• Length 4 years full-time
  • Minimum 192 Units
Admission requirements
  • Academic plan BARTS / BPLSC
  • 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.

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

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.
  1. 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;

  2. apply a range of research methods to the investigation of political phenomena;

  3. demonstrate understanding of differences in political systems and the contexts in which they operate; and

  4. communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a variety of media.

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:
85
International Baccalaureate:
31

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

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 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
$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 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:

EURO3002 Comparative European Politics

POLS3022 Washington DC Internship

POLS3029 Sharing Power: Federalism in Comparative Perspective

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

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

POLS2137 Meaning in Politics: Interpretation, Method and Critique

POLS3045 Qualitative Methods in Political Science Research

SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

A minimum of 12 units from completion of Australian politics courses from the following list:

POLS2002 Public Policy: Theory and Practice

POLS2009 Bureaucracy, Politics and Power

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:

HIST2022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History

HIST2227 Australian Political 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 and Dictatorship

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

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 Behavioural Economics

ECON2060 Economic Reasoning for Government

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 A

ANIP3005 Australian National Internships Program B

VCUG2001 Creating Knowledge

VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World

VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity

VCUG3002 Mobilising Research

Majors

Bachelor of Arts Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Arts Minors

Study Options

Year 1 Arts Major 1000 level Course 6 units Arts Minor 1000 level Course 6 units POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units
Arts Major 1000 level Course 6 units Arts Minor 1000 level Course 6 units POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units Another course from specified lists 6 units
Year 2 Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units Arts Minor 2000/3000 level Course 6 units POLS2119 Ideas in Politics 6 units Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units
Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units Arts Minor 2000/3000 level Course 6 units POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis 6 units Comparative Politics list Course 6 units
Year 3 Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units Arts Elective 6 units Comparative Politics list Course 6 units Australian Politics list Course 6 units
Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units Arts Elective 6 units Another course from specified lists 6 units Political Economy list Course 6 units
Year 4 Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units Arts Elective 6 units Methodology list Course 6 units Another course from specified lists 6 units
Arts Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units Arts Elective 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 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 - - - -
- - - -

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

Year 1 48 units - - - -
- - - -

Study Plan

Please refer to the "Study" tab.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units - - - -
- - - -
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