Study Abroad in Denmark: Education in Denmark

As of 2003, the Danish education system follows the same two-cycle model as the rest of Europe, dividing study into undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and postgraduate (Master’s and PhD/Doctorate). This system serves to facilitate and encourage international mobility within Europe, as the qualifications are equivalent throughout all countries involved in the Bologna agreement.

Types of education institutions

• University colleges: Offer 3-4 year professionally orientated programs (Professionshøjskoler) at a level corresponding to a Bachelor's
• Universities: Offer long-cycle programs and are either multi-faculty or specialize in fields such as engineering, technology, and business
• Business Academies (Erhvervsakademier): These institutions offer short-cycle and first-cycle degree programs.
• Maritime Education and Training Institutions: Provide short-cycle and first-cycle degree programs specific to maritime fields.
• Artistic Higher Education Institutions: Offer programs in fields like architecture, design, music, and arts at bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels.

Types of degrees

Academy Profession degree (erhvervsakademigrad)

This is a pre-Bachelor's qualification obtained after 1.5-2.5 years of study, depending on the amount of ECTS (European credits) required. Programs are geared towards employment in business, industry, and science and entail a minimum three-month work placement. Sometimes, the Academy Profession qualification can be 'topped up' to become a Bachelor's with a further 1.5 years of study.

Professional Bachelor’s degree (professionsbachelorgrad)

Depending on the chosen program, this degree takes 3 to 4 years to complete. It caters to vocational professions, and all programs include a compulsory in-service training period (minimum 6 months). Taking a Professional Bachelor's provides a gateway to a Master's program in the same or a similar field. This degree is awarded after 'topping up' an Academy Profession degree with an extra 1.5 years of study.

Bachelor's programs

• Bachelor's degree: This takes 3 years to complete and is awarded after 180 ECTS have been obtained. A Bachelor's degree can be awarded in all disciplines apart from the liberal arts, leading to a Master's qualification in a similar field.
• Bachelor's degree in the arts: This program takes 3 years and is awarded after 180 ECTS. It's a qualification in fine arts, such as architecture, design, music, etc. A filmmaking or musical theatre degree is awarded after 4 years or 240 ECTS. Admission is usually conditional on passing an entrance exam.

Diploma degree (diplomuddannelse)

These are preparatory courses for students assuming highly qualified occupational functions. A Diploma degree must be undertaken before admission to a Master's in such a field. The qualification is awarded after 2 years of part-time study (60 ECTS). Admission to the course requires a relevant educational qualification and at least 2 years of work experience.

Master’s programs

• Master’s degree (kandidatgrad) : A Master's degree usually takes 2 years to complete and requires 120 ECTS. However, certain programs, such as medicine and veterinary medicine, are longer, taking between 2.5 and 3 years to complete
• Master's degree within the arts: This qualification caters to the arts, is 2-3 years long, and requires 120-180 ECTS. Music academies also offer a specialist degree that lasts 2 to 4 years following the Master's degree.
• Master's degree (adult/continuing higher education): This is the postgraduate equivalent of the diploma degree. It prepares students for assuming highly qualified occupational functions. Entry requirements are a Bachelor's in the relevant subject matter and at least 2 years of relevant work experience.

PhD programs

Ph. D.s involve an independent research project. You need to have completed a relevant Master's degree. PhD degrees usually include 8 years of higher education and research. The PhD program itself usually takes 3 years (180 ECTS).

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