Looking for an ANU elective that’s open to any degree, counts for credit, and lets you work on real projects for social impact? The SoCIETIE Initiative is a set of transdisciplinary ANU courses in the AATD subject area — open to undergraduate, postgraduate and law students alike. They replaced the Vice-Chancellor’s Courses under the 2025 ANU Graduate Attributes curriculum.
Not sure which one fits you? Answer a few quick questions:
Answer these questions to find the right course for you.
Answer the questions above to see a suggested course.
Your suggested course
- Get a permission code via the links below
- Explore the Programs & Courses page
- Register for the Certificate via the links below
The SoCIETIE courses at a glance
Every SoCIETIE course is for credit, open to students from any degree (provided you meet the prerequisites listed on the official ANU Programs & Courses page), and entered through a non-competitive Expression of Interest.
| Course | Who it’s for | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| AATD1001 | First-year undergraduates | About AATD1001 |
| AATD2001 | Undergraduates with fewer than 72 units | About AATD2001 |
| AATD3001 | Undergraduates with 72 or more units | About AATD3001 |
| AATD6001 | Postgraduate students | About AATD6001 |
| LAWS4001 | ANU Law (ALLB) students | About LAWS4001 |
| Skills for Social Change Certificate | Anyone without room in their degree (non-credit) | About the Certificate |
How the courses work
Students choose the pathway that suits them — building skills through interactive KNoT workshops, applying them through a real-world project, or both. There’s no competitive entry: you simply meet the listed prerequisites and submit an Expression of Interest. When you’re ready, find your course and express interest.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a SoCIETIE course from any degree?
Yes. The SoCIETIE Initiative courses (the AATD subject area) are open to students from any ANU degree — undergraduate, postgraduate and law — as long as you have room for an elective and meet the prerequisites listed on the official ANU Programs & Courses page.
Do these courses count for credit?
Yes. AATD1001, AATD2001, AATD3001, AATD6001 and LAWS4001 are for-credit ANU courses that count toward your degree. The Skills for Social Change Certificate is a separate, non-credit option for students who don’t have room for a for-credit course.
How is this different from a normal ANU elective?
SoCIETIE courses are transdisciplinary and project-based: instead of a single discipline, you work on a real community project for social impact and build practical skills through KNoT workshops, choosing a Skills Pathway or a Project Pathway.
Which SoCIETIE course should I take?
It depends on your stage and degree: first-year undergraduates take AATD1001, undergraduates with fewer than 72 units take AATD2001, those with 72 or more take AATD3001, postgraduates take AATD6001, and ANU Law (ALLB) students take LAWS4001. Use the course finder above, or express your interest and the team will guide you.
How do I enrol?
Submit an Expression of Interest. It isn’t a competitive process — you only need to meet the prerequisites for the course. You’ll then receive a permission code to enrol via ANU Programs & Courses.