Electives

One of the benefits of UCD is the Horizons option. It was controversial when it was introduced, through fears it would dilute the strength of our degrees, but I think it has proven invaluable to achieving a more rounded education.

In the US, all undergraduates are required to complete modules in various fields outside of their own, such as arts, literature, physical science and international studies, regardless of their major.


One of my friends in America was required to take jogging as a class! (Though if it looked like this I think I'd be happy to too).

Though not quite extending that far, the UCD system now allows students to choose to study one module per semester in any area or school of the college as part of their degree. This means that a student can re-examine something they had forgotten from school in more depth, like French or history, or try out something completely new, like computer programming or introductory economics. The result is a better-rounded student, one that has designed a degree to suit themselves, and has either maintained skills or perhaps inspected a new area for future study. Furthermore if no other options interest them, a student can choose to take an extra subject directly in their field, therefore increasing their depth of knowledge in their particular subject area.

During my time at UCD I have gained credits for participation in the UCD Symphony Orchestra, taken classes on Issues in World Development and am currently learning about Middle Eastern Politics along with my focus on law. Friends of mine have kept up studies in German, tried out Japanese, or even taken the physiotherapy module Intro to Massage (NB: this one is more difficult than it sounds!)

Browse UCD courses: http://www.ucd.ie/students/course_search.htm