Choosing a course or career can be hard, especially if you haven't studied in a while. Our university pathways are designed to make that decision a little easier. And they're open to everyone!
When you complete a uni pathway, you'll know what online study is all about—and you’ll know more about the topics that interest you most.
A pathway can unlock entry to hundreds of degrees through Open Universities Australia.
The good news is, if you decide to continue on to a degree, you’re already on the road to completion. That’s because most universities offer you credit for your completed pathway.
University pathways explained
We have 3 kinds of pathways to choose from:
Interest area pathways
Complete a couple of single subjects in the area that interests you most.
Undergraduate certificates as pathways
Some universities offer undergraduate certificates without entry requirements.
Core subject pathways
For some degrees, the first subjects are open for anyone to try.
Interest area pathways
Get started in an interest area, like science. You'll pick a few introductory subjects, like chemistry and biology, to get a better understanding of the topics.
With this pathway, you're able to mix and match subjects from different universities. So in addition to trying out online study, you'll also experience different university learning environments.
Choose this pathway if you know what interests you most.
Complete your introductory subjects, then you can apply to start a degree in that interest area.
For example, if you studied chemistry and biology, we’ll help you apply for a Bachelor of Science.
Explore pathway subjects in your interest area
| If you’re thinking about a degree in: | We recommend a couple of introductory subjects from: |
|---|---|
| Business—including accounting, marketing, and finance | Business & management single subjects |
| Teaching—including primary school and high school specialisations | Education & teaching single subjects |
| Psychology—including mental health and counselling | Psychology & mental health single subjects |
| Health—including nursing, public health, or nutrition | Health & medical science single subjects |
| The Arts—including history, literature, and languages | Humanities & social science single subjects |
| IT—including cyber security, programming, and game design | IT & computer science single subjects |
| Law—including legal studies and criminal justice | Law & justice single subjects |
| Science—including biology, agriculture, and environmental science | Science single subjects |
Undergraduate certificates as pathways
Ease into university with four subjects—and gain an Australian Qualifications Framework recognised qualification.
Test drive uni and quickly upskill in just 6 months.
Choose this pathway if you want a qualification before you get your degree.
After you've completed an undergraduate certificate, you can use it to gain entry into a related degree. For example, an Undergraduate Certificate in Psychology feeds into a Bachelor of Psychology.
Plus, you’ll get credit for your undergraduate certificate subjects, meaning you're a step closer to finishing your degree.
Explore undergraduate certificates as pathways
Undergraduate CUR-CHS-CTF
Undergraduate CUR-BLW-CTF
Undergraduate CUR-HAR-CTF
Undergraduate CUR-FIA-CTF
Core subject pathways
Some unis open core subjects – usually the the first few introductory subject in selected degrees – to form a pathway into a full degree.
For example, Curtin University's Bachelor of Education allows anyone to enrol in first year subjects. There's eight subjects to choose from, and after completing two, you'll meet the academic entry requirements for admission to the full degree.
Choose this pathway if you know the degree you want to get into.
With this pathways, you don’t need to apply or be accepted to study your first couple of subjects. Just enrol and start studying.
After you complete the recommended core subjects, you’ll qualify to study the full degree and can start the application process.
Explore degrees with core subject pathways
Undergraduate CUR-BED-DEG
Undergraduate GRF-BUS-DEG
Available majors
- Major in Marketing
- Major in Human Resource Management
- Major in Management
- Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Major in Sport Management
- Major in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Major in International Business
- Major in Political Science and International Relations
- Major in Contemporary Marketing
Undergraduate LAT-HUN-DEG
Undergraduate TAS-SCG-DEG
Undergraduate UNE-LLB-DEG
Undergraduate MAQ-ART-DEG
Available majors
- Major in Ancient History
- Major in Creative Writing
- Major in English
- Major in Critical Indigenous Studies
- Major in International Relations
- Major in Modern History
- Major in Philosophy
- Major in Politics
- Major in Sociology
Undergraduate UAD-HSM-DEG
Undergraduate CUR-IND-DEG
Get tailored advice when it suits you
A student advisor will call you at your preferred time to answer your questions.
Find out how to get ready for your consultation.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian access thousands of university courses.
Over 523,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.
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Important study dates, including close of application, close of enrolment, and census dates.
Deciding to take on higher education marks the beginning of an exciting study journey. And preparation is the key to success.
Get ready to meet the challenges of online learning head on. Boost your study skills to get the most out of your degree.
We're here to guide you there
Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.