VCE/VM Subject Selection

Sample programs

On the following pages are examples of possible programs that could be undertaken by students. Guidelines are provided as to possible approaches to subject selection. Each program leads to a specific field or area of tertiary study or work. Students are encouraged to seek advice from the Pathways Team, Pastoral Group Teacher and subject teachers, before selecting any possible pathway.

 

It is very important that students complete their own research on prerequisites required for tertiary study in their chosen field before finalising their selections

 

Art and Design – Fine Arts/Design/Ceramics

Guidelines for choosing a study program

Tertiary courses in this field usually require the development of a folio. Students interested in pursuing a design pathway need to choose Visual Communication. Students focusing on other visual arts may choose from Studio Arts or Media Studies. It is sometimes wise to choose two arts and design subjects to allow for flexibility in the development of folios. Design and Technology and Furnishing (VET) can be useful subjects to complement studies in art and design. Business Management is also a subject that fits in with many of the career paths in the art and design field.

 

This pathway can lead to:

  • University studies such as Fine Arts (painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, gold and silver smithing), Visual Communication (Graphic Design, Visual Communication), Textiles Design (Industrial Design, Fashion, Interior Design) Photography, Advertising, Media arts.
  • TAFE studies such as Diplomas and Certificates in Applied Design, Graphic Arts, Visual Arts, Visual Merchandising, Product Design, Interior Decoration, Photography and Fashion.

 

Employment in areas such as: Advertising, Teacher, Designer (fashion, industrial, interior), Architect, Artist, Illustrator, Arts Administrator, Graphic Artist, Jeweller, Desktop Publisher, Photographer.

 

Business

Guidelines for choosing a study program

There are usually no prerequisite subjects required to enter business courses at the tertiary level. It is, however, highly recommended that Mathematics be studied up to the end of Year 12. If you wish to enter business courses at Monash (Clayton campus) or the University of Melbourne, Mathematical Methods is required. Mathematical Methods is also a prerequisite study for Economics and Finance at RMIT.

 

Other highly recommended subjects are Accounting and Business Management. Business Administration (VET), Legal Studies and Information Technology are also useful subjects that relate well to courses with a business specialisation.

 

 

This pathway can lead to:

  • University studies such as Bachelor Degrees in Economics, Accounting/Computing, Business, Banking and Finance, Marketing, Management, Information Technology, Arts/Commerce, Business Systems, International Trade, Tourism and Hospitality, Administration and Event Management.
  • TAFE studies such as Associate Diploma, Advanced Certificates in Business, Computing, Accounting, Marketing and Finance.
  • Employment in areas such as: Banking, Marketing, Insurance, Finance, International Trade, Travel and Tourism, Clerical Work, Public Administration, Local Government, Real Estate, Sales and Retail

 

Engineering

Guidelines for choosing a study program

Mathematical Methods is a prerequisite for all University Engineering courses and the study of Specialist Mathematics in Year 12 is a definite advantage in the preparation for such a course. It is also highly recommended that Physics is taken as a subject and Chemistry is essential if you are interested in Chemical Engineering or related fields in this discipline.

Because many Engineers work in a management role in a business setting, students might also like to consider choosing at least one business subject as part of their program.

 

This pathway can lead to: 

  • University studies such as Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering.
  • TAFE studies such as Diplomas and Advanced Certificates in Engineering.
  • Employment in areas such as: Engineer, Engineering Associate, Project Manager

 

Architecture, Urban Planning and Building

Guidelines for choosing a study program

Mathematical Methods is required for some University Architecture and Building courses but not all. Visual Communication is an important subject for those interested in Architecture and Geography is an important subject for those interested in Urban Planning.

  • Business subjects such as Business Management can be useful subjects complementing your study program.

The study of Physics is not compulsory but may be an advantage in some aspects of University Architecture and Building courses.

 

This pathway can lead to:

  • University studies such as Degrees in Architecture, Construction Management, Urban Design and Planning, Landscape Architecture, Property, Interior Architecture/design.
  • TAFE studies such as: Diplomas in Building, Building Surveying, Architectural Drafting.
  • Employment in areas such as: Building Project Manager, Architect, Town Planner, Landscape Architect, Building Surveyor.

Food/Hospitality

Guidelines for choosing a study program

For students seeking to enter the Hospitality Industry Food Technology is an important VCE subject in this field. This is often complemented with subjects such as Business Management and Health and Human development.

For students more interested in the scientific study of food such as in the area of Food Science, Food Technology or Nutrition, subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, Health and Human Development become very important as preparation for these careers.

 

This pathway can lead to:

  • University studies such as Hospitality, Food Technology, Food Science, Catering and Hotel Management, Nutrition.
  • TAFE studies such as Hospitality Management Studies, Event Management, Kitchen Operations.
  • Employment in areas such as Hotel Management, Nutritionist, Food Technologist, Food Scientist, Catering, Hospitality/ Food Service, Event Management.

Journalism/Media/Public Relations

Guidelines for choosing a study program

For careers relating to Journalism and Public Relations it is best to choose a broad range of subjects that will help to develop your written and oral skills together with improving your general knowledge of the world. Subjects such as Literature, Language, History, Geography and Legal Studies are excellent subjects in this regard.

Media Arts and Film Production courses often require a folio, so students should look at choosing a VCE Studio Arts course in this field.

 

This pathway can lead to:

  • University studies such as Degrees in Journalism, Media and Communications, Professional Writing, Public Relations, Media Arts and Media Studies.
  • TAFE studies such as Diplomas in Professional Writing, Screen Production, Public Relations, Advertising.
  • Employment in areas such as Public Relations Officer, Journalist, Media Liaison Officer, Writer, Copywriter, Film Director.

 

Humanities

Guidelines for choosing a study program

Most humanities courses do not require prerequisite VCE subjects so students can choose broadly within the humanities subjects in this handbook. Programs could also include LOTE units and English units such as Literature and Language. Such courses can easily be complemented with subjects outside the humanities such as Mathematics, Sciences and Business units. This pathway can lead to: journalism/ media/public relations.

 

This pathway can lead to:

  • University studies such as Bachelor Degrees in Arts, Law, Education, Social Sciences.
  • TAFE studies such as Associate Diploma and Certificate courses in Liberal Arts, Community Services, Childcare, Welfare Studies, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Studies.
  • Employment in areas such as Teacher, Public Servant, Social Researcher, Legal Professional, Communications Office

 

Sport and Recreation

Guidelines for choosing a study program

For students interested in pursuing University courses in this field Physical Education and Biology are important subjects to choose in a VCE program. Health and Human Development, Business Management and Psychology are subjects that complement a program in this pathway very well.

 

This pathway can lead to:

  • University studies such as Degrees in Exercise Science, Human Movement, Sports Management, Physical Education, Outdoor Education.
  • TAFE studies such as Diplomas and Advanced Certificates in Fitness, Sport and Recreation.
  • Employment in areas such as Personal Trainer, Coach, Sports Club Manager, Exercise Physiologist, Sports Development Officer, Recreation Officer, Physical Education Teacher, Sports Manager/ Event Manager.

 

Psychology/Community and Health Services

Guidelines for choosing a study program

Prerequisite subjects for Psychology may depend upon whether it is studied as part of an Arts course or a Science (Behavioural) course. Apart from Psychology it is important that Mathematics is chosen as part of your VCE program with studies in Biology being an advantage for some psychology courses. Students aiming at the community and health services pathway will often choose Health and Human Development in combination with Psychology.

For those interested in Nursing the study of Mathematics and Biology is essential (at least in Year 11) and Chemistry, although not a prerequisite, may be an advantage when dealing with the science aspects of a nursing course.

 

This pathway can lead to:

  • University studies such as Bachelor Degree in Teaching, Nursing, Paramedics, Social Work, Psychology, Midwifery, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and various other Health Sciences.
  • TAFE studies such as Diplomas, Associate Diplomas, Advanced Certificates in Nursing, Youth Work, Welfare Studies, Community Work, Children’s Services.
  • Employment in areas such as Nurse, Childcare Worker, Youth Worker, Teacher, Paramedic, Social Worker, Counsellor, Clinical Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Pathologist

Science – Biological and Medical

Guidelines for choosing a study program

Chemistry and Biology are obviously extremely important subjects when preparing for this pathway. Apart from Science prerequisites some, but not all, courses require Mathematical Methods. Students are encouraged to choose at least one elective subject outside of the Mathematics /Science area if possible.

Students interested in Medical Imaging/Radiography should also choose Physics.

 

This pathway can lead to:

  • University studies such as Bachelor Degrees in Biological Science, Behavioural Science, Health Science, Biotechnology, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Biomedical Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering.
  • TAFE studies such as Associate Diplomas and Certificate Courses in Applied Science, Technology, Bio-Technology, Pathology, Laboratory Sciences.
  • Employment in areas such as Doctor, Biomedical Scientist., Physiotherapist, Medical Radiation Therapist, Dietician, Chiropractor, Osteopath, optometrist, Biomedical Engineer.

Science – Physical

Guidelines for choosing a study program

Mathematical Methods is a prerequisite to enter many of these courses but not all. The study of Specialist Mathematics in Year 12 can be of an advantage in some streams of science but is not required as a prerequisite.

Students are recommended to consider Chemistry and Physics as part of their VCE program.

Students choosing this pathway are encouraged to take at least one elective unit outside of the Mathematics/ Science block if possible.

 

This pathway can lead to:

  • University studies such as Degrees in Science, Chemical Science, Applied Physics, Pharmaceutical Science, Engineering, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science.
  • TAFE studies such as Diplomas in Laboratory Science, Engineering.
  • Employment in areas such as Laboratory Professional, Research Scientist, Industrial Chemist, Physicist, Science Teacher, Engineer, Environmental Engineer/Mining Engineer, Agricultural Scientist.

Performing Arts

Guidelines for choosing a study program

 

Tertiary courses in this field may require the development of a folio or an audition as part of the selection process. Students interested in pursuing a Performing Arts pathway need to choose from subjects such as Music (VET), Dance or Drama. Literature and media are subjects that fit in with many careers in the performing arts. Business Management is also a subject that could complement many of the career paths in performing arts. Many tertiary institutions require an interview as part of the entry process so it is strongly advised that students wishing to pursue the performing arts maintain their interests outside of the College in areas such amateur theatre, music and dance lessons etc

 

This pathway can lead to:

  • University studies such as Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Media Studies, Performing Arts, Creative Arts Industries, Theatre Studies.
  • TAFE studies such as Diplomas and Certificates in Music Industry Studies, Music Performance, Screen/script writing, Costume Design, Acting.
  • Employment in areas such as Arts Administrator, Choreographer, Professional Musician, Sound or Studio Engineer, Film Director, Screen Writer, Costume or Set Designer, Actor.