KIS Summary:
- Priortise choosing VCE subjects based on interests first, and then check university prerequisites.
- Limit yourself to two major project subjects (Visual Arts, Studio Arts, Music, Technology) to avoid burnout, and balance high-demand subjects like Maths Methodswith moderate-demand subjects.
- High-scaling subjects like Mathematical Methods or Chemistry, can boost your ATAR, but performing well in subjects you actually enjoy typically yields better results.
Choosing the right subjects for Year 11 and 12 in Queensland is crucial for your success in the QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) and for keeping future study and career options open. With over 100 subjects and multiple pathways, it can feel overwhelming.
This guide walks you through a step-by-step approach to make confident, informed decisions.
Table of Contents
- What Factors Should You Consider When Selecting Year 11 & 12 QCE Subjects In 2026?
- How To Manage Your QCE Subject Workload?
- How Does Scaling Impact Your QCE Subject Selection?
- How To Choose A Balanced QCE Subject Combination?
- Conclusion On QCE Year 11 & 12 Subject Selection 2026
- FAQs About QCE Year 11 & 12 Subject Selection 2026
What Factors Should You Consider When Selecting Year 11 & 12 QCE Subjects In 2026?
Prioritise Your Interests and Strengths
The first step is to identify subjects you are passionate about and capable of succeeding in. You’ll spend hundreds of hours across Year 11 and 12 studying each subject, including class time, homework, assignments, and exam preparation.
For example:
- Maths Methods: ~120 hours in class across 2 years + additional weekly study
- Biology: ~120 hours in class + extra study time for practicals and assessments
Consider Future Pathways and Prerequisites
Even if you aren’t sure about university yet, think about the options you want to keep open. Many courses have prerequisite subjects or recommended preparation:
- Medicine / Health Sciences: Chemistry, Biology, Mathematical Methods recommended
- Engineering / IT: Mathematics, Physics recommended
- Commerce / Business: Mathematical Methods recommended
- Law / Humanities: English recommended, Literature can boost analytical skills
- Psychology: Mathematical Methods and English recommended for statistics and research
QCE Subjects and University Degree Requirements | Year 11 & 12 Subject Guide
| University Degree | QCE Prerequisites / Assumed Knowledge | Recommended Year 11/12 Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine / Health Sciences | Chemistry recommended, Mathematical Methods recommended | Chemistry (ATAR), Mathematical Methods (ATAR), Biology (ATAR) |
| Dentistry | Chemistry and Mathematical Methods recommended | Chemistry (ATAR), Mathematical Methods (ATAR), Biology (ATAR) |
| Physiotherapy | Mathematical Methods and Chemistry recommended | Mathematical Methods (ATAR), Chemistry (ATAR), Physics (ATAR), Biology (ATAR) |
| Engineering | Mathematical Methods and Physics recommended | Mathematical Methods (ATAR), Specialist Maths (ATAR), Physics (ATAR), Chemistry (ATAR) |
| Computer Science / IT | Mathematical Methods required | Mathematical Methods (ATAR), Specialist Maths (ATAR), Physics (ATAR), Information & Communication Technology (ICT) |
If you’re uncertain about your future, choose subjects that keep multiple pathways open. For example, a combination of Maths, Chemistry, English, and a Humanities or Arts subject preserves options for STEM, health, or commerce degrees.
How To Manage Your QCE Subject Workload?
QCE subjects vary in workload. Some include internal assessments (IA), practicals, or major projects:
- Limit yourself to 1–2 subjects with heavy project work to avoid burnout.
- Balance high-demand subjects (e.g., Maths Methods, Physics) with moderate-demand subjects (e.g., Humanities or Arts).
- Remember: you can drop a subject if needed, but moving up a level is not usually possible after Year 11.
How Does Scaling Impact Your QCE Subject Selection?
Some QCE subjects naturally scale higher for ATAR calculation. High-scaling subjects often include:
- Mathematical Methods / Specialist Maths
- Physics / Chemistry
- English / Literature
However, scaling should never be the main reason to pick a subject. Doing well in a subject you enjoy usually results in a better ATAR than struggling in a high-scaling subject you dislike.
How To Choose A Balanced QCE Subject Combination?
A good QCE subject combination balances:
- Strengths and interests to keep motivation high
- Prerequisites to keep post-school options open
- Workload to avoid overcommitment
Example balanced QCE selection (Year 11–12):
- English (General or ATAR)
- Mathematical Methods (ATAR)
- Chemistry (ATAR)
- Economics (ATAR)
- Visual Arts (ATAR or General)
This mix covers STEM, Humanities, and Arts while managing workload and keeping future pathways open.
Conclusion On QCE Year 11 & 12 Subject Selection 2026
Remember, choosing QCE subjects is about preparing yourself for success:
- Prioritise subjects you enjoy and are good at.
- Check prerequisites for potential university courses.
- Manage workload carefully, especially for project-heavy subjects.
- Consider scaling as a bonus, not the primary factor.
- Aim for a balanced mix to maximise both your enjoyment and ATAR potential.
With careful planning, you can approach Year 11 and 12 with confidence, focus, and motivation, setting yourself up to achieve your best results.
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FAQs About Year 11 & 12 Subject Selection 2026
1. What are the best scaling subjects in QCE?
High-scaling subjects include Mathematical Methods, Specialist Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and English/Literature.
2. Does Year 11 count towards QCE?
Yes. Units 1 & 2 (Year 11) contribute points towards your QCE eligibility and help prepare you for Year 12 (Units 3 & 4), but only Units 3 & 4 contribute directly to your ATAR.
3. How many subjects do you do in Year 12 in QLD?
Most students take 5–6 subjects (Units 3 & 4) in Year 12, including English. Some may take an extra subject to allow for dropping one if needed.
4. Can you get a QCE if you fail a subject?
Yes, you still can! The eligibility criteria to receive your QCE is the following:
- a set amount of learning — 20 credits
- achieved a set standard — Satisfactory completion, grade of C or better, competency or qualification completion, pass or equivalent
- completed your learning in a set pattern — 12 credits from completed Core courses and 8 credits from any combination of Core, Preparatory (maximum of 4) and Complementary (maximum of 8)
- met the literacy and numeracy requirements.
5. Do applied subjects give you QCE points?
Yes, you can get QCE points for Applied subjects. Applied subjects contribute up to four credits towards your QCE and satisfactory completion of the units in these subjects allows you to earn credits toward your QCE.
Applied Subjects are primarily focused on practical skills and preparing you for work or further training,
