Study Options

Whether you are interested in a research-oriented programme or an applied programme you will have plenty of options in Denmark. You can choose between several programmes taught entirely in English:

• Degree programmes
• Exchange programmes
• Short-term programmes and summer schools

You can choose between five types of Danish educational institutions:

• Universities
• University Colleges
• Business Academies
• Artistic Higher Education Institutions
• Schools of Maritime Education and Training

Thanks to credit transfer opportunities, you will sometimes be able to move between institutions.

Degree programmes

International students can choose from more than 600 degree programmes.

Undergraduate study

Before choosing your programme, you first need to decide on the purpose of your studies. What is your ultimate goal? Do you want a professional qualification that will lead to a specific career? Then you might wish to consider one of the Academy Profession or Professional Bachelor’s programmes. These tend to be fairly structured, with periods of compulsory work placement. However, if you are focused on academic achievement, you may prefer a more research-based university Bachelor’s degree. They offer more time for independent study, group activities and project work.

Academy Profession degree

An Academy Profession (AP) degree programme is for you if you seek employment in business and industry. Combining theory and practice, AP degree programmes are developed in close collaboration with representatives from their respective professional sector. This ensures that the skills you’ll acquire will be as current and advanced as possible.

You will learn to identify, select and analyse data and information from a variety of sources. In addition to attending lectures, AP students often undertake project work in small or larger groups. You will also complete work placements in Danish or overseas companies – giving you the chance to apply your skills and knowledge in practice.

An AP programme normally lasts two years, with each year divided into two semesters. 

Facilitating close contact between students and local companies, The institutions offer a niche set of programmes and tend to be smaller than universities. Some examples of AP programmes taught in English are: communications, computer science, design and technology, hospitality and tourism management, marketing management and multimedia design.

Top-up Degrees
In some programmes students have the possiblity to continue their AP Degree at a bachelor level by way of a top-up degree. The top-up degree is approximately 1½ years of study (90 ECTS) and is usually within a prespecified field or one related to the AP degree they have acquired. At the end of the top-up degree the student will have achieved a Professional Bachelor Degree (see below)

Bachelor’s degrees

There are two kinds of Bachelor’s degrees offered by Danish higher education institutions: a Professional Bachelor’s degree and a University Bachelor’s degree.

A Professional Bachelor’s degree qualifies you to enter a specific profession. It is awarded after three to four and a half years of study (se Top-up Degrees above). In addition to attending lectures, students participate in seminars, project work and group activities. The theoretical foundation is also applied practically through work placements.

To complete the programme successfully, students must submit a final project. Professional Bachelor’s degrees are offered at university colleges (‘Professionshøjskoler’). These institutions have strong links to businesses and universities, as well as other research institutes within their region.

Video: Judith from Uganda studies Public Health & Nutrition, a Professional Bachelor’s degree at Metropol University College. Watch more videos

With a great selection of subject areas to choose from, including engineering, IT management, nursing, health and nutrition, teacher training, journalism and social education, university colleges offer you a unique opportunity to undertake a career-oriented education programme. Most programmes give access to further study at the postgraduate level.

The University Bachelor’s degree is awarded after the completion of a three-year undergraduate programme, normally undertaken within one or two subject areas. Teaching is research-based. It provides students with a broad academic foundation, as well as specialised knowledge. Towards the end of the programme you are required to submit a final project. The programme qualifies you to either enter the labour market or to pursue postgraduate studies.

Video: Johann from Germany studies Intercultural Business Communication, a Bachelor´s degree at Copenhagen Business School. Watch more videos

Postgraduate study

Candidatus/Master’s degree

A Candidatus/Master’s degree is an advanced, research-based course that takes two years. It will give you exceptional theoretical knowledge, combined with the ability to apply it practically. It includes a final dissertation (normally 30-60 ECTS credits) or, in certain subjects, a more practical project. A broad range of interdisciplinary programmes have been developed to meet the needs of a globalised, knowledge-based society. Upon completion of the programme, you will be able to enter the labour market or undertake further studies (e.g. a PhD).

Video: Dario is doing his PhD in Sustainable Energy at The Technical University of Denmark, which is is also offered as a MSc programme. Watch more videos

PhD studies

A Danish PhD degree usually takes three years to achieve. They are offered at research institutions and universities that have established a PhD school. These educational establishments all offer excellent research, library and laboratory facilities. You will be able to conduct in-depth research under expert supervision and with access to the latest equipment and information.

Teaching and completion of a dissertation are both integral to the programme. PhD students are often encouraged to participate in research networks, including placements at overseas research institutions. A range of funding opportunities are available, please visit the Researchers Mobility Portal for more information.

By way of the Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions (PhD Order) it is possible for Universities to commence the PhD Programme  in connection with a Master's programme. Each individual universities lays down its own rules regarding this type of hybrid PhD. An example of this is Aarhus University’s 4- and 5-year PhD scholarships

Exchange programmes

If you want to study in Denmark as an exchange student, you must already be enrolled at a higher education institution. Usually, such students come to Denmark through an agreement like Erasmus or a governmental bilateral agreement. We advise you to contact your own educational establishment first to find out more. However, if you don’t find any helpful information there, please contact the international office of the Danish institution where you wish to study.

Short-term programmes and summer schools

International students have many options in terms of short-term study programmes or summer schools in English. Both give you the opportunity to increase your skills and knowledge, within and outside your field of study. They also provide a unique chance to work with Danish and other international students. If you are considering studying in Denmark, a summer school is a great introduction. They typically last between four to six weeks.

Useful links
The Researchers Mobility Portal
http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/