 1000-level (first year) elective courses, use the catalogue search.
- University electives can be additional computing courses, or courses from anywhere in the university.
- You have two computing elective to choose in your first year. One must be a COMP course (eg COMP1720 (S2), COMP1710 (S1) , COMP2400 (S2), or COMP2610(S2)). Your other computing elective could be another COMP course as above, or MATH1013 (S1 or S2), MATH1014, STAT1003 (S1), STAT1008 (S2), ENGN1211 (S1)
- Courses that can be taken in first year as computing or other electives and that meet your computing specialisation requirements are: COMP2610 (Theory of Computer Science Specialisation), and COMP2400 (Systems Architecture Specialisation). Students should consider these in light of their performance in Semester One computing and maths courses and take them only if they have performed well in 1st semester.
- If you enjoy and are good at mathematics and do not plan to do a major from another area of study, then you are encouraged to consider doing the following:
- Suggested university electives in your first year if you are interested in Engineering are: Semester 1 - PHYS1001 or PHYS1101 and Semester 2 – ENGN1218
- Suggested university electives if you are interested in Information Systems are Semester 1 or 2: INFS1001
- If you have an interest in another area (eg management, mathematics, psychology, languages) then you should explore first year courses in these areas and in particular, look at the majors and minors in these areas. These will give you an idea of the first year courses that you should study.
- Students whose first language is not English often find their transition to studying in Australia difficult because the rules and academic practices here are often very different from their home country. CECS strongly encourages students who have not studied at an Australian university before to complete ESEN1101 - Essential University English as one of their electives in their first year. This course provides additional English reading, writing and speaking assistance as well as resources to ensure you can apply the required Australian academic style to the rest of your university career (e.g. essay and report structure, oral presentations, critical thinking, avoiding academic integrity breaches like plagiarism).
Study Options
Single Degree
Study Options
Year 1 48 units | COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units OR COMP1130; | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | Computing Elective | University Elective |
COMP1110 Structured Programming 6 units OR COMP1140; | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | Computing Elective | University Elective |
Flexible Double Degree
Study Options
Year 1 48 units | COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving 6 units OR COMP1130; | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | Computing Elective 6 Units | Course from other degree |
COMP1110 Structured Programming 6 units OR COMP1140; | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | Course from other degree | Course from other degree |
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 Arts consists of 144 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load.
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 POLS1005 towards the International Relations Major and the Human Rights Major.
For the Bachelor of Arts you will need to complete:
- One Arts major from the designated list (48 units)
- One Arts minor and four courses from any Arts
major, minor or the designated list (48 units)
or
An Internship and four courses from any Arts major, minor or the designated list (48 units)
or
A second Arts major (48 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 Arts. 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 Arts 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 Arts degree and another two courses from the other half of your double degree – making up a total of four courses per semester.
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 POLS1005 towards the International Relations Major and the Human Rights Major.
You will need to complete:
- One Arts major from the designated list (48 units)
- One Arts minor and four courses from any Arts
major, minor or the designated list (48 units)
or
An Internship and four courses from any Arts major, minor or the designated list (48 units)
or
A second Arts major (48 units)
Please note that you are only permitted to count six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your degree.
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of Arts. 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 Arts half of the double degree.
In your first year you need to enrol in:
- 1000-level courses from your Arts major
- 1000-level courses from your Arts minor or second Arts major
- Elective courses for students undertaking the single degree.
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, for example management, psychology or mathematics, then you should explore first year courses in your area of interest. In particular look at the majors and minors. 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 | - | - | - | - |
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Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |