Immerse yourself in a remarkable and complex part of the world.
The Middle East and Central Asia, predominately Muslim States and Societies, are rich in history, geographical wonders, political turmoil, and socio-cultural influence. The Middle East ranges from Turkey and Iran in West Asia to the Arab heartland as far as Morocco in North Africa. Central Asia is comprised of Afghanistan and the former Muslim republics of the Soviet.
They are areas of constant domestic and international interest as events often unfold which have global relevance and significance.
This program will take you through the topics, debates and developments in the Middle East and Central Asia. You will study the socio-cultural, political, historical and economic structures of these regions and develop a comprehensive knowledge of their relationship to global socio-cultural, political and economic trends.
To fully engage with the history and culture of the regions, you can also study a Middle Eastern or Central Asian language. There is also the opportunity to undertake a highly competitive research project through the Australian National Internships Program (ANIP).
The Bachelor of Political Science is the only dedicated Political Science degree in Australia. The ANU has some of the world’s finest political scientists, and was the only Australian university to receive a 5 (“well above world class”) in both of the Excellence in Research for Australia’s reports. Located in the national capital, the ANU is the only university with a right to place interns in Australian Parliament House. The Bachelor of Political Science will give you the knowledge, theoretical understandings, and practical skills that underpin a successful career that engages with politics.
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 may find work in policy development, foreign affairs, government, private business, tourism, trade, journalism and many other fields.
Graduates may find work in policy development, foreign affairs, government, private business, tourism, trade, journalism and many other fields.
Learning Outcomes
-
Understand and evaluate historical and current events and developments that have shaped the Middle East and Central Asia,
-
Identify and critique the contemporary socio-cultural and political systems of the Middle East and Central Asia,
-
Analyse current debates relating to regional cooperation and unity in the context of tensions in traditions,
-
Analyse the global significance of events and developments in the Middle East and Central Asia, and
-
Communicate in a Middle Eastern or Central Asian language.
- Apply concepts and theories used in the study of political science to the analysis of interests, ideas, institutions and behaviour and to the evaluation of political phenomena;
- Apply a range of research methods to the investigation of political phenomena;
- Demonstrate understanding of differences in political systems and the contexts in which they operate; and
- Communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a variety of media.
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 90
- QLD Band:
- 6
- International Baccalaureate:
- 34
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 Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Political Science - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $43,344.00
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 Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must include:
24 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East
MEAS1002 Islam: History and Institutions
MEAS3001 Gallipoli: History and National Imagination
MEAS3002 Gender and Culture in Iran and the Middle East
24 units from completion of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies courses from the following list:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program Internship A
BUSI2024 Dynamics of Business in the Middle East
MEAS2000 Iranian History and Culture
MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security
MEAS2002 Turkish History: Ottoman State to Modern Turkey
MEAS2003 Modern Turkey: History, Culture and Regional Relations
MEAS2004 Turkish Politics and Foreign Policy
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
POLS2031 Politics in the Middle East
POLS2069 Politics in Russia
POLS2070 Politics in Central Asia
Either:
48 units from completion of one of the following language majors:
Arabic
Persian
Or:
24 units from completion of one of the following language minors
Arabic
Persian
24 units from completion of one of the following:
an in-country study abroad component/exchange in the same language as the minor
an internship undertaken in the same language as the minor
Or:
24 units from completion of one of the following advanced language minors:
Advanced Arabic Minor
Advanced Persian Minor
24 units from completion of courses from the following majors, minors and courses:
Advanced Arabic Minor
Advanced Persian Minor
ANU Leadership and Research Minor
Applied Linguistics Minor
Arabic Major
Asian Studies Major
Forensic Linguistics Minor
History Major
Human Rights Major
International Communication Major
International Relations Major
Linguistics Major
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies Major
Persian Major
Political Science Major
Russian Minor
Social Research Methods Minor
TURK1001 Elementary Turkish A
TURK1002 Elementary Turkish B
The Bachelor of Political Science flexible double degree component requires the 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:
24 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science
POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
A minimum of 6 units must come from completion of courses from the following list:
POLS3029 Sharing Power: Federalism in Comparative Perspective
POLS3022 Washington DC Internship
POLS3031 Comparative Judicial Politics
POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict
POLS3036 International Terrorism
POLS3038 Media and Politics
POLS3039 Political Leadership and Executive Government
POLS3040 Conflict and change in sub-Saharan Africa
EURO3002 Comparative European Politics
A minimum of 12 units from completion of political theory and political philosophy courses from the following list:
PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction
PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice
PHIL2113 Global Justice
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2102 Political Belief and Deceit
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
A minimum of 12 units from completion of methodology courses from the following list:
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
POLS2137 Meaning in Politics: Interpretation, Method and Critique
POLS3045 Qualitative Methods in Political Science Research*
A minimum of 12 units from completion of Australian politics courses from the following list:
POLS2009 Bureaucracy and Public Policy
POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia
POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions
POLS2121 Ideas in Australian Politics
A maximum of 6 units from completion of Australian political history courses from the following list:
HIST2227 Australian Political History
HIST2022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History
A minimum of 12 units from completion of comparative politics courses from the following list:
ASIA2065 Asian Politics: From Concepts to Causes
POLS2043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying
POLS2126 Democracy: Its Causes and Consequences
POLS2134 Gender and Politics
POLS2135 Race, Ethnicity and Representation
POLS3037 Globalisation: Communications, Culture and Democracy
A maximum of 6 units from completion of area studies courses from the following list:
ASIA2026 The Politics of China
ASIA2031 Japanese Politics
ASIA2049 Politics and Society in Contemporary Korea
ASIA2070 Democracy in Southeast Asia
ASIA2109 Violence, Poverty, and Politics in India
ASIA2516 Indonesia: Politics, Society and Development
EURO2012 Uniting Europe: history, politics, theory
MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security
POLS2025 Politics in Britain
POLS2031 Politics in the Middle East
POLS2055 Pacific Politics
POLS2069 Politics in Russia
POLS2070 Politics in Central Asia
POLS2095 Politics in Latin America
POLS2127 U.S. Politics
A minimum of 6 and maximum of 12 units from completion of political economy courses from the following list:
ASIA2090 Study Tour: The Political Economy of Myanmar
ECON2013 Behavioral Economics
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
POLS2011 Development and Change
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
A maximum of 12 units from completion of internship/Vice-Chancellors courses from the following list:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program Internship A
ANIP3005 Australian National Internship B
VCUG2001 Creating Knowledge
VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
VCUG3002 Mobilising Research
Note (*): POLS3045 Qualitative Research Methods in Political Science Research will be available from 2021.
Majors
Bachelor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies Minors
Study Options
| Year 1 | MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East 6 units | Language Major Course 6 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units |
| MEAS1002 Islam : History and Institutions 6 units | Language Major Course 6 units | POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | Another course from specified lists 6 units | |
| Year 2 | Middle Eastern & Central Asian Studies Course 6 units | Language Major Course 6 units | POLS2119 Ideas in Politics 6 units | Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units |
| Middle Eastern & Central Asian Studies Course 6 units | Language Major Course 6 units | POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis 6 units | Comparative Politics list Course 6 units | |
| Year 3 | Middle Eastern & Central Asian Studies Course 6 units | Language Major Course 6 units | Comparative Politics list Course 6 units | Australian Politics list Course 6 units |
| Middle Eastern & Central Asian Studies Course 6 units | Language Major Course 6 units | Another course from specified lists 6 units | Political Economy list Course 6 units | |
| Year 4 | MEAS3001 Gallipoli: History and National Imagination 6 units | Language Major Course 6 units | Methodology list Course 6 units | Another course from specified lists 6 units |
| MEAS3002 Gender and Culture in Iran and the Middle East 6 units | Language Major Course 6 units | Methodology list Course 6 units | Australian Politics list Course 6 units |
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 Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies 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 Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies you will need to complete:
- Four compulsory courses (24 units)
- Four Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies Courses from the designated list (24 units)
- One
language major from the designated list (48 units)
or
One language minor from the designated list (24 units) and an exchange/internship (24 units)
or
One advanced language minor from the designated list (24 units) and four courses from the designated list of majors, minors and courses (24 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 Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies. 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 Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies 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 Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies 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:
- Four compulsory courses (24 units)
- Four Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies Courses from the designated list (24 units)
- One language major from the designated list (48
units)
or
One language minor from the designated list (24 units) and an exchange/internship (24 units)
or
One advanced language minor from the designated list (24 units) and four courses from the designated list of majors, minors and courses (24 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 Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies. 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 Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies half of the double degree.
In your first year you need to enrol in:
- Following compulsory courses:
- MEAS1001 – Introduction to the Modern Middle East (First Semester)
- MEAS1002 – Islam: History and Institutions (Second Semester)
- Language major or minor courses
- 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 such as management, psychology or mathematics, then you should explore first year courses in these areas. In particular look at the majors and minors in these areas. These will give you an idea of the first year courses you can study.
If you are interested in undertaking a language and have prior knowledge/experience with that language you may need to undertake a placement test – you should check with the relevant language area for further details.
Study Options
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |
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 Political Science 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 PHIL1004 towards the political theory and political philosophy list and the philosophy major.
For the Bachelor of Political Science you will need to complete:
- Four compulsory courses (24 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of two political theory and political philosophy courses from the designated list (12 units)
- A minimum of two methodology courses from the designated list (12 units)
- A minimum of two Australian politics course from the designated list (12 units)
- A maximum of one Australian political history course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of two comparative politics courses from the designated list (12 units)
- A maximum of one area studies course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one course and a maximum of two political economy courses from the designated list (6 units)
- A maximum of two internship/ Vice-Chancellors courses from the designated list (12 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 Political Science. 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 Political Science 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 Political Science 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 PHIL1004 towards the political theory and political philosophy list and the philosophy major.
You will need to complete:
- Four compulsory courses (24 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of two political theory and political philosophy courses from the designated list (12 units)
- A minimum of two methodology courses from the designated list (12 units)
- A minimum of two Australian politics course from the designated list (12 units)
- A maximum of one Australian political history course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of two comparative politics courses from the designated list (12 units)
- A maximum of one area studies course from the designated list (6 units)
- A minimum of one course and a maximum of two political economy courses from the designated list (6 units)
- A maximum of two internship/ Vice-Chancellors courses from the designated list (12 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 Political Science. 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 Political Science half of the double degree.
In your first year you need to enrol in:
- Following compulsory courses:
- 1000-level courses from the designated course lists
- Second semester courses from the list you have not met the prerequisite for
- Elective courses for students undertaking the single degree.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
You are not required to take a major or a minor in the Bachelor of Political Science degree, however you can use your electives to make up a major or a minor.
Electives
For students in the single degree, your electives (48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU) can be additional courses from your discipline (including the option of a major or minor) or courses from another ANU College. If you have an interest in another discipline such as management, psychology or mathematics, then you should explore first year courses in these areas. In particular look at the majors and minors in these areas. These will give you an idea of the first year courses you can study.
If you are interested in undertaking a language and have prior knowledge/experience with that language you may need to undertake a placement test – you should check with the relevant language area for further details.
Study Options
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - |