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I’m A-level student I’m studying Physics, Maths, and FMaths. Anyone can provide some advice for me in the college-major I want to study in Australia?

First of all, I’m not interested in biology, medicine or chemistry some art major I’m not interested too

college computer-science business-management physics study-in-australia
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Iris,

Math and Physics, how cool is that? Have you considered studying Math or Physics, or both if that is available (double major or major/minor)? Even if you don't want to be a straight physicist or mathematician, those skills can open a lot of doors.

Check out options that require math skills, like Data Science, Statistics, Accounting, Actuarial Science, Business Management, Economics or Finance.

How about something in Engineering? Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace or Civil Engineering all require a good understanding of Math and Physics.

Depending on your process to work things out for yourself, you can go to university websites and research the different majors they offer and the careers they might lead to. If you have the opportunity to attend an open day at a university, you can ask questions too. It doesn't have to be the university you plan to attend. You can do that at universities in Hongkong just for informational purposes.

Or you can consider things from the other end and research jobs you might like to do. Talk to people in your family/friendship circle. What is their job? What do they actually do? How did they get there? Talk to your classmates about their dreams and plans too.

Look at professions you interact with in your life - teachers, doctors, bus drivers, business owners, restaurant chefs, marketers etc. Consider products and services that you find interesting and find out how they are made or how the business works. For example, airplanes are cool - what kind of engineers design airplanes, test airplanes, build airplanes? How do you plan demand, supply chains etc? How do you become a pilot or a flight attendant? How does an airline work behind the scenes?

If you can narrow it down to a few career path, you get a better insight by volunteering and/or interning in that industry.

I hope this helps! All the best to you!

KP
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Judas’s Answer

You're starting well with Physics and Math. These subjects lead to many flexible and future-ready careers, especially in science, technology, and engineering. Here's how to think about your choices:

If you enjoy hands-on problem-solving, consider engineering. It's great if you like building, improving, or understanding how things work. Choose based on your interests:
- Mechanical or Mechatronics if you like machines, robotics, or systems
- Electrical or Aerospace if you're into electronics, energy, or flight
- Systems Engineering if you enjoy big-picture thinking across different technologies
These fields are practical, in demand, and allow you to see your work come to life.

If you like tech, logic, or future-focused fields, consider Computer Science or Data Science. These are perfect if you enjoy coding, logical thinking, or working with data. They're also great if you're curious about:
- AI and automation
- Software development
- Machine learning and analytics
- Cybersecurity
You can also look into UI/UX Design if you're creative and interested in user experience, even if you're not into "art."

If you love deep thinking and theory, consider Physics or Applied Mathematics. These are best for those who enjoy solving abstract problems and want to understand how the world works. They're great for academic careers, research, or technical development.

If you like math, leadership, and improving systems, consider Industrial Engineering or Operations. These roles use math and logic to make things more efficient, from supply chains to manufacturing. They're perfect if you like structure, efficiency, and working with people.

Things to keep in mind:
- If you're curious about many things, look for degrees like Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or Double Majors.
- If you're a big-picture thinker who enjoys structure and tech, operations or systems fields might interest you.
- The future is moving toward AI, robotics, renewable energy, data, and automation. Most of these careers are linked to those trends.

Final tip:
Choose a direction that matches your current interests and dive deep. Learn tools, explore side projects, and stay curious. Degrees like Mechatronics or Data Science can keep your options open if you're still deciding.
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Kwok’s Answer

Hi Iris,

Based on your A-level subjects: Physics, Math, and Further Math - and your clear preferences (no biology, medicine, chemistry, or arts), you're already on a strong academic path for several exciting and intellectually rigorous majors. Here’s a recommendation for college majors in Australia that align with your strengths and interests:

Top College Majors to Consider in Australia:

1. Engineering
Australia has world-class engineering programs, and your subject choices are ideal preparation.
- Mechanical Engineering: Focuses on machines, thermodynamics, and materials.
- Electrical Engineering: Involves circuits, electronics, and power systems.
- Civil Engineering: Deals with infrastructure—bridges, roads, buildings.
- Aerospace Engineering: Perfect if you're fascinated by aircraft or space technology.
- Universities to consider: University of New South Wales (UNSW), University of Melbourne, Monash University.

2. Computer Science / Software Engineering
If you enjoy logic, problem-solving, and technology, this is a booming field with global demand.
- Learn programming, algorithms, AI, cybersecurity, and data science.
- Great career prospects in tech companies, startups, and research.
- Top picks: Australian National University (ANU), University of Sydney, University of Queensland.

3. Mathematics / Applied Mathematics
If you love pure math or want to apply it to real-world problems (finance, physics, data), this is a great fit.
- Can lead to careers in research, finance, data science, or academia.
- Often combined with statistics or computer science.
- Strong programs: University of Melbourne, UNSW, ANU.

4. Physics
Since you're already studying it, continuing with a physics major could open doors to research, engineering, or even space science.
- Specializations include theoretical physics, astrophysics, quantum mechanics.
- Can be paired with math or computer science for broader options.
- Recommended schools: University of Sydney, ANU, Monash University.

5. Actuarial Science / Quantitative Finance
If you're interested in applying math to finance, risk analysis, and economics, this is a high-paying and intellectually challenging field.
- Combines statistics, probability, and financial theory.
- Requires strong math skills — your Further Math background is a big plus.
- Top universities: Macquarie University, UNSW, University of Melbourne.

Tips for Choosing Your Major
- Explore electives: Many Australian universities allow flexibility in your first year.
- Look at career outcomes: Think about what kind of work excites you—research, technology, finance, engineering?

Wishing you all the best!
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Aulani’s Answer

Hello Iris,

You are studying Physics and Math, that is wonderful! These are two very complex subjects but will provide you with a wide range of career opportunities. I am glad to give you advice as you are deciding what you will major in college, and further, eventually deciding a career path. It will be your choice in the end, take every advice that you receive carefully and adapt it to what works for you and your specific situation.

There are many fields in the areas you study that are not centered around biology, medicine, chemistry, or art. For instance, engineering which will provide you the opportunity to understand and approach solutions to real world problems through a combination of mathematics and scientific principles. There is computer science which will provide you with the opportunity to engage in problem solving as well as a broad understanding of computer programming and systems. In result, preparing you for a variety of career paths, however, the strongest roles would be in the tech industry. Software engineering is also a great major which focuses on the design and development of computer and software systems. In addition, you might also consider majoring in Data Science which concentrates on mathematics, calculus, statistics, and so forth.

I strongly recommend when applying for a college that you review the available majors and see what interests you. The available listings of majors can be found on the website of the college you are applying to. By doing this you will be able to find detailed information and descriptions of that major and the courses offered with it. Always be sure to keep in mind that your major is not fixed and can be changed overtime if you find that a field does not suit your interest. College is a journey and process of self-discovery as you are developing in your academic and career path. This will be revealed to you as you are beginning and navigating through your educational journey.

I hope you are able to find encouragement from the support and helpful advice from the recommendations and suggestions many have provided for you here. Soon you’ll decide your major and begin your exciting college journey, I wish you success!
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Wong’s Answer

Physics, Maths, and Further Maths open many excellent opportunities for you to pursue in university, especially in Australia, which is home to several top-ranked universities with a wide range of STEM programs. Given that you’re not interested in biology, medicine, chemistry, or art-based subjects, it makes sense to look into degrees that are more math- and physics-oriented.

One of the most natural pathways would be to consider Engineering. In Australia, degrees such as Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Mechatronics, and Aerospace Engineering are highly respected and in demand.

Another option is Computer Science or Software Engineering, which are increasingly popular and well-paid career paths.

If you enjoy pure academic thinking and want to stay in theory-heavy fields, you could also consider Mathematics, Physics, or even Data Science.

Before deciding, you should research the course structure, career outcomes, and whether the university offers industry placements or research opportunities.

Wish you all the best.
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Robert’s Answer

One more consideration, Iris. With the great advice already given here, choose a major that makes you happy and excited to think about when you first wake up in the morning. And remember, your starting career doesn’t necessarily have to be for life. Before I retired, I had enjoyed using my STEM skills in electrical engineering, aerospace, lasers, optics and industrial design.
Enjoy your adventure!
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Iris !

It's always an exciting time figuring out what career you would like and then connecting it with the major at University that will prepare you for that career.

A major is just not something that someone else can choose for you or list subjects for you to consider. Your career choice will have to come first and that is how you'd know what to obtain your degree in. It doesn't matter what you're taking for your A Levels. The major should not be connected to that, the major should be in alignment with the actual work you want to do in the future.

The first thing that you will need to consider if you want to go to University in Australia is that some programs in Australian Universities require students to declare a major, minor, or specialization, while other University Programs offer more flexibility, especially in the first year. So it may be that you do have some time to figure out the career you want and then the Major and Degree for it. It's perfectly fine if you do not know right now, but no one can tell you what career to choose.

Your tags under your post indicate that you may be interested in careers such as Computer Science, Business Management or Physics. Now would be a wonderful time to start reading more about these subjects and careers that you have already shown an interest in. You can take books out from the Library and even watch videos on You Tube (access it in Hong Kong, but it's banned in the Mainland). You can also join clubs at school that are connected to your interests and that may inspire you. Rely on yourself to discover what your future work will be.

There are also many websites to read about the careers, too. You will have to do the work to come to a decision and you should choose a career and the Major for it based on work that you love to do. A good way to make discoveries for this is to do volunteer work.

Consider doing volunteer work at The JC Volunteer Together Programme, Crossroads Foundation Hong Kong, The Youth Uniformed Unit at the Hong Kong Red Cross, The Young Advocates Programme at Justice Centre Hong Kong, Mother’s Choice, Kids for Kids, and Hands On Hong Kong regularly lists volunteer activities for students such as yourself. If you start being active, get different experiences, some ideas for a career might come your way. Think about doing volunteer work on the program's computers or developing a marketing campaign for one of the programs. Any work you do will be a big benefit to you.

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Give yourself time and a great career will inspire you !
Thank you comment icon On the whole, I agree with most of this, however, there's a few bits in the second paragraph that don't come across quite right. Firstly, the idea of "career choice will have to come first and that is how you'd know what to obtain your degree in." I don't think is always the best way. It can be good to pick a career and then chase it by taking the right qualifications for it, but at a young age, a lot of people don't know exactly what career they want to do. What people generally do have a good idea about is what subjects they enjoy and do well at - so an alternative way is to choose your degree course/major based on what you enjoy, and figure out exactly what sort of career it might lead to later, as you get to know the subject more. Joseph Neilson
Thank you comment icon Building on that, I especially don't agree with the idea that your A-Level choices don't matter and you shouldn't let them guide your degree major choice. You've already made progress using A-Level choices to narrow down your interests, and they are often a great starting point to think about university decisions. Of course, you don't have to be trapped by those choices - you can go off and do something different if you want to, but it's often easier to pick a subject that's in the same sort of field as you have experience with. Joseph Neilson
Thank you comment icon I see that most students here that ask this same question, not having chosen a career prior to a degree, all seem to ask what Degree should I do. That's why, if a person chooses the career then gets the degree that will allow them to have that career, they'd already know. Students that can chose a career first are not confused as to what to Major in. Everyone's advice is different. The student is always free to do as they choose. Also, my high school classes had nothing to do with my college major. My Major aligned with my chosen career. Michelle M.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Firstly, you need to figure out what careers you have interest first.
Below are my suggestions:
1. With high school subjects choices, would you like to be an engineer, scientists, accountant, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc. You can find more relevant careers online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Joseph’s Answer

There's a lot of other good answers and I'm not sure I can add a great deal to what's been said already, but I will comment that those were my exact A-Level choices too, and I had similar thoughts in not knowing exactly what I wanted to do, but like you knowing I wanted to avoid arts subjects and the wet and squishy chemical and biological sciences. That still leaves a huge space of subjects to choose between, with the most obvious choices being the various "STEM" fields like mathematics, physics, engineering, computing and technology - and all of their more specialist subfields; alongside plenty of more random subjects you could choose as well.
My best advice in how to choose would be to be guided by what you've enjoyed and done well at both inside and out of school.

Personally, I definitely got on better with physics rather than pure mathematics-for-mathematics sake, so I was already leaning in a physics direction. Outside of school, I'd also been very interested by reading about space and cosmology, so that lead me towards choosing astrophysics as my degree. (here in the UK, we typically choose subject as a single degree title rather than the major-minor system they have in a lot of other places - so I selected the "Physics with Astrophysics" option - which I suppose is kind of a physics major with astro minor, but from viewing different unis, the subjects taught in that degree aligned closest with my interests)

A key point is that you don't have to be completely bound by your degree choice. I eventually found the astrophysics content got increasingly abstract and disconnected from things that I could intuitively think about, so after my undergraduate degree, I went off in a slightly different direction into nuclear physics after getting on well with some of the introductory nuclear modules in my undergrad course - and that's where I've now found my career.
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