The process model shows when you have electives during your programme.
Consider what you want to learn and what you want to use your elective for
When you choose your elective there are many different factors to consider. To get the most out of your options, you should consider what you want to learn. You may have a growing interest in a specific academic area that you want to explore more, or maybe you want to work with a specific method that is taught in a certain course.
Take active part in the course you choose
When you have decided on a course, make sure to take active part in it. A course only has value, if you engage with the content and consider the connections with your other courses. The same thing applies when you are not able to get a spot in your dream course. There is certainly valuable learning to have either way, if you actively take control of your own learning in the course.
Electives
You may also apply for pre-approval to take a course from another programme at SDU or at another university as your elective, if they have not been pre-approved already.
However, you may only do so if the courses in question are relevant to your programme and are offered at a time that fits into your study plan. When you have found the course you want to take as your elective, you must apply for pre-approval with your study board - this is called preliminary credit.
Read more about the requirements for preliminary credit and how to apply here.
You also have the option to apply for courses that are part of SDU's summer school or courses from the EPICUR collaboration.
SDU's Summer School
SDU's summer school offers courses as intensive programs for two weeks at the beginning of August, outside the regular teaching period. If you want to take a summer school course, start by checking the list of courses offered at SDU International Summer School. When you have found the course, you want to take as your elective, you must apply for pre-approval from your study board – this is called preliminary credit.
EPICUR
The EPICUR Education Alliance is a consortium of nine European universities where you have the opportunity to take courses online or in person. You can check the list of courses on the consortium's website. This is also where you apply for admission. However, you must first apply for pre-approval from your study board.
Read more about the requirements for preliminary credit and how to apply here.
You have the option of changing your elective until 3 weeks after commencement of the semester. If you wish to change your elective you need to contact Educational Law & Registration.
If you want to chance your elective after the first 3 weeks, you need to apply for an exemption with your Study Board. Your request may not be granted.
