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

PASI3005 - Pacific Islands Field School

PASI3010 - Pacific Engagement Project

PASI3012 - Readings in Indigenous Studies

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

HIST2231 - Exploration: Columbus to the Moon

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

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

Politics, international relations and security

ASIA2087 - Peace Building in the Pacific and Asia

ASIA2093 - Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific

INTR2010 - International Relations in the Asia-Pacific

PASI2030 - Study Tour: Regional Policymaking for Pacific Development

PASI3002 - Gender and Sexuality in the Pacific

POLS2055 - Pacific Politics

STST2001 - International Security issues in the Asia Pacific

STST2003 - Australia and Security in the Pacific

Environment and resources

ASIA2093 - Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific

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

ENVS2005 - Islands Sustainable Development: Fiji Field School

PASI2030 - Study Tour: Regional Policymaking for Pacific Development

PASI3013 - Environment and Development in the Pacific

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

ASIA2098 Asian and Pacific Studies Internship

ASIA2110  International Affairs Internship

ASIA3023 Asia Pacific Week Internship

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

ESEN1101 Essential University English

HIST1250 Big History

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 Minor 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 Elective 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 Thematic Option 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Elective course 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Elective course 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
Thematic Option 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Minor 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Elective course 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Elective course 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
Year 3 48 units Pacific Studies (PASI) 3000 level course 6 units Minor 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Elective 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Elective 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
PASI3001 Politics and Development in the Contemporary Pacific 6 units Minor 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Elective 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Elective 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units

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.

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.

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. 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.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

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

Annual indicative fee for international students
$41,040.00

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.

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 Single Degree Study Plan

Study Options

Year 1 48 units PASI1011 Pacific Encounters: An introduction to Pacific Studies 6 units Language Course 6 units Elective 1000 level course 6 units Elective 1000 level course 6 units
PASI1012 Pacific Worlds: critical inquiry in Oceania 6 units Language Course 6 units Elective 1000 level course 6 units Elective 1000 level course 6 units

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

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