Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Political Science requires completion of 144 units, of which:
A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000 level courses;
A minimum of 18 units must come from completion of 3000 level courses; and
A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving.
A minimum of 72 units must come from the following lists:
12 units from completion of the following compulsory Introductory and Methods courses:
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS1009 Introduction to Data and Methods for Political Science and International Relations
A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 12 units from the completion of courses from the following Theory list:
POLS2102 Political Belief and Deceit
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
POLS2130 Public Choice
A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 12 units from the completion of courses from the following Australian and Comparative Politics list:
POLS2010 Comparative Politics
POLS2114 Australian Politics
A minimum of 6 units from the completion of courses in the following list:
POLS2044 Quantitative Methods in Politics and International Relations
POLS2045 Qualitative Methods in Politics and International Relations
POLS2137 Meaning in Politics: Interpretation, Method and Critique
A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 18 units from the completion of the following Political Science and Social Science Enquiry courses, of which no more than 6 units can come from courses taken outside POLS:
DEMO1001 Global population challenges
ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research
HIST2110 Approaches to History
INDG1001 Country, Kinship and Continuities: An Introduction to Australian Indigenous Studies
INDG1002 Resilience, Responsibilities, Resurgence
POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations
POLS2002 Public Policy: Theory and Practice
SOCR1001 Foundations of Social Research
SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
STAT1003 Statistical Techniques
Or any other 2000 level POLS course with permission of the program convenor
24 units from the completion of the following 3000-level courses, of which:
A minimum of 18 units must come from the following Political Science Depth list:
POLS3002 Comparative European Politics
POLS3029 Comparative Federalism
POLS3043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying
POLS3095 Politics in Latin American
POLS3111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia
POLS3113 Human Rights
POLS3125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS3126 Democracy and Dictatorship
POLS3127 U.S. Politics
POLS3134 The Politics of Gender, Race, and Identity
A maximum of 6 units from the following Social Science Enquiry Depth list:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program
ENVS3028 Environmental Policy
INDG3001 First Nations Peoples, the State and Public Policy in Australia
SOCR3001 Data for Decision Making
6 units from the completion of courses from the following Area Expertise list:
ASIA1025 Asia and the Pacific: Power, Diversity and Change
ASIA1030 Asia and the Pacific in Motion
ASIA1035 Introduction to Asian Politics
ASIA1999 The Origins of Political Order in Asia
ASIA2026 The Politics of China
ASIA2031 Japanese Politics
ASIA2065 Asia’s Changing Politics in Comparative Perspective
ASIA2070 Democracy in Southeast Asia
ASIA2096 North Korea: History, Culture, Politics
ASIA2222 Taiwanese Society and Politics
ASIA2516 Indonesia: Politics, Society and Development
DEMO2003 Migration in the Modern World
ECHI1006 The Australian Economy, Past and Present
EURO1004 Europe in the Modern Era
HIST2022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History
HIST2128 Colonies and Post-Colony: 19th Century Australia and its Legacies
HIST2221 The Birth of Modernity: Britain 1688-1848
HIST2226 Nazi Germany
HIST2227 Australian Political History
HIST2240 Democracy and Dissent: Europe Since 1945
HIST2242 The Soviet Union: From the Russian Revolution to the Collapse of Communism
INDG1002 Resilience, Rights and Resurgence
MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East
MEAS1002 Islam: History and Institutions
MEAS2000 Iran: History, Politics and Culture
MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
PASI1011 Pacific Encounters: Introduction to Pacific Studies
PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalising World
POLS2031 Politics of the Middle East
POLS2055 Pacific Politics
POLS2069 Politics of Russia
A minimum of 48 units and a maximum of 72 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU.
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
| Year 1 48 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units | ANU elective 6 units | ANU elective 6 units |
| POLS1009 Introduction to Data and Methods for Political Science and International Relations 6 units | Another course from specified lists 6 units | Political Economy list Course 6 units | ANU elective 6 units | |
| Year 2 48 units | POLS2119 Ideas in Politics 6 units | Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units | Methodology list Course 6 units | ANU elective 6 units |
| POLS2044 Quantitative Methods in Political Science and International Relations 6 units | Comparative Politics list Course 6 units | Methodology list Course 6 units | ANU elective 6 units | |
| Year 3 48 units | Comparative Politics list Course 6 units | Australian Politics list Course 6 units | ANU elective 6 units | ANU elective 6 units |
| Another course from specified lists 6 units | Another course from specified lists 6 units | Australian Politics list Course 6 units | ANU elective 6 units |
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 the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (AQF) or equivalent and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; 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 the applicant has completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of higher education; or the results from a tertiary preparation program; 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:
- secondary education if the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (AQF) or equivalent was completed; or the Work and Life Experience Based entry scheme; 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 a 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
- ATAR:
- 85
- International Baccalaureate:
- 32
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
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $50,820.00
For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees
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.
Are you interested in understanding political systems in Australia and in other parts of the world? Do you want to find out what drives citizens’ political attitudes and behaviour, and how these affect policy outcomes? The Bachelor of Political Science is the only dedicated political science degree in Australia. In it, students:
- study the identities, values and norms that underpin citizens' attitudes, drive political behaviour, and contribute to policy outcomes;
- examine and compare the institutions and political systems of Australia and other countries;
- acquire and apply a broad range of analytical skills that are highly sought after in today’s job market.
Located in the nation's capital, ANU enables students to be in the hub of Australian politics while they study politics. Internships, including in Parliament House, give students the opportunity to see see and experience policymaking firsthand.
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
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, from all over the world, and from all walks of life.
Learning Outcomes
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key areas of interest to political scientists, including citizen ideas/interests/attitudes/behaviour, policy actors and outcomes, and political/social/legal institutions;
- apply political science theories and concepts to the key areas of interest to political science;
- demonstrate knowledge of a specific region/historical era of relevance to political science; apply political science theories and concepts to that region/era; reflect critically on the theories'/concepts' utility and explanatory power;
- apply analytical tools from political science and other social sciences to the evaluation of political phenomena across of a variety of issue-areas that are relevant toscholars and policymakers; and
- communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a wide variety of media.
Inherent Requirements
Information on inherenet requirements is currently not available for this program.
Further Information
Completing the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving Course Requirement
Students completing the Bachelor of Political Science are required to complete a minimum of 12 units of Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD) courses as part of their program. TD courses in the Bachelor of Political Science include:
ECHI1006 The Australian Economy, Past and Present
INDG3001 First Nations Peoples, the State and Public Policy in Australia
PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalising World
POLS2045 Qualitative Methods in Political Science and International Relations Research
POLS2102 Political Belief and Deceit
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
POLS3029 Comparative Federalism
SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
If you would prefer to complete courses outside this list to fulfill the TD course requirement, you may use your electives to choose any other accredited TD course at ANU. To find a list of TD courses, please visit Programs and Courses and select the Transdisciplinary filter.
Back to the Bachelor of Political Science 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 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 Political Science can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When the Bachelor of Political Science 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 Political Science 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 must come from completion of 3000 level courses (i.e. 3 x 6 units courses)
- Two compulsory courses
- A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (i.e. 2 x 6 unit courses)
Double degree
The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination e.g. 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 Political Science 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 must come from completion of 3000 level courses (i.e. 3 x 6 units courses)
- Two compulsory courses
- A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (i.e. 2 x 6 unit courses)
Enrolment Status
Duration
The Bachelor of Political Science 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 Political Science. 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 Political Science 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 Political Science 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 typically enrol in 1000-level courses – these courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code. E.g. POLS1002, POLS1009. Many 2000 and 3000 level courses build upon the specific knowledge achieved through 1000-level courses.
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than 10 x 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or 6 x 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Political Science half of the double degree. In your first year, you will typically enrol in 1000-level courses – these courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code. E.g. POLS1002, POLS1009. Many 2000 and 3000 level courses build upon the specific knowledge achieved through 1000-level courses.
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than 10 x 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or 6 x 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Political Science half of the double degree.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
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 Political Science, you can select a minimum of 48 units and a maximum of 72 units of electives. You can try a range of courses such as computing, history, or marketing. The choice is yours.
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.
Study Options
Bachelor of Political Science - single degree
For study plans, please visit cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plansStudy Options
| Year 1 48 units | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
| ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
FDD
For study plans, please visit cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plansStudy Options
| Year 1 48 units | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
| ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
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, and are also listed in the 'overview' tab of this program.
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