Departments which run elective modules will know their ways of doing things will be different to what you’re used to and they’ll be happy to answer your questions. Try to look up the answer in the module VLE site or programme handbook first of all, as that might save you some time. If you’re not then sure who to ask, your module leader is a good place to start. They’ll likely run at least the first session of the module and give time for questions. You could also reach out via email or they might have regular office hours or appointments. Don’t be afraid to ask; chances are there will be other students on the module just as eager to know the same answers!

Just like in your home department, the VLE site for your elective module will be an invaluable source of information. Take some time early on to familiarise yourself with the site content, as it will likely use a different layout, structure and terminology. In particular, look out for any information about the style of teaching used in the elective discipline, as well as for their assessment criteria and what you can expect for assignment feedback. Check to see if they have any guidance about how much independent work you’re expected to undertake. Read the module learning outcomes (usually included in the module outline or the welcome lecture) so that you have a good idea of what you’ll be expected to do. There might be a discussion board where you can ask questions. Explore our advice on using the VLE if you need a refresher.

Your elective module will almost certainly have a reading list, which will use the same system from the library. You’ll find the reading list a helpful starting point to understand the discipline ‘voice’ in your elective discipline. It might, however, look a little different, so pay close attention to how the list is structured and what you’re expected to read ahead of time. Look out for books or articles marked as essential, as those will be the highest priority. In addition to the reading list you might also be expected to find, read and analyse other research papers, so you might need to brush up your searching skills.

Every discipline comes with its fair share of jargon or technical language. You’ll be familiar with the jargon in your home department, but might have a whole new vocabulary to learn in your elective module. Think about how you’re going to make sense of unfamiliar terms and concepts. The reading list might have some suggestions for introductory reading, or you could identify some books yourself in YorSearch.

You’ll have chosen to undertake an elective for any number of reasons, but one might have been to meet students from other disciplines. An elective module is a great opportunity to open yourself to other perspectives and ways of knowing, so make the most of the diversity of experiences in the group. Be curious and proactive about talking to and working alongside someone from outside your usual areas of interest and expertise. Aim to share, compare and contrast as much as possible with your module peers and with the module leader; you’ll find that it makes the elective a really rich and enjoyable experience.

You’ll need to know what assessments are included on the elective module and to familiarise yourself with the format, processes and standards expected. You’ll usually find this information on the module site in the VLE. If the module includes types of assessment with which you’re less familiar, check for support materials and consider at an early stage how you’ll prepare for the assessment. The module might provide some exemplars to guide you and remember that there are lots of services available to help. Assessment processes can be different across departments, so don’t assume it will work in the same way in your elective. In particular make sure you know how and when to submit your work.

By the time you take your elective module you’ll have had some experience of the referencing style expected in your home department. It’s possible that you’ll use that same style in your elective module too, but be aware that there are numerous different styles in use across the University. Take some time early on to check the referencing style you’ll need to use, especially if it’s significantly different. You might consider using reference management software to store and write your references; you can change the referencing style very quickly and easily with such tools.

At the end of your elective module you’ll have a huge amount of new knowledge and experience, so it makes sense to reflect on what you’ve covered. What skills have you developed which you otherwise would not have? What have you learned which you can take forward into other modules? What employability skills have you developed? Take a few notes so that you can capture and return to your reflections. Consider using a learning plan to track how you’ve developed; at the start of the module you can set out any skills or areas of knowledge which you feel you should develop during the elective, then at the end look back over what you’ve learned and how to take it forward. You’ll find it best to be proactive in this; the elective module lead will be expecting students from other departments and will put support in place, but it’s also your responsibility to ask questions and to take charge of your own progress.