The smartest subjects to pair together this term
By Open Universities Australia
Putting the right subjects together can get you where you’re going a little sooner. Think of this as matchmaking for your study plan.
Pick a pairing that works for your goal
If you’re considering studying through Open Universities Australia this term, you don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need a starting point that makes sense for where you’re headed.
And here’s a secret: the right combination of subjects can actually speed up your entry into a degree, help you figure out your interests sooner, or even make your first term more manageable (we’ll explain how in a second).
With enrolments closing soon, now’s a good time to lock something in. So think about what you’re aiming for and then check out our recommended subject pairings below.
If you want to get into a degree sooner
These subject pairings are for people who already have a degree in mind but don’t quite meet the entry requirements. They’re known as ‘Open Access’ subjects, and when they’re taken together, they can be used to help you satisfy the requirements for your chosen qualification more quickly.
Subjects that lead into teaching
Our suggested pairing from Curtin University:
Where this can take you:
These subjects lead directly into a Bachelor of Education with Curtin University, across primary, secondary or early childhood education. Just note you’ll need to take two others after this before you meet full entry requirements.
Why people choose this combination:
These subjects cover two essential parts of teaching. You’ll learn how children develop and learn, alongside what teaching looks like in real, modern classrooms.
They’re the only Open Access subjects for this degree available in March, making them a clever pair to tackle together if you want to speed up entry into the bachelor degree.
Subjects that lead into health science
Our suggested pairing from La Trobe University:
Where they can take you:
When completed together, these subjects make you eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Health Sciences with La Trobe University.
Why people choose this combination:
This pairing is designed for people who have health science firmly in mind. These subjects cover both sides of the discipline, from how wellbeing is influenced at a population level, to how the biological structures of the human body work together to keep us healthy.
While each subject can support entry into other health-related qualifications on its own, this combination is a clear and direct pathway into the Bachelor of Health Sciences – and a future in public health, nursing or health policy.
If you’re caught between two interests
Sometimes the challenge isn’t figuring out what you want to do, but choosing between too many options! Trying two very different subjects at the same time can help make your path forward a lot clearer.
Subjects that help you choose between arts and psychology
Our suggested pairing from Griffith University:
What this helps you work out:
These subjects tap into different ways of understanding people. Consumer Psychology digs into why people think, feel and behave the way they do, while Popular Genres looks at how those behaviours, values and ideas are reflected in the stories we love.
As you study both, you’ll quickly notice which approach energises you more – analysing behaviour, or engaging with (and even creating) the art and culture that reflects who we are.
Subjects that help you choose between business and law
Our suggested pairing from La Trobe University:
What this helps you work out:
This duo lets you experience two very different directions early on. Finance focuses on numbers, strategy and how organisations make decisions. Criminology builds skills that sit much closer to law, including understanding social behaviour and thinking critically about rules, justice and accountability.
Spending time in both will show you what you’re drawn to: commercial decision-making or legal nuts and bolts.
If you want to build your confidence as you start studying
Maybe you already know what you want to study, but it’s been a while since you last opened a textbook.
Pairing a uni preparation subject with something you’re genuinely interested in can make getting started feel far less daunting. You build study skills at the same time as you ease into university-level learning.
Subjects that prepare you for studying creativity
Our suggested pairing from Murdoch University:
Why this combination will boost your confidence:
Introduction to Uni Culture helps you get comfortable with how university works, from study expectations to managing your time and assessments online. Writing creatively then gives you a chance to apply those skills straight away through structured, skills-based assessments focused on ideas, expression and feedback, rather than exams.
Together, they’re a supportive way to rebuild confidence and get back into the rhythm of study, without jumping in at the deep end.
Not into creative writing? You can swap it for any Murdoch University subject in your area of interest that starts in the upcoming study period.
Subjects that prepare you for studying science
Our suggested pairing from University of Tasmania:
Why this combination will boost your confidence:
Learning at University focuses on the practical skills you need to succeed at uni, including academic expectations, assessments and managing your workload. Understanding Science then introduces scientific thinking in a supported way, helping you practise those skills in a subject designed for students starting out.
Not interested in science? You can substitute Understanding Science with any University of Tasmania subject in your area of interest that starts in the upcoming study period.
Ready to choose your subjects?
Enrolments for our next study period close soon. If you’ve been weighing up your options, now’s a good time to land on a pairing that moves you forward.
Browse the undergraduate single subjects starting in February and March 2026, or book a consultation with a student advisor to talk through your options.
Explore your study possibilities
Browse our full list of upcoming courses and subjects.
