Self-directed courses and group projects

Design your own course, as an individual or with a multidisciplinary team, and earn credits!

Discover the power of personalized learning with our self-directed courses. Design your own course, set your own learning goals, and earn academic credits while exploring what interests you most. Join a community of innovators and take control of your academic journey today!

What is a self-directed course?

A self-directed course is a student-led course that provides a unique educational opportunity in which you design and direct your own learning experiences. Whether you’re passionate about research, community projects, or creative endeavours, a self-directed course will allow you to tailor your education to fit your interests and career goals. With the support of a professor, doctoral candidates and online resources, you can create a course that is as unique as you are.

Why participate

Self-directed courses allow you to enhance your academic journey and design your own educational experience. You will also:

Earn up to 3 academic credits (units) while pursuing your passions
Deliver tangible solutions that create real impact
Develop essential skills for your future
Develop vital hands-on experience in your field

Eligibility

To participate, you must be an undergraduate student who has completed at least 45 credits (units) in one of the following faculties or programs:

Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Social Sciences
Telfer School of Management
Health Sciences Program (Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc)

Be part of our upcoming cohort!

How to apply

We are here to guide you. Interested and eligible students must:

Attend an information session that includes a preparation workshop
Submit a participation request form for one of the proposed projects OR submit a proposal for their own project.
If your individual or group application is approved, you will be enrolled in the self-directed course.

Students at career corner asking questions

Learn more about our self-directed courses

Attend an information session to complete your project submission. Deadline April 15th for summer 2026. Fall and Winter 2026 information sessions will be held between May 6th and June 15th.

Full schedule

““The most appealing part was the self-directed aspect — having the freedom to choose my project and work. It gave me a taste of truly independent work and showed me that I could handle challenges I didn’t think I could””

Ava Mehrandish

— Bachelor's degree, Conflict Studies & Human Rights

Project details

Student in interview, screen capture from the video — Project examples

See how students reacted to self-directed courses!

Collaborations

This initiative is inspired by and made possible thanks to the generous support and collaboration of the University of Edinburgh.

Questions?

Attend an information session

Between March 10th and April 15th, in person and virtually.

Career Corner

You can contact the Career Corner if you have questions about the new self-directed courses.