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

Do you see yourself shaping Australia's foreign policy decisions? Or working with elite international organisations like the United Nations or our top spy agencies? The Bachelor of International Security Studies can help you make your dream career a reality.

When you study the Bachelor of International Security Studies you will delve deeply into the contemporary security threats facing nations, international organisations and businesses around the world – including the threat of military power, civil war, terrorism, cybercrime, environmental degradation and food security to name just a few. Read more about this degree on our website.

Follow in the footsteps of Nobel Prize winner Howard Florey and kick-start your career in medical research with the Bachelor of Medical Science.

You’ll delve into genetics, immunology, nutrition, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and anatomy to understand how the human body works.

Learn directly from biomedical scientists and health professionals, who are working to develop new cancer vaccines or ground-breaking treatments for autoimmune diseases.

Find out more about medical science, 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.

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

From instability in the Middle East, to the rising occurrences of computer hacking or global warming and its impact on human populations, there's a whole range of global security challenges which face business, government and international organisations today. As a result, employers across industry have begun to seek out graduates who have the confidence to provide advice on these issues and how to minimise their impacts.


The Bachelor of International Security Studies gives you the practical skills and knowledge that will set you apart as a leader in this field and graduates from this degree can expect to find themselves working in a range of fields including business analysts, defence policy, foreign affairs, intelligence agencies, journalism and media. Recent graduates of security studies are currently working with organisations like the Attorney Generals Department, United Nations, Telstra, Boeing, the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. More information can be found here.

From instability in the Middle East, to the rising occurrences of computer hacking or global warming and its impact on human populations, there's a whole range of global security challenges which face business, government and international organisations today. As a result, employers across industry have begun to seek out graduates who have the confidence to provide advice on these issues and how to minimise their impacts.


The Bachelor of International Security Studies gives you the practical skills and knowledge that will set you apart as a leader in this field and graduates from this degree can expect to find themselves working in a range of fields including business analysts, defence policy, foreign affairs, intelligence agencies, journalism and media. Recent graduates of security studies are currently working with organisations like the Attorney Generals Department, United Nations, Telstra, Boeing, the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. More information can be found here.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify and explain the key concepts, ideas and principal actors in international security.

  2. Evaluate the major theoretical frameworks for understanding the complexities of contemporary international security challenges.

  3. • Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the historical and contemporary dimensions of international, internal and transnational security, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

  4. Analyse the key challenges facing Australian security and defence policy in the ‘Asian Century’.

  5. Reflect critically on the principal factors that determine the security policies of Australia and the major Asia-Pacific powers

  6. Employ communication and presentation skills (oral, written and electronic)

  7. Demonstrate teamwork and interpersonal skills

  8. Exhibit the ability to write for both academic and professional audience

  1. develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in educational and professional contexts;
  2. use a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse and respond to problems and issues;
  3. convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
  4. work in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives; and
  5. exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Further Information

Domestic student may be eligible to apply for the Coral Bell Scholarship. Applications close 31 December each year for commencement in the following year.Domestic student may be eligible to apply for the Coral Bell Scholarship. Applications close 31 December each year for commencement in the following year.

Admission Requirements

ATAR:
85
International Baccalaureate:
31

Prerequisites

ACT: Chemistry (Major); NSW:  Chemistry or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.

Students who do not meet the chemistry requirement may be admitted into the program via a different pathway. Students who:

  • Have an ATAR score of 90 or higher, and
  • Commence the Bachelor of Science program after completion of the chemistry bridging course available in February through the ANU Research School of Chemistry (or equivalent) and complete CHEM1101 and BIOL1003 with a minimum average of 65%, may then apply to transfer to the Bachelor of the Medical Science program.

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 International Security Studies - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Bachelor of Medical 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
$49,285.00

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 International Security Studies 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:

24 units from completion of the following compulsory course list:

STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies

STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security

STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific

STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century

 

Minimum of 6 units from completion of a course from the following concepts and methods course list:

HIST2110 Approaches to History

POLS2123 Peace and Conflict Studies

POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences

SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis

WARS2001 Theories of War: An historical and global perspective

POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis

POLS3017 International Relations Theory

 

Minimum of 36 units from completion of courses from the following list of Security Studies courses:

Asia-Pacific Security

ASIA2060 Southeast Asian Security

ASIA2111 Indonesian Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2012 Chinese Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2014 Indian Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2016 US Foreign and Security Policy in Asia

INTR2018 Japanese Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2020 (In)Stability on the Korean Peninsula

INTR2024 Nuclear Politics in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities

STST2020 Study tour: Southeast Asia's Security Choices

 

Global Security

MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security

HIST2240 Democracy and Dissent: Europe Since 1945

POLS2132 Current Issues in International Security

STST2124 Politics of Nuclear Weapons

 

Australian Security

STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands

STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World

 

Non-traditional Security

ASIA2093 Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific

DIPL2000 Leadership and Diplomacy

INTR2047 Human Security: Conflict, Displacement and Peace Building

POLS3004 Emotions in International Politics

POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict

POLS3036 International Terrorism

 

History and Security after 1945

HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989

STST2004 Special Topic in International Security

STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World

WARS2002 Vietnam Wars: 1941-1989

WARS2003 The Korean War

 

A maximum of 30 units from the completion of courses within the following Language, Security and Area Studies minors:

Language

Advanced Arabic

Advanced Chinese Language

Advanced French Studies

Advanced German Studies

Advanced Italian Studies

Advanced Japanese Language

Advanced Korean Language

Advanced Sanskrit Language

Advanced Spanish Studies

Arabic Language

Burmese Language

Chinese Language

French Language and Culture

German Language and Culture

Hindi Language

Indonesian Language

Italian Language and Culture

Japanese Language

Korean Language

Mongolian Language

Persian

Russian

Spanish

Tetum Language

Thai Language

Tibetan Language

Tok Pisin Language

Vietnamese Language

 

Area Studies and Methods

Asian Studies

Asia-Pacific International Relations

Contemporary Europe

Gender and Sexuality

International Communication

International Relations

Latin American Studies

Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies

Northeast Asian Studies

Pacific Studies

Philosophy

Social Research Methods

Southeast Asian Studies

Sustainable Development

 

Security

Criminology

Historical International Security

Peace and Conflict Studies

Technology, Networks and Society

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

ASIA2110 International Affairs Internship

ASIA2098 Asian and Pacific Studies Internship

ASIA3023 Asia Pacific Week Internship

LING2107 Advanced Academic English

The Bachelor of Medical Science flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

 

A maximum of 30 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

 

The 96 units must include:

54 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

BIOL1003 Evolution, Ecology & Genetics (6 units)

BIOL1004 Molecular and Cell Biology (6 units)

BIOL2142 General Microbiology (6 units)

BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression (6 units)

BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition (6 units)

BIOL3190 Medical Science in the Workplace (6 units)

CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 (6 units)

CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 (6 units)

MEDN2001 Medical Physiology and Pharmacology (6 units)


6 units from completion of quantitative research skills courses from the following list:

BIAN3014 Research Design and Analysis in Biological Anthropology (6 units)

BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)

BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)

ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research (6 units)

PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology (6 units)


12 units from completion of courses from the following list:

BIOL2117 Cell Biology (6 units)

BIOL2151 Genetics (6 units)

BIOL2162 Molecular Gene Technology (6 units)

BIOL2174 Cell Physiology in Health and Disease (6 units)


 24 units from completion of courses from the following lists:

A minimum of 12 units of core biomedical courses from the following list:

BIOL3108 Hallmarks of Cancer (6 units)

BIOL3141 Infection and Immunity (6 units)

BIOL3142 Biomedical Parasitology (6 units)

BIOL3144 Advanced and Applied Immunology (6 units)

MEDN3186 Human Anatomy (6 units)

BIOL3204 Genetics of Human Disease 1 (6 units)

BIOL3205 Genetics of Human Disease 2 (6 units)

NEUR3101 Cellular Neuroscience (6 units)

NEUR3112 Systems Neuroscience (6 units)

A maximum of 12 units of biomedical electives from the following list:

BIOL3107 Advances in Medical and Plant Biochemistry (6 units)

BIOL3161 Genomics and its Applications (6 units)

BIOL3191 Bioethics and Society (6 units)

BIOL3203 Advanced Microscopy in Biosciences (6 units)

BIOL3208 Biology Research Project (6 units)

BIOL3209 Biology Research Project (12 units)

MEDN3820 Biomedical Imaging: Principles, Technologies and Applications in Health Sciences (6 units)

POPH3000 Introduction to Population Health (6 units)


Students must achieve a minimum 65% weighted average mark across all science courses in the Bachelor of Medical Science undertaken in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in order to continue in the Bachelor of Medical Science.


Students who do not achieve a minimum of 65% weighted average mark will be transferred to a different Science program.

Minors

Bachelor of International Security Studies Minors

Study Options

Year 1 - - CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units
- - CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units
Year 2 - - BIOL2161 Genes: Replication and Expression 6 units BIOL2171 Biochemistry and Nutrition 6 units
- - BIOL2142 General Microbiology 6 units 2000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units
Year 3 - - MEDN2001 Medical Physiology and Pharmacology 6 units Quantitative Research Skills Course List 6 units
- - 2000 level B.MedSc elective from list 6 units BIOL3190 Medical Science in the Workplace 6 units
Year 4 - - 3000 level B.MedSc Core or Elective Biomedical Course List 6 units 3000 level B.MedSc Core or Elective Biomedical Course List 6 units
- - 3000 level B.MedSc Core or Elective Biomedical Course List 6 units 3000 level B.MedSc Core or Elective Biomedical Course List 6 units

Back to the Bachelor of International Security Studies page

When you study the Bachelor of International Security Studies  you will delve deeply into the contemporary security threats facing nations, international organisations and businesses around the world - including the threat of military power, civil war, terrorism, cybercrime, environmental degradation and food security to name just a few. Read more about this degree on our website.

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.  Other things to be aware of:

  • A course can only be counted towards one major or minor.

  • You can’t study more than 4 courses (24 units) per semester.

  • You may need to enrol in courses for your major and/or your minor, particularly if you are completing a double degree.

  • If you are intending to enrol in language courses and have previous experience with the language you wish to study, you need to sit a placement test to ensure you are enrolled at the most appropriate level of language study.  Further information is available here

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 ASIA1234.

Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program

Electives

You can use your electives to enrol in any courses that you like, provided you meet prerequisite requirements.

To find 1000-level courses, search Programs and Courses.

Remember, though, that if you are a single-degree student you cannot count more than 60 units of 1000-level courses towards the completion of your degree.  If you are a double-degree student, you cannot count more than 36 units of 1000-level courses towards the completion of the 96 units allocated to the BINSS half of your degree.


Study Options

Single Degree example

This is an example only - you need to plan your degree carefully to ensure that you are on track to fulfil the requirements of the BINSS program orders. You may, for example, wish to leave a substantial number (24) of elective units free so that you can study overseas for a semester.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list 1000-level elective course 1000-level elective course
STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list 1000-level elective course 1000-level elective course

Double Degree example

This is an example only - you need to plan your degree carefully to ensure that you are on track to fulfil the requirements of both degrees.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies 6 units 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list Course from second degree Course from second degree
STST1003 Coping with Crisis: The Practice of International Security 6 units 1000-level course from the Language, Security and Area Studies minor list Course from second degree Course from second degree

Back to the Bachelor of Medical Science page

Do you want to know how the human body works?

The ANU Bachelor of Medical Science brings the disciplines of genetics, immunology, nutrition, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and anatomy into a single degree.

Our well-regarded program will provide you with a fundamental knowledge of the medical sciences -giving you a platform from which to undertake further study in medicine, pharmacology, physiotherapy, nutrition, dietetics or forensic science.

This flexible degree also lets you choose additional subjects in complementary disciplines such as neuroscience, psychology, molecular biology and ethics in order to develop your interests further.

You will learn about the real applications of medical science by having the opportunity to interact with various health professionals through seminars, work place visits and interviews

This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement. 

The Bachelor of Medical Science can also be taken as a part of many double degrees. 

Single degree

  • This degree requires 144 units
  • A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
  • A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
  • An average of 65% in core Science courses must be maintained each semester to remain in the program
  • Other courses from the Science course list or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)

Double degree

  • This degree requires 96 units Science courses
  • A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level Science courses
  • A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
  • An average of 65% in core Science courses must be maintained each semester to remain in the program
  • Other courses from the Science course list

About this degree

Single degree

In a Bachelor of Medical Science single degree program you will study a total of 144 units.  Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.

You will need to complete a minimum of 16 science courses (96 units) but will also get to choose eight courses (48 units) from other ANU Colleges.  You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing. The choice is yours.

 

Double degree

In a Bachelor of Medical Science double degree program you will study a total of 96 units.  Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree.  However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Medical Science degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.

Enrolment Status

It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each semester.

  • You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
  • You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
  • You may take 1000-level courses later in your program.  But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Medical Science half of the double degree.

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

There are 4 compulsory 1000 level Science courses you must take in your first year:

Electives

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

Study Options

Bachelor of Medical Science - single degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Medical Science.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units Science or non-science course 6 units

Bachelor of Medical Science - double degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Medical Science with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts. 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 science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take CHEM1101, CHEM1201 and BIOL1004. You can then take BIOL1003 in your second year of study.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units CHEM1101 Chemistry 1 6 units BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics 6 units Degree B course 6 units Degree B course 6 units
CHEM1201 Chemistry 2 6 units BIOL1004 Biology 2: Molecular and Cell Biology 6 units Degree B course 6 units Degree B course 6 units

Academic Advice

For further information, you can:

  • Visit the Research School of Biology 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

Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?

Contact Science Enquiries at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au

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