• Length 4 years full-time
  • Minimum 192 Units
Admission requirements
  • Academic plan BLANG / BPLSC
  • CRICOS code 079093D
  • UAC code 130010

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.

Are you interested in understanding political systems in Australia and in other parts of the world? Do you want to find out what drives citizens’ political attitudes and behaviour, and how these affect policy outcomes? The Bachelor of Political Science is the only dedicated political science degree in Australia. In it, students:

  • study the identities, values and norms that underpin citizens' attitudes, drive political behaviour, and contribute to policy outcomes;
  • examine and compare the institutions and political systems of Australia and other countries;
  • acquire and apply a broad range of analytical skills that are highly sought after in today’s job market.

Located in the nation's capital, ANU enables students to be in the hub of Australian politics while they study politics. Internships, including in Parliament House, give students the opportunity to see see and experience policymaking firsthand.

Career Options

ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.

We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates may find work in diplomacy, trade, defence, translation, journalism, language analysis, language teaching, tourism, trade and many other fields.

Graduates may find work in diplomacy, trade, defence, translation, journalism, language analysis, language teaching, tourism, trade and many other fields.

Learning Outcomes

  1. communicate proficiently and confidently in at least one language;
  2. identify the structure and uses of the languages studied;
  3. recognise and contrast the societies and cultures of the languages studied, and their socio-historical context;
  4. construct a global schema of the connections between the languages studied and their geographical, social and cultural origins; and
  5. recognise the importance and value of intercultural communication.
  1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key areas of interest to political scientists, including citizen ideas/interests/attitudes/behaviour, policy actors and outcomes, and political/social/legal institutions;
  2. apply political science theories and concepts to the key areas of interest to political science;
  3. demonstrate knowledge of a specific region/historical era of relevance to political science; apply political science theories and concepts to that region/era; reflect critically on the theories'/concepts' utility and explanatory power;
  4. apply analytical tools from political science and other social sciences to the evaluation of political phenomena across of a variety of issue-areas that are relevant toscholars and policymakers; and
  5. communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a wide variety of media.

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.

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.

Admission Requirements

ATAR:
85
International Baccalaureate:
32

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are combined with an applicant's secondary education results to determine their Selection Rank. ANU offers adjustment factors based on equity, diversity, and/or performance principles, such as for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.

To be eligible for adjustment factors, you must have:

  • achieved a Selection Rank of 70 or more before adjustment factors are applied
  • if you have undertaken higher education, completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of a higher education program
  • applied for an eligible ANU bachelor degree program

Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

Bachelor of Languages - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Bachelor of Political Science - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

Annual indicative fee for international students
$50,820.00

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

This double degree requires the completion of 192 units.

The Bachelor of Languages 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:

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

The Bachelor of Political Science flexible double degree component requires the 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:

12 units from completion of the following compulsory Introductory and Methods courses:

POLS1002 Introduction to Politics

POLS1009 Introduction to Data and Methods for Political Science and International Relations

 

A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 12 units from the completion of courses from the following Theory list:

POLS2102 Political Belief and Deceit

POLS2119 Ideas in Politics

POLS2130 Public Choice

 

A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 12 units from the completion of courses from the following Australian and Comparative Politics list:

POLS2010 Comparative Politics

POLS2114 Australian Politics


A minimum of 6 units from the completion of courses in the following list:

POLS2044 Quantitative Methods in Politics and International Relations

POLS2045 Qualitative Methods in Politics and International Relations

POLS2137 Meaning in Politics: Interpretation, Method and Critique

 

A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 18 units from the completion of the following Political Science and Social Science Enquiry courses, of which no more than 6 units can come from courses taken outside POLS:

DEMO1001 Global population challenges

ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research

HIST2110 Approaches to History

INDG1001 Country, Kinship and Continuities: An Introduction to Australian Indigenous Studies

INDG1002 Resilience, Responsibilities, Resurgence

POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations

POLS2002 Public Policy: Theory and Practice

SOCR1001 Foundations of Social Research

SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods

SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques

 Or any other 2000 level POLS course with permission of the program convenor


24 units from the completion of the following 3000-level courses, of which:

A minimum of 18 units must come from the following Political Science Depth list:

POLS3002 Comparative European Politics

POLS3029 Comparative Federalism

POLS3043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying

POLS3095 Politics in Latin American

POLS3111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia

POLS3113 Human Rights

POLS3125 Game Theory and Social Sciences

POLS3126 Democracy and Dictatorship

POLS3127 U.S. Politics

POLS3134 The Politics of Gender, Race, and Identity

 

A maximum of 6 units from the following Social Science Enquiry Depth list:

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program

ENVS3028 Environmental Policy

INDG3001 First Nations Peoples, the State and Public Policy in Australia

SOCR3001 Data for Decision Making

 

6 units from the completion of courses from the following Area Expertise list:

ASIA1025 Asia and the Pacific: Power, Diversity and Change

ASIA1030 Asia and the Pacific in Motion

ASIA1035 Introduction to Asian Politics

ASIA1999 The Origins of Political Order in Asia

ASIA2026 The Politics of China

ASIA2031 Japanese Politics

ASIA2065 Asia’s Changing Politics in Comparative Perspective

ASIA2070 Democracy in Southeast Asia

ASIA2096 North Korea: History, Culture, Politics

ASIA2222 Taiwanese Society and Politics

ASIA2516 Indonesia: Politics, Society and Development

DEMO2003 Migration in the Modern World

ECHI1006 The Australian Economy, Past and Present

EURO1004 Europe in the Modern Era

HIST2022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History

HIST2128 Colonies and Post-Colony: 19th Century Australia and its Legacies

HIST2221 The Birth of Modernity: Britain 1688-1848 

HIST2226 Nazi Germany

HIST2227 Australian Political History

HIST2240 Democracy and Dissent: Europe Since 1945

HIST2242 The Soviet Union: From the Russian Revolution to the Collapse of Communism

INDG1002 Resilience, Rights and Resurgence

MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East

MEAS1002 Islam: History and Institutions

MEAS2000 Iran: History, Politics and Culture

MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security

MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East

PASI1011 Pacific Encounters: Introduction to Pacific Studies

PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalising World

POLS2031 Politics of the Middle East

POLS2055 Pacific Politics

POLS2069 Politics of Russia

Majors

Bachelor of Languages Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Languages Minors

Study Options

Year 1 - - POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units
- - POLS1009 Introduction to Data and Methods for Political Science and International Relations 6 units Another course from specified lists 6 units
Year 2 - - POLS2119 Ideas in Politics 6 units Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units
- - POLS2044 Quantitative Methods in Political Science and International Relations 6 units Comparative Politics list Course 6 units
Year 3 - - Comparative Politics list Course 6 units Australian Politics list Course 6 units
- - Another course from specified lists 6 units Political Economy list Course 6 units
Year 4 - - Methodology list Course 6 units Another course from specified lists 6 units
- - Methodology list Course 6 units Australian Politics list Course 6 units

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.

  • Flexible Double Degree - Arts, Social Sciences, Business, Science (4050): 192 units
  • Flexible Double Degree - Law (Honours) (4350), Flexible Double Degree PhB Advanced Arts Social Sciences Business & Science (4569), or Flexible Double Degree - Engineering and Advanced Computing (Honours) (4750): 240 units

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: 

  • A maximum of 36 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 6 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)

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-plans

Study Options

Year 1 48 units - - - -
- - - -

Study Options

Year 1 48 units - - - -
- - - -

Bachelor of Languages - double degree

For study plans, please visit cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plans

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  

Back to the Bachelor of Political Science page

Enrolling for the first time can be overwhelming. Below, you will find information that will assist. Please note that advice on this page is indicative, and you are encouraged to contact the CASS Student office at students.cass@anu.edu.au or visit the the CASS student office website  if you require tailored information. 

Important items to note:

  • We recommend you start a CASS Program Plan. This is a way to track how the courses you take fit within the overall structure of your degree and will help you plan for your later year courses.
  • The Bachelor of Political Science can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When the Bachelor of Political Science is combined with another undergraduate degree through a Flexible Double Degree, 48 units of ANU electives units are replaced with the core requirements of the other degree and the total program duration is expanded to 192 units (4 years Full-Time) or 240 units (5 years Full-Time) depending on the duration of the other program.

Semester 2 commencers
Please note that if you are commencing your studies in Semester 2 there may be restrictions on the courses available for enrolment. If you have concerns, please contact students.cass@anu.edu.au

Single degree

The Bachelor of Political Science requires 144 units (24 courses), including: 

  • A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses)
  • A minimum of 18 units must come from completion of 3000 level courses (i.e. 3 x 6 units courses) 
  • Two compulsory courses  
  • A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (i.e. 2 x 6 unit courses)

Double degree

The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination e.g.

  • Flexible Double Degree - Arts, Social Sciences, Business, Science (4050): 192 units 
  • Flexible Double Degree - Law (Honours) (4350), Flexible Double Degree PhB Advanced Arts Social Sciences Business & Science (4569), or Flexible Double Degree - Engineering and Advanced Computing (Honours) (4750): 240 units

Of which a minimum of 12 units (i.e. 2 x 6 unit courses) must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD.

The Bachelor of Political Science component of an FDD requires 96 units, including: 

  • A maximum of 36 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 6 x 6 unit courses)
  • A minimum of 18 units must come from completion of 3000 level courses (i.e. 3 x 6 units courses) 
  • Two compulsory courses  
  • A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (i.e. 2 x 6 unit courses)

Enrolment Status

Duration 

The Bachelor of Political Science typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four x six-unit courses) each semester and there are two semesters each year. One course is typically worth six-units.

In total, students need to complete 144 units of study towards the Bachelor of Political Science. This will be 24 courses if all courses are worth six-units, but may be fewer if one or more courses of 12-units or more are taken.

If you combine the Bachelor of Political Science with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree, you will need to complete a total of 192 units (32 six-unit courses) or 240 units (40 six-unit courses) depending on the combination. This will typically take four years for a 192-unit degree or five years for a 240-unit degree on a full-time basis.

Domestic students?may choose to enrol in fewer than 24-units in any semester or half-year study period. Students studying 18 or more units in a half year (January – June or July – December) are considered full-time. Students studying less than this are considered part-time.

If you take fewer than 24-units in any half year period, then your degree is likely to take longer than three years to complete. 

International students on a student visa are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 24-units in each half year study period (Summer, Semester 1, Autumn or Winter, Semester 2, Spring) unless they have been approved for Reduced Study Load or program leave.

Maximum time for completion 

  • The maximum period for completion of the single Bachelor of Political Science degree is 10 years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This 10 years includes any periods of leave.
  • The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is 10 years for a 192-unit degree or 11 years for a 240-unit degree from the date of first enrolment in the program. The maximum period includes periods of leave. 

A transfer of credit (status) from previous studies will reduce the total amount of time remaining to complete the balance of your degree. When you are assessed for credit, you will be notified of the new maximum end date for your degree in your credit offer. 


Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses

In your first year, you will typically enrol in 1000-level courses – these courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code. E.g. POLS1002, POLS1009. Many 2000 and 3000 level courses build upon the specific knowledge achieved through 1000-level courses.

You may take 1000-level courses later in your program.  But remember you can’t count more than 10 x 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or 6 x 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Political Science half of the double degree. In your first year, you will typically enrol in 1000-level courses – these courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code. E.g. POLS1002, POLS1009. Many 2000 and 3000 level courses build upon the specific knowledge achieved through 1000-level courses. 

You may take 1000-level courses later in your program.  But remember you can’t count more than 10 x 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or 6 x 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Political Science half of the double degree. 

Majors and Minors

See available majors and minors for this program




Electives

Electives are courses that provide freedom for you to select subjects that align to your personal interests and career aspirations in a more individualised way than is possible through general major or degree requirements. An ANU elective is a course that you can select without restriction, beyond the global requirements of your program (e.g. limits on 1000-level courses, etc).

In the Bachelor of Political Science, you can select a minimum of 48 units and a maximum of 72 units of electives. You can try a range of courses such as computing, history, or marketing. The choice is yours. 

We also recommend holding some ANU electives in reserve to keep other opportunities open, such as international exchange, internships, and meeting the transdisciplinary requirements of your degree.



Study Options

Bachelor of Political Science - single degree

For study plans, please visit cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plans

Study Options

Year 1 48 units ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~

FDD

For study plans, please visit cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plans

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, and are also listed in the 'overview' tab of this program. 

You can satisfy this requirement through a course/s listed in the program or through the ANU electives it all depends on how you structure your degree and your other enrolment choices.

Academic Advice

Course credit

If you have undertaken previous study that is relevant to your current academic program, you can request to receive course credit. For more information and how to apply, see the CASS credit application webpage, or contact the CASS Student Office.

For further information on prerequisites and Arts and Social Science disciplines you can:

  • Email us at?students.cass@anu.edu.au, or 
  • Come and talk to someone - you can attend a drop in session with an academic advisor here  

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