Elective units are essentially ‘free choice’ units at university. They allow you to tailor your learning in a way that suits your study journey, interests and goals.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What are elective subjects?
- Why should I study elective subjects at university?
- What does it mean to take an elective?
- Six electives to study in 2026
- Electives FAQs
What are elective subjects?
Elective subjects – or just ‘electives’ – are individual units you can enrol in from any study area.
Taking an elective unit gives you the flexibility to explore a subject outside your core study area while progressing your degree.
The amount and type of electives you study at university will depend on your course structure; not all courses will include them. When you choose your elective units, take note of the unit availability and any requisites – standards or conditions you’ll need to meet before enrolling. You’ll find all this information in your course handbook, which explains what you’ll study and when.
Why should I study elective subjects at university?
Electives are a choose-your-own-adventure scenario. The subjects you select – and the reasons behind your choices – will be unique to your learning journey, interests and goals.
There are plenty of reasons to study elective units at university, including to:
- upskill in a high-growth area
- develop transferable skills
- learn a new language
- pursue your interests and hobbies
- start your own business
- step outside your comfort zone.
Whatever your reason, elective units are a great way to enrich your uni experience and make your academic journey uniquely yours.
What does it mean to take an elective?
If you’re picking your university course, you may be wondering, “what does it actually mean to take an elective?” Well, there’s no one answer – it’ll depend completely on the unique elective unit (or units) you choose.
Take Kirsty, for example, a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) student at Curtin who is specialising in Social Leadership and Ethics. For Kirsty, taking our Business Study Tour as an elective meant a chance to explore the world, refine her career direction and gain a global business perspective.
“I chose the Business Study Tour as my elective because I loved the idea of travelling overseas, learning about different cultures and realistically getting a unit done in almost two weeks!
In my study tour, a group of 16 people went to Norway to learn about global sustainability and its impact on business.
I really appreciated the chance to explore a new culture and gain a deeper understanding of their green energy practices.
I would love to work for companies that operate in ethical or environmental sustainability, and I believe my Business Study Tour elective impacted this.”
Six electives to study in 2026
There are so many electives that you can study at Curtin – the possibilities are almost limitless.
Here are our top six picks to kick off your exploration.
Cyber Security
Sharpen your cyber defences with a crash course in how the digital world stays safe. This practical unit introduces the foundations of cyber security – perfect for curious minds interested in digital problem-solving.
Style Hunting
If fashion ‘inspo’ floods your TikTok FYP, Instagram feed and Pinterest boards – this is the elective for you. Uncover the factors that shape – and break – fashion trends worldwide (and visit our newly-built School of Design and Built Environment while you’re at it).
On-Country Learning
Step out of the classroom and into the community through an immersive on-Country learning experience. Run by our Centre for Aboriginal Studies (CAS) you’ll have the chance to deepen your cultural understanding and engage meaningfully with Country.
Psychology
Curious about why people think, feel and act the way they do? Introduction to Psychology introduces key psychological theory, offering insights into human behaviour you can apply anywhere.
Personal Finance
Finance is relevant to everyone – but strategic decision-making isn’t always intuitive. With guidance from expert lecturers and tutors, you’ll learn to budget, invest and make smart financial choices – skills that will (quite literally) pay dividends in the long run.
Podcasting
Thinking of starting a podcast? Take our Podcasting unit to learn how to script, record, edit and publish audio using industry-standard tools in our purpose-built podcast studio.
These are just a few of the fun, formative and fascinating units you can choose from. Explore our study areas to discover the experiences on offer, or search the Course Handbook by keyword, topic or subject area to find elective units that interest you.
Electives FAQs
What is considered to be an elective?
There’s no one standard type of elective. Elective units come in all varieties – you can study anything from Photomedia to The Science of Climate Change.
You can study any unit as an elective if it is available and you meet the unit requisites.
What’s the difference between an elective and a core unit?
A core unit is a specific unit that you must complete as part of your degree, while elective units are a ‘free choice’ of units from any study area.
On your course outline, core units are listed as specific unit names, while electives appear as ‘elective unit’ or ‘elective stream’.
What are the different kinds of university units?
Here are some key definitions you’ll want to know if you’re researching the perfect university course for you.
If you’d like to learn more about university lingo, read our article explaining common university terms.
Make your study experience your own
Curtin degrees are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the future workforce – and electives are the icing on the cake, adding extra flexibility to your university experience.
If you have any questions about elective units or want support finding your perfect course, we’re here to help. Contact us online or book a time to visit a Future Student Advisor on campus.
