Selecting subjects for years 11 and 12

It’s important that you select subjects that you enjoy, suit your skills and match your career goals. Try to keep your options open, you may find that your interests change between year 10 and when you finish school.

If you are completing the Higher School Certificate (HSC) and are thinking about going to uni, you need to select HSC subjects that will give you an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). To be eligible for an ATAR you must satisfactorily complete at least 10 units of ATAR courses.
For more information visit www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au

Keeping in mind the requirements above, the subjects you choose for years 11 and 12 should also reflect the degree you wish to study at uni. To help you with this, assumed knowledge and recommended studies are listed on our what can i study pages. There also could be bonus points attached to these subjects as part of the Year 12 Bonus Points Scheme. Check out the HSC Subjects Bonus Scheme table on our website.

The points add up!

Students who attend schools and TAFE colleges in regional or rural NSW areas automatically receive four additional points to their ATAR under the University’s Regional and Rural Preference Scheme. It applies to all undergraduate degrees except the Bachelor of Medicine.

Combine this with the Year 12 Bonus Points Scheme and you could receive eight bonus points in total!

Year 12 Bonus Scheme points are awarded to students who perform well in HSC subjects that are relevant to the specific undergraduate degree they wish to study at the University of Newcastle. The number of points awarded are specific to each undergraduate degree and each subject. You can receive a maximum of four bonus points no matter the combination of subjects. Find out what subjects can receive points for what degrees at Year 12 Bonus Points Scheme

Choosing a degree

Checkout our what can I study pages for info about our degrees

• Do your research – the more you know the more informed your decisions will be.
• Have a think about what careers you might be interested in and find out what qualifications you might need. A good place to start is the positions vacant section of your local newspaper or www.seek.com.au
• Find out about employment prospects, salaries and working hours to make sure the career you choose will suit the lifestyle you want.
• Seek out people who work in the occupations and industries you are interested in and talk to friends, your careers adviser or our staff at careers markets and events.