10 trending subjects that will help future proof your career
Enrolments for our first study period of the year are open! There’s a lot to choose from, so let’s narrow down your options. Check out these subjects if you want to boost your career with in-demand skills.
It’s the start of the year, you’re feeling fresh and inspired, and you’re ready to invest in the future of your career.
These subjects are a perfect place to start your learning. They all focus on skills that the World Economic Forum has named ‘most in-demand’ for 2025, so you can feel confident you’re preparing for the changing workplace.
The most in-demand skills, according to the Future of Jobs Report 2025, are:
- AI and big data
- Computer networks and cyber security
- Technological literacy
- Creative thinking and resilience
- Flexibility and agility
- Curiosity and lifelong learning
- Leadership and social influence
- Talent management, teaching and mentoring
- Analytical thinking
- Environmental stewardship
10 subjects that focus on the skills of the future
1. Artificial Intelligence
In-demand skills you’ll learn: AI and big data.
Generative AI is reshaping the workplace as we know it. While some will shy away from what the tech can do, it’s the forward thinkers who are learning to understand it now, so they can stay ahead of the curve. Artificial Intelligence covers everything you need to know about how AI and machine learning works, including how it can be applied to solve different industry problems.
Who offers it: The University of Tasmania
Enrolment deadline: 16 February 2025
Commencement date: 24 February 2025
Duration: 14 weeks
2. Introduction to Cyber Security
In-demand skills you’ll learn: Computer networks and cyber security.
Not only is there an extreme shortage of cyber security experts in Australia... but there's also a lack of knowledge in the everyday workforce. And this is a problem, because even the most innocent online mistakes can now have catastrophic consequences for businesses. Increase your cyber awareness with Introduction to Cyber Security, which explores how business systems are vulnerable, and how data should be protected.
Who offers it: La Trobe University
Enrolment deadline: 23 February 2025
Commencement date: 3 March 2025
Duration: 12 weeks
3. Web Communications
In-demand skills you’ll learn: Technological literacy.
With AI-written spam, fake news, and low-quality content taking over social media, knowing how to communicate effectively online is becoming more important than ever. Take Web Communications and learn how to cut through the noise, so you can make yourself heard when it matters.
Who offers it: Curtin University
Enrolment deadline: 23 February 2025
Commencement date: 3 March 2025
Duration: 13 weeks
4. Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
In-demand skills you’ll learn: Creative thinking and resilience.
Entrepreneurs are experts at coming up with big ideas, pivoting on the fly, and weathering the unexpected. Join their ranks by taking Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship, which will teach you how to think more like a fearless innovator.
Who offers it: Griffith University
Enrolment deadline: 23 February 2025
Commencement date: 3 March 2025
Duration: 13 weeks
5. Disruption in Business
In-demand skills you’ll learn: Flexibility and agility.
Do you know what Netflix, Spotify and Uber have in common? They all harness the power of data to push their companies forward. Disruption in Business explores how you can use data insights just like these market leaders to disrupt the status quo, ride out industry changes, and solve customer problems.
Who offers it: La Trobe University
Enrolment deadline: 23 February 2025
Commencement date: 3 March 2025
Duration: 12 weeks
6. Career Learning: Managing Your Career
In-demand skills you’ll learn: Curiosity and lifelong learning
Having a curiosity and interest in your own development is a skill itself. But if you’re not sure what you want to learn just yet, Career Learning is a great place to start. It will help you set some clear career goals and figure out the skills you need to make your dreams happen.
Who offers it: Murdoch University
Enrolment deadline: 16 February 2025
Commencement date: 24 February 2025
Duration: 13 weeks
7. Positive Psychology
In-demand skills you’ll learn: Leadership and social influence.Good people leadership is a rare skill. If you can make a team feel inspired, happy and valued in their roles, you’ll be sought after wherever you go. Positive Psychology teaches you principles like mindfulness and growth mindset, so you can get better at motivating those around you.
Offered by: La Trobe University
Enrolment deadline: 23 February 2025
Commencement date: 3 March 2025
Duration: 12 weeks
8. Strategic Human Resource Management
In-demand skills you’ll learn: Talent management, teaching and mentoring.
As technology makes the workplace more complicated, understanding how to recruit the right person for the job is more important than ever. Strategic Human Resource Management will teach you how to have an eye for the best talent, whether you work in HR or not. You'll also cover how to retain staff, promote diversity and follow employment laws.
Who offers it: Griffith University
Enrolment deadline: 23 February 2025
Commencement date: 3 March 2025
Duration: 13 weeks
9. Analytics for Decision Making
In-demand skills you’ll learn: Analytical thinking.
Knowing how to use a tool like Google Analytics is one thing—but taking that data, and turning it into helpful recommendations, is another skill entirely. Analytics for Decision Making will show you how to share your insights with the right people, so you can have an impact on business decisions. This skillset can be used by those in all industries, but especially in finance, marketing and HR.
Who offers it: Curtin University
Enrolment deadline: 23 February 2025
Commencement date: 3 March 2025
Duration: 13 weeks
10. Engaging with Sustainability
In-demand skills you’ll learn: Environmental stewardship.
The demand for sustainability experts is surging in Australia. In fact, the green talent pool needs to double by 2050 if we're going to improve our energy efficiency as a society.
Take Engaging with Sustainability to become more aware of the issues that are threatening our environment, what sustainable solutions look like, and how to have productive conversations with decision makers on what can be done. This subject can help you make a difference in any role, whether you work in a related field, or just want to help businesses become more environmentally responsible.
Who offers it: The University of Tasmania
Enrolment deadline: 16 February 2025
Commencement date: 24 February 2025
Duration: 14 weeks
What to know about studying single subjects
- These subjects are open to anyone who wants to upskill. There are no entry requirements!
- Subjects run online for 10 to 14 weeks, depending on the university. Enrolment deadlines and start dates differ, so be sure to read the details carefully.
- You don’t have to pay anything upfront. When you enrol through us, you can request to have your subject fee covered by a HELP loan (provided you’re eligible), just like a degree. Visit our fees page to read more about this.
- Our student advisors are ready to answer your questions about studying a single subject. Get in touch over the phone, Messenger or chat.
Want to find more subjects that kick-off during our most popular study period? Explore what's available with our partner universities.
