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

Can you see yourself jet-setting the globe with a career in analytics, trade, foreign affairs, journalism, international business or research? You have found the right degree. ANU is a leader in the field of International Relations. The Bachelor of International Relations will give you world-class training in International Relations, providing the skills and background you need to understand the complex and exciting world of international affairs. Our program:

  • provides an overview of the historical and intellectual background of international relations which focuses on the interaction of state and non-state actors globally across many dimensions – cultural, economic, environmental, and military to name a few;
  • gives you an in-depth understanding of contemporary debates and challenges in international relations, as well as hands-on experience in policy analysis and data literacy which will prove highly useful in the workplace of tomorrow; and
  • offers opportunities to study more specialised topics such as geopolitics and great power rivalry, international organisations, empire, terrorism, and human rights.

Bachelor of International Relations students can pursue many additional options, including language study, going on exchange or doing an international/national internship.

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

In an increasingly fast-paced, complex and analytics-focused world, this degree will provide the skills you need to excel in a variety of fields including government, business and the non-profit sector. Our students come from all walks of life, from every part of Australia and from all over the world.

In an increasingly fast-paced, complex and analytics-focused world, this degree will provide the skills you need to excel in a variety of fields including government, business and the non-profit sector. Our students come from all walks of life, from every part of Australia and from all over the world.

Learning Outcomes

  1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the international system's historical development and contemporary status: its principal events, actors, ideas, institutions, and outcomes of interest;
  2. apply the key international relations theories and concepts to historical and contemporary cases, across multiple issue-areas;
  3. demonstrate knowledge of a specific region/historical era of relevance to international relations; apply international relations theories and concepts to that region/era; reflect critically on the theories' applicability and explanatory power;
  4. apply analytical tools from political science and other social sciences to the evaluation of international phenomena across of a wide variety of issue-areas that are relevant to scholars and policymakers; and
  5. communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a wide variety of media.
  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

Completing the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving Course Requirement

Students completing the Bachelor of International Relations are required to complete a minimum of 12 units of Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD) courses as part of their program. TD courses in the Bachelor of International Relations include:

MEAS3009 Modern Arabian Peninsula: Society, Politics and Security

PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalising World

POLS2102 Political Belief and Deceit

POLS2119 Ideas in Politics

POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics

POLS3029 Comparative Federalism

POLS3032 Politics of Empire


If you would prefer to complete courses outside this list to fulfill the TD course requirement, you may use your electives to choose any other accredited TD course at ANU. To find a list of TD courses, please visit Programs and Courses and select the Transdisciplinary filter.

Completing the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving Course Requirement

Students completing the Bachelor of International Relations are required to complete a minimum of 12 units of Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD) courses as part of their program. TD courses in the Bachelor of International Relations include:

MEAS3009 Modern Arabian Peninsula: Society, Politics and Security

PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalising World

POLS2102 Political Belief and Deceit

POLS2119 Ideas in Politics

POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics

POLS3029 Comparative Federalism

POLS3032 Politics of Empire


If you would prefer to complete courses outside this list to fulfill the TD course requirement, you may use your electives to choose any other accredited TD course at ANU. To find a list of TD courses, please visit Programs and Courses and select the Transdisciplinary filter.

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 International Relations - 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 International Relations 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 include:

18 units from completion of the following compulsory introductory and methods courses:

POLS1002 Introduction to Politics

POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations

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

 

A minimum of 18 and a maximum of 24 units from the completion of courses in the following list:

POLS2017 International Relations Theory

POLS2094 International Political Economy

POLS2132 War and International Relations

POLS2133 Global Cooperation and Institutions

 

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 maximum of 6 units from the completion of the following International Relations and Social Science Breadth courses:

ECON1101 Microeconomics 1

ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research

HIST2110 Approaches to History

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques

STST1001 Introduction to Strategic Studies

SOCR1001 Foundations of Social Research

Or any other 2000-level POLS course with permission

 

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

A minimum of 12 units must come from the completion of courses on the following International Relations Depth list:

POLS3001 Foreign Policy

POLS3032 The Politics of Empire

POLS3035 Norms and International Law in World Politics

POLS3036 Terrorism

POLS3113 Human Rights 

POLS3136 Power and Influence in World Politics

 

A maximum of 12 units from the completion of courses on the following Social Science Depth list:

ENVS3033 International Environmental Policy

INTR3001 Humanitarianism: Principles, Politics, Practice

INTR3002 Global Institutions in the Asia-Pacific

STST3002 Australia’s Security in the Asian Century

STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World

Or any other POLS 3000-level course

 

6 units from the completion of a course from the following Area Expertise list:

ASIA2041 Mainland Southeast Asia: Colonial and Postcolonial Predicaments

ASIA2067 Asian Economies

ASIA2093 Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific

ASIA2301 Human Migration and Expansion in the Rise of the Asia-Pacific

DEMO2003 Migration in the Modern World

HIST1209 Terror to Terrorism

HIST1214 Empires in Global History

HIST2136 World at War, 1939-1945

HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989

HIST2214 The Great War: The Conflict that Changed the World

INTR2010 International Relations in the Asia-Pacific

INTR2012 Chinese Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2014 Indian Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2016 US Foreign and Security Policy in Asia

INTR2018 Japanese Foreign and Security Policy

INTR2020 (In)Stability on the Korean Peninsula

INTR2024 Nuclear Politics in Asia

MEAS2004 Turkish Politics and Foreign Policy

MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East

MEAS3009 Modern Arabian Peninsula: Society, Politics and Security

PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalising World

PASI2002 Australia in Oceania in the 19th and 20th centuries

PASI3013 Environment and Development in the Pacific

STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific

STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands

STST2020 Study Tour: Southeast Asia’s Security Choices

WARS2004: The Second World War in the Pacific

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

Study Options

Year 1 POLS1006 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 6 units POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units
POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations Foundations and Concepts 6 units 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 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 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units POLS2119 Ideas in Politics 6 units Political Theory and political philosophy list Course 6 units
POLS2094 International Political Economy 6 units 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units POLS2044 Quantitative Methods in Political Science and International Relations 6 units Comparative Politics list Course 6 units
Year 3 POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis 6 units 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units Comparative Politics list Course 6 units Australian Politics list Course 6 units
2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units Another course from specified lists 6 units Political Economy list Course 6 units
Year 4 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units Methodology list Course 6 units Another course from specified lists 6 units
2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units 2000/3000 level course from the designated lists 6 units Methodology list Course 6 units Australian Politics list Course 6 units

Back to the Bachelor of International Relations 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 International Relations can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When the Bachelor of International Relations 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 International Relations 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) 
  • Three 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 International Relations 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) 
  • Three 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 International Relations 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 International Relations. 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 International Relations 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 International Relations 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, POLS1005. 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 International Relations 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 International Relations, 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 International Relations - 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.

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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