Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Overview
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.
Program details
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
- biology, biotechnology, botany, life sciences, microbiology and parasitology, molecular biology and zoology
- 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.
Key facts
- 4 years full-time
- Semester 1 & 2 intake
- Pathway to Doctor of Medicine and Surgery
- #1 in Australia for graduate employability (Times Higher Education)
Testimonials
Zelda Smith
"Studying science is a fantastic way to have a broad university experience, explore a range of topics, and interests, and have the opportunity for field trips, research, and high-level coursework. And at ANU, studying science is an incredibly unique experience due to the university's focus on research! My science degree has given me a strong scientific framework as well as the flexibility to explore topics including science communication, parasitology, and genetics through the undergraduate research experience. This degree is incredible!"
Atul Sharma
"I had a unique experience during my Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours). It was broad, flexible, and in retrospect, more applicable even now as a third year Doctor of Medicine and Surgery student. The ability to slip into research projects was the key highlight. Research is the bedrock skill in many academic prospects, and a valuable experience when you reach the (daunting) job application seasons."
Careers
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 2023-24. 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.
“Even from first year, I was exposed to cutting-edge technology here at ANU," says PhB graduate Marika Niihori. Marika has now been awarded a prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
Read about Marika's researchLearning experience
My marathon exchange
Lachlan Arthur went on exchange to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) and it was nothing short of amazing.
Read Lachlan's story
Ask a science educator: What makes a good Questacon experience?
Questacon Learning Programs Coordinator Kristi Chisholm tells ANU student Ziang Jia all about her career and how she got there. Find out how Kristi went from studying psychology to working in an iconic science museum.
Watch the video
Flexibility and opportunity: the PhB experience
In her first PhB research project, Isobel undertook the first independent evaluation of the implementation of the 2002 Snowy Water Inquiry Outcome Implementation Deed to restore Snowy River flows. What she found was that water flows never reached the promised levels, alongside failures in transparency and review mechanisms.
Find out how Isobel's research is helping rivers in NSWFees & scholarships
Scholarships
Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.
Convenors
A./Prof. Aude Fahrer, Biology PhB Discipline Coordinator
Dr. Aude Fahrer's research focuses on immunology, cancer immunotherapy, and bioinformatics, while also teaching courses in infection, immunity, and immunology at ANU.
Dr Christina Spry, Biology PhB Discipline Coordinator
Christina Spry is a researcher specializing in vitamin B5 metabolism in malaria and bacteria, currently based at ANU after completing her PhD and postdoctoral work, with a fellowship at the University of Cambridge.
Dr Melissa Ness, Astrophysics PhB Discipline Coordinator
Prof Thomas Huber, Chemistry PhB Discipline Coordinator
Thomas Huber received his Diploma of Chemistry from the Technical University Munich and completed his PhD at ETH-Zurich. He has since held positions in physical chemistry at ETH-Zurich (1997), in the Supercomputer Facility at ANU (1998-2000), in the Department of Mathematics at UQ (2001-2005) and in the School of Molecular Bioscience at UQ (2006-2010) before his appointment as an Associate Professor and Future Fellow (2010-2014) at the Research School of Chemistry.
Dr Dylan Campbell, Computer Science PhB Discipline Coordinator
Dr Dylan is a Lecturer in Computing at ANU, previously a Research Fellow at Oxford's Visual Geometry Group and the Australian Centre for Robotic Vision, with a PhD in geometric vision from ANU and a BE in Mechatronic Engineering from UNSW.
Prof Jochen Brocks ,Earth Sciences PhB Discipline Coordinator
Jochen J. Brocks is a professor at the Research School of Earth Sciences at the Australian National University. He received a Masters in physical organic chemistry from the University of Freiburg in Germany and a PhD from the University of Sydney, Australia in 2002.
Prof Robert Heinsohn, Environment PhB Discipline Coordinator
Robert Heinsohn, a professor at Australian National University, is a leading conservation biologist specializing in evolutionary and behavioral ecology of birds, with groundbreaking research on parrots and conservation challenges.
Dr Nikolay Shirokikh, JCSMR (Neuroscience, Genetics, Cancer, Immunology) PhB Discipline Coordinator
Dr. Nikolay Shirokikh, an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow at the Australian National University, specializes in RNA biology, focusing on translation initiation and rapid translational control, with significant research on viral mRNA, eukaryotic RNA functions, and cancer biology.
Prof Anthony Licata, Math PhB Discipline Coordinator
Anthony M. Licata is a Senior Lecturer at the Mathematical Sciences Institute at Australian National University, specializing in geometric representation theory and its connections to low-dimensional topology, symplectic algebraic geometry, and algebraic combinatorics.
Prof Yuri Kivshar, Physics PhB Discipline Coordinator
Yuri Kivshar is a renowned physicist specializing in nonlinear physics, metamaterials, and nanophotonics, and is a Fellow of multiple prestigious societies, including the Australian Academy of Science, with numerous accolades, including the 2022 Max Born Award.
A/Prof James Sullivan, Physics PhB Discipline Coordinator
James Sullivan is a Senior Fellow at the Research School of Physics at the Australian National University, specializing in nuclear physics and positron research, with a strong focus on positron interactions in biological media and molecular systems.
Dr Mark Stevens, Psychology PhB Discipline Coordinator
Mark Stevens is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Medicine and Psychology at the Australian National University, specializing in exercise psychology, mental health, and group therapy, with a focus on social identity and its role in therapeutic outcomes and athlete mental health.
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.
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.
Submit your application
Application assessment
All applications will be assessed after the deadline date.
Accept your offer
Accept the offer and enrol at ANU!