Malcolm Rowe Jan 30, 2021:

Would something like "Supplementary Study Unit", "Complementary Study Unit" or simply "Additional Study Unit" be appropriate? Or Elective Course?

Anne Bitton (asker) Mar 26, 2015:

Thanks Nikki, interesting.

Nikki Scott-Despaigne Mar 24, 2015:

Good luck with the rest.
FYI, I am currently at French university and my daughter is too. The term UE is common to all universities here. We went to the Sorbonne Law Open day but she's now doing Science Po and Law at Lyon.
This could come in handy :
http://www.univ-paris3.fr/glossaire-29979.kjsp?RH=flop

An UE Ouvertue is meant to open you mind to another discipline, something completely different for fun, or something complementary to your main area of study. (Criminology for Psychology students would be a good example). Anything that conveys that idea. Introductory course is a good idea as that's what it boils down to. However, it may need explaining as if close to the main area of study, it may seem odd to do an "introductory course".

They are generally compulsory, although when you have a wider background and are returning to study as a mature student which is my case, you can generally get the points validated without having to do the course.
;-)

Anne Bitton (asker) Mar 24, 2015:

Thanks for suggestions. The agency has just informed me (after the event!) that this page was not to be translated, so not crucial now. I will revisit later and grade. Only another 13 pages to complete before tomorrow morning now.....!