Education System in Denmark

Higher Education in Denmark

Excellence in education and learning at all levels is indispensable if one wants to be competitive in today’s globalised world. This in turn makes education a main concern in Denmark. With their world-class academic standards together with innovative learning tactics, the Danish institutions are grooming their students to play a dynamic role in a globalised, knowledge-based culture.

Structure of Higher Education in Denmark:

Grading System in Denmark:

Types of Universities:

The Academic of Professional Higher Education:

The Danish Academies of professional higher education have a very strong linkage with the regional business life in Denmark and are combining theoretical studies with a practice-oriented education. The programmes are around two years long and usually completed with a project of 3 months’ duration.

University Colleges:

University colleges in Denmark combine theoretical study with practice in a wide range of subjects. Courses are generally offered in fields such as business, education, IT, nursing and social work. Students are prepared for entering the real world of work in their chosen profession by being sent out on work placements as part of their course. The duration of courses is usually around four years, though there can be some slight variation. Students are working towards achieving a professional bachelor’s degree, while there is also the opportunity for students to undertake postgraduate study on a part-time basis.

University:

Danish universities, like many in Europe, combine education with research so that students are able to study at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Courses available vary from traditional academic subjects to more modern, innovative interdisciplinary courses. Universities are usually located in and around the larger cities in Denmark and often have strong links to businesses, industry and other research institutions. Bachelor programmes usually last for three years, while Master’s and PhD programmes last for 2 and 3 years respectively.

University Level Institutions for Education in Arts:

A number of university level institutions are regulated by the Danish Ministry of Culture and offer first, second and third cycle degree programmes in visual arts, music, cinematography, theater and performing arts. The bachelor, master and PhD programmes at these institutions are awarded 180, 120 and 180 ECTS, respectively.

Types of Degrees:

Academy Profession Degree: 

For students who want a career in business and industry, these two-year programmes (taught at Danish business academies) involve lectures, group projects and work placements.

Professional Bachelors Degree: 

Primarily taught at university colleges, these take three to four-and-a-half years to complete. Consisting of lectures, seminars, work placements and a final project, they prepare you to enter a specific profession such as teaching or journalism.

University Bachelors Degree: 

Three-year academic programmes in one or two subjects, these are equivalent to a UK undergraduate Bachelors degree. After graduation you can move into employment or go on to postgraduate study.

Master’s Degree:

Candidatus or master’s programmes take 2 years (120 ECTS) following a bachelor’s degree. These programmes are set up as a more extensive specialization of the subjects taken during the bachelor’s programme. Research forms an important component, and a master’s thesis (speciale in Danish) is compulsory for all specializations. At the end of the programme, graduates are awarded the title of candidatus followed by the relevant specialization.

PhD / Doctorate Degree:

Most PhD programmes last for 3 years following a candidatus degree. The programme involves 6 months of classes in research skills, as well as the writing and public defence of a doctoral thesis. The traditional Danish doktorgrad (dr.phil, dr.scient.) is still awarded to those who have conducted a total of 5 to 8 years of original research and written and defended a doctoral thesis. No classes are required for this title.