Mathematics is at the core of all technological innovations.
If you’d like to master quantitative problem-solving, mathematical modelling and critical thinking, this is the degree for you.
It is an elite, research-focused program for exceptional students at Australia’s highest-ranked university.
Make your mark with maths at ANU: find out more about mathematical studies, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website. Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.
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
This program is excellent preparation for work in any mathematical field, whether in academia, private industry, or government. See the following information provided by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute for examples of employment opportunities for those trained in mathematics.
https://amsi.org.au/resources/mathsadds-careers-guide/
This program is excellent preparation for work in any mathematical field, whether in academia, private industry, or government. See the following information provided by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute for examples of employment opportunities for those trained in mathematics.
https://amsi.org.au/resources/mathsadds-careers-guide/
Learning Outcomes
- Think clearly, sequentially and logically, as demonstrated by the critical analysis of quantitative problems, such as the ability to read, understand and write mathematical proofs.
- Demonstrate mastery of the concepts and techniques of Advanced Mathematics.
- Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally.
- 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.
- Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.
- Understand, critically evaluate, apply, integrate and generate psychological knowledge in educational and professional contexts.
- Develop and engage in a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse, critique and respond to complex problems involving psychological processes.
- Systematically identify relevant psychological theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions.
- Apply appropriate psychological research methods, including statistical techniques, to evaluate data.
- Communicate psychological concepts and results clearly and effectively in written and oral formats to diverse audiences.
- Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives on psychological issues.
- Critically examine psychological knowledge and skills, and their application, from diverse cultural perspectives, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives.
- Utilise psychological knowledge and skills for exercising personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.
Further Information
Student Advice
What courses should you take in your first year of study?
- MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)
- MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)
Our first-year curriculum lays a common foundation for all mathematics students, keeping all doors open. In the second-year, students take a collection of core courses to better understand their mathematical tastes. Later in the program, particularly in the third year, students will follow their mathematical interests through a variety of course choices.
Additional advice:
- Additionally, students who intend to take MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models (6 units) as part of their program requirements should enrol in it alongside MATH1115 in first semester.
- Students who intend to take MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem Solving and Proofs (6 units) as part of their program requirements, can choose to take it alongside MATH1115 in first semester of first year, or wait to take it in the first semester of their second year. Students are welcome to seek advice if they are unsure which choice is correct for them.
- Please also note that if MATH1005 is completed as part of the main program requirements in first year, then students may still choose to take MATH2222 as an elective course in second year.
How can I satisfy the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course requirements?
- Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses can be found using the Programs and Courses search engine.
- Many majors offered by the College of Science (not required for the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences) may identify in the "Advice for students" section which courses listed in the major will contribute towards this requirement. This might also be of assistance in identifying courses.
Internship opportunities
Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.
How can I get a study plan to help me map out my degree?
Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences or wish to map out your degree? Click here to access the study plan.
Academic or enrolment advice:
If in doubt, please seek further advice from the academic contact for this program (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).
Student Advice
What courses should you take in your first year of study?
- MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)
- MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)
Our first-year curriculum lays a common foundation for all mathematics students, keeping all doors open. In the second-year, students take a collection of core courses to better understand their mathematical tastes. Later in the program, particularly in the third year, students will follow their mathematical interests through a variety of course choices.
Additional advice:
- Additionally, students who intend to take MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models (6 units) as part of their program requirements should enrol in it alongside MATH1115 in first semester.
- Students who intend to take MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem Solving and Proofs (6 units) as part of their program requirements, can choose to take it alongside MATH1115 in first semester of first year, or wait to take it in the first semester of their second year. Students are welcome to seek advice if they are unsure which choice is correct for them.
- Please also note that if MATH1005 is completed as part of the main program requirements in first year, then students may still choose to take MATH2222 as an elective course in second year.
How can I satisfy the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course requirements?
- Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses can be found using the Programs and Courses search engine.
- Many majors offered by the College of Science (not required for the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences) may identify in the "Advice for students" section which courses listed in the major will contribute towards this requirement. This might also be of assistance in identifying courses.
Internship opportunities
Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.
How can I get a study plan to help me map out my degree?
Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences or wish to map out your degree? Click here to access the study plan.
Academic or enrolment advice:
If in doubt, please seek further advice from the academic contact for this program (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 95
- International Baccalaureate:
- 39
Prerequisites
ACT: Specialist Mathematics and Specialist Methods (double major) / Discrete Mathematics ANU/UC.
NSW: Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent.
VIC: Specialist Mathematics.
QLD: Specialist Mathematics.
TAS: Mathematics Specialised / Both Mathematics IA and IB through UTAS.
SA / NT: Specialist Mathematics.
WA: Mathematics Specialist.
IB: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL.
More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here .
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 Mathematical Sciences - 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
- $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 Mathematical Sciences flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must consist of:
A minimum of 84 units from completion of courses from the lists below, which must include:
30 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)
MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I (6 units)
MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications (6 units)
MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra (6 units)
6 units from the completion of one of the following courses:
MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models (6 units)
MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem Solving and Proofs (6 units)
36 units from completion of 3000-level courses from the subject area MATH Mathematics
A minimum of 12 and a maximum of 24 units from completion of courses not previously taken from the following subject areas:
ASTR – Astronomy & Astrophysics
BIOL – Biology
CHEM – Chemistry
COMP – Computer Science
EMSC – Earth and Marine Science
ENVS – Environmental Science
HLMD – Health and Medicine
HLTH – Health Science
MATH – Mathematics
MEDN – Medical Science
NEUR – Neuroscience
PHYS – Physics
PSYC – Psychology
SCNC – Science
SCOM – Science Communication
STAT – Statistics
HURDLE REQUIREMENTS
Students must achieve a minimum 70% Weighted Average Mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in the subject area of MATH to continue in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences. During their first year of study, students will be considered in breach of this requirement only if it is not met in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Students who do not achieve a minimum of 70% Weighted Average Mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.
First-year students should note that a prerequisite for the MATH1116 course is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1115, and a prerequisite for both MATH2320 and MATH2322 is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1116.
Students must achieve a minimum 70% Weighted Average Mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in the subject area of MATH to continue in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences. During their first year of study, students will be considered in breach of this requirement only if it is not met in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Students who do not achieve a minimum of 70% Weighted Average Mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.
First-year students should note that a prerequisite for the MATH1116 course is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1115, and a prerequisite for both MATH2320 and MATH2322 is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1116.
The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) requires completion of 144 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from the completion of 1000-level courses
A minimum of 84 units must come from completion of courses from the discipline area PSYC – Psychology
The 96 units must include:
A minimum of 84 units, which must come from completion of courses from the following lists
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
Study Options
| Year 1 | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units | MATH1005 or MATH2222 6 units | PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour 6 units | BSPSY or ANU elective course 6 units |
| MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units | BMASC or ANU elective 6 units | PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context 6 units | BSPSY or ANU elective course 6 units | |
| Year 2 | MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I 6 units | MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications 6 units | PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology 6 units | PSYC2012 Culture and Psychology 6 units |
| MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra 6 units | BMASC or ANU elective 6 units | PSYC2001 Social Psychology 6 units | PSYC2008 Cognition 6 units | |
| Year 3 | 3000 level MATH course 6 units | BMASC course from alpha list 6 units | PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods 6 units | PSYC3025 Psychopathology Across the Lifespan 6 units |
| 3000 level MATH course 6 units | 3000 level MATH course 6 units | PSYC2007 Biological Basis of Behaviour 6 units | PSYC3020 Health Psychology 6 units | |
| Year 4 | 3000 level MATH course 6 units | 3000 level MATH course 6 units | PSYC3202 Developmental Psychology 6 units | 3000 level PSYC course 6 units |
| 3000 level MATH course 6 units | BMASC course from alpha list 6 units | PSYC3026 Personality Psychology 6 units | 3000 level PSYC course 6 units |
Back to the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences page
Mathematics is the study of universal patterns and structures and is the quantitative language of the world. It underpins information technology, computer science, engineering, and the physical sciences; and it plays an increasingly important role in the biological and medical sciences, economics, finance, environmental science, sociology and psychology. The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences provides the tools to study these patterns and structures and along the way you learn transferable skills in critical thinking, analysis, investigation and evidenced-based decision making.
Your program can concentrate on theoretical mathematics, or can extend to a range of applicable mathematical areas such as mathematical modelling, mathematical finance, mathematical economics, mathematical physics, and quantitative biology.
This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.
Note: Advice on this page is indicative only. Where a number of courses has been identified, it assumes that all of your courses are 6-units. If you take a course worth 12-units please refer to the unit-load in the study requirements in the program orders.This degree can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When the Bachelor of Biotechnology 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.
Single degree
The Bachelor of Mathematical Science requires 144 units (24 courses), including:
- A maximum of 10 x 1000-level courses
- A minimum of 6 x 3000-level courses MATH coded courses
- 5 x compulsory courses
- A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
- Either MATH1005 or MATH2222
- A minimum of 2 x courses from alpha codes listed in the BMASC study requirements
- A maximum of 10 courses from the lists in the BMASC not previously taken or other ANU electives
This program has a progression hurdle which will require you to maintain an average mark of 70% in core and advanced MATH courses each semester to remain in the program
Double degree
The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination eg.
- 4050: 192 units
- 4350, 4569, 4750: 240 units
Of which a minimum of 2 courses must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD.
The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:
- A maximum of 6 x 1000-level courses
- A minimum of 6 x 3000-level courses MATH coded courses
- 5 x compulsory courses
- A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
- Either MATH1005 or MATH2222
- A minimum of 2 x courses from alpha codes listed in the BMASC study requirements
- A maximum of 2 courses from the lists in the BMASC not previously taken or other ANU electives
This program has a progression hurdle which will require you to maintain an average mark of 70% in core and advanced MATH courses each semester to remain in the program.
About this degree
Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses
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
Enrolment Status
Duration
The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four 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 Mathematical Sciences. 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 Mathematical Sciences 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 .
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 Mathematical Sciences degree is ten years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This ten years includes any periods of leave.
- The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is ten 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
There are 2 compulsory 1000 level courses you must take in your first 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 Biotechnology half of the double degree.Electives
Remember you can choose up to 10 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences program. With these courses you can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-mathematics subject, such as philosophy, history or computing. The choice is yours.
How do I use my 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).
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
Single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science or non-science course | Science or non-science course |
| MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science or non-science course | Science or non-science course |
Double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science . Please note that for some double degrees (e.g. with Bachelor of Engineering) you may only be able to take one course in semester 1 for your mathematical science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take MATH1115, MATH1116.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Degree B Course | Degree B Course |
| MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Degree B Course | Degree B Course |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
- Visit the Mathematical Sciences Institute webpage here, or
- 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 students.cos@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone - you can make an appointment with an academic advisor here
Back to the Bachelor of Science (Psychology) page
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.
Note:
Advice on this page is indicative only. Where a number of courses has
been identified, it assumes that all of your courses are 6-units.
If you take a course worth 12-units please refer to the unit-load in the
study requirements in the program orders.
This degree can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD).When
the Bachelor of 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.cos@anu.edu.au.
Advisory sessions will be held the week before semester commences.
Single degree
The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) requires 144 units (24 courses), including:
- A maximum of 10 x 1000-level courses
- A minimum of 7 x 3000-level courses PSYC coded courses
- 12 x compulsory PSYC courses
- A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses (embedded in the compulsory courses)
- A maximum of 10 courses from the lists in the BSPSY not previously taken or other ANU electives
Double degree
The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination eg.
- 4050: 192 units
- 4350, 4569, 4750: 240 units
Of which a minimum of 2 courses must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD.
The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:
- A maximum of 6 x 1000-level courses
- A minimum of 7 x 3000-level courses PSYC coded courses
- 12 x compulsory PSYC courses
- A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses (embedded in the compulsory courses)
- A maximum of 2 courses from the lists in the BSPSY not previously taken or other ANU electives
About this degree
This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). You will need to complete a minimum of 14 Psychology (84 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
- PSYC3020 Health Psychology
- PSYC3025 Psychopathology across the Life Span
- PSYC3026 Personality Psychology
- PSYC3202 Developmental Psychology
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.
In the Bachelor of Science (Psychology), this requirement will be satisfied through PSYC2007 and PSYC3020.
Enrolment Status
Duration
The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four 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 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 Science (Psychology) 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 .
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 Science (Psychology) degree is ten years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This ten years includes any periods of leave.
- The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is ten 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
There are 2 compulsory 1000 level courses you must take in your first 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 Psychology half of the double degree.Electives
Remember you can choose up to 10 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Science (Psychology) program. You can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-psychology subject, such as philosophy, history or computing. The choice is yours.
How do I use my 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).
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 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 | ANU elective 6 units | ANU elective 6 units | ANU elective 6 units |
| PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context 6 units | ANU elective 6 units | ANU elective 6 units | ANU elective 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 | ANU elective 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units | Degree B Course 6 units |
| PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context 6 units | ANU 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 students.chm@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone - you can make an appointment with an academic advisor here