How to choose optional courses

Step 1: Use PATH to explore your optional course choices

PATH is a visual course selection and programme builder tool, it is the easiest and most student-friendly way to research optional courses and should be your starting point.

Access PATH (MyEd login required)

Frequently Asked Questions - Path

Using PATH, you can:

• search for optional courses using helpful filters (subject, semester, level, credits)
• see a visual overview of how courses could fit into your programme
• understand how your choices may act as pre-requisites for future courses
• explore how your selections may influence your later years of study
• generate a draft, simulated timetable to help you plan

Important: PATH is a planning tool only.
Your course selections in PATH are not sent to your School. You must still follow the instructions provided in your School emails to formally submit your choices.

Step 2: Check key course details 

When choosing your courses always check:

• the course level
  • SCQF Level 8 = first-year undergraduate
  • SCQF Level 11 = postgraduate
• which semester the course runs in
• any entry requirements (pre-requisites) (e.g. prior courses or restrictions to specific degree programmes)
• how the course is taught and assessed (coursework, exams, or a combination)

Step 3: Consider how a course will fit into your timetable

It is important to consider if there will be any clashes with your compulsory courses and there are other helpful tools to help you.  

Access your Course Timetable Browser (MyEd login) 

Course Timetable Browser shows you a number of possible timetables and acts as an aid to plan classes and courses. It lets you explore and generate a timetable so you can see how courses will fit together and what each day will look like. 

Tips for navigating Course Timetable Browser: 

• Search for your compulsory courses first as these will be set in the schedule from July onwards.
• You can then add in any potential optional courses and view how this would look on this simulated timetable (courses will show in different colours).

Course Timetable Browser is a simulation only.

Step 4: Submit your course choices to your School by the deadline

It is very important to follow your schools instructions carefully and submit your choices before the deadline.