Since completing VCE back in 2022, I’ve spent over 2 years teaching and writing across over 5 different VCE subject areas.
I’ve scoured through everything VCAA has to offer – so I know VCE subjects like the back of my hand.
Whether you are deciding which subjects are on offer, or which one you should switch into, this resource has all the information you need to make the right decision!
What VCE subjects are available?
1. English
2. Mathematics
3. Science
4. Humanities
5. Business and Economics
6. Other subject areas
Top Tips for Subject Selection
FAQs
Can I calculate my potential study score?
Yes! By using VCAA’s past graded assessments — which provide the grade distributions of each VCE subject — you can project what grade you will need for each study score.
Want to calculate your potential study score? Our VCE Study Score Calculator uses Unit 3, Unit 4 and exam results to project a study score!
Whether you want to see what exam grade you need for a 40 or what average you need for a 35+, our calculator can help you see how you’re tracking!
👉 Find out what you need for your dream study score now! 👈
What VCE subjects are available?
VCE provides a wide array of subjects in many different fields.
It’s important to be familiar with all the subject areas so you don’t miss out on picking a subject you may have really enjoyed!
Please note that we will only be covering the most popular VCE subjects. But we do provide a full list of VCE subjects later in the article!
English
Everyone has to take an English subject to complete VCE.
All 3 of these subjects are very similar to each other. Although, they each have their own purpose, so one is bound to suit you better than the other.
English
English is the stock standard and most common choice. It is for those who aren’t keen on reading and writing.
In VCE English, you will write essays, analyse argumentative pieces, make speeches and write creative pieces. Providing students with many different reading and writing skills.
EAL (English as an Additional Language)
EAL is for people who didn’t speak English as their first language. So people who spoke English as their first language cannot do EAL.
It’s curriculum is pretty much the same as English, with the additional aim of making students more familiar and fluent in English through writing, reading and speaking.
EAL students will be tested through essays, comprehension, speaking and creative writing.
Literature
Literature is for those who love reading and writing.
It is much harder than VCE English, as the subject focuses on essay writing and reading texts but to a very high standard.
Students are expected to build their own unique interpretations of stories. Those who don’t typically struggle in this subject.
Mathematics
Foundation Mathematics
Foundation Mathematics is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle mathematical problems across various real-world scenarios. Foundation Maths covers the following areas of study:
- Algebra, number and structure (e.g. fractions and algebra problems)
- Data analysis, probability and statistics (e.g. mean, standard deviation, box plots)
- Financial and consumer mathematics (e.g. calculating interest on loans)
- Space and measurement (e.g. calculating areas and volumes)
General Mathematics
General Mathematics covers some of the same material as Foundation Maths, with added depth and complexity. The areas of study are:
- Data analysis, probability and statistics
- Algebra, number and structure
- Functions, relations and graphs (e.g. using linear models)
- Discrete mathematics (Matrices)
General mathematics is a good choice for those who aren’t the best at maths but still want to study it during VCE.
Mathematical Methods
Mathematical Methods is an intermediate-level math course that aims to give students a foundational understanding of calculus and statistics, essential for any scientific discipline.
The following areas of study are covered:
- Functions, relations and graphs (including quadratics, cubics, exponential and logarithms)
- Algebra, number and structure
- Calculus (Differentiation and Integration)
- Data analysis, probability and statistics
Mathematical methods is a must for anyone looking to do science, engineering, commerce degrees after VCE. It is a prerequisite for many degrees and has a lot of foundational knowledge.
Concerned about how hard methods may be? Read about the top 10 most difficult VCE subjects!
Specialist Mathematics
Specialist Mathematics is the most advanced level of VCE maths, exploring topics from Mathematical Methods in greater depth and introducing more advanced pure mathematics. Completion of Mathematical Methods is required alongside Specialist Mathematics.
In Specialist Maths, you’ll complete the following areas of study:
- Logic and proof
- Functions, relations and graphs
- Complex numbers
- Differential calculus and integral calculus
- Differential equations
Specialist mathematics is for math pros looking to study math heavy degrees after VCE!
Still not sure what maths to pick? Read our guide on picking a VCE maths subject!
Science
Biology
VCE Biology is an extremely content heavy subject, with lots of rope learning and memorisation required.
It’s one of the most popular VCE subjects by far, because people really enjoy the content it covers.
These are the units you’ll be studying:
- Unit 1: How do organisms regulate their functions?
- Unit 2: How does inheritance impact on diversity?
- Unit 3: How do cells maintain life?
- Unit 4: How does life change and respond to challenges?
If you are interested in how life works, cells and nature, biology will be a great pick for you!
Want to learn more about Biology? Read the comprehensive guide to the VCE Biology Study Design!
Chemistry
VCE Chemistry is also an extremely content heavy subject. However, the content can be very difficult to wrap your head around, requiring a deep understanding and a lot of memorisation.
You will study the following units:
- Unit 1: How can the diversity of materials be explained?
- Unit 2: What makes water such a unique chemical?
- Unit 3: How can chemical processes be designed to optimise efficiency?
- Unit 4: How are organic compounds categorised, analysed and used?
While intimidating, VCE Chemistry can be very rewarding. Universities highly recommend that those interested in engineering or science degrees give it a go.
Still not sure about VCE Chemistry? Read our exploration of the VCE Chemistry Study Design!
Physics
VCE Physics is a math heavy science which focuses on the application of theories and formulas – it is a very practical subject.
VCE Physics covers the following units:
- Unit 1: How is energy useful to society?
- Unit 2: How does physics help us to understand the world?
- Unit 3: How do fields explain motion and electricity?
- Unit 4: How have creative ideas and investigation revolutionised thinking in physics?
Just like VCE Chemistry, physics would serve as useful background knowledge for students intending to study science or engineering in University.
Additionally, physics is very popular amongst Specialist mathematics and Mathematical methods students, the three subjects go hand in hand and even cover similar content!
Read our full guide for Unit 1/2 Physics and Unit 3/4 Physics!
Psychology
I know, I know, psychology is a social science. I’ve just included it as a science for the sake of convenience and because VCE teaches it like a science!
Psychology is similar to biology in the sense that it has a lot of content and requires a lot of memorisation and rope learning.
You will look at case studies, theories and explanations for various psychological processes. Many students find the subject deeply interesting!
VCE Psychology covers the following:
- Unit 1: How are behaviour and mental processes shaped?
- Unit 2: How do internal and external factors influence behaviour and mental processes?
- Unit 3: How does experience affect behaviour and mental processes?
- Unit 4: How is mental wellbeing supported and maintained?
Psychology isn’t a prerequisite for any degree, so you don’t have to do it. Although, it is a deeply interesting subject and is a great introduction if you are interested in studying it after University!
Get familiar with VCE psychology by reading our full guide to the VCE Psychology Study Design!
Humanities
History
There are 3 Unit 3 and 4 VCE History subjects which you can study:
- Ancient History
- Australian History
- Revolutions
Every student who takes history tends to deeply enjoy the subject. My advice is to pick the history that interests you the most.
However, if you aren’t interested in history, then it probably isn’t for you!
Ancient History
Ancient history covers topics like Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome and early China.
Investigating key historical civilisations in depth, ancient history is a really popular and liked subject amongst VCE students.
Australian History
Australian history looks at topics like custodianship, creation of a nation, power and resistance, Federation, policy, and war.
While Australian history isn’t for everyone, those who enjoy it, enjoy it.
Revolutions
In History Revolutions, your teacher can choose to cover two of the following four topics:
- The American Revolution
- The French Revolution
- The Russian Revolution
- The Chinese Revolution
The subject covers revolutionary ideologies, motivations, as well as the intended and unintended actions of people who shaped and influenced the course of revolution.
Geography
VCE Geography involves case studies of local locations, different types of regions, and populations.
Similar to history, you get to pick countries to research and understand in depth, understanding the countries population, biodiversity, climate, society and culture.
You will take the following units in VCE Geography:
- Unit 1: Hazards and disasters
- Unit 2: Tourism, issues and challenges
- Unit 3: Changing the land
- Unit 4: Human population: trends and issues
If you’re interested in studying countries and how the earth works, geography is the subject for you!
Politics
VCE politics has one Unit 1/2 sequence, but two Unit 3/4 sequences to choose from:
- Unit 1/2: Politics,
- Unit 3/4: Australian Politics, OR
- Unit 3/4: Global Politics
VCE politics is quite a niche subject, that covers topics like power, political actors, stability, change cooperation and conflict.
If politics is your thing, it’ll likely be a subject you’ll deeply enjoy.
Business and Economics
Accounting
The subject covers the following:
- Unit 1: The role of accounting in business
- Unit 2: Accounting and decision-making for a trading business
- Unit 3: Financial accounting for trading a business
- Unit 4: Recording, reporting, budgeting and decision-making
Accounting definitely requires a particular kind of person to enjoy. If it’s for you, it’s for you, if it isn’t, it isn’t.
Although, accounting is an important skill that you can carry into the real world, so if you’re looking to get some useful skills out of VCE, accounting may also be for you!
Business Management
Business management teaches students about… well, business.
The subject looks at the following:
- Unit 1: Planning a business
- Unit 2: Establishing a business
- Unit 3: Managing a business
- Unit 4: Transforming a business
Business management is quite a popular and competitive subject with a large amount of content. If you’re considering study commerce or business when you leave high school, this may be the subject selection for you!
Don’t want to pick subjects that are too difficult? Here are the top 10 most difficult VCE subjects for 2025!
Economics
Everyone’s favourite social study!
VCE Economics covers the absolute fundamentals of the study. Equipping you with enough knowledge to understand how the money and resource driven world works!
VCE Economics looks at these topics:
- Unit 1: Economic decision-making
- Unit 2: Economic issues and living standards
- Unit 3: Australia’s living standards
- Unit 4: Managing the economy
Everyone who does economics has nothing but praise for the subject, so it is definitely worth a try!
Legal Studies
Legal studies is the first proper introduction to law that Victorian students will get.
Many students who study law in University say that VCE Legal Studies covers a lot of what you do in your first law unit!
VCE Legal Studies looks at:
- Unit 1: The presumption of innocence
- Unit 2: Wrongs and rights
- Unit 3: Rights and justice
- Unit 4: The people, the law and reform
If you’re considering studying law in the future, legal studies is a recommended but absolutely not necessary subject selection!
Learn more about VCE Legal Studies with everything you need to know about the VCE Legal Studies Study Design!
Other Subject Areas
Above are the additional subject areas that VCE offers. While these subject areas aren’t as popular, they are still fantastic choices that can be extremely rewarding to study.
Languages
VCE provides languages like:
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Greek
- Indonesian
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
While your school obviously won’t provide you with the opportunity to study them all, there are still ways to do so.
Many students go study a language externally outside of their school.
Regardless, languages are a challenging but deeply rewarding study that all students should at least give a go during their high school journey!
If you’ve studied a language from Years 7-10, you should try giving it a go in VCE.
Visual Arts
VCE Visual Arts includes these subjects:
- Art Creative Practice
- Art Making and Exhibiting
- Media
- Visual Communication Design
Each of these subjects are thoroughly enjoyed by VCE students who takes them.
Although, don’t expect them to be easy subjects. The standards are really high, as there are many extremely talented VCE students who take them!
If you have a creative side, and want explore it in more depth, Visual Arts subjects are a brilliant choice.
Performing Arts
- Dance
- Drama
- Music
- Theatre Studies
VCE’s Performing Arts subjects are far more popular than you think. With many schools providing more extensive programs in the arts, students are often enthusiastic about these subjects.
Generally, the people who take these subjects have a pretty extensive background in them.
So, I would only recommend taking a VCE Performing Arts subjects if you are familiar with it.
Design and Technologies
- Agricultural and Horticultural Studies
- Food Studies
- Product Design and Technologies
- Systems Engineering
These subjects are perfect for people who want to do subjects that are a bit more practical.
Each subject involves learning not just through a classroom but in action.
These subjects are perfect for VCE students looking for some more hands on work.
Top tips for Subject Selection
Tip #1: Think About Which VCE Subjects are Available
A different range of subjects are offered from every school.
If you find that there’s a subject you are interested in, but is not offered by your school, it’s worthwhile to ask your VCE co-ordinators or other relevant staff to see if there are alternative arrangements.
VCE Subject List:
| Subject Areas | General Subjects |
|---|---|
| English | - Bridging English as an Additional Language - English and English as an Additional Language - English Language - Foundation English - Literature |
| Mathematics | - Foundation Mathematics - Further Mathematics - General Mathematics - Mathematical Methods - Specialist Mathematics |
| Science | - Biology - Chemistry - Environmental Science - Physics - Psychology |
| Humanities | - Australian and Global Politics - Classical Studies - Geography - History - Philosophy - Religion and Society - Sociology - Texts and Traditions |
| Languages | - Languages |
| Health and Physical Education | - Health and Human Development - Outdoor and Environmental Studies - Physical Education |
| Performing Arts | - Dance - Drama - Music - Theatre Studies |
| Visual Arts | - Art - Media - Studio Arts - Visual Communication Design |
| Design and Technologies | - Agricultural and Horticultural Studies - Food Studies - Product Design and Technology - Systems Engineering |
| Business and Economies | - Accounting - Business Management - Economics - Industry and Enterprise - Legal Studies |
| Digital Technologies | - Algorithmics (HESS) - Applied Computing |
| Extended Investigation | - Extended Investigation (Covers all subjects) |
Check out the full list of subjects offered by VCAA!
If you are looking to extend yourself, there is also the option to complete a university extension subject. This is something to consider if:
- You are a high-achieving student looking to challenge yourself
- You are looking to experience a taste of uni life
- Are willing to put in effort to reap rewards such as credit for university degrees and contribution to your ATAR
These usually have very strict requirements. So, be sure to read the requirements and also what is required not just of you, but also any relevant staff and guardians.
Look into the requirements for the University of Melbourne extension program.
Tip #2: Consider University and other tertiary prerequisites
You might have the goal of attending university after completing high school.
This is a fantastic thing to strive towards, so it’ll be important to take note of any prerequisites (i.e. subject requirements) for your particular university course.
When you search a university course, they will have a section on entry requirements, which you can browse to see what the specific requirements are
Let’s walk through a Bachelor of Science at Monash University for example. If you were looking to undertake this degree, you will need to meet the following prerequisites:
- A study score of 27 in Units 3 and 4 EAL, or a study score of 25 in any other English subject
- A study score of 25 in Units 3 and 4 Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Mathematical Methods (any), Specialist Mathematics, Physics or Psychology
Read our article on what are VCE Study Scores and why are they important?
This means that you should look to complete at least one subject from each list.
Someone might consider including English and Biology in their subject selection, but Literature and Geography would also be a reasonable combination. Make sure to pay attention to whether the requirement is Unit 3 and 4 or Units 1 and 2 of a particular subject!
Note: A common requirement for university courses is a study score of 25 in Mathematical Methods.
A good safety net if you are unsure about what course you may want to do is to add Mathematical Methods to your subject selection.
Mathematical Methods is by no means an easy subject though, so don’t do this if you know you won’t need it!
Tip #3: Pick subjects you enjoy and are good at
Think about what subjects you did well in in earlier years of school. If you did well in science subjects, then think about VCE subjects such as Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
When you enjoy the subject you are studying, you will be more motivated to study the content and this will lead to better marks and a better ATAR!
The list of subjects is grouped into topics, which you can use to help you decide on a subject you may enjoy.
Read our article on why VCE students should pay less attention to subject scaling!
Tip #4: Don’t pick subjects because someone tells you they are ‘easy’ or ‘scale well’
These are two of the biggest traps in subject selection!
You may be wondering what is the easiest VCE subject? The thing is, There is no objectively correct answer here.
For example, one person might say English Language is easier than Literature because you don’t need to read any novels.
But, a second person might say that English Language is actually harder, because there are a lot of unique words in English Language!
Summary: Ultimately, it comes down to your strengths and weaknesses. In some cases, there are a few subjects which are widely considered to be easier (emphasis on easier!) than another subject – check out our comparison of different Maths subjects for an example of this. Always get a wide range of opinions!
You may also be tempted to ask which subject scales best for VCE, and pick based on that. This is not a good idea!
- Scaling changes each year, so should not be relied upon to get a good ATAR.
- You only benefit from scaling if your raw study score is decent: for example, while it might seem tempting that a raw 20 study score in Specialist Mathematics scales to 28, you might have been able to get a raw 35 study score in Further Mathematics, which would equate to a scaled 33.
Other tips for subject selection
Heed these pointers before jumping into your VCE subject selection!
- Ask friends and staff what their opinions of different subjects are. Get a wide range of opinions in case someone really dislikes a particular subject for example!
- Read up on what different subjects will teach you. A good idea is to skim read the study design for a subject, which will contain the key content that you will cover in class.
- Have back-up plans. You might plan for your entire VCE journey, but if a subject isn’t quite what you expect, have a subject or two in your back pocket that you might decide to complete instead.
- Try to keep your options open, particularly when looking at university courses. You may have a clear idea of what you want to do in university, but people do change their minds, and it’s good to have contingency plans in place.
- Check out our Easiest VCE Subjects List!
FAQs
How many VCE subjects do you take?
First and foremost, you will want to make sure that by the end of Year 12, you’d have met the requirements for the VCE.
This is a combination of completing a certain number of subjects and subjects which fall under a particular category.
The full guidelines are listed, but we’ll walk you through the most important parts you need to know.
It is important to understand that VCE subjects are usually divided into Units 1, 2, 3 and 4:
- Units 1 and 2 are often taken together, but can be taken separately.
- Units 3 and 4 must be taken together.
Tip: Browse subject Study Designs to check if this is the case for a subject you are looking into!
At a minimum, you will need to complete 16 Units, which will include:
For most people, this means that you complete 4 subjects from Units 1 to 4, which includes at least 1 English subject. Typically, this means, at minimum:
- 4 sets of Unit ½ subjects in Year 11
- 4 sets of Unit ¾ subjects in Year 12
Learn more about how to complete VCE with our what is VCE article!
Is it better to do 5 or 6 VCE subjects?
I did 6 total subjects, and my 5 for year 12 wasn’t the worst selection (English, Methods, Chem, Physics, and Geography). Here are the key points to consider:
- Students typically do 5 subjects in Year 12 VCE.
- I wouldn’t worry about the free periods argument because the work load is not that bad and honestly I know very few students who actually make good use of those free periods.
- The students who did 6 in my school all got over an 85 ATAR. For whatever reason, those who did one or two Unit 3/4 subjects in Year 11 seemed far more prepared for Year 12 than those who didn’t.
- You have an extra back up plan with an sixth subject. One subject I expected to be in my top 4 ended up being my worst. It can happen to anyone.
- The effect that your 6th subject can have on your ATAR is very small, but it can be the final buffer you need to meet the ATAR requirement of your dream degree. You don’t want to miss out on your dream course by one or two points…
Overall, I think there is no harm done by doing 6 VCE subjects. Harm can be done by picking the wrong VCE subjects, but six subjects is a great idea!
Can you do 7 VCE subjects?
Yes. But it’s really tough and not recommended.
Students pick a 5th and 6th 3/4 subject as a back up in case one of their top 4 subjects doesn’t go to plan.
If you do 7 subjects, one of your 3/4 subjects will not contribute to your ATAR.
Most students do a 7th subject if they’ve completed two or more Unit 3/4 sequences before Year 12.
Some do a 7th subject because they are doing a subject at University for extension studies.
Regardless, don’t do 7 VCE subjects in Year 11 or 12, it’s simply too much pressure to put on yourself. But do know that the option is there if you complete some Unit 3/4 subjects early!
Are you looking for some extra help with navigating VCE subject selection in VIC?
We have an incredible team of VCE tutors and mentors!
We can help you master your VCE subjects and ace your upcoming VCE assessments with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or online!
Our personalised tutors in Essendon can help you nail any subject you choose! We also tutor locally in Footscray and have tutors in Doncaster! We also have Maths tutors stationed across Melbourne!
We’ve supported over 8,000 students over the last 11 years, and on average our students score mark improvements of over 20%!
To find out more and get started with an inspirational VCE tutor and mentor, get in touch today or give us a ring on 1300 267 888!
Kevin Chen recently completed his Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne. He is now undertaking an Honours year, where he is investigating the rise of hospital superbugs. Kevin lives by the motto “smiles go for miles!”
