Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)–Humanities and Social Sciences

The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)–Humanities and Social Sciences or PhB (HaSS) is an innovative, research-focused undergraduate degree designed for intellectually curious students who want to explore their interests beyond the classroom. It's the only program of its kind where disciplinary knowledge is enriched by a deep regional understanding of Asia and the Pacific.

As a member of our interdisciplinary research community you will have the opportunity to explore your interests through a diverse range of disciplines including: history, anthropology, international relations, gender, culture, strategic studies, sociology, political science, language and linguistics, literature, law and regulation, archaeology, and economics.

You will receive one-on-one mentoring from a range of world-leading researchers at the forefront of their fields and develop your capacity for independent research and critical thinking in an academically rigorous learning environment.

You will join a dynamic cohort of students in the PhB, interacting through special research seminars, and connecting with international peers through internship and exchange opportunities.

The flexible nature of the PhB (HaSS) allows you and your academic mentors to design the program to suit your interests and includes advanced PhB-only courses tailored to provide you with the high-level academic skills you need to lead in your research and analysis career.

During your final years of study you will be encouraged to undertake fieldwork abroad as you embark on a year-long independent research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor. With the ANU PhB (HaSS) you can gain exceptional preparation in your chosen Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines and special opportunities to pursue regionally-focused or globally-oriented study at the highest level.

1. Engage professionally and respectfully with Asia, the Pacific, and the world using sophisticated concepts and methods from the humanities and social sciences.

2. Critically analyse the research literature from both specialist and interdisciplinary perspectives.

3. Create new interdisciplinary knowledge that helps to build an integrated understanding of complex social, cultural, political and/or linguistic issues at an Asia-Pacific regional or global scale.

4. Convey professional and disciplinary knowledge to diverse audiences in a clear and convincing manner.

5. Collaborate with peers to identify and solve problems in business, politics, and the academy.

6. Conceptualise new research projects considering their practical application, academic contributions, and ethical implications.

7. Undertake independent research drawing on high level project management, analysis, and writing skills, as well as professional connections.

8. Exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

1. To be admitted to an undergraduate coursework degree, you need to meet the University's minimum academic requirement through your senior secondary studies, or after having completed one year of an Australian Bachelor Degree or other qualification accepted by ANU as comparable to an Australian Bachelor Degree as per the Australian Qualification Framework.
2. Make sure you have checked the entry requirements for your preferred program and year (2024). Some programs have additional entry requirements such as prerequisites or portfolios.
3. You must meet the University's English language requirements to be assessed.

The PhB is an ideal path to take if you are already aiming for a career in research, but it is equally good if you decide to enter the workforce directly, as you will not only have gained the academic and generic skills normally obtained within a degree but will have gained highly marketable skills in independent research, oral and written communication and also in teamwork.

1. Check the entry requirements
2. Find an agent
3. Review your documentary evidence
4. Meet English language requirements
5. Explore visa requirements for international students
6. Learn about Mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
7. Apply for campus accommodation