What is single subject study?
By Ralph BrownPublished on
Did you know you can take a single university subject without committing to the whole qualification? It’s a great way to upskill, or to give your preferred degree a test run.
What is single subject study?
Single subject study (sometimes known as ‘single unit study’) allows you to study one single ‘unit’ through a university at any given time – completing the coursework in as little as 10 weeks (or up to 13 weeks depending on the university and intake period).
Available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, I often tell students it’s an good option if you’re wanting to try out a topic, see how online study fits with your life, or build confidence without committing to too much, too soon.
Who is single subject study for?
Single subject study is ideal if you’re:
- New to higher education and unsure how much effort is required
- Wanting to get a taste for a topic before you know whether it’s to your liking
- Juggling a busy home life, including work and family commitments
- Looking for an achievable, manageable way to make a meaningful start with uni
How single subjects work
Single subject courses are one topic of study delivered over a study term, which lasts between 10 and 16 weeks. In some universities, you might hear these referred to as “units”.
Longer-form courses such as bachelor degrees are made up of a series of single subjects (usually 24), combined to give you the full award qualification.
You can study single subjects as a powerful standalone learning opportunity. You can also use them to stack towards a qualification, so long as you complete a certain number of assessments as outlined in the coursework to pass.
How single subjects stack towards qualifications
The below table reveals how many single subjects are needed to achieve a range of qualifications. This list is a sample of qualifications only, showing those that are the most relevant for someone starting with one single subject to begin with.
In each qualification type, the subjects taken must follow the prescribed degree structure.
Qualification | Single subjects required |
4 subjects | |
8 subjects | |
16 subjects | |
4 subjects |
Understanding single subject study periods
Single subjects run over one single study term. A study term is a set of weeks that universities deliver their course content over.
In any given study term, you can take from 1 up to 4 single subjects, depending on your study load. However, most students who choose single subject study as opposed to enrolling in a degree will only take on one or two subjects at a time. This allows greater flexibility to manage lifestyle commitments while chipping away.
How fees work for single subjects
As I write this article, single subject fees range from around $592 at an undergraduate level, right through to $4,500 for postgraduate subjects. The average price is somewhere between $2,000-$3,000 for most single subjects.
There are two ways to pay for a single subject:
- Upfront (available through all universities)
- With a HELP loan (available through Open Universities Australia, if you’re eligible).
A HELP Loan is a study loan available through the Australian Government that allows eligible students to defer course fees until earning over a certain threshold. Once you finish your subject, a small portion of your wage is contributed to the loan each pay cycle until the full amount is paid back. Find out more about student loans.
Support available while studying a single subject
When studying a single subject, you can expect the same level of support as you would for a full qualification.
This support includes, but is not limited to:
Study guidance
Enrol through us here at Open Universities Australia, and you’ll have access to your own dedicated student advisor, like me. Our goal is to see you reach yours. We offer prompt, personalised, unbiased advice on a range of topics.
Our areas of expertise include helping you get set up for online study, through to course selection, adjusting study load to suit your lifestyle, and even changing your studies.
Academic support
The uni you study your single subject with is your source of academic support. This means anything learning or course related – such as understanding the actual course content.
Asking the academic staff delivering your course for help is a great place to start. Your university will know exactly where to direct you for additional resources on the content you’re learning.
Can I study a single subject online?
Contrary to popular belief, you can. Choose to do this through us here at Open Universities Australia, and there are additional benefits.
Studying a single subject through Open Universities Australia
FEE-HELP options
If you’re eligible, you can defer the cost of your single subject with a FEE-HELP loan through the Australian Government. This is a unique option when studying single subjects through Open Universities Australia. You’ll pay back what you owe only when earning over the minimum threshold.
Ultimate flexibility
You can choose to study your single subject at any point during the year, as we have study terms available outside of the traditional academic calendar. That means whenever you’re ready, you’ll likely find a single subject starting soon.
You can even mix and match single subjects from multiple universities for more flexibility.
Expert study planning
Unlike other online learning options that finish without further opportunities, Open Universities Australia allows you to continue your studies seamlessly.
Our dedicated student advisors can help to map your next move. They can help you use your completed single subject as credit towards a qualification.
What are the benefits of studying a single subject?
Studying a single subject allows you to:
- Get a taste for a specific topic without committing to long-term learning before you’re certain
- Finally make a go of study in a bite-sized, manageable way (without hitting ‘pause’ on life)
- Upskill in a meaningful way, with a completed subject from a credible university to show at the end of your coursework
- Continue to further study using the credit you have gained from your completed subject
What are the limitations of studying a single subject?
Unlike studying a bachelor degree or even an undergraduate certificate, you will not finish with a standalone qualification. You will instead gain newfound or honed knowledge on a specific topic – which can aid you in exploring a new path or upskilling in your field.
Of course, you can still use the completion of your single subject on your CV to showcase your achievement. This is a strong signal to future employees that you’re committed to personal and professional growth.
Can single subject study count towards a degree later?
In many cases, your completed single subject can be applied as credit to a degree – meaning you can shave time off a longer course with the work you’ve already done. This reduces the number of subjects you need to complete later by acknowledging the work you’ve already put in so far. Pretty great huh?
The key here is choosing the right subjects to fit the structure of the degree you’ve got your eyes on (and passing them successfully, of course). Myself and the other student advisors here at Open Universities Australia can help you do exactly that.
Read more about how to transition from single subjects to a degree.
How to get started
Explore the single subjects that are available from leading universities through Open Universities Australia.
Struggling to decide on your ideal path? Book a Choose a Course Consultation with a dedicated student advisor. They’ll help you weigh up the different options on offer so that you’re confident moving forward with your goals.
About the author
Ralph Brown
Student advisor specialising in qualification advice
Ralph Brown is an experienced student advisor at Open Universities Australia. Over nine years, he has helped thousands of students compare courses, understand their options and take their next step with confidence. Ralph believes there is often more than one path forward. He gives clear, practical advice without pressure, helping students make decisions that suit their goals, circumstances and readiness to study.
FAQs about single subjects
Is single subject study the same as non-award study?
Non-award study is one way that some people describe this kind of study. However, it doesn’t truly depict what you gain from a single subject. ‘Non-award’ implies that you do not receive an award (qualification) from your study, which is only partially correct. You can continue working towards a qualification with the study you complete through Open Universities Australia.
Do I need an ATAR for single subject study?
This depends on the subject you are enrolling in. Entry requirements for each subject are listed on the course page.
Many subjects available through Open Universities Australia are Open Access (sometimes known as ‘open enrolment’). These subjects in particular allow you to get started without an ATAR and no other entry requirements. Better yet, complete a few of these subjects successfully and you can use them to gain entry into a bachelor degree. Learn more about how Open Access works.
Is studying one subject worth it?
No matter the stage you’re at in life, the answer is undoubtedly yes. If you’re starting out in your career, it can give you a taste in a field before committing to a career. If you’re already working, it can be the booster on your CV that makes you stand out for that next promotion. Single subjects are incredibly flexible both in how you can use them, and their benefits.
