What Is a BDE at NTU? (AUs, Requirements & How to Choose)
If you are new to NTU, one of the first confusing things you will probably see during course planning is the term BDE. It shows up in your curriculum, degree audit, and module planning, and most freshmen eventually ask the same question: what exactly is a BDE, and what am I supposed to do with it?
BDE stands for Broadening and Deepening Elective. These are elective modules in your curriculum that give you room to explore beyond your compulsory core modules.
In simple terms, BDEs are the part of your degree where you get the most freedom to choose what you want to study.
At a glance: BDE = Broadening and Deepening Elective. Most programmes require 9–21 BDE AUs to graduate (exact number depends on your programme and cohort). You choose BDEs from across the university — languages, business, computing, humanities, and more. Browse the full BDE list →
What BDEs can be used for
BDEs can be used to:
- Explore subjects outside your major
- Deepen skills related to your major
- Work toward a minor or second major
- Pick up useful career skills
- Make your semester more manageable
- Study something you are genuinely interested in
For most students, BDEs are the most flexible part of the NTU curriculum.
Not sure which BDE to take? See Most Popular BDEs at NTU for a breakdown by category, or Complete NTU BDE List for a full table of modules.
What BDE actually means
Think of BDEs as your "free choice" space in university.
At NTU, not every module you take is something you choose yourself. A large part of your degree is already planned for you:
- Core modules you must clear
- Major requirements you must fulfil
- Compulsory school requirements
BDEs are the part where you get flexibility. This is the space where you can try something outside your major, learn a practical skill, work toward a minor, or make a heavy semester less painful.
Core modules are what NTU tells you to take. BDEs are where you get to choose.
That is why students care about BDEs. They are one of the few parts of your degree you actually have control over.
How many BDE AUs do you need?
This depends entirely on your programme, school, matriculation year, and any special track such as a minor, second major, or specialisation.
There is no universal BDE number across NTU.
| What affects your BDE AUs | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Programme | Different degrees reserve different amounts of elective space |
| Matriculation year | Curriculum structures can change by cohort |
| Minor or second major | Some BDE space may be used to satisfy those requirements |
| Exemptions or credit transfers | Your remaining AU count may change |
Always check your official curriculum structure and degree audit. NTUMods helps you browse and plan, but your school and official NTU systems decide what counts. For answers to common BDE degree questions — including whether BDE affects your GPA and what happens if you take more than required — see Does BDE Count Towards Your NTU Degree?.
If you are considering using some of your BDE space for a minor, the AU math changes significantly. See BDE vs Minor at NTU for the full trade-off analysis.
BDE, UE, and older terms
You may still hear seniors mention UE, GERPE, or unrestricted electives. These terms are part of older curriculum language and may still appear in module notes, descriptions, or student advice.
For current planning, focus on what your own curriculum and degree audit require. A module that looks like an unrestricted elective may still have restrictions, prerequisites, exclusions, or limited seats.
What kinds of BDEs are there?
BDEs can come from many schools and disciplines. Common areas students explore include:
- Languages
- Psychology and social sciences
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Communication and writing
- Humanities, philosophy, history, and culture
- Computing, data, and digital skills
- Design, media, and creative modules
- Science, mathematics, and engineering modules
Availability changes by semester, and not every module is open to every student.
For a deeper look at language BDEs specifically — including how the level system works and what weekly commitment looks like — see Language BDEs at NTU.
How to choose a good BDE
Do not choose a BDE only because someone said it was easy. A good BDE should fit your semester, your learning style, and your graduation plan.
Use this checklist:
- Does it count toward your requirement?
- Are you allowed to take it under your programme?
- Are there prerequisites or exclusions?
- Does it fit your timetable?
- Is the assessment style suitable for you?
- Does it help your degree, minor, career, or curiosity?
If two BDEs look equally interesting, choose the one that balances the rest of your semester better.
One useful lens is assessment type — some BDEs are exam-free, others are project-based or attendance-driven. See Easy BDEs at NTU for a breakdown by assessment structure.
Engineering students should also see BDE Guide for NTU Engineering Students for programme-specific advice on fitting BDEs around lab-heavy semesters.
Final thoughts
BDEs are one of the few flexible parts of an NTU degree. Use them deliberately. You can make your semester lighter, broader, deeper, or more career-focused depending on what you choose.
Start by checking what you need to clear, then browse options on NTUMods, and keep a backup list for registration. Once you know which BDE you want, see How to Bid for a BDE at NTU for step-by-step STARS registration guidance.
Frequently asked questions about BDEs at NTU
What does BDE stand for?
BDE stands for Broadening and Deepening Elective. These are elective modules in your NTU curriculum that give you freedom to explore beyond your compulsory core modules.
Does BDE count towards my NTU degree?
Yes. BDE modules count as part of your official graduation requirements. The number of BDE AUs you need depends on your programme and school. Check your official curriculum structure and degree audit for your exact requirements.
How many BDE AUs do NTU students need?
There is no single answer — it varies by programme, school, and matriculation year. Most programmes require between 9 and 21 AUs of BDE. The safest way to verify is to check your official curriculum structure for your cohort.
What is the difference between a BDE and a UE?
UE (Unrestricted Elective) is an older term from previous NTU curriculum structures. If you are on the current curriculum, BDE is the relevant term. Some older module notes or senior advice may still use UE. For current planning, focus on what your own degree audit requires.