• Length 4 years full-time
  • Minimum 192 Units
Admission requirements
  • Academic plan BARTS / BECON
  • CRICOS code 079093D
  • UAC code 130010

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

ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.

We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.

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

  1. critically apply theoretical frameworks and research techniques to understanding national and international issues and problems;
  2. 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;
  3. evaluate ideas and develop creative solutions to problems, including through independent pursuit of knowledge and making connections between different disciplinary approaches and methods;
  4. communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a variety of media; and
  5. understand the ethical implications of ideas, communications, and actions.

Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Economics, graduates will be able to:

  1. to solve economic problems using analytical reasoning;
  2. apply economic analysis to a wide variety of economic issues;
  3. use basic empirical estimation techniques to test economic predictions;
  4. 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;
  5. 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 guarantee entry into the program.


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.


The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.

ATAR:
80
International Baccalaureate:
29

Domestic applicants

Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.

  • Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:
    • completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
    • co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); and
    • English language proficiency; and
    • any program-specific requirements listed below.
  • Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:
    • previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
    • English language proficiency; and
    • any program-specific requirements listed below.
  • Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:
    • previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
    • English language proficiency; and
    • any program-specific requirements listed below.
  • Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:

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.

Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission

Prerequisites

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

Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant's Selection Rank (for example an applicant's ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. 

Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded. 

You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:

  • applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
  • undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
  • achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
  • not previously attempted tertiary study.

Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

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
$44,470.00

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

This double degree requires the completion of 192 units.

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 the MAJORS list below.

MAJORS

Disciplines and Fields

Ancient History

Anthropology

Archaeology

Art History and Theory

Australian Indigenous Studies

Biological Anthropology

Criminology

Demography

Development Studies

Digital Humanities

Economic Studies

English

Environmental Studies

Gender, Sexuality and Culture

Geography

Global Security

History

Human Evolutionary Biology

Human Rights

International Communication

International Relations

Linguistics

Mathematics

Music

Music Technology

Peace and Conflict Studies

Philosophy

Political Science

Psychology

Screen Studies

Sociology

Technology, Networks and Society

War Studies

Languages

Ancient Greek

Arabic

Chinese Language

French Language and Culture

German Language and Culture

Hindi Language

Indonesian Language

Italian Language and Culture

Japanese Language

Japanese Linguistics

Korean Language

Latin

Persian

Sanskrit Language

Spanish

Thai Language

Vietnamese Language

Geographically Defined Area Studies

Asian Studies

Asian History

Asia and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender

Chinese Studies

Contemporary Europe

India Studies

Indonesian Studies

Japanese Studies

Korean Studies

Latin American Studies

Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies

Northeast Asian Studies

Pacific Studies

Southeast Asian Studies

 

48 units from completion of one of the following options:

48 units from the completion of two Arts minors, which must have different names to the major, from the MINORS list below.

Or

24 units from the completion of one Arts minor, which must have a different name to the major, from the MINORS list below.

24 units from completion of ANIP3007 Australian National Internships Program D *.

 

Or

24 units from the completion of one Arts minor, which must have a different name to the major, from the MINORS list below.

24 units from completion of courses listed in any Arts major or minor

 

Or

24 units from completion of ANIP3007 Australian National Internships Program D *.

24 units from completion of courses listed in any Arts major or minor

 

Or

48 units from completion of a second Arts major from the MAJORS list above.

 

MINORS

Disciplines and Fields

Advanced Studies

Ancient History

Anthropology

ANU Leadership and Research

Applied Linguistics

Archaeology

Art History and Theory

Australian Indigenous Studies

Biological Anthropology

Climate Science and Policy

Criminology

Demography

Design

Development Studies

Digital Humanities

Economic Studies

English

Environmental Policy

Environmental Studies

Forensic Anthropology

Forensic Linguistics

Gender and Sexuality

Geography

Global Security

Health, Medicine and the Body

Heritage and Museum Studies

History

Human Ecology

Human Evolutionary Biology

Human Rights

International Communication

International Relations

Linguistics

Mathematics

Music

Music Technology

Peace and Conflict Studies

Philosophy and Science

Philosophy

Political Science

Popular Music

Screen Studies

Social Psychology

Social Research Methods

Sociology

Sustainable Development

Technology, Networks and Society

Visual Arts Practice

War Studies

Languages

Advanced Ancient Greek

Advanced Arabic

Advanced Chinese Language

Advanced English Language

Advanced French Studies

Advanced German Studies

Advanced Italian Studies

Advanced Japanese Language

Advanced Korean Language

Advanced Latin

Advanced Persian

Advanced Sanskrit Language

Advanced Spanish Studies

Ancient Greek

Arabic

Burmese Language 

Chinese Language 

French Language and Culture

German Language and Culture

Hindi Language

Indonesian Language

Italian Language and Culture

Japanese Language

Japanese Linguistics

Korean Language

Latin

Literary Chinese

Mongolian Language

Persian

Russian

Sanskrit Language

Spanish

Tetum Language

Thai Language

Tok Pisin Language

Vietnamese Language

Geographically Defined Area Studies

American Studies

Asian and Pacific Anthropology

Asian and Pacific Linguistics 

Asian Art History

Asian History

Asian Studies

Asia and Pacific Archaeology

Asia and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender

Asia-Pacific International Relations

Asia and Pacific Literature and Film

Asia-Pacific Politics

Australian Politics

Chinese Studies

Contemporary Europe

India Studies

Indonesian Studies

Japanese Studies

Korean Studies

Latin American Studies

Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies

Northeast Asian Studies

Pacific Studies

Southeast Asian Studies

 

Note: You can complete additional Arts majors and minors using your 48 units of electives.

* Admission to ANIP is based on a competitive selection. See ANIP page for further details.

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

Minors

Bachelor of Arts Minors

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)
Commencing Semester 1:

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
Commencing Semester 1:

Semester 1 

  • ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 - 6 units
  • STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods - 6 units

Semester 2 

  • ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1- 6 units
  • EMET1001 - Foundations of Economic and Financial Models - 6 units

 

Commencing Semester 2:
Semester 2 

  • ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 - 6 units
  • STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods - 6 units

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 degree

Study 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:



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 

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