The short answer is yes: you can change subjects, but your options depend on which year you are in
Already sent in your subject selection and realised your dream job requires a science subject? Don’t panic! Here’s what you should do.
Timing is everything
If you’re in year 10, the good news is you’re most likely already taking a science subject, as all students across Australia are required to study science up until the end of year 10. However some schools do offer science subjects as electives, so be sure to be aware of your own school’s policies.
If you’re in year 11, there’s more flexibility to change subjects. You are able to switch at the end of unit 1 or 2.
If you’re in year 12, and you’ve already started the school year? Sadly you’re stuck with the subjects you have but don’t worry there are heaps of ways to get into science without doing a science subject.
Be aware of school policies
Careers counsellor Katherine, advises that “each school has their own internal policies and deadlines” of when subjects need to be chosen or changed. You should consult with your careers counsellor to understand these policies, particularly as some schools might enforce strict deadlines.
Chat with your careers counsellor or other professionals within your school
Katherine says, “make sure that you book in and speak to the school’s careers counsellor, but also make time to speak to your school’s head of science and the teachers of the subject you’re interested in changing to.”
Careers counsellors can provide resources, look through study guides and courses with you and offer general advice to ensure you make the right choices for your dream STEM career.
Check university prerequisites
Before you decide to redo your subject selection, it’s important to be aware of university or TAFE prerequisites of the course you want to get into. Katherine says, “in Victoria we have the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), and they provide the VCE Prerequisite Explorer tool.”
“For example, if you’re thinking of switching to chemistry, you can use the tool to search for which course requires that as a prerequisite to apply. So this is a really useful tool for students and families.”
State-specific prerequisite search options
- NSW and ACT: Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) course search website
- QLD: Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) course search website
- SA: South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) course information and search
- WA: Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) course search website
- TAS: Doesn’t have this search website, as applying to the University of Tasmania is a direct application.
Katherine also suggests heading to your next open day at university or TAFE. This will help you get a better understanding of both the course you want to study and the prerequisites you need.
Explore alternative pathways
If you are already in year 12, the sad news is you cannot change your subjects. However there are still so many other opportunities and pathways to get into a STEM career without having done a science subject in high school.
- TAFE: Take killer science courses that can be a solid stepping stone to uni or a direct path to a STEM career.
- Bridging course: Some unis offer diplomas/associate degrees that can get you into your desired course. Some of these courses will give you direct entry into the second year of your chosen degree.
- Online learning: If going to campus isn’t your thing but you still want to study science, places like Open Universities Australia offer flexible options.
And if you’re really struggling with your subject selection, Katherine would like to remind you that: “We [careers counsellors] really want to help any student achieve their potential and their dreams. So, students shouldn’t feel like they’re walking this journey on their own, and there are lots of people who want to help them.”
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