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The Danish education system

The Danish education system offers high quality education and training at all levels

Here is an an overview of the levels of education in Denmark:

  • Pre-school
  • Primary and lower secondary education
  • Upper secondary education
  • Vocational education and training
  • Higher education
  • Adult learning

Before starting pre-school most children in Denmark benefit from day-care services such as nurseries and kindergarten. Pre-school, which is optional, is followed by nine years of compulsory education in primary and lower secondary school. There is an optional tenth form. The upper secondary education system includes a range of opportunities. Academic programmes allow students to apply for entry to higher education. Vocational programmes are aimed at direct entry to the labour market.

The higher education sector includes:

  • Universities (research-based undergraduate and postgraduate programmes)
  • University Colleges (professional Bachelor's programmes)
  • Academies of Professional Higher Education (short-cycle higher education institutions offering Academy Profession and joint Bachelor's degree programmes
  • Adult education. The opportunities for lifelong learning in terms of adult education are many. They are offered at all levels. Individual courses are also offered under the Act on Open Education, either at college or university

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

ACADEMY PROFESSION DEGREE
- 2 years (120 ECTS)
- Degree from an Academy of Professional Higher Education or a University College
- Theory and practice in one programme
- Internships in Denmark or abroad
- Developed in close collaboration with business and industry
- Small class sizes and close contact between students and teachers

PROFESSIONAL BACHELOR'S DEGREE
- 3-4 years (180-240 ECTS)
- Degree from a University College or an Academy of Professional Higher Education
- Aimed at specific professions
- Theory and practice in one programme
- Internships in Denmark or abroad
- Small class sizes and close contact between students and teachers

UNIVERSITY BACHELOR'S DEGREE
- 3 years (180 ECTS)
- Research-based education
- Degree from a University
- Predominantly theoretical
- Opportunities to undertake study periods or internships abroad
- Independent studies as well as project work

POSTGRADUATE DEGREES

MASTER'S DEGREE                                                                                                   
- 2 years (120 ECTS)
- Degree from a University
- Research-based education
- Internships in Denmark or abroad
- Exchange opportunities at universities around the world
- Access to PhD studies or the labour market

PHD DEGREE
- 3 years (180 ECTS)
- Degree from a University / Research institution
- Research and teaching in Denmark
- International Experience and cooperation
- Opportunities for financial support

Useful links
The Danish Ministry of Children and Education
http://eng.uvm.dk/

The Danish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education
http://en.fivu.dk/

The Danish Education System (pdf)
http://www.iu.dk/maalgruppeindgange/vejledere/danish_education_system_pdfa.pdf

http://my.studyindenmark.dk