Innovation projects with ECTS
Do you have an idea you want to explore? A project you care about? Or something you’ve already started: a startup, NGO, or initiative that you want to take further?
At the University of Copenhagen, many study programmes offer flexible elective options to get ECTS credits for a project in your own idea. KU Lighthouse can host you during these projects and give you new insights into innovation and entrepreneurship tools to strengthen your development.
A project in your own idea can take many forms:
- A business or startup idea
- An organisation
- A social or sustainability initiative
- A creative or interdisciplinary initiative
- A new product or solution to a real-world problem
- A consultancy project
What they all have in common is simple: you work hands-on to develop and implement something in real life while getting ECTS. It is not a theoretical assignment. It is a chance for you to explore how your idea could be developed, organized and implemented with you (and maybe a team) as a main driver.
You will practically apply academic learnings from study programme to your idea development. You also gain practical tools from the innovation and entrepreneurship toolbox in KU Lighthouse to help structure the development of an idea and build skills that support both your studies and your future career: problem validation and idea development, communication, pitching, project management, testing and developing prototypes, collaboration and networking.
Whether or not you choose to pursue entrepreneurship, this experience will help prepare you with hands on skills to put your own initiatives into action. These skills can help form your career path.
KU Innovators
Students doing a project in their own idea are expected to actively participate in KU Innovators or a similar agreed programme in KU Lighthouse and take part in our work sessions, and deliver a pitch.
KU Innovators is an incubator programme that helps you understand the key steps in developing and testing your idea.
During your project, KU Lighthouse supports you with:
- Learning activities through the KU Innovators programme
- Sparring and feedback though facilitated work sessions
- Office space & access to a community of student innovators
1. Explore the options in your study programme
Go to KUnet and find your study pages. Look for elective opportunities within your study plan that allow project-based work. The curricular setup depends on your study programme.
Your project might be organized as:
- An academic internship
- A project in practice
- An individual study unit
- Another type of elective module depending on your curriculum
Each study programme has its own requirements regarding learning goals, supervision, registration, and assessment. Always check the rules that apply to your specific programme.
Find out which semester or block in your study plan you can do an elective project.
2. Read the requirements for your study programme
Read about the formal rules such as rules for supervision, registration, contracts, learning objectives or mandatory activities you need to take part in during the project.
If you are unsure, contact the study counsellor at your faculty.
3. Describe your project
Prepare a short project description that fits your programme’ requirements. This typically includes:
- Your idea and purpose
- Learning goals
- Planned activities and tasks
- Expected outcomes
- How KU Lighthouse will support you through KU Innovators, sparring, workspace and pitch night.
We sign or confirm your project if needed.
You are welcome to book a meeting if you need feedback on your idea or the sign up proces during the planning phase.
4. Register your project
Sign up for the course or exam according to your study programme’s rules.
5. Register for KU Innovators
Sign up for the KU Innovators programme via the KU Lighthouse website.
6. While doing the project:
Once everything is in place, you show up on your first day in the KU Innovators programme. During your block or semester, you will:
- Take part in the mandatory KU Innovators workshops, work sessions and deliver a pitch at the pitch night.
- Work independently with tasks and hands-on development in your own project to continuously test, explore, and develop your idea.
- Work on your exam, where you focus on an academic topic connected to your project. When working on your own idea for ECTS, you will need to balance academic requirements with innovation work.
Depending on your study programme, you may also:
- Follow additional course activities in your study plan
- Receive supervision from an academic supervisor
This means you combine practical innovation work with academic reflection and learning throughout your project.
Need Help Along the Way?
Both you and your supervisor are welcome to reach out to KU Lighthouse for guidance on how to align the two.
You gain both practical experience and valuable skills:
- Hands-on experience with innovation and developing your own project
- Freedom to shape your own tasks in a creative and motivating environment that puts your academic learnings in play
- A stronger personal and professional network
- Skills in innovation and entrepreneurship that support your future career, whether you start your own initiative or not
You are expected to take an active role in your project:
- Take responsibility for your own learning journey
- Commit to your project and actively participate in KU Innovators, work sessions and deliver a presentation at the pitch night.
- Ask for support when needed and contribute to the community
- Apply knowledge and methods from your study programme in your project
- Take part in other activities if this is required by your study programme such as supervision or workshops (if relevant)
KU Innovators runs four times a year.
You can sign up for the cohort that best fits the timing of your academic project.