MuggleNet’s Pottermore Feature of the Week: ‘Hogwarts School Subjects’

by · July 23, 2012

In this Pottermore Feature of the Week, we dive into the curriculum available to Hogwarts students as special information from author J.K. Rowling was revealed in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on the interactive website.

From Pottermore, Chapter 10:

All first-years at Hogwarts must take seven subjects: Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, History of Magic, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy and Herbology. Flying lessons (on broomsticks) are also compulsory.

At the end of their second year at Hogwarts, students are required to choose a minimum of two more subjects from the following list: Arithmancy, Muggle Studies, Divination, Study of Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures.

Very specialised subjects such as Alchemy are sometimes offered in the final two years, if there is sufficient demand.

J.K. Rowling’s thoughts:

A slightly different list of school subjects appears in my earliest notes. Herbology is called ‘Herbalism’, Divination is compulsory from the first year, as are Alchemy and a subject called simply ‘Beasts’, whereas Transfiguration is called ‘Transfiguration/Metamorphosis’.

What subject would be your favorite and least favorite at Hogwarts? Let us know in the comments below.