Information about electives

What are Electives?

Electives are courses you can choose outside core or compulsory courses in your degree. They can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them.


How many electives can I undertake and at what level should they be?

This depends on the program in which you are enrolled. There is also a limit on the number of units in each program that can be done at 1000/2000/3000/4000 level. Check the program requirements to ensure that you do not exceed the limit. If you are in your first year, you should generally be looking at first year electives: a course that includes a 1000 level code (for example, ACFI1001).

Students are only permitted to enrol in courses that count towards their program. If you are interested in enrolling in a course that does not fit into your program structure you may consider applying for non-award enrolment.

For more information, check the program handbook online in the degree finder.


How should I choose my electives?

You can use electives to extend and complement your core studies with more courses in the same field of study or you can choose elective courses simply because they might be of interest to you.


What courses can I study online?

A list of courses that are available to be studied online can be found by filtering the full course listing by Location->Online.


Can I use my electives overseas?

You have an opportunity to participate in a range of overseas activities including semester exchanges, and academic short courses held during semester breaks.

Read more about your overseas study options.


How do I find out if I can enrol in a course I like?

Not all courses will be suitable as electives. Some courses are restricted (for example, LAWS courses are only for students undertaking law degrees) or some courses require assumed knowledge. It is a good idea to check the assumed knowledge section to make sure that you have the right background education to be successful.

To find out if you can enrol in a particular course, click on the course, scroll down the page until you see the assumed knowledge or requisite heading. This section will tell you whether you have the prior knowledge required and/or whether enrolment into the course is restricted.

The full list of courses can be filtered to show those that may be available as an elective, always remember to check the assumed knowledge and any additional requisites.