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What degree should I study?
“What degree should I study?”
This question has probably cost a lot of future students valuable hours of sleep and way too much brain power.
We get it. Choosing what to study at university is a big decision - one that can shape your career and let's be real, how much you enjoy waking up for those early morning lectures.
But don't worry, we're here to guide you through the decision. If you're questioning which degree you should study at uni, keep reading as we break it down.
There's so much to learn and explore with a degree at the Australian National University.
Lean into what excites you
Before you hit apply, take a moment to think about what genuinely gives you joy.
Do you love a good, logical puzzle? Left-brain thinking and a STEM degree are calling your name. Passionate about global issues? A degree in international relations or humanities could be perfect for you. If courtrooms seem invigorating and crime documentaries intrigue you more than most, consider a path towards law or criminology.
If these ideas don't resonate with you, perhaps think about your high school studies. What subjects do you like the most and what are your strengths? Maths? English literature? Languages? Sometimes, your future degree is right there, hiding in plain sight.
There's an ideal degree for every type of student at ANU.
Think forward to your goals after study
University study is your first step toward gaining the knowledge you need for your future career.
Some degrees, like health and medicine, law and engineering, all lead to quite specific career pathways. Others, like arts or science, provide skill sets that can be taken and applied to various industries and roles.
If you've been dreaming of your ideal job, perhaps research what degree (or degree combinations) can be a starting point to help you get there. If you're not wanting to set your sights on one study area, consider looking at degrees that lead to more flexibility.
ANU has flexible double degrees that allow you to study two areas at once —so if you're torn between commerce and design or science and music, why not study both?!
ANU prepares you for the future with career-ready skills and experience while you study.
Explore all the options available to you
At ANU, we're not just about standard degrees. You'll find some pretty unique study options here. Curious about the intersection of science and policy? The Bachelor of Philosophy (PhB) (Science) is designed for high-achieving students keen on research and is unique to ANU.
Want to take the first step into the world of politics? Our first-of-its-kind Bachelor of Political Science will lead you right into the heart of the action, giving you opportunities to learn on the job at Australia’s renowned political institutions.
ANU has some of the best programs in Asia-Pacific studies, political science and international relations. If you want to be at the forefront of change, these could be exciting options to explore.
ANU is renowned for our small student to teacher ratios and unique course offerings.
Experience student life first-hand
Studying a degree is just one part of being a member of a university community. Our centrally located campus in Canberra is full of opportunities to meet fellow students, with ANU societies and student-run organisations that can help you test out different career paths and grow your skills before you graduate. You can always start one degree and change your mind to study another.
Have a chat about the degree you're considering with current students and ask about their experiences. You can do this by attending our annual Open Day or by calling or emailing the student ambassadors on our Future Student Experience team. They can also answer your questions about applying, pre-requisite subjects and much more. So, write down a list of questions to ask.
Sometimes, the best way to know if something feels right is to experience it yourself - or learn from others, so also consider joining our ambassadors on a campus tour and hearing about their experiences.
Our staff at ANU are always ready to help you learn more about university life and our courses.
Check out where some of our degrees can take you…
A degree at ANU gives you the toolkit to leave your mark on the world. Whether you want to explore ideas, solve real-world problems or shape the future you want to see, your journey starts right here.
Curious where a degree at ANU could lead? Discover our degree stories below.
Register now for ANU Open Day 2025. Don't just imagine it. Experience ANU for yourself.
