Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Do undergraduate research at ANU
There is no other degree like it in Australia. In the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) you’ll get to explore your interests by undertaking research as an undergraduate student, get one-on-one mentoring by leading academics… all while enjoying the camaraderie of a group of like-minded students.
The research you do throughout the first years of your degree is excellent preparation for your honours year. During honours you will undertake a year-long research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor. This is where you can really indulge your passion and explore a topic in detail.
Honours year
- A fourth year of study that is a continuation of an undergraduate degree focused on a research project
- Identify a supervisor and an area of research
- Full-time for two consecutive semesters and includes research training
- Honours extends the knowledge and skills developed during the Bachelor degree and provides a solid foundation in the practice of research suitable for entry to a broad range of careers or to a PhD.
Key facts
What you will learn
The PhB program is a four year research intensive undergraduate degree designed with flexibility in mind. Each year you will work with your mentor to develop a program that is individually tailored to be stimulating and challenging.
Some of the study areas in science, health and medicine include:
- astrophysics
- biological sciences
- chemistry
- computer science and software engineering
- earth science and geology
- environmental science and geography
- mathematics, mathematical physics and bioinformatics,
- medical science, biomedical science, human sciences and neuroscience
- physics and materials science
- psychology.
You also have the option to explore disciplines outside of science.
What it's like to do undergraduate research
My marathon exchange
Lachlan Arthur went on exchange to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) and it was nothing short of amazing.
Research which gets you places
Marika's PhB research at ANU has led to her winning one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.
Flexibility and opportunity: the PhB experience
“During first year I studied a wide range of subjects: maths, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science. This flexibility was a huge drawcard for me."
Meet some of your teachers
Associate Professor Anselm Enders, Neuroscience, Genetics, Cancer & Immunology PhB Discipline Coordinator
Anselm is Senior Research Fellow at the John Curtin School of Medical Research at ANU. He a paediatric immunologist with expert knowledge of clinical manifestations and presentation of immune deficiencies in childhood.
Anselm's areas of expertise include cellular immunology, autoimmunity, immunogenetics and paediatrics.
Dr Tegan Cruwys, Psychology PhB Discipline Coordinator
Tegan is a Clinical Psychologist with expertise in health, clinical and counselling psychology, social and community psychology, and mental health. She is a recipient of the Australian Research Council’s Discovery Early Career Research Award.
Currently Tegan is leading a trial of a program to improve social connections, run in partnership with Australian Rotary Health and Headspace.
Graduate research pathways
Many of our graduates have used the PhB program as a pathway to completing PhDs in some of the best universities around the world, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Yale, UC Berkley and, of course, ANU.
The PhB can also provide a pathway to the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) without having to sit the GAMSAT. Each year, 10 places are reserved in our medicine program for students who successfully graduate from the PhB program and undertake a successful interview.
The Australian National University has been ranked as the top university for graduate employability in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking 2020. As a student at ANU, you gain access to the ANU CareerHub – an online career development and employability tool that includes a jobs board and careers resources. You also have access to drop-in chats with a career consultant and to attend our career fairs to meet potential employers.
A Rhodes Scholar on her path to change the World, one protein at a time
Fees & scholarships
Tuition fees: Tuition fees
Scholarships: Scholarships
ANU offers many scholarships both to overcome disadvantage and to recognise academic merit.
How to apply
Determine the best way to apply
There are different ways to apply to ANU, the best way for you to apply depends on your circumstances.
Direct applications to the ANU are for school leavers only, if you are a mature age student, non-school leaver, or transferring from another university you will need to apply via UAC by the 30 November and please remember to attach your supporting documents.
Understand the entry requirements
- Visit Domestic applications - ANU Undergraduate to check the admission dates.
- Make sure you understand the admission requirements for your chosen degree by reading them carefully on Programs and Courses website.
- All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students.
Meet the co-curricular or service requirement
In addition to meeting academic requirements, we have introduced a compulsory co-curricular or service requirement.
Make sure you have met the co-curricular or service requirement and provide the appropriate documentation.
Gather supporting documents
All students applying to the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will need to provide a completed Supplementary Form and two referee reports.
Submit your application
Tick your application off your list so it's one less thing you need to think about.There are different ways to apply to ANU, the best way for you to apply depends on your circumstances.
Direct applications to the ANU are for school leavers only, if you are a mature age student, non-school leaver, or transferring from another university you will need to apply via UAC by the 30 November and please remember to attach your supporting documents.
Application assessment
Direct applications and UAC applications will be assessed after the 30 November deadline.
Accept your offer
Accept the offer and enrol at ANU!
Understand the entry requirements
- Visit International applications - ANU Undergraduate to check the admission dates.
- Make sure you understand the admission requirements for your chosen degree by reading them carefully on Programs and Courses website.
- All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students.
Prepare entry requirements & support documents
All students applying to the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will need to provide a completed Supplementary Form and two referee reports.
Submit your application
Assessment of applications
All applications will be assessed after the deadline date.
Accept your offer
Accept the offer and enrol at ANU!
Need more information?
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