This discussion is now closed.

Check out other Related discussions

Outside subject(s) in 1st and 2nd year post here with questions

Hi,

So in a similar sort of style to the thread relating to accommodation, I decided that it might be a good idea to make a thread where all of the questions relating to choosing outside courses can go. People are asking the same thing again and again, and there is some really good advice and help being given by the current students, so if we keep it all together then its easier for everyone concerned.

I have to choose an outside subject?

In general, yes. Unless you're studying something "special" such as medicine, education, vet sci etc you will have to take subjects other than the ones you've applied for in the first two years. This is because the Scottish education system is really flexible and allows you to change your degree at any point in years one and two.

In theory you can take any course which is offered by the university, but there are obviously timetable and numbers restrictions meaning some courses are only really open to students who applied for them in the first place via UCAS (eg: English Lit) but even here there are usually a couple of places available and these spaces are filled by a lottery style of allocation at the end of freshers week.

How many credits?

Each subject is generally worth 40 credits over the academic year and students have to take 120 credits per year. This means if you've applied for single honours (eg: MA French) you need to take an additional 80 credits each year, which usually works out as 2 subjects. If you've applied for joint honours (eg: MA French and English Lit) you have already used 80 credits and need to take another 40, so 1 course.

A small minority of courses require students to take more than the usual 40 credits to progress to second year. For MA History, for example, 80 history credits are required so it is the equivalent of two full year slots rather than the usual one per subject. However, there are 15 possible courses to chose from to make up the 80 credits so there is still a lot of choice.

There is an option to take more than 120 credits each year, but this is fairly unusual and decided on a case by case basis. If you are interested in taking more then you have to speak to your Director of Studies (DoS) when you meet in freshers week.

How can I find out what courses are mandatory for my degree?

First, you need to go here and find out the degree regulations for your course. At the top, it should say 'degree regulations and programmes of study 2011-2012'. If it does not say 11-12, use this link instead and then click on 'browse DPTs' which is in the list on the right hand side of the screen. It will take you to the same place as the original link.

If you're doing joint honours, your school will generally be the first subject in your course name (eg: MA Geography and Politics is in the School of GeoSciences).

So taking Geog and Politics as an example, you see that there are 80 credits which are mandatory. 2 x 20 credits for Geog and 2 x 20 credits for Politics. Then there will be 40 credits spare for something else.

How can I find out which courses I can take to make up the credits?

Now you know how many spare credits you've got, you can go and look at the timetable here. Although this is the 11-12 timetable, it i fairly similar each academic year so it can be used as a pretty accurate rough guide. Usually, the lecture room allocations stay the same too as they will either be in the school's own buildings or for courses with a large student intake, in one of the big lecture theatres and there are only so many available.

First of all, find the courses which are listed as mandatory on the DRPS. Then select additional courses using the instuctions here:

How to use timetab

Pick a college, so say HSS, and then it shows you all of the subjects available for that college in the subject box. Basically if you search by college, then you get all the courses, if by school, then you get all of the courses in that school (so, SPS for example) or by subject so then you'd just get the courses in History.

* Make sure you've got it set to level 1 (it does this by default) then full year courses.
* If the course is called English Lit 1A it means it is a first year course in semester one.
* If it is called English Lit 1B it is a first year course in semster two.
* If it just says 1 then it lasts the entire year.
* In languages, if it says 1A this is for beginners and if it says 1B this is for people who have Higher or A levels in it already.

Then they all come up in the small box to the bottom left of the screen. To add one to your timetable, just select it. There may be a pop up window giving you information about 1st meetings, order of selection if it is over subscribed etc and then perhaps pre requisites. You don't really need to pay attention to them now if it is just information about first meetings, although you may want to read the over subscription allocation or other information depending on your situation. Don't worry if you do not understand what it means - ask in this thread and we'll help you, or ask your Director of Studies when you arrive in Edinburgh.

You will know if there is a timetable clash because it will tell you that it isn't a possible combination. However, be aware that some courses (mainly science) input all of their possible tutorial/lab slots into time tab but you may only be obliged to attend one of these sessions rather than all of them. You can find more information on whether this applies to you by looking on the information for current undergraduate students on your school's website (eg: www.ppls.ed.ac.uk is the website for the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences)

To create your timetable, go to the top right hand corner of the screen where it says 'output' with 'print name: anonymous'. You don't need to change anything here, just click 'open in a new window' and it will create a timetable for each semester.

How do I sign up for the extra subjects?

This is done in freshers week when you meet your DoS. There will be a full meeting of your entire school where you'll be told who your DoS is along with other important information such as purchasing of books or tutorial sign up sheets. Here, you will be asked to make an appointment with your DoS. Then when you go to your appointment you'll be asked which additional subjects you'd like to do. This is where you decide and discuss options, you do not have to do anything before then. If there are other arrangements in place for your course, this will be communicated to you before you arrive in Edinburgh.

Is course X good or bad?

Look on the course reviewer here which is a list of all of the current courses offered for first years, with reviews from students over the last few years. Bear in mind some subjects might have drastically changed the content since the review was written. Some subjects are more complete than others.

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 600

cl1.

8

My first three years are full with compulsory units, does this mean I can't do any side subjects? I wanted to do German :frown:

Reply 601

annamarie1994

3

Original post by Nicck

During freshers you will have a meeting with your personal tutor and he will sign them up for you!

Are you only required to take outside subjects with some degrees? So people doing philosophy can do straight philosophy for four years whereas people doing anthropology are forced to take outside courses in first and second year?

I am enrolled to do social anthropology but really want to change my degree to philosophy, is this something that can be done?

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 602

Nicck

6

Original post by annamarie1994

Are you only required to take outside subjects with some degrees? So people doing philosophy can do straight philosophy for four years whereas people doing anthropology are forced to take outside courses in first and second year?

I am enrolled to do social anthropology but really want to change my degree to philosophy, is this something that can be done?

You have to do 120 credits per year. Check your course credits on http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/12-13/dpt/drpsindex.htm

Reply 603

annamarie1994

3

So could I do the full 40 credits from social anthropology (this is the degree I am enrolled for) and the 80 credits from philosophy?

How many philosophy credits would I need to pick up if I wish to change my degree to philosophy in second year

Reply 604

Nicck

6

Original post by annamarie1994

So could I do the full 40 credits from social anthropology (this is the degree I am enrolled for) and the 80 credits from philosophy?

How many philosophy credits would I need to pick up if I wish to change my degree to philosophy in second year

Everything is on the link I sent you. Search for philosophy and check the credits of all the required modules.

Reply 605

annamarie1994

3

Original post by Nicck

Everything is on the link I sent you. Search for philosophy and check the credits of all the required modules.

Yeh I checked, there are 40 compulsory for social anthropology and if you're enrolled to do philosophy then there are 40 compulsory and then another 40 which you can do on top of those.

My question is how many of these philosophy modules is necessary for me to take in my first year to make it so I can change my degree programme to philosophy at the beginning of the second year

Reply 606

Nicck

6

Original post by annamarie1994

Yeh I checked, there are 40 compulsory for social anthropology and if you're enrolled to do philosophy then there are 40 compulsory and then another 40 which you can do on top of those.

My question is how many of these philosophy modules is necessary for me to take in my first year to make it so I can change my degree programme to philosophy at the beginning of the second year

To switch your degree to philosophy in the second year you have to take all the required first year philosophy modules. Specifically
Code Course Name Period Credits
PHIL08015 Morality, Rationality and Value Semester 1 20
PHIL08016 Greats: From Plato to the Enlightenment Semester 2 20
http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/12-13/dpt/utphily.htm

Reply 607

Promilla

Question. ; )
As far as I understand, the academic year begins 13.09.2013? And the whole week before is Industion Week, right? So, it is only for freshers or does everyone can attend? Also, if I had a flight on 9.09.2013 (monday) would I miss something, or is it generally not so important when I arrive? Are there set dates, during which freshers are compelled to arrive?
Thanks!

Reply 608

Valentas

13

http://www.ed.ac.uk/staff-students/students/new-students/events/arrival-weekend

Reply 609

Vertigo2012

1

Has anyone else taken Social and Political Theory/Enquiry? From what other students have told me they sound both terrible and pointless.

Reply 610

nearlyheadlessian

15

Original post by Promilla

Question. ; )
As far as I understand, the academic year begins 13.09.2013? And the whole week before is Industion Week, right? So, it is only for freshers or does everyone can attend? Also, if I had a flight on 9.09.2013 (monday) would I miss something, or is it generally not so important when I arrive? Are there set dates, during which freshers are compelled to arrive?
Thanks!

Come any time from the 7th. You won't have missed much if you arrive on the 9th.

Reply 611

fliortia

I have a couple of questions about the outside subject which I was hoping someone might be able to help me with...

I've been accepted (conditionally) for English Lit and Art History starting in September. Ideally, I would love to take French as an outside course as I would love to study for a year abroad there. However, I didn't take the subject as an A-Level - is it therefore not possible?

Also, can individuals taking Art History also take Architectural History as an outside subject? Was thinking about this as another possibility.

Reply 612

star9005

7

Original post by cl1.

My first three years are full with compulsory units, does this mean I can't do any side subjects? I wanted to do German :frown:

It depends on your degree, if you're studying e.g. Architecture, Engineering or Medicine, you can't really choose outside subjects. The best thing is to consult www.drps.ed.ac.uk, or ask your Personal Tutor or the Student Support Coordinators. :smile:

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 613

star9005

7

Original post by fliortia

I have a couple of questions about the outside subject which I was hoping someone might be able to help me with...

I've been accepted (conditionally) for English Lit and Art History starting in September. Ideally, I would love to take French as an outside course as I would love to study for a year abroad there. However, I didn't take the subject as an A-Level - is it therefore not possible?

Also, can individuals taking Art History also take Architectural History as an outside subject? Was thinking about this as another possibility.

Hi, you can do Architectural History as an outside subject.
As for the French courses:

-French 1A requires: "A pass at Standard Grade (SCE) or GCSE or evidence of equivalent proficiency in French."
http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cxelcf08005.htm

-Elementary French Language: "French at Standard Grade (SCE)/GCSE or equivalent evidence of proficiency."

-Intermediate French Language: "If not taken Elementary French: A pass in French at A level- or at Higher grades C - or at A level grades C, D or E. Students with Higher A or B or A level A or B should enter French 1B (ELCF08006)."
http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cx_sb_elcf.htm

Reply 614

fliortia

Original post by star9005

Hi, you can do Architectural History as an outside subject.
As for the French courses:

-French 1A requires: "A pass at Standard Grade (SCE) or GCSE or evidence of equivalent proficiency in French."
http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cxelcf08005.htm

-Elementary French Language: "French at Standard Grade (SCE)/GCSE or equivalent evidence of proficiency."

-Intermediate French Language: "If not taken Elementary French: A pass in French at A level- or at Higher grades C - or at A level grades C, D or E. Students with Higher A or B or A level A or B should enter French 1B (ELCF08006)."
http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/dpt/cx_sb_elcf.htm

1A should be fine in that case, seriously regret not taking it as an A-Level now! Thanks for your help :smile:

Reply 615

cunninlynguist

Does your diploma at the end of the four years mention the outside course you took in the first two years? Say I want to study Philosophy as an outside subject, with an MA in Economics and Politics. Would there be any evidence of me studying Philosophy after I graduate?

Reply 616

NeoNerd

Original post by cunninlynguist

Does your diploma at the end of the four years mention the outside course you took in the first two years? Say I want to study Philosophy as an outside subject, with an MA in Economics and Politics. Would there be any evidence of me studying Philosophy after I graduate?

Everyone gets a transcript of all their courses and results when they graduate, along with your degree certificate. So yes, you'll have something to show.

Reply 617

Snapescape

Hi there

I'm going into second year at Edinburgh and I have a bit of an issue - how you can help me out!

I was told by my person tutor that I am required to continue one of the outside courses I took last year. My main degree is English Literature (40 credits), and the outside courses I did were Spanish 1A (40 credits) and two Sociology courses (20 credits each). I am not too keen on continuing Sociology and the Spanish 2 course looks too advanced for me (studying medieval spanish texts, for one). I thought of the Spanish 1B course but my friend pointed out that I sat that exam next year (Spanish 1A and 1B had the same exam) so I wouldn't be liable for it. I suppose my question is whether I absolutely need to keep going with one of these courses or can I pick something else? Bearing in mind English Literature 2 is only 40 credits..

Thanks for your help.

Reply 618

oxymoronic

OP

19

Original post by Snapescape

Hi there

I'm going into second year at Edinburgh and I have a bit of an issue - how you can help me out!

I was told by my person tutor that I am required to continue one of the outside courses I took last year. My main degree is English Literature (40 credits), and the outside courses I did were Spanish 1A (40 credits) and two Sociology courses (20 credits each). I am not too keen on continuing Sociology and the Spanish 2 course looks too advanced for me (studying medieval spanish texts, for one). I thought of the Spanish 1B course but my friend pointed out that I sat that exam next year (Spanish 1A and 1B had the same exam) so I wouldn't be liable for it. I suppose my question is whether I absolutely need to keep going with one of these courses or can I pick something else? Bearing in mind English Literature 2 is only 40 credits..

Thanks for your help.

It will depend on how strict a requirement this is within your school and also how well you did in English literature. I believe 60% is required in 2nd year to progress into 3rd year of the English lit course (although don't quote me on this as it may well have changed since I was a student) so if you were to only achieve a 1st year mark in the 40s, 50s or low 60s they will likely want to ensure that you have an "insurance back up" of another subject to continue. If you do really well then this is less likely to be a worry. If you're really adamant that you only want to do English lit 2 they may well say yes but then it's on your head if you fail to get the necessary grades for year 3.

You can't do Spanish 1B next year as yes, you have already sat the same exam as the 1B students at the end of this year. Take a look at the Spanish modules though for next year as when I studied Spanish the 2nd year course had a number of cultural/film related modules which weren't really Spanish language.

As you've done 1st year sociology you will be eligible to do other courses within the social science school and also some in the history school too. When I was a student the first year sociology course made you eligible for second year social history, for example. This is an avenue you should consider if you haven't already done so.

Reply 619

Snapescape

Original post by oxymoronic

It will depend on how strict a requirement this is within your school and also how well you did in English literature. I believe 60% is required in 2nd year to progress into 3rd year of the English lit course (although don't quote me on this as it may well have changed since I was a student) so if you were to only achieve a 1st year mark in the 40s, 50s or low 60s they will likely want to ensure that you have an "insurance back up" of another subject to continue. If you do really well then this is less likely to be a worry. If you're really adamant that you only want to do English lit 2 they may well say yes but then it's on your head if you fail to get the necessary grades for year 3.

You can't do Spanish 1B next year as yes, you have already sat the same exam as the 1B students at the end of this year. Take a look at the Spanish modules though for next year as when I studied Spanish the 2nd year course had a number of cultural/film related modules which weren't really Spanish language.

As you've done 1st year sociology you will be eligible to do other courses within the social science school and also some in the history school too. When I was a student the first year sociology course made you eligible for second year social history, for example. This is an avenue you should consider if you haven't already done so.

Thanks very much for your help!

Outside subject(s) in 1st and 2nd year *post here with questions*

Related discussions

Articles for you

Outside subject(s) in 1st and 2nd year post here with questions