Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Languages 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
A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving
A minimum of 84 units must come from the following lists:
48 units from completion of one of the following language majors:
Ancient Greek
Arabic
Chinese Language
French Studies
German Studies
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Studies
Japanese Language
Korean Language
Latin
Persian
Sanskrit Language
Spanish Studies
Thai Language
Vietnamese Language
OR
24 units from completion of one of the following advanced language 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
AND
24 units from courses available in:
- the advanced minor list
- the following language minors:
Ancient Greek
Arabic
Burmese Language
Chinese Language
French Studies
German Studies
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Studies
Japanese Language
Japanese Linguistics
Korean Language
Latin
Literary Chinese
Mongolian Language
Persian
Russian Studies
Sanskrit Language
Spanish Studies
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Tok Pisin Language
Vietnamese Language
24 units from completion of one of the following language minors, which must be in a different language to the major or advanced minor from the list above:
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
Literary Chinese
Ancient Greek
Arabic
Burmese Language
Chinese Language
French Studies
German Studies
Hindi Language
Indonesian Language
Italian Studies
Japanese Language
Japanese Linguistics
Korean Language
Latin
Mongolian Language
Persian
Russian Studies
Sanskrit Language
Spanish Studies
Tetum Language
Thai Language
Tok Pisin Language
Vietnamese Language
A minimum of 12 units of the following Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses:
ASIA2308 Linguistic Histories in Asia and the Pacific
FREN3109 Global Paris: Culture, History and Identity in the French Capital
HUMN2004 Global Vietnam: Gender, Labour and Migration
LING2015 Language, Culture and Translation
LING2029 Language, Assessment and Policy
LING2034 Communication in Health Care
PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalising World
A maximum of 12 units from completion of courses available in:
- any of the above-listed language majors
- any of the following majors:
Asian Studies
Australian Indigenous Studies
Computer Science
Contemporary Europe
English
Linguistics
Mathematical Modelling
Mathematics
Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies
Pacific Studies
A minimum of 48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU.
Majors
Minors
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 | Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Minor Course 6 units | Linguistics Major Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
| Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Minor Course 6 units | Linguistics Major Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units | |
| Year 2 48 units | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Minor Course 6 units | Course from min 6 unit list | Elective Course 6 units |
| Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Minor Course 6 units | Course from min 6 unit list or Linguistic major course | Elective Course 6 units | |
| Year 3 48 units | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units |
| Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Elective Course 6 units | Elective Course 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 how to apply, and the program-specific information below.
-Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:
- completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
-Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:
- previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
- English language proficiency; and any program-specific requirements listed below.
-Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:
- previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
- English language proficiency; and any program-specific requirements listed below.
-Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:
- ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or
- the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or
- work experience; and English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
International applicants
Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program-specific requirements that are listed below.
Diversity factors & English language proficiency
As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.
Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission
- ATAR:
- 80
- International Baccalaureate:
- 30
Adjustment Factors
Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant’s Selection Rank (for example an applicant’s ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded.
You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:
- applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
- undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
- achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
- not previously attempted tertiary study.
Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $46,680.00
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.
ANU offers an outstanding variety of programs for Australia's next generation of language leaders, with more languages offered than at any other university in Australia. The Bachelor of Languages is an ideal way to take advantage of this expertise, through the study of two (or more) languages, in combination with other areas of interest. Your language education experience is designed to introduce you to the structural, grammatical and idiomatic components of your chosen language or languages. This is further contextualised through a critical engagement with cultural, social and historical concepts, issues and topics. You can start at beginner level, or at higher levels if you have past experience. Exciting opportunities exist for you to immerse yourself in your chosen language and culture through study abroad, and to combine your language study with a range of other areas.
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
Graduates may find work in diplomacy, trade, defence, translation, journalism, language analysis, language teaching, tourism, trade and many other fields.
Learning Outcomes
- communicate proficiently and confidently in at least one language;
- identify the structure and uses of the languages studied;
- recognise and contrast the societies and cultures of the languages studied, and their socio-historical context;
- construct a global schema of the connections between the languages studied and their geographical, social and cultural origins; and
- recognise the importance and value of intercultural communication.
Further Information
Planning your program
Students in the Bachelor of Languages need to study a minimum of two languages but can choose to study more than two if they have strong existing competency in one of the languages in which an advanced minor is offered, or via the final list in the study requirements. This final list is designed to provide a range of course options for students and spans multiple discipline areas.
Bachelor of Languages students may wish to consider building on existing language skills by completing a minor in a language of which they already have knowledge (they will take a placement test to determine the correct level of entry) and a major in a new language, or vice versa. Students will follow the pathway mapped out in the study requirements for their chosen language major and/or minor/s.
Completing the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving Course Requirement
Students completing the Bachelor of Languages are required to complete a minimum of 12 units of Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD) courses as part of their program. TD courses listed in the Bachelor of Languages are listed below, please check the course prerequisites carefully and plan your degree accordingly:
ASIA2308 Linguistic Histories in Asia and the Pacific
FREN3109 Global Paris: Culture, History and Identity in the French Capital
HUMN2004 Global Vietnam: Gender, Labour and Migration
LING2015 Language, Culture and Translation
LING2029 Language, Assessment and Policy
LING2034 Communication in Health Care
PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalising World
Completing the Bachelor of Languages as part of a Flexible Double Degree
The Bachelor of Languages can be taken as a single degree or as part of a flexible double degree program. For example, many students combine the Bachelor of Languages with degree programs in International Relations, Law, International Security Studies, International Business, among other discipline areas. The Bachelor of Languages can also be combined with the Bachelor of Arts for an even broader range of course options across the arts, humanities and social sciences.
Depending on the chosen languages of specialisation, and whether the Bachelor of Languages is combined with other degree programs, graduates may find work in diverse fields, from translation and interpreting to roles in the Australian Public Service (e.g. DFAT, Defence), international NGOs or multinational corporations.
Further Study with a Bachelor of Languages (Honours)
Students in the Bachelor of Languages may also wish to consider completing the Bachelor of Languages (Honours) program after graduation. This year-long program, in which students undertake a major research project and complete further coursework, will help to further equip them for the workforce or prepare them for postgraduate study.
Back to the Bachelor of Languages 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 Languages can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When the Bachelor of Languages 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 Languages 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 completion of 3000-level courses (i.e. 3 x 6 unit 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 Languages component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:
Enrolment Status
Duration
The Bachelor of Languages 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 Languages. 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 Languages 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 Languages 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. SPAN1001, SPAN1002. 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 Languages half of the double degree.
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 Languages, you can select a minimum of 48 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 Languages - single degree
For study plans, please visit cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plansStudy Options
| Year 1 48 units | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) |
| A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) |
Bachelor of Languages - double degree
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) |
| A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) | A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses) |
Study 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.
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