Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) requires completion of 192 units, of which:

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

A minimum of 96 units must come from completion of courses from the Science course list

A minimum of 30 units 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 any other requirement in the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - 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 192 units must include:

144 units which must consist of:

36 units from completion of Advanced Studies, including:

A minimum of 18 units from the completion of Advanced Studies (ASC) courses from the following list which can include:

A maximum of 30 units of SCNC2101 Advanced Studies Course (can be taken multiple times)

A minimum of 6 units of SCNC3101 Advanced Studies Course (can be taken multiple times)

A maximum of 18 units from completion of Advanced Studies Extensions (ASE) courses

48 units from completion of one of the following Honours specialisations:

ASTR-HSPC Astronomy and Astrophysics

BIAN-HSPC Biological Anthropology

BIOL-HSPC Biology

CHEM-HSPC Chemistry

COMP-HSPC Computer Science

EMSC-HSPC Earth and Marine Science

ENVI-HSPC Environment

MATH-HSPC Mathematics

MEDR-HSPC Medical Research

PHYS-HSPC Physics

POPH-HSPC Population Health

POTE-HSPC Physics of the Earth

PSYC-HSPC Psychology

SCNC-HSPC Science

SCOM-HSPC Science Communication

STAT-HSPC Statistics

Students must achieve a minimum 75% Weighted Average Mark in Science courses in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) subsequent to the first year of study in order to continue in the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours). Students who do not achieve a minimum 75% Weighted Average Mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours).

Students must complete 144 units and achieve a minimum 70% Weighted Average Mark calculated from the 36 units of courses in disciplines cognate to the Honours specialisation, excluding 1000-level courses, with the highest marks and satisfy all admission requirements specified in the Honours specialisation in order to commence the Honours specialisation. Students who do not achieve the 70% weighted average mark after 144 units or do not satisfy all admission requirements specified in the Honours specialisation will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

Students must achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark in order to graduate with the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours). Students who achieve a final Honours mark from 50% to 79% will graduate with the Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours). Student who do not successfully complete the Honours year with a final mark of at least 50% will graduate from the Bachelor of Science.

48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Specialisations

Elective Study

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

Study Options

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 

Additional requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons) also requires a supplementary form and two referee reports. Click here to access the forms.

The forms must be submitted by the relevant application or change of preference deadline. Submission of these forms is compulsory for all applicants. Quotas may apply.

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 an ACT 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 Advanced or equivalent
• MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics Advanced 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 Advanced 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.

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.

Employment Opportunities

Many of our graduates have used the PhB program as a pathway to completing PhDs in some of the best universities around the world, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Yale, UC Berkley and, of course, ANU.

The PhB can also provide a pathway to the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) without having to sit the GAMSAT. Each year, 10 places are reserved in our medicine program for students who successfully graduate from the PhB program and undertake a successful interview.

See where a Bachelor of Philosophy could take you: our career wheel will help you turn your interests into a career in science.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop, apply, integrate and generate knowledge in educational and professional contexts;
2. Develop and use a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse and respond to complex problems and issues;
3. Identify and apply various research concepts, methodologies and methods;
4. Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives;
5. Negotiate research projects considering their academic relevance, possible academic contributions, and ethical implications;
6. Source and critically analyse research literature related to their topics of interest and research;
7. Appraise concepts and arguments related to their topics of interest and research;
8. Convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
9. Develop high level project management skills as support for independent study; and
10. Exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

Inherent Requirements

Information on inherent requirements is currently not available for this program.

Other Requirements

Information on inherent requirements is currently not available for this program.

Further Information

Advanced Studies

Advanced Studies consist of individually tailored courses specifically designed to provide students with a strong base in research. Advanced Studies are available in two formats: courses that are inherently taught at a higher level and are entirely research focussed (Advanced Studies Courses, ASC); or in the form of an extension, assessed at a higher level, attached to a regular course (Advanced Studies Extension, ASE). Students must seek approval from the program and course conveners in order to enrol in Advanced Studies.

Internship opportunities

Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.

Timing of Science Honours year for students in a Flexible Double Degree program

Students undertaking the PhB (Hons) as part of a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) will only be able to commence the Honours year after satisfaction of the progression hurdle into Honours and should note that many Science Honours disciplines only support full-time enrolment in the Honours year (24+24 units).

Where the second bachelor's component of the FDD program has not yet been completed before the intended start term for Science Honours, it is strongly recommended that students seek appropriate academic advice from an Science Sub Dean.

Important fee information for commencing and continuing domestic undergraduate students intending to study psychology as a professional pathway:

Please note that due to changes in Australian government funding from 2021 as a result of the Job Ready Graduates Package, fees for Behavioural Science courses will be invoiced at different rates. This will affect students in the following manner:

Commencing Students

Study of the accredited sequence of psychology courses taken under the psychology degrees recognised by the Australian Government will be eligible for the Professional Pathway funding rates (HECS band 2). At ANU, these programs are:

• Bachelor Science (Psychology) - (3 year degree)
• Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) - (+1 Hons year)
• Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) - (4 year degree incl Honours).

Note that Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) students who commenced their Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at ANU prior to 1 January 2021 will be classed as continuing students. 

While psychology courses can be taken as part of other programs of study at ANU [Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours), Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)], the study of psychology is not compulsory therefore Psychology courses in these programs will be charged different fees (HECS band 4).

Continuing students

Continuing students (enrolled before 1 January 2021) studying courses in disciplines with increased student contribution amounts, will be grandfathered under the legislation. That is, they will continue paying the same amount as they would have, had these reforms not been implemented for any courses that would otherwise have an increased student contribution. 

For more information on the 2021 fee changes to Student Contributions Amounts, please visit https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/student-contributions; and for more information on the Job Ready Graduates Package please visit  https://www.studyassist.gov.au/

Pathway to Honours in Psychology

Students in an ANU PhB (Hons) who wish to be eligible for Honours in psychology must complete a specific set of courses that satisfy the APAC accreditation requirements. At ANU this includes minimum required learning achieved by successful completion of PSYC1003, PSYC1004, PSYC2001, PSYC2002, PSYC2007, PSYC2008, PSYC2009, PSYC3018, PSYC3025, PSYC3026 and an additional 2 x 3000 level PSYC courses or, for PhB students, 3000 level SCNC courses with a psychology supervisor.

APAC Accreditation

The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) with Psychology Honours Specialisation is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)