Are you a leader? The Australian National University is a leader too, especially in the fields of philosophy, politics and economics. This progressive and well-regarded degree will arm you with the moral, economic and political perspectives you need to make a real impact.
You will develop exceptional problem-solving skills and critical and conceptual thinking, all while gaining a passport to some of the world’s most promising careers.
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.
Learning Outcomes
- describe and critically evaluate the methods and theories of political analysis, and the assumptions, ‘tools’ and limitations of political economy;
- describe and critically evaluate major philosophical theories and approaches to the evaluation of social practices and institutions;
- describe and critically evaluate the methods and findings of economics and apply them to the study of political institutions and processes;
- articulate and debate, both orally and in written form, arguments and positions drawn from the disciplines of politics, philosophy and economics; and
- critically reflect and draw upon the distinct contributions of diverse disciplines, including politics, philosophy and economics, to devise innovative solutions to real-world challenges, both independently and in groups.
- 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.
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 94
- International Baccalaureate:
- 38
Prerequisites
There are no formal program prerequisites. But assumed knowledge is: ACT: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/Specialist Methods or NSW: HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here [https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria]
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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics - 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
- $56,120.00
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 Politics, Philosophy, and Economics flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must include:
54 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:
ECON1101 Microeconomics 1
ECON2101 Microeconomics 2
PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction
PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS1009 Introduction to Data and Methods for Political Science and International Relations
PPEI1001 PPE Integration 1
PPEI2001 PPE Integration 2
PPEI3001 PPE Integration 3
6 units from completion of one of the following courses:
ECON1100 Economics I (H)
ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1
12 units from the completion of any 2000 or 3000 level POLS course of which at least 6 units must come from one of the courses on the following list:
POLS2044 Quantitative Methods in Political Science and International Relations
POLS2094 International Political Economy
POLS2114 Australian Politics
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
POLS3029 Sharing Power: Federalism in Comparative Perspective
POLS3043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying
POLS3111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia
POLS3125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
12 units from the completion of any 2000 or 3000 level PHIL course of which at least 6 units must come from one of the courses on the following list:
PHIL2057 Philosophy of Science
PHIL2122 Philosophy and Public Policy
PHIL2125 Rationality and Social Cooperation
PHIL2126 Science in Society: Ethics, Public Policy and Scientific Practice
PHIL2129 Normative Ethical Theory
PHIL2290 Philosophy, AI and Society
PHIL3073 Advanced Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL3075 The Philosophy of Gender: Knowledge, Power, Bodies
6 units from the completion of any 2000 or 3000 level ECON, ECHI or EMET course, or EMET1001.
A maximum of 6 units of Experiential Courses from the following list:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program A
ASIA3037 Study Tour: Cultural Landscapes and Environmental Change in Asia and the Pacific
ASIA3084 Study Tour: Modern Mongolia - Challenges to the Environment, Economy and Empire
CBEA3001 College of Business and Economics Special Industry Project
ENVS2005 Island Sustainable Development: Fiji Field School
MEAS2008 Middle East and Central Asia Study Tour
PASI2030 Regional Policy Making for Pacific Development
STST2020 Study Tour: Southeast Asia's Security Choices
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
Minors
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics Minors
Study Options
| Year 1 | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units | PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour 6 units | BSPSY or ANU elective course 6 units |
| POLS1009 Introduction to Data and Methods for Political Science and International Relations 6 units | PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking 6 units | PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context 6 units | BSPSY or ANU elective course 6 units | |
| Year 2 | ECON1101 Microeconomics 1 6 units | 2000/3000 level Politics list Course 6 units | PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology 6 units | PSYC2012 Culture and Psychology 6 units |
| POLS1008 | ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 6 units | PSYC2001 Social Psychology 6 units | PSYC2008 Cognition 6 units | |
| Year 3 | ECON2101 Microeconomics 2 6 units | 2000/3000 level Economics Course 6 units | PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods 6 units | PSYC3025 Psychopathology Across the Lifespan 6 units |
| PHIL2116 | 2000/3000 Politics Course 6 units | PSYC2007 Biological Basis of Behaviour 6 units | PSYC3020 Health Psychology 6 units | |
| Year 4 | 2000/3000 level Philosophy list Course 6 units | 2000/3000 Level ECON, PHIL or POLS Course or ANIP3003 6 units | PSYC3202 Developmental Psychology 6 units | 3000 level PSYC course 6 units |
| ECON3056 PPE Integration 3: Classic Literature in Politics, Philosophy and Economics 6 units | 2000/3000 level Philosophy Course 6 units | PSYC3026 Personality Psychology 6 units | 3000 level PSYC course 6 units |
Back to the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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)
- Nine 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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)
- Nine 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics. 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics, 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 Politics, Philosophy and Economics - 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.
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
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