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:
• POLS1002 - Introduction to Politics
• POLS1009 - Research and Writing in Political Science
• 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

Study Plan

Please refer to the "Study" tab.

Study Options