Join us on an exciting journey tailored for students who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of computing technology. The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) program is designed to immerse you in a dynamic learning environment where you'll not only master advanced computing concepts but also engage deeply in hands-on research and development projects. From day one, you'll dive into a blend of challenging advanced coursework that covers everything from foundational principles to cutting-edge algorithms and software engineering techniques. Classes are interactive and designed to cultivate your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, essential skills for tackling complex real-world challenges.
What sets the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) program apart is its emphasis on research. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with renowned faculty members on groundbreaking research projects. This hands-on experience isn't just about learning theory—it's about applying what you've learned to solve real problems and contribute to advancements in computing. Within your degree program, you have the flexibility to learn and explore the range of computing offerings, and you can choose to complete a Computing Major or Specialisation if you want to study an area in more depth. Beyond the classroom, the program encourages interdisciplinary exploration. You'll have the flexibility to explore connections between computing and other fields like mathematics, biology, creative arts and social sciences. This interdisciplinary approach enriches your understanding and equips you with a broader perspective and adaptable skills that are highly sought after in today's tech-driven world.
As a Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) student, you'll graduate with a robust skill set and a portfolio of real-world projects that showcase your expertise. Whether your goal is to develop innovative software solutions, pursue advanced research opportunities, or lead technology initiatives, the ANU Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) program prepares you to excel in diverse career paths within the vibrant and evolving field of computing.
Select from a diverse range of majors across the creative arts, humanities, and social sciences, taught by world-class scholars, to create a degree that is expressly yours with the ANU Bachelor of Arts.
You will have the flexibility to engage in hands-on projects, take your studies abroad, or undertake an internship. You will gain valuable analytical and research skills transferable to the global workplace while developing expertise in critical analysis, written and oral communication, and the ability to drive global and local change.
Discover how the ANU Bachelor of Arts can equip you with enduring and highly sought-after skills to shape both the world's future and your own by visiting our College website.
Meet some of our recent graduates and learn about their stories on our graduation page.
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
Innovative solutions to many of the problems in society today will come from those working in R&D and are at the forefront of new product design and development as well as being a wealth and change generator. After graduation, students choose to become innovators and leaders in R&D roles in IT or other industries, government, academia, or by creating their own start-ups.
BACR&D students can work across a range of industries in a variety of roles. Examples include:
- Data Mining Specialist
- Big Data Analyst
- Human-Computer Interaction Specialist,
- Software Developer
- Embedded systems developer
- Network Architect
- Systems Analyst
- Advanced Software Solutions Engineer
- Software Architect
Our graduates work in many organisations including IBM, Google, Microsoft, Intel, Atlassian, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Accenture, National Australia Bank, Deloitte, Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Signals Directorate.
Students graduating with AACRD have been accepted directly into PhD programs around the world including ANU.
Innovative solutions to many of the problems in society today will come from those working in R&D and are at the forefront of new product design and development as well as being a wealth and change generator. After graduation, students choose to become innovators and leaders in R&D roles in IT or other industries, government, academia, or by creating their own start-ups.
BACR&D students can work across a range of industries in a variety of roles. Examples include:
- Data Mining Specialist
- Big Data Analyst
- Human-Computer Interaction Specialist,
- Software Developer
- Embedded systems developer
- Network Architect
- Systems Analyst
- Advanced Software Solutions Engineer
- Software Architect
Our graduates work in many organisations including IBM, Google, Microsoft, Intel, Atlassian, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Accenture, National Australia Bank, Deloitte, Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Signals Directorate.
Students graduating with AACRD have been accepted directly into PhD programs around the world including ANU.
Learning Outcomes
- Define and analyse complex problems, and design, implement and evaluate solutions that demonstrate an understanding of the systems context in which software is developed and operated including economic, social, historical, sustainability and ethical aspects
- Demonstrate an operational and theoretical understanding of the foundations of computer science including programming, algorithms, logic, architectures and data structures
- Illustrate an understanding of deep knowledge in at least one area of computer science
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the fundamentals of research methodologies, including defining research problems, evaluating background readings, developing literature reviews, designing experiments, and effectively communicating results to a transdisciplinary audience.
- Proficiently apply research methods to the solution of contemporary research problems in computer science.
- critically apply theoretical frameworks and research techniques to understanding national and international issues and problems;
- identify relevant sources of information, and judge the importance, reliability and ethical implications of those sources;
- evaluate ideas and develop creative solutions to problems, including through independent pursuit of knowledge and making connections between different disciplinary approaches and methods; and
- communicate and debate orally and in writing, and work with others, using a variety of media.
Further Information
The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) is a four-year program that has been specifically designed to provide exceptional students with early experience in undertaking research and or development. The program combines a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics, a specialty advanced computing curricula unique to the ANU, and a project-based, research-intensive course of study, also unique to the ANU. It provides ample scope for the student to pursue research in individual areas of interest, working with researchers of international distinction in the areas of computer science, engineering and mathematics.
Students are required to maintain high grades to remain and complete this program. Students who are unable to maintain these grades may transfer into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) degree program.
The BAC(R&D) is not a professionally accredited degree, while the BAC is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Program Transfers
Current students wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) are required to achieve at least an 80% average in the university courses they have completed and be deemed suitable by an interview with the program convenor. Generally, students would need to transfer into the program before the end of their second year.
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 by visiting the College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics website.
The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) is a four-year program that has been specifically designed to provide exceptional students with early experience in undertaking research and or development. The program combines a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics, a specialty advanced computing curricula unique to the ANU, and a project-based, research-intensive course of study, also unique to the ANU. It provides ample scope for the student to pursue research in individual areas of interest, working with researchers of international distinction in the areas of computer science, engineering and mathematics.
Students are required to maintain high grades to remain and complete this program. Students who are unable to maintain these grades may transfer into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) degree program.
The BAC(R&D) is not a professionally accredited degree, while the BAC is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Program Transfers
Current students wishing to transfer into the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) are required to achieve at least an 80% average in the university courses they have completed and be deemed suitable by an interview with the program convenor. Generally, students would need to transfer into the program before the end of their second year.
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 by visiting the College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics website.
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 98
- International Baccalaureate:
- 42
Pathways
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) is the 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 in the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) complete the Advanced first-year courses 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.
VIC: Mathematics Methods or equivalent
QLD: Mathematics Methods or equivalent
TAS: Mathematical methods/Mathematics Specialised/Mathematics 1 and II through U Tas/Both Mathematics 1 and II through UTAS/Both Advanced Calculus and Applications 1A and 1B through UTAS
SA / NT: Mathematical Methods or equivalent
WA: Mathematical Methods or equivalent
IB: Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations HL/Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL or HL
Adjustment Factors
Adjustment factors are combined with an applicant's secondary education results to determine their Selection Rank. ANU offers adjustment factors based on equity, diversity, and/or performance principles, such as for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
To be eligible for adjustment factors, you must have:
- achieved a Selection Rank of 70 or more before adjustment factors are applied
- if you have undertaken higher education, completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of a higher education program
- applied for an eligible ANU bachelor degree program
Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Arts - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $53,700.00
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 Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) flexible double degree component requires completion of 144 units, of which:
A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving
The 144 units must include:
78 units from completion of compulsory courses from the following list:
COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced) (6 units)
COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) (6 units)
COMP1600 Foundations of Computing (6 units)
COMP2100 Software Construction (6 units)
COMP2300 Computer Architecture (6 units)
COMP2550 Computing R&D Methods (6 units)
COMP3600 Algorithms (6 units)
COMP3770 Individual Research Project which must be completed twice, in consecutive semesters (6+6 units)
COMP4550 Computing Research Project which must be completed twice, in consecutive semesters (12+12 units).
18 units from completion of courses from the following list:
MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models (6 units)
MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)
MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)
MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem-Solving and Proofs (6 units)
STAT1003 Statistical Techniques (6 units)
STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods (6 units)
24 units from the completion of 4000-level courses from the subject area COMP Computer Science
12 units of Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving tagged courses
12 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU, which may include courses in the subject area COMP Computer Science
After the first four periods of enrolment students must achieve a minimum 75% Weighted Average Mark in Computing courses. Students who do not achieve a minimum 75% Weighted Average Mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours).
To continue into the final year of the program students must have completed 144 units and achieved a minimum 80% Weighted Average Mark calculated from the courses that contribute to the final Honours grade calculation. Students who do not achieve this 80% Weighted Average Mark will be automatically transferred to the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) degree.
To graduate with the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) students must achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark. Students who do not achieve a minimum 80% final Honours mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) degree program prior to graduating.
Honours Calculation
COMP4801 Final Honours Grade will be used to record the Class of Honours and the Mark. The Honours Mark will be a weighted average percentage mark (APM) calculated by first calculating the average mark for 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 level courses. We denote these averages: A1, A2, A3, and A4 respectively. The averages are calculated based on all courses completed (including fails), that are listed in the program requirements, excluding non-COMP-coded electives, giving NCN and WN a nominal mark of zero. Finally, these averages are combined using the formula APM = (0.1 X A1) + (0.2 X A2) + (0.3 X A3) + (0.4 X A4).
The APM will then be used to determine the final grade according to the ANU Honours grading scale, found at http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/grading-scale.
The Bachelor of Arts 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 12 units must come from the completion of Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses
A minimum of 18 units must come from the completion of 3000-level courses
The 96 units must consist of:
48 units from the completion of one of the following majors:
Disciplines and Fields
Anthropology
Archaeology
Art History and Curatorial Studies
Asian and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
Australian Indigenous Studies
Biological Anthropology
Classical Studies
Criminology
Demography
Design
Development Studies
Economic Studies
English
Environmental Studies
Gender, Sexuality and Culture
History
International Relations
Linguistics
Music Studies
Peace and Conflict Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Public Policy
Sociology
Language and Geographic Area Studies
Ancient Greek
Arabic
Asian History
Asian Studies
Chinese Language
Chinese Studies
French Studies
German Studies
Hindi Language
Italian Studies
Indonesian Language
Japanese Language
Japanese Linguistics
Japanese Studies
Korean Language
Korean Studies
Latin
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
Northeast Asian Studies
Pacific Studies
Persian
Sanskrit Language
Southeast Asian Studies
Spanish Studies
Thai Language
Vietnamese Language
A minimum of 24 units from completion of courses not previously taken from the following subject areas, which may contribute towards the completion of a minor:
ANTH - Anthropology
ARAB - Arabic
ARCH - Archaeology
ARTH - Art History & Curatorial Studies
ARTV - Visual Arts
ASIA - Asian Studies
BIAN - Biological Anthropology
BIOL - Biology
BURM - Burmese
CHIN - Chinese
CLAS - Classics
COMP - Computer Studies
CRIM - Criminology
DEMO - Demography
DESN - Design
ECON - Economics
ENGL - English
ENVS - Environmental Studies
FREN - French Studies
GEND - Gender and Sexuality
GERM - German Studies
GREK - Ancient Greek
HIND - Hindi
HIST - History
HUMN - Humanities
INDG - Indigenous Studies
INDN - Indonesian
INTR - International Relations
ITAL - Italian Studies
JPNS - Japanese
KORE - Korean
LANG - Language Studies
LATN - Latin
LING - Linguistics
MATH - Mathematics
MNGL - Mongolian Language
MUSI - Music
PASI - Pacific Studies
PERS - Persian
PHIL - Philosophy
POLS - Political Science
POPH - Population Health
PORT - Portuguese
PSYC - Psychology
RUSS - Russian Studies
SOCR - Social Research
SOCY - Sociology
SPAN - Spanish
STST - Strategic Studies
TETM - Tetum
THAI - Thai
TIBN - Tibetan
TOKP - Tok Pisin
TURK - Turkish
VIET - Vietnamese
Students completing a Flexible Double Degree must nominate different majors in each degree.
Majors
Bachelor of Arts Majors
- Ancient Greek
- Anthropology
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Art History and Curatorial Studies
- Asian and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
- Asian History
- Asian Studies
- Australian Indigenous Studies
- Biological Anthropology
- Chinese Language
- Chinese Studies
- Classical Studies
- Criminology
- Demography
- Development Studies
- Economic Studies
Minors
Bachelor of Arts Minors
- Advanced Ancient Greek
- Advanced Arabic
- Advanced Chinese Language
- Advanced French Studies
- Advanced German Studies
- Advanced Italian Studies
- Advanced Japanese Language
- Advanced Korean Language
- Advanced Latin
- Advanced Persian
- Advanced Sanskrit Language
- Advanced Spanish Studies
- Ancient Greek
- Anthropology
- Anthropology of Asia
- Applied Linguistics
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Art History and Curatorial Studies
- Asian and Pacific Archaeology
- Asian and Pacific Culture, Media and Gender
- Asian and Pacific Linguistics
- Asian and Pacific Literature and Film
- Asian History
- Asian Studies
- Asia-Pacific Politics
- Australian Indigenous Studies
- Biological Anthropology
- Burmese Language
- Chinese Language
- Chinese Studies
- Classical Studies
- Climate Science and Policy
- Criminology
- Demography
- Design
- Development Studies
- Economic Studies
- English
- Environmental Policy
- Environmental Studies
- Forensic Linguistics
- French Studies
- Gender and Sexuality
- Geography
- German Studies
- Heritage and Museum Studies
- Hindi Language
- History
- Human Ecology
- Indian and South Asian Studies
- Indonesian Language
- Indonesian Studies
- International Communication
- International Relations
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Language
- Japanese Linguistics
- Japanese Studies
- Korean Language
- Korean Studies
- Latin
- Linguistics
- Literary Chinese
- Mathematics
- Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
- Middle Eastern Politics and Security
- Mongolian Language
- Music Studies
- Northeast Asian Studies
- Pacific Studies
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Persian
- Philosophy
- Philosophy and Science
- Political Science
- Popular Music
- Russian and Central Asian Studies
- Russian Studies
- Sanskrit Language
- Social Psychology
- Social Research Methods
- Sociology
- Southeast Asian Studies
- Spanish Studies
- Sustainable Development
- Tetum Language
- Thai Language
- Tibetan Language Minor
- Tok Pisin Language
- Vietnamese Language
- Visual Arts Practice
Specialisations
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) Specialisations
Study Options
| Year 1 | COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced) 6 units | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units OR MATH1013; | |
| COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) 6 units | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units OR MATH1014; | ||
| Year 2 | COMP2100 Software Construction 6 units | COMP2550 Computing R&D Methods 6 units | COMP2300 Computer Architecture 6 units | |
| COMP2120 Software Engineering 6 units | COMP2310 Systems, Networks, and Concurrency 6 units | COMP2560 | ||
| Year 3 | COMP2420 | Computing Research Specialisation 6 units | ||
| COMP3600 Algorithms 6 units | Computing Research Specialisation 6 units | |||
| Year 4 | COMP3770 Computing Research Project (R&D) 6 units | Computing Research Specialisation 6 units | ||
| COMP3770 Computing Research Project (R&D) 6 units | Computing Research Specialisation 6 units | |||
| Year 5 | COMP4550 Computing Research Project 12 units | COMP4550 | ||
| COMP4550 Computing Research Project 12 units | COMP4550 |
Back to the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) (Honours) page
The Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) AACRD can be taken as a part of many double degrees. In a double degree you may not be able to complete a major in a computing discipline depending on your other degree. For help on planning your double degree follow the advice on the College Student Services Website.
Single degree
The single degree offers 60 units (ten courses) of electives that can be taken from additional computing courses enabling you to complete a Computing major, minor, or additional specialisation), or a major or minor from another College.
There are 12 units of elective courses in the degree that can be used to meet your Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD) requirements with any ANU TD tagged courses (including COMP). By following your degree rules you will meet your TD program requirements.
Double degree
- The Double degree allows 12 units of electives to allow you to explore subjects across ANU.
- There are 12 units of elective courses in the degree that can be used to meet your 12 units
- Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving requirements across the Double degree. By following your degree rules you will meet your TD program requirements. ·
- You can find your double degree with BAC(R&D) from Program and Courses
About this degree
- Typically you will study 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a
full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole
degree.
- The degree comprises compulsory requirements, Computing electives, research and development projects, and University electives.
- You can choose to complete one, or more, of the AACOM Specialisations, BCOMP majors or HCCC Minor using your computing and University electives. Talk to the College Student Services about how to plan your degree to include any of these options after your first semester.
24-unit Specialisations:
§ Human-Centred and Creative Computing
§ Machine Learning § Systems and Architecture
§ Theoretical Computer Science
48-unit Majors
§ HCCC-MAJ Human-Centred and Creative Computing
§ INFS-MAJ Information Systems
§ INSY-MAJ Intelligent SystemsFollow the steps here: Declaring majors, minors & specialisations to declare your Specialisation and any majors you wish to take, noting the dates this can be done. You do not need to declare any majors or Specialisations until your second or third year but note that you need to plan to complete the required courses to meet their requirements.
Enrolment Status
While it is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student, you must always be full-time.
· You cannot study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year without permission
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
- Students doing double degrees with business degrees do STAT1008 in place of STAT1003 and take an additional Computing elective.
- 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 BAC(R&D) half of the double degree.
Study Options
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) (Honours)
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced) 6 units | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units OR MATH1013; | University Elective |
| COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) 6 units | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units OR MATH1014; | University Elective |
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research & Development) (Honours)
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | COMP1130 Programming as Problem Solving (Advanced) 6 units | MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models 6 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units OR MATH1013; | Other Degree course |
| COMP1140 Structured Programming (Advanced) 6 units | COMP1600 Foundations of Computing 6 units | MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units OR MATH1014; | Other Degree course |
Academic Advice
The Study Options below are a guide, depending on your personal circumstances and interests you may need to move Electives and courses into different semesters.
If you want to talk to someone before enrolling or have your study plan reviewed review the information on Getting Started in your Study Program and then contact the College Student Enquiries team student.css@anu.edu.au
Back to the Bachelor of Arts page
Enrolling for the first time can be overwhelming. Below, you will find information that will assist. Please note that advice on this page is indicative, and you are encouraged to contact the CASS Student office at students.cass@anu.edu.au or visit the CASS student office website if you require tailored information.
Important items to note:
- We recommend you start a CASS Program Plan. This is a way to track how the courses you take fit within the overall structure of your degree and will help you plan for your later year courses.
- The Bachelor of Arts can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When the Bachelor of Arts is combined with another undergraduate degree through a Flexible Double Degree, 48 units of ANU electives units are replaced with the core requirements of the other degree and the total program duration is expanded to 192 units (4 years Full-Time) or 240 units (5 years Full-Time) depending on the duration of the other program.
Semester 2 commencers
Please note that if you are commencing your studies in Semester 2 there may be restrictions on the courses available for enrolment. If you have concerns, please contact students.cass@anu.edu.au
Single degree
The Bachelor of Arts requires 144 units (24 courses), including:
- A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses)
- A minimum of 18 units from 3000-level courses (i.e. 3 x 6 unit courses)
- One major listed in the study orders
- A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (i.e. 2 x 6 unit courses)
With careful enrolment choices, you can complete an optional second major or a minor. The College of Arts and Social Sciences offers a range of optional minors as listed in the “overview’ tab of the Bachelor of Arts study orders.
Double degree
The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination e.g. Flexible Double Degree - Arts, Social Sciences, Business, Science (4050): 192 units Flexible Double Degree - Law (Honours) (4350), Flexible Double Degree PhB Advanced Arts Social Sciences Business & Science (4569), or Flexible Double Degree - Engineering and Advanced Computing (Honours) (4750): 240 units Of which a minimum of 12 units (i.e. 2 x 6 unit courses) must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD. The Bachelor of Arts component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:
- A maximum of 36 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 6 x 6 unit courses)
- A minimum of 18 units from 3000-level courses (i.e. 3 x 6 unit courses)
- One major listed in the Bachelor of Arts
With careful enrolment choices, you can complete an optional second major or a minor. See the 'overview’ tab of the Bachelor of Arts study orders.
Enrolment Status
The Bachelor of Arts typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four x six-unit courses) each semester and there are two semesters each year. One course is typically worth six-units.
In total, students need to complete 144 units of study towards the Bachelor of Arts This will be 24 courses if all courses are worth six-units but may be fewer if one or more courses of 12-units or more are taken.
If you combine the Bachelor of Arts with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree, you will need to complete a total of 192 units (32 six-unit courses) or 240 units (40 six-unit courses) depending on the combination. This will typically take four years for a 192-unit degree or five years for a 240-unit degree on a full-time basis.
Domestic students may choose to enrol in fewer than 24-units in any semester or half-year study period. Students studying 18 or more units in a half year (January – June or July – December) are considered full-time. Students studying less than this are considered part-time.
If you take fewer than 24-units in any half year period, then your degree is likely to take longer than three years to complete.
International students on a student visa are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 24-units in each half year study period (Summer, Semester 1, Autumn or Winter, Semester 2, Spring) unless they have been approved for Reduced Study Load or program leave.
Maximum time for completion
- The maximum period for completion of the single Bachelor of Arts degree is 10 years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This 10 years includes any periods of leave.
- The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is 10 years for a 192-unit degree or 11 years for a 240-unit degree from the date of first enrolment in the program. The maximum period includes periods of leave.
A transfer of credit (status) from previous studies will reduce the total amount of time remaining to complete the balance of your degree. When you are assessed for credit, you will be notified of the new maximum end date for your degree in your credit offer.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
In your first year, you will enrol in 1000-level courses – these courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code. Eg ENGL1100, POLS1002.
You can take a maximum of 10 x 1000-level courses within the single degree, or 6 x 1000-level courses if taking a Bachelor of Arts within a double degree. Most of these courses will be taken in your first year. Many 2000 and 3000 level courses build upon the specific knowledge achieved through 1000-level courses.
There is room in your first year to pick and choose courses depending on your interests but, you must also ensure that you select the 1000-level courses that are prerequisites for 2000 and 3000 level courses. When selecting your courses, please pay close attention to the semester in which it is offered. This is particularly important if you have a preferred major in mind. The 1000- level course that are prerequisites for each major can be found in the Programs and Courses entry for each major or each individual course.
Details of the semester/s in which courses are offered can be found in the individual course entries on the Programs and Course website on the Class tab.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
What is a major?
A major is a sequence of 48-units (i.e. 8 x 6 unit courses). The major has been structured to develop relevant skills and knowledge in the discipline and to prepare you for further study or entry to the workforce. The majors that contribute towards the core requirements of the Bachelor of Arts are listed in the “Program Requirements” on the “Study” tab.
What is a minor?
Minors are sequences of 24 units (i.e. 4 x 6 unit courses). Minors can bring structured breadth to your degree. You do not need to take a second major or a minor towards your degree. But you may have enough electives to do this if you wish. This is optional not compulsory. Majors and minors if taken together must have different names.
Advanced minors in a selection of language studies is offered in the Bachelor of Arts. Advanced minors are sequences of 24 units (i.e. 4 x 6 unit courses) which offer structured depth to your degree and are aimed at students who have prior knowledge or experience in the discipline area.
Electives
Electives are courses that provide freedom for you to select subjects that align to your personal interests and career aspirations in a more individualised way than is possible through general major or degree requirements. An ANU elective is a course that you can select without restriction, beyond the global requirements of your program (e.g. limits on 1000-level courses, etc).
In the Bachelor of Arts you can select 24 units from courses offered within the Bachelor of Arts majors, or from other Colleges at the University. You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-arts subject, such computing, science or marketing. The choice is yours.
In your first year, we recommend taking some electives from a range of discipline areas in the Bachelor of Arts to help you get a feel for which major could be the best fit for you. This will give you some flexibility to change plans if you find your preferred subject area isn’t what you expected it to be.
We also recommend holding some ANU electives in reserve to keep other opportunities open, such as international exchange, internships, and meeting the transdisciplinary requirements of your degree.
You may have noticed that the Bachelor of Arts does not have any specified “compulsory” courses. There are lists of majors, but no specific course that absolutely must be taken. A major in the Bachelor of Arts might have compulsory courses, but the program itself does not.
Study Options
Study Options - single program
For study plans, please visit cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plansStudy Options
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Study Options - FDD
For study plans, please visit cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plansStudy Options
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Disciplines
Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving Courses (TD)
Transdisciplinary courses at the ANU are courses that encourage students to collaborate across different disciplines and perspectives to solve complex problems. These courses help students develop skills to synthesise knowledge from different fields.
In this degree, you will have to complete 12 units of courses flagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD). TD courses can be identified using the Programs and Courses search engine.
You can satisfy this requirement through a course/s listed in the program or through the ANU electives it all depends on how you structure your degree and your other enrolment choices.
Academic Advice
Course credit
If you have undertaken previous study that is relevant to your current academic program, you can request to receive course credit. For more information and how to apply, see the CASS credit application webpage, or contact the CASS Student Office.
For further information on prerequisites and Arts and Social Science disciplines you can:
Email us at students.cass@anu.edu.au, or
Come and talk to someone - you can attend a drop in session with an academic advisor here