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.

When undertaking the Bachelor of Visual Arts at the ANU, you will be immersed in a program of rigorous scholarship and intensive studio practice, tailored to your aspirations and informed by internationally renowned art practitioners within Australia’s top-ranking university. You will graduate with the essential creative skills and critical knowledge to address the grand challenges of a rapidly changing world.

You will develop deep disciplinary knowledge and learn specialist skills offered across the School of Art and Design studio disciplines, including animation and video, ceramics, furniture, glass, hybrid art practice, jewellery and object, painting, photomedia, printmedia and drawing, sculpture and spatial practice, and textiles. You will extend your study through access to courses in the Centre for Art History and Art Theory, combined with access to electives from across the ANU.

Learning Outcomes

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.

1. apply technical skills and specialist knowledge to realise artworks, artefacts and related forms of creative expression;

2. demonstrate skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques in the visual arts;

3. recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply historical and theoretical perspectives to practice in the visual arts;

4. develop, express and evaluate ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively;

5. interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments in modes suited to a range of audiences; and

6. work independently and collaboratively in response to project demands.

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.

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:
  • ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.

International applicants

Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.

Diversity factors & English language proficiency  
As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.

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.

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

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

The Bachelor of Visual Arts 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 include:

24 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

ARTH1006 Art and Design Histories: Form and Space

ARTH1007 Art and Design Histories: Making and Meaning

ARTV3035 Creative Research Practice: Extending and Consolidating an Independent Project

6 units from completion of a foundation course from the following list:

ARTV1020 Figure & Life

ARTV1021 Image and Object

ARTV1033 Hold Everything: Studio Foundation

DESA1021 Precise Drawing and Model Making

DESN1002 Visual Communication: Design and Production

DESN1003 Contemporary Design in Context

12 units from completion of art history and theory courses from the following list:

ARTH2043 After the Bauhaus: Design from the Interwar Period to the Age of Climate Crisis

ARTH2044 Art and Its Context: Materials, Techniques, Display

ARTH2045 Curatorship History and Evolution

ARTH2050 Photography and Art

ARTH2052 Art of the Modern Print

ARTH2056 Art and Architecture of Southeast Asia: Tradition and Transformation

ARTH2059 Art of Asia: Histories and Traditions

ARTH2061 The Postmodern and the Contemporary: World art, 1970 to the present

ARTH2080 Art and Visual Culture of the Long Eighteenth Century, 1660-1815

ARTH2081 Art of the European Courts, 1500-1815

ARTH2082 Art, War and Conflict

ARTH2097 Victorian and Edwardian Art: Australia and Europe 1837-1914

ARTH2098 Australian First Nations Art and Culture

ARTH2104 Asian Art In-Country

ARTH2161 Contemporary Australian Art

ARTH2162 Art in the Digital Age

ARTH2166 Individual Research Unit

ARTH2167 Issues in Contemporary Craft and Design

ARTH2168 Renaissance and Baroque Art

ARTH2169 Introducing Asian Modernisms

ARTH2170 Contemporary Asian Art

ARTH2171 Australian Art: The Modern Period

ARTH2173 Art and the Moving Image

ARTH2174 Art, Medicine, Gender from the Renaissance until Today

ARTH2175 Across the Pacific: Australian Interactions with American Art and Art-Worlds

ARTH3004 City Sites: studies in art, design and urbanity

12 units from completion of introductory studio courses from the following list:

ARTV1101 Ceramics: Introduction to Clay Forming and Technology

ARTV1102 Ceramics: Throwing & Surface Decoration

ARTV1201 Furniture: Shape/Structure

ARTV1202 Furniture: Elevate/Surface

ARTV1301 Glass Hot Forming Introduction: Fundamentals for Contemporary Practice

ARTV1302 Glass Kiln Forming Introduction: Fundamentals for Contemporary Practice

ARTV1403 Jewellery & Object: Introduction to Precise Miniature Construction

ARTV1404 Jewellery & Object: Maker, Wearer, Viewer, User

ARTV1501 Painting: Introducing Painting

ARTV1502 Painting: Composition & Space

ARTV1601 Hyperanalogue: the alchemy of darkroom photography

ARTV1610 PhotoVideo: Interrogating the Camera

ARTV1611 Expanded Studio Practice: Constructing Worlds

ARTV1612 Video Art: Editing & Montage

ARTV1613 Foundations of Animation

ARTV1614 Post-Digital Photography: bending the image

ARTV1703 Drawing into Print: Etching and Relief

ARTV1704 Drawing into Print: Screen Printing and Stencils

ARTV1803 Supports: conceptual and material

ARTV1804 Place, time, and wood

ARTV1901 Textiles: Plants & Place

ARTV1902 Textiles: Pattern & Print

18 units from completion of intermediate/advanced studio courses from the following list:

ARTV2027 Professional Practice: Economies and Ecologies in the Australian Cultural Sector

ARTV2038 Workshop Atelier

ARTV2057 Hands On: Material Language

ARTV2059 Immersive Media

ARTV2060 Contexts of Making: Globalisation and Change

ARTV2061 Contexts of Making: Materiality and Value

ARTV2117 Ceramics: Glaze & Colour Development

ARTV2119 Ceramics: Experimental Methods and Meanings

ARTV2120 Ceramics: Designing for the Table and Home

ARTV2124 Ceramics: Surface, Form and Connectivity

ARTV2125 Ceramics: Moulding, Casting & Digital Technologies

ARTV2206 Furniture: Bend/Curve

ARTV2207 Furniture: Support/Body

ARTV2208 Furniture: Contain/Display

ARTV2209 Furniture: Collect/Treasure

ARTV2313 Glass Kiln Casting for Contemporary Practice

ARTV2314 Glass Blowing for Contemporary Practice: Materiality and Form

ARTV2315 Glass Kiln Forming for Contemporary Practice

ARTV2316 Glass Blowing for Contemporary Practice: Utility and Narrative

ARTV2401 Jewellery & Object: Making with machines

ARTV2402 Jewellery & Object: Utility as Context

ARTV2410 Jewellery & Object: Experimenting with process

ARTV2421 Jewellery & Object: Hollow Construction

ARTV2506 Painting: Approaches to Abstraction

ARTV2507 Painting: Painting in the Photo Digital Age

ARTV2508 Painting: Taking Your Own Direction

ARTV2509 Painting: Approaches to Composition and Colour

ARTV2605 The Photographic Document: Materiality and Form

ARTV2607 Photomedia: Large Format Photography

ARTV2608 Photomedia: Experimental Processes

ARTV2609 Animation and Video: Visual Storytelling

ARTV2610 Animation and Video: Character development

ARTV2613 Animation and Video: Landscape and Environment

ARTV2614 Animation and Video: Non-linear Forms

ARTV2706 Printmedia and Drawing: Drawing Beyond the Line

ARTV2707 Printmedia and Drawing: Extended Etching and Relief Printing

ARTV2708 Printmedia and Drawing: Construct Meaning with Drawing

ARTV2715 Printmedia and Drawing: Typography

ARTV2717 Printmedia and Drawing: The Book as Art

ARTV2723 Printmedia and Drawing: Extended Screen Printing

ARTV2727 Printmedia and Drawing: Lithography

ARTV2801 Socially Engaged Art Practice: Authorship, Dialogue and Community

ARTV2802 Politics of Memory: Video Installation, Sculpture, Documentary and Monuments

ARTV2810 Politics of Bodies: Sculpture, Figure Modelling, Performance and Choreography

ARTV2820 Politics of Spaces: Installation, Sculpture and Spatial Practice

ARTV2821 Posthuman Sculpture Practice with Active Materials: Bronze Casting, 3D Modelling and Bio Art

ARTV2830 Automation and Autonomy: Process, Accident, Sculpture

ARTV2906 Textiles: Approaches to Drawing for Craft and Design

ARTV2907 Subverting Stitch

ARTV2908 Woven Worlds

ARTV2909 Social Fabric: Crafting Communities

ARTV2911 Spatial/Temporal Methods

ARTV2921 Environment Studio: field based research and studio practice in visual arts

ARTV3031 Making Research for a Studio Practice in the Visual Arts

ARTV3032 Demonstrating research methods for a studio practice in the visual arts

ARTV3507 Painting: Open to Influence Studio Research

ARTV3508 Painting: Materiality and Meaning

ARTV3510 Painting: Critical Analysis and Reflection in the Studio

12 units from completion of courses listed in either the ‘introductory studio courses’ list or the ‘intermediate/advanced studio courses’ list above.

6 units from completion of an advanced studio course from the following list:

ARTV3028 Developing a Contemporary Craft Practice

ARTV3033 Creative Research Practice: Developing an Independent Work Proposal

6 units from completion of an engagement course from the following list:

ARTV2027 Professional Practice: Economies and Ecologies in the Australian Cultural Sector

ARTV2921 Environment Studio: field based research and studio practice in visual arts

ARTV3031 Making Research for a Studio Practice in the Visual Arts

ARTV3032 Demonstrating research methods for a studio practice in the visual arts

Majors

Bachelor of Visual Arts Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Visual Arts Minors

Study Options