Choosing your HSC subjects can feel like making a permanent decision about your future.
You may already know exactly what you want to study at university. You may have a vague idea that you like science, business or writing. Or you may have absolutely no idea and simply want to avoid accidentally closing a door.
The good news is that most HSC subject decisions are not as permanent as they seem.
Many university degrees do not have strict HSC subject prerequisites. However, they may list certain subjects as assumed knowledge or recommended studies. You might still be admitted without completing those subjects, but the first year of university could be considerably harder.
The best subject combination therefore does three things:
- Keeps you eligible for the degrees you are considering.
- Prepares you for the content you will study at university.
- Gives you the strongest chance of earning a competitive ATAR.
Here is what you should consider based on what you might want to study after Year 12.
Table of Contents
- Prerequisites, assumed knowledge and recommended studies
- Medicine and medical science
- Nursing and allied health
- Engineering
- Computer science, IT and cybersecurity
- Data science and actuarial studies
- Business, commerce and economics
- Law
- Science
- Psychology
- Teaching
- Architecture and design
- Arts, humanities and communications
- Music, visual arts and creative degrees
- What should you choose if you are still unsure?
- Should you pick subjects based on scaling?
- Frequently asked questions
First, Understand the Different University Requirements
Before choosing subjects, you need to understand three terms that universities use.
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a requirement you must satisfy to be eligible for admission.
For example, a degree may require a particular result in Mathematics Advanced. If you do not meet that prerequisite or an accepted equivalent, you may not be eligible to receive an offer through the usual pathway.
Strict HSC subject prerequisites are less common than many students assume, but they still exist for some courses and institutions.
Assumed Knowledge
Assumed knowledge means the university expects you to already understand material from a particular HSC subject.
It does not always prevent you from receiving an offer. However, the university may begin teaching from the assumption that you already understand those concepts.
UNSW explains that students who do not have the listed assumed knowledge are not necessarily prevented from enrolling, but may be at a considerable disadvantage. UTS similarly states that it does not impose HSC subject prerequisites across its courses, although faculties may list assumed knowledge and recommended studies.
Recommended Studies
Recommended studies are subjects that would be useful preparation but are not necessarily required or assumed.
For example, Legal Studies may be helpful for someone interested in law, but it is generally not required to begin a law degree.
The distinction matters. A subject can be useful without being compulsory, and a subject can be assumed knowledge even when it is not a formal admission requirement.
University requirements also change. Always check the official course page for the year in which you expect to begin university rather than relying on an older school booklet or a friend’s experience.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Medicine?
Strong Subject Combination
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics Advanced
- English Advanced
- One subject you enjoy and can perform well in
Chemistry is generally the most useful science for students considering medicine. It provides a foundation for understanding biochemical processes, medications, molecular interactions and human physiology.
Biology is also highly relevant because it introduces genetics, cells, disease, homeostasis and body systems. However, depending on the university, Chemistry may be more commonly recommended than Biology.
Mathematics Advanced is useful for developing quantitative reasoning and preparing for statistics, research methods and scientific calculations.
For UNSW’s redesigned undergraduate medicine program, English is listed as assumed knowledge and Chemistry is recommended. Medicine admission also involves more than choosing the correct HSC subjects. Most undergraduate medicine programs require applicants to sit UCAT ANZ, while selection may also involve an interview and academic results.
Do You Need Biology for Medicine?
Not always.
Many students assume that Biology is compulsory because medicine involves the human body. While it is excellent preparation, universities commonly teach the necessary biological foundations within the degree.
Chemistry may be more difficult to learn from scratch because university courses can move quickly into molecular and biochemical concepts.
The Most Important Warning for Future Medicine Students
Do not build an impossibly difficult subject combination simply because it looks impressive.
Choosing Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics Extension 1 and English Advanced may provide excellent preparation, but it is only a sensible combination when you can manage the workload and perform strongly.
Medicine admission is highly competitive. A theoretically perfect combination is not useful when it significantly lowers your marks or leaves you no time to prepare for UCAT.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Medical Science?
Strong Subject Combination
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Mathematics Advanced
- English Advanced or Standard
- Physics, Investigating Science or another strong subject
Medical science degrees commonly involve biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and statistics.
For example, UNSW’s Bachelor of Medical Science lists Chemistry and Mathematics Advanced as assumed knowledge.
Biology will make many first-year topics more familiar, even where it is not formally required. Physics can also be valuable for areas such as medical imaging, biomechanics and neuroscience.
Medical science is not the same as undergraduate medicine. Completing a medical science degree does not automatically make you a doctor, although it may be used as preparation for postgraduate medicine or a career in health research.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Nursing and Allied Health?
This category includes degrees such as:
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Exercise physiology
- Speech pathology
- Nutrition and dietetics
- Pharmacy
- Radiography
- Chiropractic science
Strong Subject Combination
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics Standard 2 or Advanced
- English Standard or Advanced
- PDHPE, Community and Family Studies or another suitable subject
Biology is helpful across most health degrees because you will study anatomy, physiology and disease.
Chemistry becomes particularly important for pharmacy, nutrition, medical science and some areas of clinical science. Mathematics is useful for statistics, medication calculations, biomechanics and research methods.
PDHPE can provide useful context around health, movement and performance, but it generally does not replace the scientific foundations provided by Biology or Chemistry.
Some health courses also have clinical placement requirements, inherent requirements or additional English-language standards. UAC recommends checking the specific requirements for health and professional courses rather than assuming that ATAR is the only criterion.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Engineering?
Strong Subject Combination
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Physics
- English Standard or Advanced
- Chemistry for selected engineering areas
- Engineering Studies or another subject you can perform strongly in
If you are seriously considering engineering, Mathematics Extension 1 is probably the most useful HSC subject you can choose.
Engineering degrees contain substantial university-level mathematics. Depending on your specialisation, you may study calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, statistics and numerical methods.
Physics is also extremely useful because engineering applies concepts involving forces, motion, energy, electricity, waves, materials and thermodynamics.
UTS lists Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics as assumed knowledge for its Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering degree. UNSW similarly lists Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics as assumed knowledge for Civil Engineering.
Which Sciences Should You Pick for Different Engineering Degrees?
Mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace or mechatronic engineering:
Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics should be your main priorities.
Chemical engineering:
Mathematics Extension 1 and Chemistry are especially valuable, with Physics also useful.
Biomedical engineering:
Mathematics Extension 1 is important. Physics and Chemistry are generally helpful, while Biology can provide useful background.
Environmental engineering:
Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Earth and Environmental Science can all be relevant.
Software engineering:
Mathematics Advanced or Extension 1 is generally more important than Physics, although Physics can still strengthen your problem-solving skills.
Do You Need Engineering Studies?
Engineering Studies is relevant, but it is rarely more important than Mathematics or Physics.
It may help you understand materials, design processes, mechanics and engineering practice. However, universities are more likely to expect mathematical and physical knowledge than content from Engineering Studies.
Treat Engineering Studies as a useful addition rather than a replacement for Mathematics Extension 1 or Physics.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Computer Science, IT or Cybersecurity?
Strong Subject Combination
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Extension 1, particularly for computer science
- Software Engineering
- Information Processes and Technology
- English Advanced or Standard
Computer science is not simply learning how to use computers. University courses can involve programming, algorithms, discrete mathematics, logic, databases, networks and software design.
Mathematics Advanced is commonly listed as assumed knowledge. More mathematically intensive computing degrees may recommend or assume Mathematics Extension 1.
For example, UTS lists Mathematics Advanced as assumed knowledge for several IT and cybersecurity courses and recommends Mathematics Extension 1. Its Computing Science Honours degree lists Mathematics Extension 1 as assumed knowledge.
Do You Need to Study Computing at School?
Not necessarily.
Software Engineering or Information Processes and Technology can provide a useful introduction, but many university computing courses teach programming from the beginning.
Mathematical reasoning, persistence and problem-solving are often more important than already knowing a specific programming language.
A student who has never programmed but has strong mathematical and analytical skills can still succeed. A student who has built several small programs may begin with more confidence, but they will still need to learn university-level theory and development practices.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Data Science?
Strong Subject Combination
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2 where manageable
- Software Engineering
- Economics
- Physics or another analytical subject
Data science combines mathematics, statistics and computing.
You should expect university study in areas such as probability, statistical modelling, linear algebra, programming, machine learning and databases.
UNSW’s Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions lists Mathematics Extension 1 as assumed knowledge.
Software Engineering is useful because it introduces computational thinking and programming. Economics can also help students understand how data is used to explain behaviour and support decision-making.
However, your mathematics preparation should generally be the priority.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Actuarial Studies?
Strong Subject Combination
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2
- Economics
- Business Studies
- English Advanced
Actuarial studies is highly mathematical. It combines probability, statistics, finance, economics and risk modelling.
Mathematics Extension 1 should be considered essential preparation, even where a particular course does not formally describe it as a prerequisite. Mathematics Extension 2 is also highly valuable when you can perform well in it.
Economics may introduce useful ideas involving markets, interest rates and financial decision-making, while Business Studies can provide broader commercial context.
Do not choose actuarial studies simply because you are “good with numbers.” Look into the actual degree content. It involves rigorous mathematical and statistical work rather than basic financial calculations.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Business or Commerce?
Strong Subject Combination
- Mathematics Advanced
- Economics
- Business Studies
- English Advanced or Standard
- Legal Studies or a language
Business and commerce degrees can lead to majors in:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management
- Business analytics
- Information systems
- Human resources
- International business
Mathematics Advanced is particularly useful for finance, economics, accounting, analytics and quantitative business subjects.
UNSW’s Bachelor of Commerce lists Mathematics Advanced as assumed knowledge. UTS lists Mathematics and two units of English as assumed knowledge for its Bachelor of Business.
Business Studies can make some introductory university content familiar, but it is not normally required. Economics is particularly helpful for students considering economics, finance, public policy or commerce.
English is also important. Business students still complete reports, presentations, case studies and written analyses. Do not assume that commerce is purely numerical.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Economics?
Strong Subject Combination
- Mathematics Advanced
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Economics
- English Advanced
- Business Studies or Legal Studies
Many students are surprised by how mathematical university economics can become.
First-year economics may begin with familiar concepts such as supply and demand, but later study can involve calculus, statistics, econometrics and mathematical modelling.
HSC Economics is valuable because it introduces economic reasoning and terminology. However, strong mathematics preparation may become even more important at university, particularly for econometrics or advanced economic theory.
Choose Mathematics Extension 1 when it is available to you and you can manage it successfully.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Law?
Strong Subject Combination
- English Advanced
- Modern History or Ancient History
- Legal Studies
- Economics
- Society and Culture
- A language
Law degrees generally do not require Legal Studies.
This surprises many students, but universities teach the legal system and legal reasoning within the degree. HSC Legal Studies can still be very useful because it introduces legislation, cases, legal institutions and structured written responses.
English Advanced is arguably more important preparation. Law students read large volumes of complex material, analyse arguments and write precise responses supported by authority.
History is also excellent preparation because it teaches research, source evaluation, argument construction and extended writing.
For some combined degrees, the other half of the degree may carry its own assumed knowledge. For example, UNSW’s Commerce/Law degree lists Mathematics Advanced as assumed knowledge because of the commerce component.
Will Legal Studies Give You an Advantage?
It may give you an initial familiarity with legal terminology, but students who did not study it are not automatically behind.
Your ability to read carefully, form logical arguments and write clearly will matter more over the full degree.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Science?
The best science subjects depend on which type of science interests you.
General Subject Combination
- Mathematics Advanced
- At least two sciences
- English Advanced or Standard
- Mathematics Extension 1 for mathematical or physical sciences
UNSW’s Bachelor of Science lists Mathematics Advanced as assumed knowledge, with the relevant sciences depending on the intended area of study.
Biology, Biotechnology or Genetics
Choose:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics Advanced
Chemistry is important because modern biology increasingly operates at the molecular level.
Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry
Choose:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics Advanced
- Physics where possible
UNSW courses in medicinal chemistry list Chemistry and Mathematics Advanced as assumed knowledge.
Physics or Astronomy
Choose:
- Physics
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2 where manageable
University physics relies heavily on calculus and mathematical modelling. Strong mathematics preparation is essential.
Environmental Science
Choose:
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics Advanced
- Geography
Mathematics or Statistics
Choose:
- Mathematics Extension 1
- Mathematics Extension 2
- Physics, Software Engineering or Economics
For a mathematical degree, taking the highest level of mathematics you can successfully manage will make the transition to university significantly easier.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Psychology?
Strong Subject Combination
- English Advanced
- Biology
- Mathematics Advanced or Standard 2
- Society and Culture
- Community and Family Studies
Psychology at university is more scientific and statistical than many students expect.
You may study neuroscience, cognition, social behaviour, developmental psychology, research methods and statistics. Biology is helpful for understanding the brain and nervous system, while Mathematics supports your statistics and research subjects.
English is important because psychology involves research reports, critical analysis and academic writing.
Society and Culture and Community and Family Studies may introduce relevant social and behavioural concepts, but they do not replace the scientific and statistical components of a psychology degree.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Teaching?
The ideal subjects depend on whether you want to teach early childhood, primary school or secondary school.
Primary Teaching
Consider:
- English Standard or Advanced
- Mathematics Standard 2 or Advanced
- At least one science
- Geography or History
- Community and Family Studies
Primary teachers teach across several learning areas, so a broad subject combination can be useful.
Some NSW teaching degrees require particular HSC performance standards. Current UAC course listings commonly specify at least three Band 5 results, including one in English, with primary teaching courses also often requiring an appropriate mathematics result. The precise requirement varies between courses and institutions.
Secondary Teaching
Choose subjects connected to what you would eventually like to teach.
For example:
- Future mathematics teacher: Mathematics Extension 1 and preferably Extension 2
- Future science teacher: Relevant HSC science subjects
- Future English teacher: English Advanced and Extension
- Future history teacher: Modern History, Ancient History or History Extension
- Future language teacher: Continue the relevant language
Your university teaching specialisations usually depend on the subjects you study within your degree, but arriving with a strong HSC foundation will help.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Architecture?
Strong Subject Combination
- Mathematics Advanced
- English Advanced or Standard
- Visual Arts
- Design and Technology
- Physics
- Industrial Technology
Architecture combines creativity with technical problem-solving.
Visual Arts and Design and Technology can help develop design thinking, visual communication and project work. Mathematics supports measurement, geometry and structural understanding. Physics is helpful for structures, materials, heat, light and environmental systems.
Current University of Sydney architecture course information includes HSC Mathematics and English Standard as assumed knowledge for relevant first-year architectural history and theory study.
Depending on the institution, a design or architecture application may also involve a portfolio, questionnaire or other selection criteria. UAC notes that some university courses use portfolios, auditions, interviews or tests alongside academic results.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Arts, Humanities or Communications?
Strong Subject Combination
- English Advanced
- English Extension 1
- Modern History or Ancient History
- History Extension
- Society and Culture
- Studies of Religion
- Languages
- Economics or Legal Studies
Arts degrees are broad. You may study history, politics, philosophy, languages, literature, sociology, media or international relations.
English Advanced is valuable because most humanities degrees involve substantial reading and essay writing.
History develops research, source analysis and argument construction. Society and Culture is useful for students interested in sociology, anthropology, culture or social research. Languages are particularly valuable for international studies, translation and global careers.
Communications and media students may benefit from English, Society and Culture, Drama, Visual Arts or Design and Technology, depending on whether their interests are in journalism, writing, screen production, public relations or digital media.
These degrees often have flexible entry requirements, so your priority should be subjects that allow you to develop strong communication skills and earn a competitive ATAR.
What HSC Subjects Should You Pick for Music, Visual Arts or Other Creative Degrees?
Music
Consider:
- Music 1 or Music 2
- Music Extension
- English
- Drama
Visual Arts and Design
Consider:
- Visual Arts
- Design and Technology
- Industrial Technology
- English
- Mathematics for architecture or technical design
Film, Theatre and Performance
Consider:
- Drama
- English Advanced
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Society and Culture
Creative degrees may place significant weight on an audition, portfolio, interview or creative submission. UAC advises students to check additional selection criteria carefully because these requirements may be considered alongside, or occasionally instead of, selection rank.
Do not assume that your creative subject automatically produces the portfolio required for university admission. Research the portfolio or audition requirements early enough to develop suitable work.
What Should You Pick If You Have No Idea What You Want to Study?
This is completely normal.
You do not need to decide on your permanent career before starting Year 11. However, you should try to maintain a broad set of options.
A versatile combination might include:
- English Advanced or Standard
- Mathematics Advanced
- One science
- One humanities or social science subject
- One subject you genuinely enjoy and perform well in
- One additional course based on your developing interests
Mathematics Advanced is particularly useful for keeping pathways open in commerce, science, computing and some health degrees.
A science subject can also preserve options that would be more difficult to recover later. Chemistry is especially useful for medicine, medical science, pharmacy, nutrition and several science degrees. Physics is highly useful for engineering and physical science.
At the same time, do not fill your timetable entirely with subjects you dislike for the sake of “keeping doors open.” You still need to complete the courses successfully and earn an ATAR.
Should You Choose HSC Subjects Based on Scaling?
Scaling should be considered, but it should not control your entire decision.
A course with historically strong scaling does not guarantee a strong contribution to your ATAR. You still need to perform well relative to the other students taking that subject.
Likewise, a course that scales lower can still contribute effectively when you achieve a strong result.
The better order of priorities is:
- Check prerequisites.
- Check assumed knowledge.
- Consider which subjects prepare you for university.
- Consider your ability and interest.
- Look at scaling only after the first four factors.
Do not choose Physics when you dislike Physics, struggle with mathematics and have no intention of pursuing a related degree purely because someone told you it scales well.
Do not avoid a subject you love and regularly perform strongly in purely because students online call it a “bad-scaling subject.”
Your ATAR depends on your scaled performance, not the reputation attached to your subject names.
Can You Still Study a Degree Without the Recommended HSC Subjects?
Often, yes.
Universities offer bridging courses in areas such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. UNSW, UTS and the University of Sydney all advertise bridging options for students who need additional preparation before beginning relevant university study.
However, a bridging course is not always equivalent to completing two years of HSC study.
It can help you learn the essential foundations, but you may still need to work harder during your first year. Where a subject is clearly connected to your intended degree and you are capable of completing it at school, it is usually better to develop that knowledge gradually during Years 11 and 12.
The existence of a bridging course should be treated as a backup pathway, not an automatic reason to ignore assumed knowledge.
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mathematics Advanced necessary for university?
It is not necessary for every university degree. However, it is commonly useful or assumed for engineering, science, computer science, data science, commerce and economics. Students considering these areas should check individual course requirements before selecting Mathematics Standard.
Should I choose English Advanced or English Standard?
Choose the highest level at which you can perform consistently. English Advanced provides excellent preparation for law, arts, communications, teaching and other writing-intensive degrees. However, a strong result in English Standard may be better for your ATAR than struggling through Advanced without the necessary support or interest.
Do universities care which HSC subjects you studied?
Universities primarily use your selection rank, but some courses also impose prerequisites, assumed knowledge, recommended studies or additional selection criteria. Relevant Year 12 subjects may also qualify you for adjustment factors at some universities.
Is Biology or Chemistry better for medicine?
Both are helpful. Chemistry is often more strongly recommended because medicine involves biochemistry and pharmacology, while Biology provides useful preparation in genetics, cells and body systems. Taking both offers the strongest scientific foundation when your workload allows it.
Do you need Physics for engineering?
It is not always a strict admission prerequisite, but it is commonly assumed or strongly recommended. Students beginning engineering without Physics may need to complete a bridging course and work harder to learn mechanics, electricity or other foundational concepts.
Do you need Legal Studies to study law?
Usually not. Legal Studies can provide useful background, but English and History may be equally valuable because they develop reading, argument and writing skills.
What happens if I choose the wrong subjects?
You may still have several options, including bridging courses, enabling programs, diplomas, internal university transfers and alternative entry pathways. A poor subject choice can make the pathway less direct, but it rarely eliminates every route into a career.
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