single degree

Bachelor of Pacific Studies

A single three year undergraduate award offered by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific

BPACSTD
  • Length 3 year full-time
  • Minimum 144 Units
Admission requirements
  • Mode of delivery
    • In Person
  • Field of Education
    • Studies in Human Society
  • Academic contact
  • Length 3 year full-time
  • Minimum 144 Units
Admission requirements
  • Mode of delivery
    • In Person
  • Field of Education
    • Studies in Human Society
  • Academic contact

Program Requirements

 The Bachelor of Pacific Studies requires the completion of 144 units, of which:

  A maximum of 60 units can come from the completion of 1000 level courses.

 

 The 144 units must include:

24 units from the following compulsory courses:

PASI1011 - Pacific Encounters: An introduction to Pacific Studies

PASI1012 - Pacific Worlds: critical inquiry in Oceania

PASI2001 - Pacific Studies in a Globalising World

PASI3001 - Politics and Development in the Contemporary Pacific


A minimum of 6 units from the following 3000 level PASI-coded courses:

PASI3002 - Gender and Sexuality in the Pacific

PASI3005 - Pacific Islands Field School

PASI3010 - Pacific Engagement Project

PASI3012 - Readings in Indigenous Studies

PASI3013 - Environment and Development in the Pacific


A minimum of 12 units from the following thematic lists:

History and Archaeology

ASIA2301 - Human migration and expansion in the rise of the Asia-Pacific

ARCH2005 - Archaeology of the Pacific Islanders

HIST2231 - Exploration: From Captain Cook to the Astronauts

PASI2002 - Australia in Oceania in the 19th and 20th centuries

WARS2004 - War in the Islands: The Second World War in the Pacific


Politics, international relations and security

ASIA2087 - Peace Building in the Pacific and Asia

ASIA2093 - Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific

INTR2010 - International Relations in the Asia-Pacific

PASI2030 - Study Tour: Regional Policymaking for Pacific Development

PASI3002 - Gender and Sexuality in the Pacific

POLS2055 - Pacific Politics

STST2001 - Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific

STST2003 - Australia and Security in the Pacific


Environment and resources

ASIA2093 - Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific

ASIA2301 - Human Migration and Expansion in the Rise of the Asia-Pacific

ENVS2005 - Islands Sustainable Development: Fiji Field School

PASI2030 - Study Tour: Regional Policymaking for Pacific Development

PASI3013 - Environment and Development in the Pacific


Culture, literature and language

ASIA2001 - Language in Asia and the Pacific

ASIA2308 - Linguistic Histories in Asia and the Pacific

ASIA3053 - Rituals of Life and Death in Asia and the Pacific

PASI3002 - Gender and Sexuality in the Pacific

PASI3005 - Pacific Islands Field School


A maximum of 24 units from one of the following minors of languages spoken in the Pacific:

French Language and Culture Minor

Tetum Language Minor

Tok Pisin Language Minor


24 units from completion of one of the following minors:

Languages spoken in the Pacific or of historical and community importance:

Chinese language

French Language and Culture

German Language and Culture

Indonesian language

Japanese language

Tetum Language

Tok Pisin Language 

Spanish

Disciplinary and regional studies minors of relevance to the study of the Pacific Islands:

Archaeology

Art History and Theory

Asia-Pacific International Relations

Asian history  

Asian Art History

Asian and Pacific Anthropology

Asian and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender

Anthropology

Australian Indigenous Studies

Biodiversity and Conservation Management

Climate Science and Policy

Comparative Politics

Demography

Development Studies

Digital Humanities

Economic Studies

Environmental Policy

Environmental Studies

Gender and Sexuality

Geography

Heritage and Museum Studies

History

Human Rights

Indonesian Studies

International Relations

Linguistics

Peace and Conflict Studies

Philosophy

Political Science

Political Theory

Popular Music

Social Research Methods

Sociology 

Sustainable Development

Visual Arts Practice

War Studies


A maximum of 6 units from the completion of courses from VCUG Vice Chancellor’s Undergraduate Courses or the following list:

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program Internship A

ASIA2098 Asian and Pacific Studies Internship

ASIA2110  International Affairs Internship

ASIA3023 Asia Pacific Week Internship

LING2107 Advanced Academic English

48 units of from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Minors

Elective Study

Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective majorminor or specialisation.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units PASI1011 Pacific Encounters: An introduction to Pacific Studies 6 units Major 1000 level course 6 units Elective 1000 level course 6 units Elective course 1000 level course 6 units
PASI1012 Pacific Worlds: critical inquiry in Oceania 6 units Major 1000 level course 6 units Elective course 1000 level course 6 units Elective course 1000 level course 6 units
Year 2 48 units PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalizing World 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
PASI2002 Australia in Oceania in the 19th and 20th centuries 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
Year 3 48 units Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Elective 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units
Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Pacific Studies Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Major 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units Elective 2000 or 3000 level course 6 units

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:

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

ATAR:
80
International Baccalaureate:
29

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.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

Annual indicative fee for international students
$42,615.00

For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

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.

As Australia’s engagement with the Pacific increases, so too does the need for graduates with Pacific expertise.

The Bachelor of Pacific Studies will provide you with a deep understanding of the diversity, history and contemporary issues of Oceania, so you can take a leading role in Pacific policy and development.

You will also have the opportunity to engage in internship and immersion programs in Oceania, boosting your language skills and expertise in the region.

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.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Critically apply theoretical frameworks and research techniques to understand the global significance of Oceania as a region of diverse societies, cultures and languages;
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of diverse disciplinary approaches and methods drawn from the humanities, social sciences and environmental studies, to synthesize knowledge about Oceania and its place in the
        world;
  3. Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the diversity of indigenous, popular culture, policy and scholarly perspectives on and within Oceania;
  4. Evaluate knowledge and ideas and debate issues using academic and other approaches addressing a variety of scholarly, policy and public audiences;
  5. Exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems individually as well as collaboratively.

Back to the Bachelor of Pacific Studies page

The Bachelor of Pacific Studies is offered through the School of Culture, History and Language.  Upon completion of this degree, you will have developed specific knowledge of Pacific Studies and a range of transferable skills that will prepare you for work or further study.

Single degree

  • This degree requires the completion of 144 units
  • A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses is allowed
  • 48 units must come from completion of the Pacific Studies major
  • 24 units from completion of a minor approved by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
  • 72 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Double degree

  • This degree requires the completion of 96 units
  • A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses is allowed
  • 48 units must come from completion of the Pacific Studies major
  • 24 units from completion of a minor approved by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
  • 24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

About this degree

Single degree
In a Bachelor of Pacific Studies 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 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree. Once you have fulfilled the requirements of the Pacific Studies major, you can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a subject of your choice.

Double degree
You will need to complete a minimum of 96 units towards the Bachelor of Pacific Studies degree but will also get to choose 4 courses (24 units) from other ANU Colleges.

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.

Remember you will need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.  You will be able to change your enrolment in courses up until the end of week 2 of each semester without penalty.

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

If you are intending to enrol into our language courses and have previous experience with the language you want to study, even if you think it might not be relevant or was too long ago, you need to sit a placement test for the College to ensure you are enrolled into the most appropriate level of language study.  

Relevant past experience include:

  1. Previous study of the language
  2. Being exposed to the language in childhood
  3. Travel or living in a country where the language is spoken
  4. The language being spoken in your home (even if you don’t speak it)

Languages available for the placement test:

  1.  Indonesian
  2. Chinese
  3. Japanese
  4. Korean

Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program

Students in this degree must complete a Pacific Studies Major, and a minor from the following list:

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Development Studies
  • Environmental Studies
  • Environmental Policy
  • Heritage and Museum Studies
  • History
  • Human Ecology
  • Australian Indigenous Studies
  • International Relations
  • Political Science
  • Social Research Methods
  • Sociology
  • Chinese
  • French Language and Culture
  • German Language and Culture
  • Hindi
  • Indonesian
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
  • Biodiversity Conservation and Management
  • Climate Science and Policy
  • Environmental Policy
  • Forest Science and Policy
  • Geography
  • Human Ecology
  • Integrative Methods in Environment and Society
  • Soil and Land Management
  • Sustainable Development
  • Water Science and Policy
  • Philosophy
  • Visual Arts Practice
Students can however can choose to do a second major from the following list in place of a minor:
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Development Studies
  • Environmental Studies
  • Gender, Sexuality and Culture
  • Geography
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Chinese
  • French Language and Culture
  • German Language and Culture
  • Hindi
  • Indonesian
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
  • Environmental and Landscape Sciences
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Sustainability Science
  • Philosophy
Once you've selected courses for a major, and/or a minor or second major, you should choose electives to make up the balance of your courses.

Electives

You can use your electives to enrol in any courses that you like, provided you meet prerequisite requirements. Students who choose to do a second major will need to take the additional 24 units for their major from their electives.

To find 1000-level courses, use the catalogue finder. Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College at the University if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Pacific Studies program.

Study Options

Bachelor of Pacific Studies Double Degree Study Plan

Study Options

Year 1 48 units PASI1011 Pacific Encounters: An introduction to Pacific Studies 6 units Language Course 6 units Course from other Degree 6 units Course from other Degree 6 units
PASI1012 Pacific Worlds: critical inquiry in Oceania 6 units Language Course 6 units Course from other Degree 6 units Course from other Degree 6 units

Academic Advice

If after reading through these guidelines you are unsure about your which courses to enrol in, you can come to an academic advice session at Melville Hall during Orientation week.

If you are seeking status (credit) from previous study at another university you will need to come to an academic advice session at Melville Hall during Orientation week, and we will help you choose the correct courses for your first year.

Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?

Contact Katerina Teaiwa at Katerina.Teaiwa@anu.edu.au

Back to the top

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions