- \n
- What is considered to be an elective?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What\u2019s the difference between an elective and a core unit?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What are the different kinds of university units?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What are elective subjects? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Elective subjects \u2013 or just \u2018electives\u2019 \u2013 are individual units you can enrol in from any study area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking an elective unit gives you the flexibility to explore a subject outside your core study area while progressing your degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The amount and type of electives you study at university will depend on your course structure; not all courses will include them. When you choose your elective units, take note of the unit availability and any requisites \u2013 standards or conditions you\u2019ll need to meet before enrolling. You\u2019ll find all this information in your course handbook, which explains what you\u2019ll study and when. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/h2><\/div>
Planning to study a Bachelor of Design<\/a> but also curious about space? Choose Introduction to Astronomy<\/a> as an elective and explore star clusters, galaxies and the evolution of the universe.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n![\"Cover](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Exploring_Electives_Curtin_University_Astronomy-scaled-aspect-ratio-2-1-2-1000x500.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n<\/h2><\/div>
Planning to study a Bachelor of Science<\/a> and have a ‘Euro summer’ trip in the works? Take an elective in Travel Writing<\/a> and learn how to capture your adventures.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n![\"Cover](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Exploring_Electives_Curtin_Writing_Elective-scaled-aspect-ratio-2-1-1-1920x500.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n<\/h2><\/div>
Thinking about a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)<\/a> but obsessed with true crime podcasts? Take an elective in Foundations of Forensic Science<\/a> and explore the science and history behind case-cracking investigations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n![\"Cover](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Exploring_Electives_Curtin_University_Forensics-scaled-aspect-ratio-2-1-2-1920x500.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\nWhy should I study elective subjects at university? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Electives are a choose-your-own-adventure scenario. The subjects you select \u2013 and the reasons behind your choices \u2013 will be unique to your learning journey, interests and goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are plenty of reasons to study elective units at university, including to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- upskill in a high-growth area<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- develop transferable skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- learn a new language<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- pursue your interests and hobbies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- start your own business<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- step outside your comfort zone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Whatever your reason, elective units are a great way to enrich your uni experience and make your academic journey uniquely yours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Three](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Exploring_Electives_Curtin_University-1000x500.jpg\")
<\/a>Love gaming? From 3D modelling to rendering, Game Design Introduction is a fun, hands-on elective designed for Animal Crossing fans, Pok\u00e9mon Go explorers and Mario Kart pros alike.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n What does it mean to take an elective? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re picking your university course, you may be wondering, \u201cwhat does it actually mean to take an elective?\u201d Well, there\u2019s no one answer \u2013 it\u2019ll depend completely on the unique elective unit (or units) you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take Kirsty, for example, a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing)<\/a> student at Curtin who is specialising in Social Leadership and Ethics<\/a>. For Kirsty, taking our Business Study Tour<\/a> as an elective meant a chance to explore the world, refine her career direction and gain a global business perspective.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI chose the Business Study Tour as my elective because I loved the idea of travelling overseas, learning about different cultures and realistically getting a unit done in almost two weeks!<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Exploring_Electives_Curtin_University_Study_Tour-800x500.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nIn my study tour, a group of 16 people went to Norway to learn about global sustainability and its impact on business.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I really appreciated the chance to explore a new culture and gain a deeper understanding of their green energy practices.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
I would love to work for companies that operate in ethical or environmental sustainability, and I believe my Business Study Tour elective impacted this.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Six electives to study in 2026 <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are so many electives that you can study at Curtin \u2013 the possibilities are almost limitless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are our top six picks to kick off your exploration. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Cyber](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Exploring_Electives_Curtin_University_Cyber_Security-scaled-aspect-ratio-2-1-480x240.jpg\")
<\/div>Cyber Security<\/h2><\/div>
Sharpen your cyber defences with a crash course in how the digital world stays safe. This practical unit introduces the foundations of cyber security \u2013 perfect for curious minds interested in digital problem-solving.<\/p><\/div>
- View unit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"Style](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Exploring_Electives_Curtin_Fashion_Elective-480x240.jpg\")
<\/div>Style Hunting<\/h2><\/div>
If fashion \u2018inspo\u2019 floods your TikTok FYP, Instagram feed and Pinterest boards \u2013 this is the elective for you. Uncover the factors that shape \u2013 and break \u2013 fashion trends worldwide (and visit our newly-built School of Design and Built Environment<\/a> while you’re at it).<\/p><\/div>
- View unit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Exploring_Electives_On-Country-Excursion-aspect-ratio-2-1-480x240.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>On-Country Learning<\/h2><\/div>
Step out of the classroom and into the community through an immersive on-Country learning experience. Run by our Centre for Aboriginal Studies (CAS)<\/a> you’ll have the chance to deepen your cultural understanding and engage meaningfully with Country. <\/p><\/div>
- View units<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"Psychology\"](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Cockburn-Clinics-181-scaled-aspect-ratio-2-1-480x240.jpg\")
<\/div>Psychology<\/h2><\/div>
Curious about why people think, feel and act the way they do? Introduction to Psychology<\/a> introduces key psychological theory, offering insights into human behaviour you can apply anywhere.<\/p><\/div>
- View unit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"Personal](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Exploring_Electives_Curtin_Finance_Elective-scaled-aspect-ratio-2-1-480x240.jpeg\")
<\/div>Personal Finance<\/h2><\/div>
Finance is relevant to everyone \u2013 but strategic decision-making isn\u2019t always intuitive. With guidance from expert lecturers and tutors, you\u2019ll learn to budget, invest and make smart financial choices \u2013 skills that will (quite literally) pay dividends in the long run.<\/p><\/div>
- View unit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"Podcasting\"](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Exploring_Electives_Curtin_Podcast_Elective-scaled-aspect-ratio-2-1-480x240.jpeg\")
<\/div>Podcasting<\/h2><\/div>
Thinking of starting a podcast? Take our Podcasting unit to learn how to script, record, edit and publish audio using industry-standard tools in our purpose-built podcast studio.<\/p><\/div>
- View unit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
These are just a few of the fun, formative and fascinating units you can choose from. Explore our study areas<\/a> to discover the experiences on offer, or search the Course Handbook<\/a> by keyword, topic or subject area to find elective units that interest you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Students](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Exploring_Electives_Curtin_University_Opportunities-1000x500.jpg\")
Take an elective to try something new, explore different study areas, follow your interests and connect with the broader Curtin community.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Electives FAQs <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is considered to be an elective? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s no one standard type of elective. Elective units come in all varieties \u2013 you can study anything from Photomedia<\/a> to The Science of Climate Change<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can study any unit as an elective if it is available and you meet the unit requisites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the difference between an elective and a core unit? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A core unit is a specific unit that you must complete as part of your degree, while elective units are a \u2018free choice\u2019 of units from any study area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On your course outline, core units are listed as specific unit names, while electives appear as \u2018elective unit\u2019 or \u2018elective stream\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the different kinds of university units? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Here are some key definitions you\u2019ll want to know if you\u2019re researching the perfect university course for you. <\/p>\n\n\n
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- View unit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
- View unit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>
- View unit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>
- View units<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>
- View unit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>
- View unit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>
- What\u2019s the difference between an elective and a core unit?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n