Elective Advice

What is an elective?

An elective is a course (subject) that you can choose to study in an area complementary to your degree, career, or for personal interest. Core courses are mandatory courses that you must study.

Electives and core courses make up the total number of units needed to complete your degree and therefore are not optional.

Five things you should know before choosing your electives

1. If you're planning to undertake a study tour or exchange program you will need to save your electives.
   - Study tour = one elective
   - Exchange program = three to four electives
2. Before choosing your electives, think about what will complement your degree. What courses will give your degree the edge?
3. Choosing courses based on which ones have exams may not be the best option.
4. What are employers really looking for? Why not check some recruiting sites and identify what kind of experience or knowledge your dream job requires?
5. Future employers will look at your elective choices!

Don't know how to find your elective options?

• You can find all business electives by clicking on the UniSA Business electives link for Undergraduate students, or the Majors, Minors and Electives link for Postgraduate students.
• You may wish to consider using an elective to gain real-world experience through a placement or internship.
• If you have a 'free elective' you can choose from any course offered at the University provided you meet the prerequisites. Check your program's rules to see if you're allowed a non-Business elective!

If you would like to study an elective outside of UniSA Business, please contact the Business Student Hub.

What are minors and majors?

A major is a stream of related courses taken as part of a degree, comprising 36 units (commonly eight courses). A minor is a stream of related courses which comprises up to 18 units (commonly four courses).

The Business major, minors and electives link outlines the courses available in business disciplines.

At the Hub, we can help you cluster your electives together to form a complementary minor.

Confused about what you should choose?

We are here to help! Call or email the Hub for advice, or make an appointment with an advisor for help planning your program of study.