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.
Why is something as superfluous as diamonds so costly, but something as essential as water so cheap? How can the cost of the coffee beans make up only a few cents of the price of a cup of coffee? With the world’s highest minimum wage rate, can Australia ever compete with low wage countries?
The ANU Bachelor of Economics provides a framework and a way of thinking to help answer questions like these. Your coursework will span economics (both theory and applied), economic history, and econometrics while developing your analytical problem-solving and quantitative skills.
Whether working as an economist or in some other role, your Bachelor of Economics degree and training will be sought after.
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
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts may find work in publishing, policy, education, international development, politics, media, information technology, communications, journalism, aid, advertising, art conservation, government and many other fields.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts may find work in publishing, policy, education, international development, politics, media, information technology, communications, journalism, aid, advertising, art conservation, government and many other fields.
Learning Outcomes
- 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.
Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Economics, graduates will be able to:
- to solve economic problems using analytical reasoning;
- apply economic analysis to a wide variety of economic issues;
- use basic empirical estimation techniques to test economic predictions;
- provide insight into the way that households and individuals make decisions and interact, and the role of government in providing public goods and regulating the market sector;
- learn how to communicate rigorous economic analysis in a coherent way
Admission Requirements
At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.
In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.
- ATAR:
- 87
- QLD Band:
- 7
- International Baccalaureate:
- 32
Domestic applicants
→ School leavers will be assessed on:
• the minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) requirement or equivalent for this program,
• the co-curricular or service requirement, and
• any program specific requirements that are listed below.
→ Non school leavers:
a) will be assessed on:
• the minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) requirement or equivalent for this program,
b) Non school leavers who:
• complete a recognised Australian (or equivalent) post-secondary qualification, or
• complete one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) of an Australian (or equivalent) degree qualification, or
• complete an approved tertiary preparation course/program without undertaking any further study,
will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. Non school leavers must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.
International applicants
Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.
Diversity factors & English language proficiency
As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.
Prerequisites
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)
There are no formal program prerequisites. But assumed knowledge is:-ACT: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW: Mathematics or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.
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 Arts - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Economics - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $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 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
The Bachelor of 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 consist of:
36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
ECON1101 Microeconomics 1
ECON3101 Microeconomics 3
ECON3102 Macroeconomics 3
EMET1001 Foundations of Economic and Financial Models
EMET2007 Econometrics I: Econometric Methods
STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods
6 units from completion of a course from the following list:
ECON1100 Economics I (H)
ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1
6 units from completion of a course from the following list:
ECON2101 Microeconomics 2(P)
ECON2111 Microeconomics 2(H)
6 units from completion of a course from the following list:
ECON2016 Economics II (H)
ECON2102 Macroeconomics 2(P)
ECON2112 Macroeconomics 2(H)
6 units from completion of a course from the following list:
ECHI1006 The Australian Economy: Past and Present
ECHI3008 History of Economic Thought(P)
ECHI3009 World Economy Since 1800
ECHI3018 History of Economic Thought (H)
ECHI3019 The World Economy Since 1800 (H)
ECON2013 Behavioral Economics
ECON2014 Managerial Economics
ECON2026 Money and Banking
ECON2091 The Economy, Politics and the State
ECON2120 Law and Economics(P)
ECON2139 Law and Economics(H)
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An introduction to Game Theory
ECON2900 Development Poverty and Famine
ECON2901 Development Poverty and Famine(H)
18 units from completion of courses on List 1 of the ANU College of Business and Economics
18 units from completion of courses on List 2 of the ANU College of Business and Economics
If your flexible double degree is within the College of Business and Economics (for example Commerce and Economics), the below study plan may show the same course twice. If this is the case, you must only do the course once and replace the other course with a University Wode Elective or CBE List 1 elective. Please note that you cannot exceed 8 out of college electives.
For majors and minors offered by the ANU College of Business and Economics, students may count a course towards multiple majors and minors. If a minor is a subset of all stated courses and/or prerequisites for a major, then completion of the major overrides completion of the minor, and only the major is regarded as having been completed. If all courses in a major and/or minor are compulsory courses in the degree, the major and/or minor will not be listed on the transcript.
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
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 Economics Minors
Study Options
| Year 1 | Arts Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units | STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods 6 units |
| Arts Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 1000 level Course 6 units | ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 6 units | EMET1001 Foundations of Economic and Financial Models 6 units | |
| Year 2 | Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | ECON2101 Microeconomics 2 6 units | EMET2007 Econometrics I: Econometric Methods 6 units |
| Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Minor 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | ECON2102 Macroeconomics 2(P) 6 units | List 2 Elective Course 6 units | |
| Year 3 | Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Elective 6 units | ECON3101 Microeconomics 3 6 units | List 2 Elective Course 6 units |
| Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Elective 6 units | ECON3102 Macroeconomics 3 6 units | List 2 Elective Course 6 units | |
| Year 4 | Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Elective 6 units | ECON Core Course 6 units | List 1 Elective Course 6 units |
| Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Arts Elective 6 units | List 1 Elective Course 6 units | List 1 Elective Course 6 units |
Honours
Alongside the courses in the economics degree, an Honours stream is offered commencing in second semester of first year. This stream is designed for (but not exclusive to) students whose performance in economics is at credit level or better. It aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of economic analysis and to impart greater confidence and capacity in addressing economic issues. Participation in the Honours stream is important for students who may wish to work as professional economists or who want to go on to further study of economics at the fourth year or at graduate level. The Honours stream involves an additional lecture and tutorial per week, plus an additional examination each semester. Students are able to enter, or leave, the Honours stream at any stage during the degree.
After the standard three-year program, students can undertake Honours as a fourth year of study in Applied Economics, Economics, Econometrics or Economic History. Entry is by invitation to high achieving students. Anyone with high grades in three-year economics undergraduate degrees at other universities may also be eligible to enter the Honours year.
Interested students can obtain advice from the Honours Convenor in the Research School of Economics.
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 | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |
Back to the Bachelor of Economics page
The Bachelor of Economics degree offers you rigorous training in the analytic tools of economics, and the opportunity to apply these to a wide variety of economic issues. It is an intellectually challenging degree that develops powers of logical analysis. It offers you an insight into the ways in which households and individuals make decisions and interact, and the role of government in providing public goods and regulating the market sector.
Single degree
- This degree requires 24 courses (144 units)
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
- 13 compulsory courses
- 11 electives (of which 3 must be CBE List 1 elective courses)
Semester 1
- ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 - 6 units
- STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods - 6 units
- List 1 Elective Course - 6 units
- Elective - 6 units
Semester 2
- ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1- 6 units
- EMET1001 - Foundations of Economic and Financial Models - 6 units
- List 1 Elective Course - 6 units
- Elective - 6 units
Commencing Semester 2:
Semester 2
- ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 - 6 units
- STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods - 6 units
- Elective Course - 6 units
- Elective - 6 units
Double degree
- This degree requires 96 units of CBE courses
- A maximum of 48 units of 1000 level CBE courses
- 13 compulsory courses
- 3 CBE List 1 elective courses
Semester 1
Semester 2
- ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1- 6 units
- EMET1001 - Foundations of Economic and Financial Models - 6 units
Commencing Semester 2:
Semester 2
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Economics 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 CBE courses (96
units) but will also get to choose 8 courses (48 units) from other ANU
Colleges. You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a
non-CBE subject, the choice is yours.
Double degree
In a Bachelor of Economics double degree
program you will study a total of 16 courses (96 units). Typically you will take 4
courses per semester (total
of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses (96 units)
across
your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2
courses from your Economics degree and then 2 courses from the other half
of you 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.
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 ECON1101.
Please also note that:
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
- In your first year, you cannot 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) in total towards your single degree.
- You can change your enrolment via ISIS in courses up until the Monday of Week 2.
Electives
You can use your electives to enrol in any courses that you like, provided you meet prerequisite requirements.
- Remember that you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Economics degree.
- If you are in a double degree, your electives must be CBE courses.
- Don't forget the maximum number of 1000 level courses is 10 in single degree.
Study Options
Bachelor of Economics
This is a typical study plan for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Economics degreeStudy Options
| Year 1 48 units | ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units | STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods 6 units | CBE List 1 elective 6 units (ECHI1006) | Elective 6 units |
| ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 6 units | EMET1001 Foundations of Economic and Financial Models 6 units | CBE List 1 elective 6 units | Elective 6 units |
Bachelor of Economics - Double Degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Economics with another degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts (degree B).Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units | STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods 6 units | Degree B course 6 units | Degree B course 6 units |
| ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 6 units | EMET1001 Foundations of Economic and Financial Models 6 units | Degree B course 6 units | Degree B course 6 units |
Disciplines
For further information on specific discipline you can:
- Find information here (http://cbe.anu.edu.au/students/)
Academic Advice
If after reading through these guidelines you are unsure about your
which courses to enrol in, you can email info.cbe@anu.edu.au
If
you are seeking status
(credit) from previous study at another university you will need to
submit a copy of your official transcript, detailed course outlines and a
completed credit application form to info.cbe@anu.edu.au
Please refer to the CBE Fast Track page:
https://www.cbe.anu.edu.au/fasttrack