Breadth subjects in the Bachelor of Science

Broaden your horizons and enhance your career prospects with subjects taken from outside your main area of study.

What is a breadth subject?

As a Bachelor of Science student, you will take at least four non-science subjects as part of your degree. We call these subjects "breadth" and you can choose from hundreds of subjects on offer.

For example, you might use your breadth subjects to explore economics alongside a major in mathematics. Or you could study urban planning to complement studies in environmental science. Breadth subjects are also a great opportunity to learn another language or explore a passion such as music or art.

For students studying the Bachelor of Agriculture, you can speak to your course coordinator if you would like to undertake breadth subjects.

Why are breadth subjects important?

You can use your breadth subjects to complement your science major, explore another interest or try something new. Taking subjects from beyond the fields of science, technology and engineering will provide you with the skills and knowledge to learn different ways of thinking.

Breadth requirements

To complete your breadth subjects in the Bachelor of Science you must:

  • Complete a minimum of 50 points (four subjects) and a maximum of 62.5 points (five subjects) of breadth study
  • You can complete a maximum of 25 points (two subjects) at Level 1
  • You must complete at least 12.5 points (1 subject) at Level 2 or Level 3.

You are encouraged to take at least one 37.5-point breadth track that will help you develop skills relevant to a particular theme or topic.

What subjects can I do as breadth?

You can choose from hundreds of subjects from any subject area outside of science, including undergraduate subjects in the areas of law, education, arts, commerce, design, fine arts and music.

You cannot take subjects as breadth if they could be credited as subjects in the Bachelor of Science, even though they may be taught in other degrees. This includes subjects in the areas of behavioural sciences, mathematics, statistics, technology and engineering systems.

View all breadth subjects View all breadth tracks

Example breadth tracks

A breadth track is a set of three or more subjects that will progressively develop your knowledge and skills in a particular area of study. Some examples of breadth tracks that you could take as a part of your Bachelor of Science are:

Example breadth subjects

You can choose individual breadth subjects based on your interests, to meet graduate course prerequisites or complement your core studies. Some examples of breadth subjects that you could take as a part of your Bachelor of Science are:

Communication

Professional skills

Business and marketing

Science in a broader context

Media and intellectual property law