Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience and Psychology
Study Philosophy, Neuroscience and Psychology at ANU
The Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology (BPNP) program draws upon Australian National University's world-leading strengths in philosophy (top 10 in the world), neuroscience and psychology to take you on a pioneering and interdisciplinary academic journey. The program will foster a unique environment where innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge research converge to challenge traditional boundaries of thought.
The BPNP will challenge you to think differently, explore the uncharted territories of the mind-brain relationship, and contribute to ground-breaking research in this dynamic field. Join us on this transformative academic journey where innovation knows no bounds.
This program is available for applications to commence from first semester, 2025
What you will learn
You will explore philosophical questions related to the mind-brain connection, delving into the conceptual foundations that underpin our understanding of the brain and mind. You will gain in-depth knowledge of the intricate relationship between the brain and cognitive processes, with access to world-class facilities, resources, and some of the country’s leading scientists at the Eccles Institute of Neuroscience in the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australia’s national medical research institute. Studying psychology will uncover the human mind and behaviour, and the mysteries of consciousness, perception, and cognition.
- Understand and evaluate a variety of philosophical and scientific traditions about the relationship between brain, mind, and behaviour.
- Engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources.
- Communicate and justify complex concepts and results clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences.
- Plan and engage in sustained critical investigations and evaluations of research topics both independently and as part of collaborative groups.
- Display excellence in critical thinking, including the ability to critically evaluate a variety of inductive and deductive arguments.
- Demonstrate the capability to employ discipline-based knowledge in transdisciplinary problem solving.
- Show insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ knowledge and indigenous peoples’ perspectives.
- Show familiarity with discipline-specific experimental approaches, simulations and research methodology.
Key facts
- 3 years full-time
- Semester 1 intake only
- #1 in Australia for graduate employability (Times Higher Education)
Careers
The BPNP program will cultivate a holistic understanding of the mind-brain connection. The program provides experience that will benefit graduates who intend to to apply for further study in the fields of philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology. The BPNP is an excellent launch pad for a career in research, consulting, behavioural analysis, policy development, user-experience research, education, politics, medicine, and working in the public and private sectors.
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.
Learning experience
Explore the complex relationship between mind and brain
"Our graduates will gain analytic skills to critically evaluate theoretical and experimental approaches from multiple perspectives, both big picture and detail, and will learn to apply these skills to real-world problems. It is a dynamic field that enables multidisciplinary experience in one person."
Read more about the programFees & 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.
Key people
Professor Ehsan Arabzadeh, Convenor and Neuroscientist
“Students will be challenged to think differently, and from the outset, will take a fundamental research question, and interrogate it across the three disciplines. Side-by-side with scientists, they’ll have first hand experience of what it's like to be in a lab and to run experiments and simulations. And that's quite rare. Particularly at the Undergraduate level.”
Professor Colin Klein, Philosopher and Course Coordinator
"There are uncharted territories when it comes to the mind and brain relationship, and this program is charting a new path for both students and society."
Associate Professor Anne Aimola Davies, Neuropsychologist and Course Coordinator
“Momentum is already building. Some of our current psychology students already do courses in philosophy or neuroscience, and there is a genuine excitement for the combination of these three disciplines in the new BPNP degree – and a wish that they could have done it!”
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.
Understand the entry requirements
Visit the Domestic applications - ANU Undergraduate page 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.
Gather supporting documents
Entry to the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology is based on meeting the minimum selection rank requirement and involves an assessment of suitability based on the questions included in the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology Supplementary Form. Submission of this form is compulsory for all applicants.
For domestic applicants applying direct to ANU: The final deadline to add the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology as a preference is 15 May 2025. The final deadline to submit the form is 26 May 2025 (you must have submitted your application by 15 May 2025). We will assess your application based on your Year 11 results plus any adjustments and the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology supplementary form. Offers will be released in the September round only. Those who accept their September offer will have their offer honoured and confirmed in the December or January round as long as they complete Year 12 with an ATAR. The Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology will not be available to add during the change of preference dates and no new offers will be released in the December or January round.
For domestic applicants applying via UAC: The final deadline to add the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology as a preference and submit the form is 30 November 2025
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.
Receiving a conditional offer
If your application is successful you will receive an early conditional offer. A conditional offer will be converted to a full offer when you meet the academic requirements for your program and any other conditions included in your conditional offer.
Accept your confirmed final offer
Upon meeting the conditions of your conditional offer, you will receive a final 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
Entry to the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology is based on meeting the minimum selection rank requirement and involves an assessment of suitability based on the questions included in the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology Supplementary Form. Submission of this form is compulsory for all applicants.
For international applicants applying direct to ANU: The final deadline to add the Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology as a preference and submit the form is 15 November 2024.
For international applicants applying via UAC: The final deadline to add the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology as a preference and submit the form is 1st December 2024.
Submit your application
Visit the International applications - ANU Undergraduate to start your application.
Receive an offer
There are three assessment rounds in each semester. Applying in the first round will give you three opportunities to be assessed and accepted, giving you the best chance of being offered a place at ANU.
Accept your offer
Accept the offer and enrol at ANU!
Admission dates & deadlines
Domestic
- For domestic applicants applying direct to ANU: The final deadline to add the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology as a preference is 13 May 2024. The final deadline to submit the form is 20 May 2024 (you must have submitted your application by 13 May 2024). We will assess your application based on your Year 11 results plus any adjustments and the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology supplementary form. Offers will be released in the September round only. Those who accept their September offer will have their offer honoured and confirmed in the December or January round as long as they complete Year 12 with an ATAR. The Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology will not be available to add during the change of preference dates and no new offers will be released in the December or January round.
- For domestic applicants applying via UAC: The final deadline to add the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology as a preference and submit the form is 1st December 2024.
International
- For international applicants applying direct to ANU: The final deadline to add the Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology as a preference and submit the form is 15 November 2024.
- For international applicants applying via UAC: The final deadline to add the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology as a preference and submit the form is 1st December 2024.
Applications for internal degree transfers will not be available in 2025.