How to choose your VCE subjects

How to choose your VCE subjects

It’s never too early to start thinking about VCE subject selection. Choosing your year 11 subjects is your chance to explore your passions.

An important step towards university preparation is knowing which VCE subjects to select. 

Chances are, you’re beginning to consider what you want to do with your career. The answer may be something you’re still figuring out - that’s okay! 

To help you prepare for your subject selection, we’ve put together some points for you to consider that might make your VCE subject choices easier. 

RMIT students sit together on a step, looking at a laptop

Tips for selecting your VCE subjects 

  1. Think about the topics you’d like to learn about in your Year 11 subjects and what you’re passionate about. If nothing immediately comes to mind, try asking yourself the important questions. What you are good at and what do you enjoy studying? Can you see yourself working in these areas in the future? 

    The subjects you choose can even inform what you end up studying at university like they did for RMIT business student Michael Palermo.

    “I have always been intrigued by what drives people, in addition to the creation and strengthening of relationships with people.” said Michael.
    “I chose the Bachelor of Business (Marketing) (Applied) at RMIT for the location, the wealth of industry connections, practical learning and the year of industry experience within an organisation of your field, which is a part of the applied course.”

  2. Do a little investigating into the VCE subjects and requirements that will enable you to study your area of interest at uni. Certain programs call for students to pass VCE subjects to be eligible. These are called prerequisites and it is always worth checking whether a uni course has them before making your subject choice.

  3. Remember to follow your own interests. Some students fall into the trap of selecting subjects they think will reward them with a high ATAR score. It’s pointless to pick a subject based on scaling if you don’t enjoy it or are no good at it.

Why you should keep your options open

To pass VCE, students need to complete three units from the English group, including a Unit 3-4 sequence, and at least three sequences of Unit 3–4 studies from other subjects.

When you’re choosing your VCE subjects, it’s important to know that some subjects could be a prerequisite to enter your uni course one day. A maths or science subject, for example, is likely to be a prerequisite for anyone interested in a career in engineering or information technology.

You may not know the exact program you wish to study in the future, but if you have a general idea, look at the entry requirements for a wide range of courses and find the prerequisite subjects they have in common. Including these in your VCE program will open the door to more options after high school.

RMIT student, Maya.

How to research courses and pathways

Trying to wrap your head around the differences between RMIT courses, and which one is best for you? 

RMIT’s ATAR Course Finder helps you search for courses by entering your estimated ATAR. Although ATAR requirements for each course are subject to change by the time you’re in Year 12, it can give you a good idea of what’s available in study areas you’re interested in.

Remember, the traditional path to uni isn’t the only one. If you don’t meet the entry requirements of your course at first, there are still ways to get there. 

Pathways at RMIT are alternate ways to reach your dream course by first completing a TAFE qualification first. If you don’t get the mark you were hoping for on your ATAR, you can choose a TAFE course, which is usually shorter and more hands-on than an undergraduate degree (commonly referred to as a Bachelor degree). 

After completing your TAFE qualification, you can apply for credit for prior study or experience, which helps you get into the degree you were originally aiming for.  

You can research pathways using RMIT’s Pathways Finder tool. You can also take advantage of RMIT’s Pathways Guaranteed, which guarantees that you’ll have a place in your undergraduate degree when you complete your TAFE qualification.

Who to turn to for advice

  • If you have any questions or need guidance with course prerequisites and VCE subjects, you can always chat to a career advisor or VCE coordinator at your school. They will have information on a variety of tertiary programs in your interest areas and what you need to do to be eligible for them.

  • Check out career expos and university open days, like RMIT’s NextFest. You may be two years off finishing Year 12, but these events are a great way to get excited and inspired for what’s next at university.

  • You’ll also find plenty of information online. A good place to start is If you need more info a good place to start with is the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) website. The VTAC site has tips on VCE subject selection and explains how ATARs are calculated. Youth Central is another independent source of information on everything from SACs (school assessed curriculum) to VET (Vocational Education and Training).

Don’t stress, VCE hasn’t arrived yet! But when it does, you’ll be armed with the information to decide what’s next.

 

 

Story: Jacob Johnston

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information