8 subjects you’ve never heard about (but should have)

April 30, 2025

Break away from the well-trodden path and find a course as unique as you are. From uncovering your inner palaeontologist, to studying the intricacies of Japanese culture, these eight subjects offer something a little different.

It might come as little surprise that medicine, law and business typically dominate the rankings when it comes to higher education. But if you’ve been searching for something that’s a little more aligned with your unique interests, this list of eight curious subjects might just capture your attention. 

1. Dinosaurs!

Who hasn't been a little bit obsessed with dinosaurs at some stage in their life? To think that these creatures, some as heavy as a commercial airliner and as tall as a six-storey building, were real! The fact that they roamed the same land that we stand on today is wild. 

If what happened on earth some 200 million years ago piques your interest, you don’t need to settle for Jurassic Park reruns. Dinosaurs! unearths every last juicy morsel about these prehistoric creatures. You’ll learn how to identify major dinosaur groups based on key anatomical characteristics; develop a greater understanding of the importance of fossils; and put it all into perspective with a study of the evolution of life on Earth. 

Finish in: 16 weeks

Enrol by: 15 June, 2025

2. Communicating with Japan

‘Japanmania’ shows no signs of slowing down. Last year, the Land of the Rising Sun became the third most-visited country in the world for Aussies (behind New Zealand and Indonesia). And, more Australians learn Japanese than anywhere else in the world per capita. 

If you, too, are a little bit besotted with Japan, and all things anime, J-pop, Zen gardens, and sushi, then Communicating with Japan might be a worthy prospect. Particularly if you’re contemplating spending extended periods living or working there. 

You’ll delve straight into all the nuances of Japanese customs and language, cultivating a greater sense of Japanese culture and society at large.

Finish in: 13 weeks

Enrol by: 25 May, 2025

3. Future Cities

Future Cities is one for the all-rounders. The kind of person who is curious about the world around them and finds themselves drawn in many different directions. Sustainability and urban design collide in this topical subject, which brings together environmental, social and economic issues.  

You’ll review cities worldwide, defining what makes them sustainable (or otherwise), and come up with solutions that address real world issues, such as our near-global reliance on cars.

Finish in: 13 weeks

Enrol by: 25 May, 2025

4. Victimology

If advocating for others and upholding justice is something you feel strongly about, Victimology could be the course for you. This under-explored, but hugely important area focuses on the impact of crime upon victims, as well as how the criminal justice and welfare systems respond to victims' needs before, during and after criminal justice processes.

This could be your first step towards a career with purpose, with the potential to deeply impact the lives of others. After further study, you could work towards a future in the  police force, counselling, social work, victim-support services for a community-based organisation or government agency, or even roles within state or federal government.

Finish in: 10 weeks

Enrol by: 22 June, 2025

5. Lifespan Growth and Motor Development 

Human behaviour has fascinated countless great minds since the dawn of time. Grapple with this vast, ever-evolving and endlessly engrossing topic with Lifespan Growth and Motor Development, which covers everything from physical, cognitive and psychosocial development, unpicking the nature versus nurture debate along the way. 

Studying this subject might enrich your work as a teacher or counsellor, or perhaps even trigger further study in the wider field of psychology. In the wise words of Socrates, one of the world’s earliest philosophers, "wisdom begins in wonder"; and this course is a great place to start.

Finish in: 10 weeks

Enrol by: 22 June, 2025

6. Writing for Children

Fancy yourself as the next Alison Lester? Writing for Children takes a deep dive into the world of children’s books, looking at everything from the narrative structure and rhythm of selected Australian texts, to hands-on work constructively critiquing the works-in-progress of your fellow classmates. 

You could walk away from this course with a new, or more finely-tuned idea for a kid’s story, or perhaps with a renewed drive and passion, ready to launch your career in the children’s publishing industry.  

Finish in: 13 weeks

Enrol by: 25 May, 2025 

7. Science of Gardening

Whether you’re an aspiring green thumb or a bona fide Costa Georgiadis, the Science of Gardening could help to take your knowledge of all things botanical to the next level. Think testing, classifying and adjusting soil characteristics; learning how to identify unknown plants; and studying the different methods of plant propagation.

Finish in: 12 weeks

Enrol by: 15 June, 2025

8. Fire Technology 

A captivating marriage of science and engineering, Fire Technology will give you the knowledge to understand fire chemistry, fire mechanics, and fire and smoke behaviour, as well as the critical fire safety systems that we rely upon. 

Developed within the context of construction management, this course lays the groundwork for anyone who has an interest in fire and how building design can impact safety, as well as the legal framework that dictates what rules apply. 

Finish in: 10 weeks

Enrol by: 22 June, 2025

What to know about studying single subjects

These subjects are open to anyone

That’s right. There are no entry requirements! You could become a university student by enrolling in minutes. 

Subjects can be completed in weeks

Single subjects run online for 10 to 16 weeks, depending on the university. Enrolment deadlines and start dates differ, so be sure to check each course page for more information.

You may be able to access financial assistance

If you’re eligible, Uniquely available through Open Universities Australia, you can request a  FEE-HELP loan to defer the cost of studying a single subject, just like a degree. Visit our fees page to read more about this.

Student advisors are waiting to help

Our student advisors are ready to answer your questions about study – whether you’re unsure about eligibility, financial assistance, your career path and more. Get in touch over the phone, Messenger,chat, or book a consultation to receive a call back when it best suits you.  

Want to find more subjects that kick-off during our most popular study period? Explore what's available to study with leading Australian universities right now.