University Course Prerequisites: What VCE Subjects Do You Need?

Understanding university prerequisites is essential for VCE students planning their future studies. Choosing the wrong subjects can close doors to courses you're interested in, while strategic subject selection keeps options open. This guide explains how prerequisites work and how to plan your VCE subjects accordingly.

What Are Prerequisites?

Prerequisites are VCE subjects (or equivalent) that you must have completed to be eligible for a particular university course. They are separate from ATAR requirements—even if you have a high enough ATAR, you cannot be admitted to a course if you haven't completed the required prerequisites.

Some prerequisites are strict requirements: you cannot be admitted without them. Others are "assumed knowledge"—not mandatory for entry but expected for success in the course. If you're admitted without assumed knowledge, you may need to complete bridging courses or will find the course more challenging.

Many prerequisites also require a minimum study score, commonly 25 or higher. Simply completing the subject isn't always enough; you need to demonstrate competence through your results.

Common Prerequisites by Field

Different fields of study have different prerequisite expectations. Here's an overview of common requirements:

Medicine and Health Sciences

Medical courses typically require VCE Chemistry, often with Mathematical Methods and sometimes Biology. Some programs also require completion of additional tests like the UCAT. Nursing and allied health courses may have less stringent requirements but often recommend science subjects.

Engineering

Engineering almost universally requires Mathematical Methods, with many courses also requiring or recommending Physics. Specialist Mathematics is often recommended for competitive engineering programs, especially in areas like electrical or aerospace engineering.

Science

Science degrees typically require Mathematical Methods. Specific prerequisites depend on your intended major—Chemistry for chemistry, biochemistry, or pharmaceutical science; Physics for physics or astronomy; Biology for biological sciences. Many allow you to meet prerequisites during your degree through bridging subjects.

Commerce and Business

Most business degrees recommend but don't strictly require Mathematical Methods. Some specialized programs in economics, actuarial studies, or finance may have more stringent mathematics requirements. Check specific courses carefully.

Law

Law degrees typically have no specific subject prerequisites, though they require high ATARs for entry. Strong performance in English is advantageous given the reading and writing demands of legal study.

Arts and Humanities

Most arts degrees have no specific prerequisites beyond English. However, language degrees may require prior study in that language, and some specialized programs have specific requirements.

Creative Arts

Courses in fine arts, music, design, or performing arts often require portfolio submissions, auditions, or interviews in addition to (or sometimes instead of) academic prerequisites. Check the specific selection criteria carefully.

How to Research Prerequisites

The best source for prerequisite information is the university itself. Each university publishes its requirements, and these can differ between institutions for similar courses.

VTAC: The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre website (vtac.edu.au) provides comprehensive course information including prerequisites for Victorian universities. Start here for an overview of your options.

University websites: Visit the course pages of universities you're interested in. They provide detailed information about prerequisites, assumed knowledge, and alternative pathways.

Course guides: Many universities publish detailed course guides or handbooks that explain not just prerequisites but what you'll study and career outcomes.

Open days: University open days are excellent opportunities to ask questions directly and clarify any uncertainties about prerequisites.

Planning Your Subject Selection

Strategic subject selection involves balancing prerequisites, your interests and strengths, and keeping your options open.

Identify your goals: Start by researching the prerequisites for courses you're interested in. Make a list of required and recommended subjects across all the courses you might consider.

Find common requirements: Look for subjects that appear across multiple courses you're considering. Mathematical Methods, for example, is a common prerequisite for many science, engineering, and commerce courses.

Keep options open: If you're unsure about your future direction, choose subjects that maximize your options. Including Mathematical Methods and a science subject keeps many doors open, even if you ultimately pursue a field without strict prerequisites.

Don't sacrifice performance: There's no point meeting prerequisites if your overall ATAR suffers as a result. If a prerequisite subject is a major weakness, consider whether alternative pathways might be more realistic.

What If You're Missing Prerequisites?

If you discover too late that you're missing a required prerequisite, don't panic. Several options may be available:

Bridging courses: Many universities offer bridging or foundation courses that can satisfy prerequisite requirements. These are typically completed during summer before your university course begins.

Alternative entry pathways: Some universities offer alternative entry schemes for students who don't meet standard prerequisites. This might involve completing a diploma or foundation program first.

Gap year study: You could complete the prerequisite subject during a gap year through a registered provider, then apply to university the following year.

Course transfers: You might enter a related course without strict prerequisites, then transfer to your preferred course after completing prerequisite subjects at university level.

Prerequisites vs. ATAR

Remember that prerequisites and ATAR are separate considerations. A high ATAR won't compensate for missing prerequisites—you simply won't be eligible for the course. Conversely, meeting all prerequisites doesn't guarantee admission if your ATAR is below the required level.

When planning your VCE, consider both factors. Choose subjects that meet prerequisites for courses you're interested in, while also allowing you to maximize your ATAR through strong performance.

Getting Help

If you're uncertain about prerequisite requirements or subject selection, don't hesitate to seek help. Your school's careers counselor can provide guidance tailored to your situation. University admissions offices are generally happy to answer questions about their specific requirements.

Use our Study Score Calculatorto explore how different subject combinations might affect your ATAR, helping you find the right balance between meeting prerequisites and maximizing your overall performance.