Do you want to make solar energy more efficient and live in a sustainable city, or create new technologies in robotics, uncrewed aircraft and wireless internet of things? This is the degree for you!
This elite engineering degree will give you access to an innovative structure that allows you to get involved in many project based research courses in engineering.
You can study the fundamental engineering courses while you are immersed in research groups covering electronics, communications, mechatronics, renewable energy, environmental, and aerospace systems.
This exceptional degree will not only allow you to excel in your career, but to also make a real difference and help to solve some of the world's largest problems.
What makes the human brain tick?
Find out with the Bachelor of Science (Psychology), which provides you with a great base in the key areas of psychology: developmental, social, personality, health and mental health, research methods, cognition and the biological bases of behaviour.
In your later year courses, you’ll apply this knowledge and your skills in more specialised areas such as neuroscience, counselling, health, mental health and organisational (business) psychology.
Once you’ve completed your third year, you can apply to undertake an Honours year and pursue further postgraduate study. This will allow you to practice as a psychologist or clinical psychologist.
Find out more about psychology, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.
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
Organisations invest in R&D in order to gain a competitive advantage over others. R&D is at the forefront of new product design and development and is a wealth and change generator. Innovative solutions to many of the problems in society today will come from those working in R&D.
After graduation you will be skilled to work in R&D roles in industry, government, and academia, or as an accredited engineer.
Careers in engineering are diverse. Engineers are in high demand in Australia and overseas, and as an ANU graduate with a systems engineering background, you will bring extra value to future employers.
The skills and abilities you gain while studying are highly sought after in engineering companies, and also across many other professions and organisations.
Because of the unique systems approach at ANU many of our graduates quickly progress to senior management roles due to their skills and knowledge in more than one engineering discipline. For this reason engineering at ANU is often considered a springboard into the wider corporate world.
Our graduates work in many organisations including ABB, Accenture, Department of Defence, CEA Technologies, Cochlear Limited, Energy Australia, Ford, GHD, IBM, Northrop Consulting Engineers, Qantas, Telstra, Thales and Toyota.
Organisations invest in R&D in order to gain a competitive advantage over others. R&D is at the forefront of new product design and development and is a wealth and change generator. Innovative solutions to many of the problems in society today will come from those working in R&D.
After graduation you will be skilled to work in R&D roles in industry, government, and academia, or as an accredited engineer.
Careers in engineering are diverse. Engineers are in high demand in Australia and overseas, and as an ANU graduate with a systems engineering background, you will bring extra value to future employers.
The skills and abilities you gain while studying are highly sought after in engineering companies, and also across many other professions and organisations.
Because of the unique systems approach at ANU many of our graduates quickly progress to senior management roles due to their skills and knowledge in more than one engineering discipline. For this reason engineering at ANU is often considered a springboard into the wider corporate world.
Our graduates work in many organisations including ABB, Accenture, Department of Defence, CEA Technologies, Cochlear Limited, Energy Australia, Ford, GHD, IBM, Northrop Consulting Engineers, Qantas, Telstra, Thales and Toyota.
Learning Outcomes
Apply systematic engineering methods professionally to design optimised and sustainable solutions to complex and multi-disciplinary engineering problems.
Construct and evaluate solutions to engineering problems by selecting and applying theoretical principles and methods from the underpinning physical, mathematical and information sciences, and broader transdisciplinary knowledge.
Demonstrate advanced technical knowledge at the leading edge of the discipline and the application of appropriate tools in at least one field of engineering specialisation.
Compare current developments and emerging trends in at least one field of engineering specialisation.
Understand the contextual factors that influence professional engineering practice, such as interpersonal, organizational, institutional, technological, physical, environmental, political and societal factors, and assess the potential societal, cultural, health, legal and environmental impact of engineering activities.
Communicate and incorporate perspectives across disciplines effectively with colleagues, other engineering professionals and the broader community employing a range of communication media and tools.
Engage in independent research at the leading edge of the discipline, via the completion of multiple individual research projects, through the application and synthesis of research-based knowledge and research methods.
Engage responsibly in critical reflection on self-competence to practice ethically and independent learning to continue practicing at the forefront of the discipline.
Work effectively and proactively within cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary teams, demonstrating autonomy, ethical conduct, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility to achieve engineering outcomes at a high standard.
- Plan and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic
- Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions
- Engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
- Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally
- Record original data and apply statistical or other evaluation processes to original data when appropriate
Further Information
Learn more about the degrees offered at the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, read current student profiles to see what campus life is really like, and discover what our graduates have achieved since leaving the College Visit the College of Engineering and Computer Science website.
Learn more about the degrees offered at the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science, read current student profiles to see what campus life is really like, and discover what our graduates have achieved since leaving the College Visit the College of Engineering and Computer Science website.
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 98
- International Baccalaureate:
- 40
Pathways
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) might be a pathway for students who meet the Maths pre-requisites but do not have the required score for direct entry into this program.
Eligible students should enrol into a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and if they can maintain a High Distinction average in their first year, they may be approved to transfer into the R&D program in their second year.
Prerequisites
ACT: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics (Major)/Specialist Mathematics/Specialist Methods (Major)
NSW: HSC Mathematics Advanced 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.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Science (Psychology) - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $49,330.00
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
The Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development)(Honours) flexible double degree component requires completion of 156 units, of which:
A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
12 units contribute towards the requirement of the other double degree component
The 156 units must include:
78 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering
ENGN1217 Introduction to Mechanics
ENGN1218 Introduction to Electronics
ENGN2217 Mechanical Systems and Design
ENGN2218 Electronic Systems and Design
ENGN2228 Signals and Systems
ENGN2300 Engineering Design 2: Systems Approaches for Design
ENGN2301 Engineering Design 3: Systems Approaches for Analysis
ENGN2706 Engineering Research and Development Project (Methods)
ENGN3100 Practical Experience (0 units)
ENGN3300 Engineering Design 4A: Systems Approaches for Management
ENGN3301 Engineering Design 4B: Systems Approaches for Operations
ENGN4712 Engineering Research and Development Project (12 units)
12 units from completion of R&D project courses from the following list:
ENGN2707 Engineering Research and Development Project
ENGN3706 Engineering Research and Development Project
ENGN3712 Engineering Research and Development Project (6 or 12 units)
ENGN4706 Engineering Research and Development Project
6 units from completion of a course from the following list:
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced)
COMP1730 Programming for Scientists
6 units from completion of a course from the following list:
PHYS1001 Foundations of Physics
PHYS1101 Physics 1
6 units from completion of a course from the following list:
MATH1013 Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 1
6 units from completion of a course from the following list:
MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2
A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses from the following list:
ENGN2219 Computer Systems & Organisation
ENGN2222 Engineering Thermodynamics
48 units from completion of one of the following Engineering majors, of which 12 units contribute towards meeting the course requirements above:
Electronic and Communication Systems
Mechatronic Systems
Renewable Energy Systems
Environmental Systems
Aerospace Systems
Students must achieve a minimum 75% weighted average mark across all compulsory courses undertaken in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn) and (Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in order to continue in the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development)(Honours). Students who do not achieve a minimum of 75% weighted average mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) single degree.
Students must achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark in order to graduate with the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours). Students who do not achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree program.
Honours
Students must formally enrol in ENGN4100 Engineering Honours at the commencement of their intended final semester.
Honours Grade Calculation
ENGN4100 Final Honours Grade will be used to calculate the Class of Honours and the Mark. It will be calculated as the weighted average mark (WAM) of the courses listed below. The mark for each course is weighted by the units of credit (UoC) of the course, as well as a course weighting as indicated below. WAM is calculated as follows:
WAM = ( S Mark*UoC*Weighting) / (S UoC*Weighting)
- Science, Engineering and Computing Foundations (0.1 weighting): MATH1013 or MATH1115, MATH1014 or MATH1116, MATH1005, PHYS1001 or PHYS1101, ENGN1000-series courses and COMP1000-series courses.
- Engineering and Computing Fundamentals (0.2 weighting): ENGN2000-series courses (excluding ENGN2300, ENGN2301 and ENGN2707) and COMP2000-series courses.
- Professional Core (0.3 weighting): ENGN2300, ENGN2301, ENGN3300, ENGN3301, ENGN3200
- Engineering Discipline and R&D Project (0.4 weighting): ENGN2707, ENGN3000-series courses (excluding ENGN3300, ENGN3301 and ENGN3200), COMP3000-series courses, ENGN4000-series courses, and COMP4000-series courses.
For Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Actuarial Studies:
12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Actuarial Studies component of this double degree:
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
MATH1013 Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1014 Mathematics & Applications 2
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 2
For Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours)/ Bachelor of Applied Data Analytics:
12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Applied Data Analytics component of this double degree:
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced)
COMP1730 Programming for Scientists
MATH1013 Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1014 Mathematics & Applications 2
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 2
For Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Business Administration:
12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Business Administration component of this double degree:
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
MATH1013 Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1014 Mathematics & Applications 2
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics & Applications I
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics & Applications II
For Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Commerce:
12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Commerce component of this double degree:
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
MATH1013 Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1014 Mathematics & Applications 2
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics & Applications I
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics & Applications II
For Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Economics:
12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Engineering contribute towards the Bachelor of Economics component of this double degree:
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
MATH1013 Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1014 Mathematics & Applications 2
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 2
For Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability
12 units from completion of courses required for the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the electives from the Science Course List for the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability component of this double degree.
For Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Finance:
12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Finance component of this double degree:
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
MATH1013 Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1014 Mathematics & Applications 2
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 2
For Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Information Technology:
12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Information Technology component of this double degree:
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced)
ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering
MATH1013 Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1014 Mathematics & Applications 2
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 2
COMP1730 Programming for Scientists towards the requirement to complete a minimum of 12 units of further courses from the subject area COMP
For Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Languages
12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Languages component of this double degree:
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced)
COMP1730 Programming for Scientists
MATH1013 Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1014 Mathematics & Applications 2
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 2
For Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences:
12 units from completion of courses required for the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the 24 units of electives from the Science Course List required for the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences component of this double degree.
For Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Science:
12 units from completion of courses required for the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the 24 units of electives from the Science Course List required for the Bachelor of Science component of this double degree.
For Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Psychology):
12 units from completion of courses required for the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the 18 units of electives from the Science Course List required for the Bachelor of Science (Psychology) component of this double degree.
For Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours)/Bachelor of Statistics:
12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) contribute towards the Bachelor of Statistics component of this double degree:
COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving
COMP1730 Programming for Scientists
MATH1013 Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1014 Mathematics & Applications 2
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 1
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics & Applications 2
The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) 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 include:
72 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour (6 units)
PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context (6 units)
PSYC2001 Social Psychology (6 units)
PSYC2007 Biological Basis of Behaviour (6 units)
PSYC2008 Cognition (6 units)
PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology (6 units)
PSYC2012 Culture and Psychology (6 units)
PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods (6 units)
PSYC3020 Health Psychology (6 units)
PSYC3025 Psychopathology Across the Lifespan (6 units)
PSYC3026 Personality Psychology (6 units)
PSYC3202 Developmental Psychology (6 units)
12 units from completion of 3000-level courses in the subject area PSYC- Psychology
12 units from completion of further 1000-level courses from the Science Course List
Majors
Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) Minors
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering 6 units | PHYS1013 | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units OR MATH1013; | Other degree course 6 units |
| ENGN1217 Introduction to Mechanics 6 units | ENGN1218 Introduction to Electronics 6 units | MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units OR MATH1014; | Other Degree course 6 units | |
| Year 2 48 units | ENGN2217 Mechanical Systems and Design 6 units | ENGN2218 Electronic Systems and Design 6 units | COMP1730 Programming for Scientists 6 units | Other degree course 6 units |
| ENGN2222 Engineering Thermodynamics 6 units | ENGN2228 Signals and Systems 6 units | Other degree course 6 units | Other degree course 6 units | |
| Year 3 48 units | ENGN2300 Engineering Design 2: Systems Approaches for Design 6 units | ENGN2706 Engineering Research and Development Project (Methods) 6 units | Other degree course 6 units | Other degree course 6 units |
| ENGN2301 Engineering Design 3: Systems Approaches for Analysis 6 units | Engineering major course 6 units | Other degree course 6 units | Other degree course 6 units | |
| Year 4 48 units | ENGN3300 Engineering Design 4A: Systems Approaches for Management 6 units | ENGN3706 Engineering Research & Development Project 6 units | Engineering Major course 6 units | Other degree course 6 units |
| ENGN3301 Engineering Design 4B: Systems Approaches for Operations 6 units | ENGN3712 Engineering Research and Development Project 6 to 12 units | Engineering Major course 6 units | Other degree course 6 units | |
| Year 5 48 units | ENGN4712 Engineering Research and Development Project 6 to 12 units | Engineering Major course 6 units | Other degree course 6 units | Other degree course 6 units |
| ENGN4712 Engineering Research and Development Project 6 to 12 units | Engineering Major course 6 units | Engineering Major course 6 units | Other degree course 6 units |
Back to the Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) (Honours) page
As a high-achieving student in the Bachelor of Engineering (Research & Development) (Honours)(R&D) program you have chosen a unique and exciting interdisciplinary engineering degree. This four year degree will give you access to an innovative structure that allows you to study a number of research projects, giving you exposure to cutting edge research with leading researchers, as well as studying the fundamental engineering courses.
This degree can be also studied as a double degree with many complementary disciplines.
Single degree
- This degree requires 192 units
- One Engineering major (48 units)
- 30 units of research projects
- 36 units of elective courses which may be used to study an Engineering minor (24 units) or another engineering major, or a range of courses from any ANU College.
Double degree
- This degree requires a total of 144 units
- One Engineering major (48 units)
- 30 units of research projects
- 12 units of courses are double counted into both degrees
About this degree
- Typically you will study four courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 32 courses across your whole degree of four years duration.
- The BE(R&D) has many compulsory courses due to its professional accreditation.
- In the single degree you will have 36 units (six courses) of electives. You may use these to study an Engineering minor or a range of courses from any ANU College.
- There are no electives in the double degree - your other degree requirements use up all of these. You should note that there are limitations in the number of double degrees available with the BE(R&D). Because it only has 36 units of electives, 12 units of courses need to be double counted to both the BE(R&D) and the other degree. Details about which these course are can be found in the BE(R&D) FDD rules.
Enrolment Status
The definition of full-time and part-time status can be found here. While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, it may take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must follow the requirement specified by your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and your visa, which normally require you to enrol in 24 units per semester in order to finish your program of study on time.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
- Note that if you are commencing in July you should send an email to <studentadmin.cecs[at]anu.edu.au> for advice about your enrolment or attend an enrolment advice session at the university in the week before semester commences.
MATHS
- Students who excel in maths and have done the highest level of maths available to them at school should read the following: You may choose to enrol in MATH1115 and MATH1116 (honours maths) in place of MATH1013 and MATH1014. These courses are significantly more difficult and will likely mean a higher workload, but they will give you a much deeper understanding of underlying mathematical concepts, which may be beneficial for your future studies. You are strongly encouraged to seriously consider this option.
- Students who have not taken Physics in Year 11 and 12 should read the following: If you have not undertaken Physics in Year 11 and 12, you should consider enrolling in PHYS1001 Foundations in Physics (if you have a free university elective available) prior to enrolling in PHYS1101 Physics I, or taking an intensive online course prior to commencement of your University studies.
- For your computing courses, you can complete either COMP1100 or COMP1730, and these are available in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
There are a number of Engineering majors and minors for you to choose from. The good news is that you do not need to make any decisions about these until third year. Just follow the first year enrolment pattern for single and double degrees. If you want more information about majors and minors you can have a look at the BE(R&D) Degree Requirements on the 'Programs and Courses' website.
Electives
There is one elective in your first year of study. If you are in a flexible double degree and need to take more than one course from your other degree during first year, you should consider doing COMP1730 in your 2nd year thus freeing up an elective in second semester of first year.
Study Options
Bachelor of Engineering (Research & Development) (Honours) Single Degree
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering 6 units | PHYS1101 Physics I 6 units | MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units OR MATH1115; | Elective Course 6 Units |
| ENGN1217 Introduction to Mechanics 6 units | ENGN1218 Introduction to Electronics 6 units | MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units OR MATH1116; | COMP1730 Programming for Scientists 6 units OR COMP1130; |
Bachelor of Engineering (Research & Development) (Honours) Double Degree
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | ENGN1211 Discovering Engineering 6 units | PHYS1101 Physics I 6 units | MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units OR MATH1115; | Other Degree course |
| ENGN1217 Introduction to Mechanics 6 units | ENGN1218 Introduction to Electronics 6 units | MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units OR MATH1116; | Other Degree course |
Academic Advice
- 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 BE(R&D) half of the double degree.
Back to the Bachelor of Science (Psychology) 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. There will also be advisory sessions offered during the week before semester commences.
What is
consciousness? Do people see colours the same way? How do we make decisions?
Contrary to popular belief most psychologists work with healthy people, trying
to find the answers to questions like these.
Studying psychology at ANU will expose you to a wide range of psychological
sciences, covering topics as varied as how groups interact, vision and how it
can be tricked to see what is not really there, how the brain develops as a
baby and how it will change again as you get older, how impulses are carried
from brain to muscle, and how things go wrong in abnormal psychology.
The ANU Bachelor of Science (Psychology) teaches you skills sought after by
employers including statistics and experimental design, critical thinking and
communication, and provides an excellent grounding to enter the workforce or
continue with further study.
Single degree
- This degree requires 144 units
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses of which 24 units must be Science
- A minimum of 42 units 3000 level PSYC courses
- Completion of the accredited sequence of psychology courses
- Other courses from the Science course list or another ANU College (48 units maximum of non-science courses allowed)
Double degree
- This degree requires 96 units Science courses
- A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level Science courses
- A minimum of 42 units 3000 level PSYC courses
- Completion of the accredited sequence of psychology courses
- Other courses from the Science course list
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) 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) including the following APAC accredited sequence of courses:
- PSYC1003 Psychology 1
- PSYC1004 Psychology 2
- PSYC2001 Social Psychology
- PSYC2007 Biological Basis of Behaviour
- PSYC2008 Cognition
- PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
- PSYC2012 Culture and Psychology
- PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods
- PSYC3025 Psychopathology across the Life Span
- PSYC3026 Personality Psychology
- PSYC3202 Developmental Psychology
You 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 Science (Psychology) double degree program you will study a total of 96 units including all the courses listed above. 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 Science (Psychology) 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 Science (Psychology) 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:
Electives
Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Science (Psychology) program.
Study Options
Bachelor of Science (Psychology) - single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Science (Psychology).Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour 6 units | 1000 level Science elective 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units |
| PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context 6 units | 1000 level Science elective 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units | Science or non-science course 6 units |
Bachelor of Science (Psychology) - double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour 6 units | 1000 level Science elective 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units |
| PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context 6 units | 1000 level Science elective 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
- Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
- View the information at our New commencers & first year students page, or
- Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone - you can make an appointment with an academic advisor here