We’re often told that uni will be “the greatest time of our lives!”. But, let’s be honest, sometimes classes can be mind-numbingly dull.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s found themselves midway through a tutorial – not having done the three hours’ worth of readings – wondering if the consequences of pulling the fire alarm would be worth it… Right?

But for Aussie students taking the electives below, I reckon the feeling might be a little different…

Australia In The Wine World

University of Melbourne, VIC

Now this sounds like my kind of elective! Content includes the evolution of the grape wine, viticulture and winemaking, grape varieties, and world wine regions.

“Participants must be 18 years or over … tasting of wines is required in this course and cannot be exempt.” I’m sure that wouldn’t be a problem.

Oh, and the prescribed text is called, A Good Nose and Great Legs. Amazing.

Song Writing: How To Write A Pop Tune

Monash University, VIC

Wanna become the next Pharrell? Or course you do!

This unit will give you “a systematic and comprehensive knowledge of strategies and form” in pop music. I mean, let’s be honest – after the successful completion of this elective, there’s never been a better excuse for dropping out of your law degree to follow your dreams of becoming a pop star.

Supernatural Literature

Deakin University, VIC

Sick of Shakespeare? Finally there’s a literature unit that understands you. Study Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and A Game of Thrones, and call it work!

Rock Art Field Unit

University of Western Australia, WA

This is a field trip like no other. Gain academic credit while working alongside the traditional owners from the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, learning to identify and record ancient rock art motifs. That beats exams any day!

National Institute Of Circus Arts

Swinburne University of Technology, VIC

Why be a doctor when you can be a clown? You really can just run away and join the circus.

Subjects include: ‘circus basics’ (tumbling, handstands, flexibility, aerial, manipulation, balance and partner work), as well as group juggling, clown and voice work, and circus business and careers management. Yep, that’s a thing!

Masculinities

University of Sydney, NSW

This unit turns Gender Studies’ traditional focus of femininity around, instead exploring the changing representations of men in contemporary culture. “What do men want?” asks the Uni of Sydney’s course handbook. Oh boy, that is one hell of a question.

African Drumming

Macquarie University, NSW

The ultimate summer class: a seven day intensive African drumming extravaganza! But don’t be fooled – this is one full on week. Each day includes four 90 minute blocks, and good luck working out the difference between the “so-called clave pattern” and the “standard African pattern”.

Drawing: The Body 1

Monash University, VIC

“Studio classes using life models develop skills in observing inner structure, gesture, special organisation and characterisation.” Oh, baby!

I know, I know – it’s not the most farfetched elective. It’s fairly standard practice for art students to draw live nude models, but I guess I’m just a little kid at heart who finds it a tad hilarious. However, exploring the human form absolutely beats sitting through a statistics seminar any day. Get your priorities straight, people!

World Puppetry

University of South Australia, SA

OK, so in fairness, this one was last on offer in 2008 – but it’s too bad! This is officially the most adorable university unit ever, and I think they should bring it back. I mean, who wouldn’t want to construct their own puppet and “research puppetry and its applications internationally to broaden their knowledge of puppetry in its world context”?

Will Duncan

Will Duncan is a third-year politics and journalism student at Monash University. You can follow him at @willduncan94.