• Length 4 years full-time
  • Minimum 192 Units
Admission requirements
  • Academic plan BMASC / BPLSC
  • CRICOS code 079093D
  • UAC code 130010
Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences / Bachelor of Political Science

At the core of all technological innovations is maths.

If you’d like to master quantitative problem-solving, mathematical modelling and critical thinking, this is the degree for you.

It is an elite, research-focused program for exceptional students at Australia’s highest-ranked university.

Make your mark with maths at ANU: find out more about mathematical studies, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.

Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.

This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.

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

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences is designed for students who want a career based in the quantitative modelling of the real world, a research-oriented career in government, commerce or industry, or who are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies.

Mathematical Science graduates have gone on to positions at the CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, Geosciences Australia, the Australian Signals Directorate, Macquarie Bank, Boston Consulting, Treasury, the Australian Tax Office and Google.

See where a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences is designed for students who want a career based in the quantitative modelling of the real world, a research-oriented career in government, commerce or industry, or who are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies.

Mathematical Science graduates have gone on to positions at the CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, Geosciences Australia, the Australian Signals Directorate, Macquarie Bank, Boston Consulting, Treasury, the Australian Tax Office and Google.

See where a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the skills and knowledge to:

  1. Think clearly, sequentially and logically, as demonstrated by the critical analysis of quantitative problems, such as the ability to read, understand and write mathematical proofs.
  2. Demonstrate mastery of the concepts and techniques of Advanced Mathematics
  3. Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally
  4. Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions
  5. Engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
  6. Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.
  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:
90
International Baccalaureate:
33

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

ACT: Specialist Mathematics/ Specialist Methods (double major)/ Discrete Mathematics ANU/UC, NSW: Mathematics Extension 2 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 Mathematical Sciences - 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
$46,910.00

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 Mathematical Sciences 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:

36 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem Solving and Proofs

MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I

MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications

MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra

 

36 units from completion of 3000- or 4000-level courses from the subject area MATH Mathematics

 

24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list

 

Students must achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in the subject area of MATH in order to continue in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences. 

Students who do not achieve a minimum of 70% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

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

Study Options

Year 1 MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem-Solving and Proofs 6 units POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra 6 units POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units Another course from specified lists 6 units
Year 2 MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I 6 units MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications 6 units POLS2119 Ideas in Politics 6 units Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units
Science elective 6 units Science elective 6 units POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis 6 units Comparative Politics list Course 6 units
Year 3 Science elective 6 units Science elective 6 units Comparative Politics list Course 6 units Australian Politics list Course 6 units
3000 or 4000 level MATH course 6 units 3000 or 4000 level MATH course 6 units Another course from specified lists 6 units Political Economy list Course 6 units
Year 4 3000 or 4000 level MATH course 6 units 3000 or 4000 level MATH course 6 units Methodology list Course 6 units Another course from specified lists 6 units
3000 or 4000 level MATH course 6 units 3000 or 4000 level MATH course 6 units Methodology list Course 6 units Australian Politics list Course 6 units

Back to the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences page

Please note that if you are commencing your studies in semester 2 there may be restrictions on the courses available for enrolment. We strongly recommend that you make an appointment with an academic advisor. You can make an appointment by using our online booking system here. Alternatively, you can call Science Central on 6125 2809. There will also be advisory sessions offered during the week before semester commences.

Mathematics is the study of universal patterns and structures and is the quantitative language of the world. It underpins information technology, computer science, engineering, and the physical sciences; and it plays an increasingly important role in the biological and medical sciences, economics, finance, environmental science, sociology and psychology. The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences provides the tools to study these patterns and structures and along the way you learn transferable skills in critical thinking, analysis, investigation and evidenced-based decision making.

Your program can concentrate on theoretical mathematics, or can extend to a range of applicable mathematical areas such as mathematical modelling, mathematical finance, mathematical economics, mathematical physics, and quantitative biology.


Single degree

In a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences single degree program you will study a total of 144 units (24 courses) and as a full time student you will need to take 24 units (4 courses) per semester. Of these courses you will need to complete a minimum of 12 core and advanced MATH courses (72 units) together with another 4 courses from the Science course list. You also can choose 8 elective courses (48 units) from any ANU Colleges. You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-mathematics subject, such as philosophy, history or computing. The choice is yours.

Summary:

This degree requires 144 units (24 courses)

A maximum of 60 units (10 courses) of 1000-level courses

  • 36 units (6 courses) of core MATH courses
  • A minimum of 36 units (6 courses) of advanced MATH 3000-level courses
  • 24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list
  • An average mark of 70% in core and advanced MATH courses must be maintained each semester to remain in the program
  • 48 units (8 course) from the Science course list or another ANU College

Double degree

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences can also be taken as a part of many double degrees.

In a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences  double degree program you will study a total of 96 units (16 courses) and as a full time student you will take 4 courses per semester (24 units). However, in each semester you will be likely to take 2 courses from your Mathematical Sciences degree and 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.

Summary:

  • In a flexible double degree the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences component requires 96 units (16 courses)
  • 36 units (6 courses) of core MATH courses
  • A minimum of 36 units (6 courses) of advanced MATH 3000-level courses
  • 24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list
  • An average mark of 70% in core and advanced MATH courses must be maintained each semester to remain in the program

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 (4 course) each semester.

  • You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
  • You can’t study more than 4 courses (24 units) per semester, 8 courses (48 units) 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) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Mathematical Sciences half of the double degree.

Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses

There are two compulsory 1000 level courses you must take in your first year year:

Electives

Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences program.

Study Options

Single degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units Science elective 6 units Science or non-science course Science or non-science course
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units Science elective 6 units Science or non-science course Science or non-science course

Double degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science . Please note that for some double degrees (e.g. with Bachelor of Engineering) you may only be able to take one course in semester 1 for your mathematical science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take MATH1115, MATH1116.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units Science elective 6 units Degree B Course Degree B Course
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units Science elective 6 units Degree B Course Degree B Course

Academic Advice

For further information, you can:

  • Visit the Mathematical Sciences Institute webpage here, or
  • Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
  • View our program presentation videos located on our New commencers & first year students page, or
  • Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
  • Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor here or by calling Science Central on 6125 2809.

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

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Study Plan

Please refer to the "Study" tab.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units - - - -
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