Medical education is evolving at a rapid pace and it is not possible to teach medical students all they need to know. Medical educators throughout the world have sought to change the way medical courses are delivered and to introduce a range of optional or elective subjects to allow students study areas of particular interest. These options are usually referred to as Student Selected Components (SSCs). These options provide students with a way to customise their own learning and to follow particular career interests. These electives are also a very useful vehicle for students to undertake research projects, particularly when they run concurrent to the core curriculum. SSCs can also be used to develop diversity between medical schools as they can allow educators to develop modules in areas of particular strength at the individual institution.