Choosing your HSC subjects is a big decision. With so many options and combinations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this article, we break down the subject options you can choose from in English, Mathematics, and Science, and explain what to expect from each.
If you haven’t already, we recommend reading our full guide on How the HSC Works or our HSC Subject Selection Guide to get a deeper understanding of the ATAR system and how your subjects contribute to it.
ENGLISH (Compulsory)
All students must take at least 2 units of English in Year 11 and 12. Your English marks will always count toward your ATAR.
📝 Year 11 English Options (ranked by increasing difficulty):
- English Standard (2 units)
- English Advanced (2 units)
- English Advanced + Extension 1 (3 units total)
- (Less common options: EAL/D, English Studies – not ATAR eligible)
Key differences:
- Standard focuses on accessible texts;
- Advanced requires a Shakespeare text and deeper analysis;
- Extension 1 dives into complex themes and alternate literary worlds.
📝 Year 12 Add-On Option: Extension 2
Students taking Advanced + Extension 1 can opt into English Extension 2 (1 unit), where you'll complete a major creative writing project—no final exam.
Manoj Arachige
🧠 Course Content Overview:
English Standard & Advanced:
- 4 Modules total:
- Common Module: Texts and Human Experiences (shared between both courses)
- Module A, B, C: Differ slightly by course
- You'll study 4 prescribed texts, covering:
- Prose fiction
- Drama or poetry
- Shakespeare (Advanced only)
- Multimodal or digital texts (Standard)
English Extension 1:
- 1 unit = half the workload
- Modules:
- Common Module: Literary Worlds
- Elective Options:
- Worlds of Upheaval
- Reimagined Worlds
- Literary Homelands
- Literary Mindscapes
- Intersecting Worlds
- Each elective requires studying 3 prescribed texts + 2 related texts
MATHEMATICS (Optional, but highly recommended)
Maths is not compulsory in the HSC, but it’s one of the most popular subject areas—and essential for many university degrees.
🔢 Year 11 Maths Options:
- Standard 2 (2 units – no calculus)
- Advanced (2 units – includes calculus)
- Advanced + Extension 1 (3 units total)
- Standard 1 exists but is offered at fewer schools and isn’t ATAR-eligible
🔢 Year 12 Add-On Option: Extension 2
Students taking Advanced + Extension 1 can choose Extension 2 in Year 12 for a total of 4 units. This is the most difficult HSC maths course, covering advanced topics like complex numbers, curve sketching, and proofs.
🧠 Extension Maths Structure:
- If you take Extension 2, you don’t sit the Advanced exam
- You’ll sit:
- Extension 1 Exam: 2 hours
- Extension 2 Exam: 3 hours
- Each is marked out of 50, then doubled to give you your 4 units
Manoj Arachige
SCIENCE (Optional)
Students can take up to 6 units of Science in Year 11 and up to 7 units in Year 12. Science is highly customizable depending on your interests and career goals.
🔬 Year 11 Science Options (2 units each):
🧪 Year 12 Add-On Options:
- Science Extension (1 unit – research-based course)
- Investigating Science (2 units – can be picked up even if not taken in Year 11)
Note: Science Extension requires students to complete a formal Scientific Research Report, and is often considered a "mini-thesis".
🧠 What’s a Depth Study?
All HSC science subjects require a Depth Study—an extended investigation (usually experimental) where students explore a concept in greater detail, often through designing and conducting their own experiments.
Example: A Chemistry student might conduct a series of acid-base titrations for their depth study.
In Conclusion
The HSC subject selection process can be complicated, but understanding your core English, Maths and Science options is a great first step.
Whether you're aiming for a high ATAR, planning to study STEM, or just want to explore your academic interests, choosing the right mix of subjects matters.
Dylan Kay
Need Help Choosing or Studying Your HSC Subjects?
At KIS Academics, our high-achieving tutors know the HSC inside out. Whether you’re choosing between Standard and Advanced, or juggling Chemistry and Extension Maths, we’re here to help.
📚 Get personalised advice
🧠 Learn study strategies for top results
🎓 Stay on track with curriculum-aligned tutoring
👉 Book a free consultation and chat with one of our expert HSC tutors today.
FAQs
Do I have to take Maths for the HSC?
No, maths is optional. But it's strongly recommended for students interested in science, engineering, business, or health degrees.
What’s the most common English subject?
Most students take English Advanced. It’s ATAR-eligible and required for certain university courses.
Can I take more than one science subject?
Yes! Many students take 2 or even 3 sciences, especially if they’re interested in medicine or engineering.
Is Extension 2 Maths worth it?
It’s very challenging but highly rewarding—especially if you're confident in maths and want to stand out in competitive degree applications.
What if I change my mind after Year 11?
Subject changes are possible between Year 11 and 12, but check with your school early. Some subjects (like Extension 2 Maths or English) require prerequisite units.
Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
