Australia is increasingly looking to Asia - strategically, economically, politically, and culturally - and all eyes are on the graduates of tomorrow to take us there. Watch our video to find out how this degree will prepare you for a successful career in the Asian Century.

With a Bachelor of Asian Studies you will master an Asian language, acquire in-depth contextual and regional knowledge, and graduate with the kind of Asian literacy that gets you noticed by employers.

And if you love adventure, we offer you a variety of study opportunities in the region so you can experience Asia first hand. Plus we’ll provide you with funding to help get you there.

Our community of scholars, policymakers, researchers and students is proudly interdisciplinary and interregional. Our teaching and research drives Australia’s engagement and understanding of its neighbouring regions. Majors and minors in the Bachelor of Asian Studies can be based on a language, a region or a discipline – for example, Modern Chinese Language, Asia-Pacific Politics, Japanese Studies and many others. We encourage students who begin the study of an Asian language at university to complete a full language major in order to graduate with the proficiency required to function as an Asia specialist in the increasingly competitive job market. Placement testing allows students with existing expertise in a language to enter at their current proficiency level.

With a myriad of majors and minors, craft a science degree that is uniquely yours with the ANU Bachelor of Science.

You’ll have the opportunity to experiment in our state-of-the-art laboratories while being mentored by leading scientists. You’ll have the flexibility to go on fieldtrips, take your studies overseas, or try an internship.

Whether your passion lies in marine science or mathematics, physics or psychology, you’ll be able to explore your interests and follow your passions with our most flexible science degree.

Find out more about our science study areas, 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 .

Employment Opportunities

In today's globalised world success for business, government and international organisations depends heavily on strong relationships with Asia. This means that employers across the globe now actively recruit graduates who can demonstrate a deep understanding of the region.

From the Kitchen Ninja on TV to Human Rights Lawyer, the global skills our students develop mean our graduates are found all over the world in exciting and challenging jobs across many fields including international relations or trade, development, government and policy, banking and finance, tourism, media, education, information technology, communications, journalism, aid, marketing and many other fields.

In today's globalised world success for business, government and international organisations depends heavily on strong relationships with Asia. This means that employers across the globe now actively recruit graduates who can demonstrate a deep understanding of the region.

From the Kitchen Ninja on TV to Human Rights Lawyer, the global skills our students develop mean our graduates are found all over the world in exciting and challenging jobs across many fields including international relations or trade, development, government and policy, banking and finance, tourism, media, education, information technology, communications, journalism, aid, marketing and many other fields.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically apply theoretical frameworks and research techniques to understand the global significance of Asia as a region and as a composite of diverse societies and cultures;

2. Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the regional diversity of the societies and cultures that make up Asia;

3. Exercise critical thinking and judgment in identifying and solving problems, individually and in groups.

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 and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives;
5. exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Further Information

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

Prerequisites

There are no formal program prerequisites and many first-year science courses assume little specific knowledge. The exceptions are: 

• For many of the biology majors, chemistry is a requirement, therefore it is recommended that students have at least an ACT minor (but preferably a major) in chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in the biological streams of biochemistry and cell biology, microbiology and immunology, molecular genetics, animal and human physiology, and some parts of botany and neuroscience. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
• CHEM1101: ACT major in Chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent, is required. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in chemistry. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
• MATH1003: Assumed knowledge: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent 
• MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent 
• MATH1013: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics Major - Minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent. Students with a good pass in ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent will be considered 
• MATH1115: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics double major or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. Students with excellent marks in either ACT Specialist Mathematics major-minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent may be permitted to enrol 
• PHYS1101: There is a corequisite of MATH1013/1115. See the entries above. There is no formal physics prerequisite but preparation is assumed and recommended. Recommended preparation is - NSW: a high standard in 2 unit physics or a multistrand science; ACT: a high standard in physics (major). 

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 Asian 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:

12 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

ASIA1025 Asia and the Pacific: Power, diversity and change

ASIA1030 Asia and the Pacific in Motion

12 units from the following list:

ASIA2001 Language in Asia and the Pacific

ASIA2018 Maps and Mapping in Asia and the Pacific

ASIA2065 Asian Politics: From Concepts to Causes

ASIA2067 Economies of Emerging Asia

ASIA2120 Colonialism and the Rule of Law

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

ASIA2302 Culture and Modernity in Asia: Anthropological Perspectives

ASIA2304 What is Literature? Asian Perspectives

ASIA2307 History of Empire in Asia

ASIA2311 Gender and Cultural Studies in Asia and the Pacific

INTR2010 International Relations in the Asia-Pacific

STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific

24 units from completion of language courses from one of the following lists :

Burmese Language

BURM1002 Burmese 1

BURM1003 Burmese 2

BURM2001 Burmese 3

BURM2002 Burmese 4

Chinese Language

ASIA2103 Language in Asia and the Pacific (L)

CHIN1012 Modern Chinese 1: Spoken

CHIN1013 Modern Chinese 1: Written

CHIN2022 Modern Chinese 2: Spoken 

CHIN2023 Modern Chinese 2: Written 

CHIN2014 Modern Chinese 3

CHIN2017 Modern Chinese 4

CHIN3022 Modern Chinese 5

CHIN3023 Modern Chinese 6

CHIN2525 Learning Language Locally: China

CHIN3024 Advanced Modern Chinese A

CHIN3025 Advanced Modern Chinese B

CHIN3041 Chinese-English Translation 

CHIN3216 Chinese-English Interpreting

Hindi Language

ASIA2103 Language in Asia and the Pacific (L)

ASIA3108 Research Topics in Asian and Pacific Languages (L)

HIND1100 Hindi 1

HIND1200 Hindi 2

HIND2300 Hindi 3

HIND2400 Hindi 4

HIND3500 Hindi 5

HIND3600 Hindi 6

HIND2525 Learning Language Locally: India

Indonesian Language

ASIA2103 Language in Asia and the Pacific (L)

ASIA3108 Research Topics in Asian and Pacific Languages (L)

INDN1002 Indonesian 1

INDN1003 Indonesian 2

INDN2002 Indonesian 3

INDN2003 Indonesian 4

INDN3002 Indonesian 5

INDN3003 Indonesian 6

INDN2525 Learning Language Locally: Indonesia

INDN3015 Advanced Indonesian: Translation into English

LING3104 Indonesian and Interdisciplinary Linguistics (L)

Japanese Language

ASIA2103 Language in Asia and the Pacific (L)

JPNS1012 Japanese 1: Spoken

JPNS1014 Japanese 1: Written

JPNS2003 Japanese 2: Spoken

JPNS2005 Japanese 2: Written

JPNS2012 Japanese 3

JPNS2013 Japanese 4

JPNS3001 Japanese 5

JPNS3002 Japanese 6

JPNS2024 Japanese Grammar and Expressions 

JPNS2525 Learning Language Locally: Japan

JPNS3005 Advanced Japanese: Issues in Contemporary Japan

JPNS3006 Advanced Japanese: Language in Context

JPNS3007 Advanced Japanese: Readings in Culture and Society

JPNS3008 Advanced Japanese: Readings in Literature

JPNS3012 Teaching Japanese: Content

JPNS3013 Japanese - English Translation

JPNS3014 Teaching Japanese: Method

JPNS3023 Research Topics in Japanese: History & Society

JPNS3024 Research Topics in Japanese: International Relations & Politics

JPNS3102 Debating Japan: Contemporary Intellectual Debates

Korean Language

ASIA2103 Language in Asia and the Pacific (L)

KORE1020 Korean 1

KORE1021 Korean 2

KORE2521 Korean 3

KORE2522 Korean 4

KORE3012 Korean 5

KORE3013 Korean 6

KORE3015 Advanced Korean: Film and Society

KORE3018 Advanced Korean: Culture and History

Literary Chinese Language

CHIN2019 Literary Chinese 1

CHIN2021 Literary Chinese 2

CHIN3015 Advanced Literary Chinese*

Mongolian Language

MNGL1002 Mongolian 1

MNGL1003 Mongolian 2

MNGL2002 Mongolian 3

MNGL2003 Mongolian 4

Sanskrit Language

ASIA2103 Language in Asia and the Pacific (L)

ASIA3108 Research Topics in Asian and Pacific Languages (L)

SKRT1002 Sanskrit 1

SKRT1003 Sanskrit 2

SKRT2103 Sanskrit 3

SKRT2104 Sanskrit 4

SKRT3004 Sanskrit 5

SKRT3005 Sanskrit 6

SKRT3002 Sanskrit 7

SKRT3003 Sanskrit 8

Tetum Language

TETM1002 Tetum 1

TETM1003 Tetum 2

TETM2004 Tetum 3

TETM2005 Tetum 4

 Thai Language

ASIA2103 Language in Asia and the Pacific (L)

ASIA3108 Research Topics in Asian and Pacific Languages (L)

THAI1002 Thai 1

THAI1003 Thai 2

THAI2002 Thai 3

THAI2003 Thai 4

THAI3002 Thai 5

THAI3008 Thai 6

Vietnamese Language

ASIA2103 Language in Asia and the Pacific (L)

ASIA3108 Research Topics in Asian and Pacific Languages (L)

VIET1002 Vietnamese 1

VIET1003 Vietnamese 2

VIET2002 Vietnamese 3

VIET2003 Vietnamese 4

VIET3002 Vietnamese 5

VIET3003 Vietnamese 6 

VIET3015 Vietnamese–English Translation

 *CHIN3015 Advanced Literary Chinese may be completed up to 4 times in a different topic in each instance with permission of the Course Convenor.

48 units from completion of courses from the following contextual and language subject areas, majors and minors, of which a minimum of 6 units must come from completion of 3000-level non-language courses.  A maximum of 6 units maybe taken from the experiential course list or from VCUG Vice Chancellor’s Undergraduate Courses  

Languages

Arabic major

Burmese Language minor

Chinese Language major

Chinese Studies major

French Language and Culture major

Hindi Language major

Indonesian Language major

Japanese Language major

Japanese Studies major

Korean Language major

Literary Chinese minor

Mongolian Language minor

Sanskrit Language major

Spanish major

Tetum Language minor

Thai Language major

Tok Pisin Language minor

Vietnamese Language major

Portuguese Language (PORT)

Tibetan Language (TIBN)

Disciplines

Anthropology major

Archaeology major

Linguistics major

Peace and Conflict Studies major

Area Studies

Asian and Pacific Anthropology minor

Asian and Pacific Archaeology minor

Asian and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender minor

Asian and Pacific Linguistics minor

Asian and Pacific Literature and Film minor

Asian History major

Asia-Pacific International Relations major

Asia-Pacific Politics major

Asia-Pacific Security Studies major

Indian and South Asian Studies major

Indonesian Studies major

Japanese Linguistics major

Korean Studies major

Northeast Asian Studies major

Pacific Studies major

Russian and Central Asian Studies minor

Southeast Asian Studies major

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

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program A

ASIA2098 Asian and Pacific Studies Internship

ASIA2110 International Affairs Internship

ASIA3023 Asia Pacific Week Internship

LING2107 Advanced Academic English

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

A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

A minimum of 30 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list

A minimum of 6 units must come from completion of quantitative research skills courses from the following list, which may contribute towards meeting the requirements of a major, minor or specialisation in the Bachelor of Science:

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)

ENVS2002 Environmental Measurement, Modelling and Monitoring (6 units)

PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology (6 units)

PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods (6 units)

Any 1000-, 2000- or 3000- level course from the subject area MATH- Mathematics or STAT- Statistics, with the exception of MATH1042

The 96 units must include:

48 units from completion of one of the following Science majors:

Agricultural Innovation

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Biochemistry

Biodiversity Conservation

Biological Anthropology

Cell & Molecular Biology

Chemistry

Climate Science

Computer Science

Earth Science

Environmental Science

Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

Geography

Human Biology

Human Evolutionary Biology

Indigenous Science and Knowledges

Mathematical Economics

Mathematical Finance

Mathematical Modelling

Mathematics

Resource and Environmental Management

Physics

Psychology

Quantitative Biology

Quantitative Environmental Modelling

Science Communication

Statistics

Sustainability Studies

Water Science

Either:

24 units from the completion of one of the following Science minors / specialisations:

Abnormal Psychology Minor

Advanced Chemistry Specialisation

Advanced Mathematics Specialisation

Advanced Physics Specialisation

Advanced Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics Specialisation

Applied Statistics Minor

Astronomy and Astrophysics Specialisation

Biochemistry Specialisation

Biodiversity Conservation and Management

Biological Anthropology Minor

Biological Neuropsychology Minor

Biology Minor

Biomedical Science Specialisation

Chemistry Minor

Climate Science and Policy Minor

Climate Science Specialisation

Cognitive Psychology Minor

Computer Science Minor

Developmental Psychology Minor

Earth and Marine Science Minor

Earth Physics Specialisation

Environmental Geology Specialisation

Environmental Policy Minor

Evolution and Ecology Specialisation

Forest Science and Policy Minor

Genetics Specialisation

Geochemistry and Petrology Specialisation

Geography Minor

Geophysics and Geology Specialisation

Human Ecology Minor

Marine Science Specialisation

Mathematical Physics Specialisation

Mathematics Minor

Microbiology and Immunology Specialisation

Neuroscience and Physiology Specialisation

Optics Specialisation

Philosophy and Science Minor

Physics Minor

Plant Science Specialisation

Professional Science Engagement Specialisation

Psychology Specialisation

Science Communication Minor

Social Psychology Minor

Soil and Land Management Minor

Sustainable Development Minor

Water Science and Policy Minor

24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list

Or:

48 units from completion of a second Science majors, listed above

A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements.

In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list.

Majors

Bachelor of Science Majors

Bachelor of Asian Studies Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Science Minors

Bachelor of Asian Studies Minors

Specialisations

Bachelor of Science Specialisations