Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Political Science requires the completion of 144 units, of which:
A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 144 units must consist of:
24 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science
POLS2044 Contemporary Political Analysis
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
A minimum of 6 units must come from completion of courses from the following list:
EURO3002 Comparative European Politics
POLS3022 Washington DC Internship
POLS3029 Sharing Power: Federalism in Comparative Perspective
POLS3031 Comparative Judicial Politics
POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict
POLS3036 International Terrorism
POLS3038 Media and Politics
POLS3039 Political Leadership and Executive Government
POLS3040 Conflict and Change in Sub-Saharan Africa
A minimum of 12 units from completion of political theory and political philosophy courses from the following list:
PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction
PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice
PHIL2113 Global Justice
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2102 Political Belief and Deceit
A minimum of 12 units from completion of methodology courses from the following list:
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
POLS2137 Meaning in Politics: Interpretation, Method and Critique
POLS3045 Qualitative Methods in Political Science Research
SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
A minimum of 12 units from completion of Australian politics courses from the following list:
POLS2002 Public Policy: Theory and Practice
POLS2009 Bureaucracy, Politics and Power
POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia
POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions
A minimum of 12 units from completion of comparative politics courses from the following list:
ASIA2065 Asia’s Changing Politics in Comparative Perspective
POLS2043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying
POLS2126 Democracy and Dictatorship
POLS2134 Gender and Politics
POLS2135 Race, Ethnicity and Representation
A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 12 units from the following cognate list:
ANIP3005 Australian National Internships Program B
DEMO2001 Understanding Population Change
DEMO3001 Population Policy Case Studies
HIST1209 Terror to Terrorism: A History
HIST2227 Australian Political History
HIST2022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History
HIST2240 Democracy and Dissent: Europe Since 1945*
MEAS3007 Syria in the Levant: State, Society and the Current Turmoil
MEAS3008 Egypt: Social and Political Dynamics in a Changing Middle East
*Please note that courses with asterisks are usually offered every second year.
A maximum of 6 units from completion of area studies courses from the following list:
ASIA2026 The Politics of China
ASIA2031 Japanese Politics
ASIA2049 Politics and Society in Contemporary Korea
ASIA2070 Democracy in Southeast Asia
ASIA2516 Indonesia: Politics, Society and Development
EURO2012 Uniting Europe: History, Politics, Theory
MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security
MEAS3005 Modern Iraq: State, Politics and Society
POLS2031 Politics in the Middle East
POLS2055 Pacific Politics
POLS2069 Politics in Russia
POLS2095 Politics in Latin America
POLS2100 Genocide in the Modern World
POLS2127 U.S. Politics
POLS3070 Politics in Central Asia
A minimum of 6 and maximum of 12 units from completion of political economy courses from the following list:
ASIA2090 Study Tour: The Political Economy of Myanmar
ECON2013 Behavioural Economics
ECON2060 Economic Reasoning for Government
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
POLS2011 Development and Change
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
A maximum of 6 units from completion of internship/Vice-Chancellors courses from the following list:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program A
VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
48 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 Research and Writing in Political Science 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 Contemporary Political Analysis 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 Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
- co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); 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:
- 85
- International Baccalaureate:
- 31
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
- $48,035.00
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.
The Bachelor of Political Science is the only dedicated Political Science degree in Australia. The ANU has some of the world’s finest political scientists, and was the only Australian university to receive a 5 (“well above world class”) in both of the Excellence in Research for Australia’s reports. Located in the national capital, the ANU is the only university with a right to place interns in Australian Parliament House. The Bachelor of Political Science will give you the knowledge, theoretical understandings, and practical skills that underpin a successful career that engages with politics.
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
apply concepts and theories used in the study of political science to the analysis of interests, ideas, institutions and behaviour and to the evaluation of political phenomena;
apply a range of research methods to the investigation of political phenomena;
demonstrate understanding of differences in political systems and the contexts in which they operate; and
communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a variety of media.
Inherent Requirements
Information on inherenet requirements is currently not available for this program.
Back to the Bachelor of Political Science page
Course selection
Enrolling for the first time can seem like a big task. Below, you will find an example enrolment pattern for your first year of study.
There are a few items to note:
- Courses coded in the 1000 range are appropriate for first-year students. We strongly recommend that students new to tertiary study enrol in first-year courses during their first semester.
- 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 pick your later year courses.
- The tables below represent only one possible combination. You are welcome to pick and choose from any other 1000-coded course found under the “Study Tab”.
- The tables below assume you are new to tertiary study and ineligible for course credit.
- A step-by-step guide on how to enrol in courses is available on the Enrol for the First time webpage.
Single degree
Students
starting in Semester 1–single degree Bachelor of Political Science, example Semester 1 Elective Elective Semester 2 PLSC
course Elective Elective
Students starting in Semester 2– single degree Bachelor of Political Science, example
Semester 2
Elective
Elective
Elective
Semester 1
Elective
Elective
Other first year courses available: to find all other 1000-level courses, refer to the Catalogue of Programs and Courses. You may refine your selection on the right-hand column of the webpage.
Double degree
Students starting in Semester 1– double degree Bachelor of Political Science, example
Semester 1
Course from other degree
Course from other degree
Semester 2
PLSC course or course from other degree
Course from other degree
Course from other degree
Students starting in Semester 2– double degree Bachelor of Political Science, example
Semester 2
PLSC course or course from other degree
Course from other degree
Course from other degree
Semester 1
Course from other degree
Course from other degree
Enrolment Status
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
Electives
Study Options
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units | Elective | Elective |
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | PLSC course | Elective | Elective |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units | Course from other degree | Course from other degree |
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | PLSC course or course from other degree | Course from other degree | Course from other degree |
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.
Other important information for new students
Please refer to the New students page. You will find all the information you require to activate your ANU email account, enrol into courses and our O week details.
Need help?
If you would like further information or advice regarding your degree, please contact the Student Office. We offer appointments, and you can reach us at students.cass@anu.edu.au.
You can also check out our in person opening hours and location on the CASS Student Office webpage.