How can you state ‘drop-out’ from a course or change in study direction in a positive way if you haven’t finished the first course on your CV?

It is not uncommon for students to drop-out from their studies and waiting a while before they study another course. If you have completed the last course, this shouldn’t be a problem on your CV. You can simply state the course or degree you studied as well as the years and institution. Place emphasis on the completed course by listing it first.