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Denmark Higher Education System

Structure of the Higher Educational System in Denmark


Admissions to Higher Education in Denmark
Types of Higher Education Institutions in Denmark
Cycles of Higher Education in Denmark
Types of Higher Education Institutions
Danish higher education comprises a university sector, college sector
and an academy sector. There are four types of institutions offering
higher education programmes:
Academies of professional higher education (offering short-cycle
programmes)
University Colleges (offering medium-cycle programmes)
Universities (offering long-cycle programmes)
University level institutions for educations in the arts
Structural changes on institutional level have affected parts of the
system of higher education. All short-cycle higher educations are now
concentrated in nine Academies of professional higher education
(Erhvervsakademier). The majority of medium-cycle education is
concentrated in 7 University Colleges (Professionshjskoler).
The new university structure also includes eight universities, five of
which are multi-faculty universities: University of Copenhagen, Aarhus
University, Aalborg University, University of Southern Denmark and
Rosikilde University.The other three universities specialise in fields such
as engineering (the Technical University of Denmark), information
technology (The IT-University) and business studies (Copenhagen
Business School).
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. A higher
education degree within theatre or cinematography is typically
awarded after four years of study (240 ECTS). Music Academies offer a
specialist degree of 2-4 years following the master's degree.

First Cycle Programmes


Since 2003, the two-cycle system consisting of a bachelor and a
master has been fully implemented in the Danish long-cycle higher
university education system. A university programme normally consists
of a three-year bachelor degree programme corresponding to 180
ECTS, followed by a two-year programme leading to the Candidatusdegree (Masters level) corresponding to 120 ECTS. In branches such
as medicine, the two-year programme is extended to three years.
University colleges offer 3 to 4-year (180-240 ECTS) professionally
oriented programmes at a level corresponding to a university bachelor,
the Professional Bachelor (Professionsbachelor). The professional
bachelor programmes usually prepare students for a specific
profession.
The programmes provide students with theoretical knowledge as well
as knowledge of application of theory to professions and industry. All
programmes include compulsory periods of practical training/in-service
training and require the submission of a project/project paper. Most
programmes give access to further studies in the same field, e.g. a
Master programme (Adult educational programme) or on certain
conditions, a specific Master programme (kandidatuddannelse, third
cycle).
The academy profession programmes (Erhvervsakademiuddannelse) is
awarded after 1 to 2 years of study (90-150 ECTS) depending on
the area of study. Students may, on certain conditions, be awarded
credits if they continue in a medium- or long-cycle higher education
programme. It is the aim of the programmes to qualify students for the
performance of practical, vocational tasks on an analytical basis. The
programmes have to meet the general needs for vocational
qualifications.
Bachelor
Branches of Study
Since 2003, the two-cycle system of a bachelor- and a master level has
been fully implemented in the Danish long-cycle higher university
education system.

A university programme normally consists of a three-year bachelor


degree programme corresponding to 180 ECTS, followed by a two-year
programme leading to the Candidatus-degree (Masters level)
corresponding to 120 ECTS. In branches such as medicine, the twoyear programme is extended to three years.
At the universities, the above mentioned degree programmes can be
taken in a wide variety of different branches e.g.: the humanities
(eskimology, applied linguistics, phonetics, languages, comparative
literature, rhetoric etc.), natural sciences (statistics, actuarial science,
astronomy, geophysics, meteorology etc.), social science (economics,
political science, business economics, anthropology and sociology
etc.), law, theology, health sciences (medicine, dentistry, human
biology) and technical studies (engineering etc.).
University colleges offer 3- to 4-year (180-240 ECTS) professionally
oriented programmes at a level corresponding to a university bachelor,
the Professional Bachelor (Professionsbachelor). The professional
bachelor programmes usually prepare students for a specific
profession. Examples are: Teacher training programmes, programmes
in social work, journalism, nursing, engineering etc.
The programmes provide students with theoretical knowledge as well
as knowledge of application of theory to professions and industry. All
programmes include compulsory periods of practical training/in-service
training and require the submission of a project/project paper. Most
programmes give access to further studies in the same field, e.g. a
Master programme (Adult educational programme) or on certain
conditions, a specific Master programme (kandidatuddannelse, third
cycle).
Admission Requirements
Access to higher education in Denmark varies from programme to
programme. Admission to most study programmes depends on the
fulfilment of both general requirements and specific requirements.
The general admission requirement for all programmes at first cycle
level is the completion of one of the qualifying examinations at upper
secondary level:
The upper secondary school leaving examination
(studentereksamen)
The higher prepatory examination (HF)

The higher commercial examination (HHX)


The higher technical examination (HTX)
All count as qualifying examinations at upper secondary level.
Admission to a specific bachelor program requires in addition to the
general admission requirements stipulated above certain subjects at
level A, B or C and/or a practical test specified by the university. The
specific admission requirement for each bachelor program is stipulated
by The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education.
The specific requirements for admission to bachelor programmes have
been changed from 2008, which means that pupils have to have
completed more subjects and often subjects at higher levels in order to
attend a specific bachelor programme.
Some schools, e.g. the film school, the school of journalism etc. have
their own aptitude tests. However, in general, students are granted
admission on the basis of the average mark obtained at the final
examination at upper secondary level.
In general, the educational institutions are responsible for regulating
the size of the student population themselves, including the specific
number enrolled at each program. The Ministry of Science, Innovation
and Higher Education can however determine the maximum number of
students in a given programme.
The Coordinated Enrolment System (KOT) is responsible for
coordinating the admission to the universities. Students are admitted
to bachelor programmes on the basis of two quotas. Admission through
quota 1 (kvote 1) depends exclusively on grades. Admission through
quota 2 (kvote 2) depends on a number of different criteria, such as
grades and work experience. The universities stipulate the criteria
themselves.
Curriculum
According to the Act on Universities, the Director of Studies and
universities' Study Boards are responsible for the practical organisation
of teaching and assessments forming parts of the exams.
The Study Board shall ensure the organisation, realization and
development of educational and teaching activities, including aims to:
Assure and develop the quality of education and teaching and followup on evaluations of education and teaching

Produce proposals for curricula and changes thereof


Approve the organization of teaching and assessments forming part
of the exams
Handle applications concerning credit transfer and exemptions
Make statements on all matters of importance to education and
teaching as presented by the Rector or the person authorized by the
Rector to do so
Common for all programmes at bachelor level is a bachelor project and
instruction in theory of science and theory of scientific methods.The
two subjects content is adjusted to the specific branch and
specialization.
Professional bachelor programmes exist in the technical, educational,
social, creative and health-related fields. They provide students with
knowledge of theory and the application of theory to professions and
industries. All programmes include periods of practical training and
require the submission of a project paper. University Colleges may
award the professional bachelor titles on completion of programmes
that have been approved to meet a number of criteria. Among other
things, the teaching must be rooted in the profession and its
development and it must include links to national and international
research.
A professional bachelor programme consists of compulsory educational
elements as well as practical training of at least 30 ECTS. The
compulsory educational elements and the practical training have to
comprise at least 120 ECTS together. Also, the programme consist of
electives of a maximum of 60 ECTS and a final project worth either 10,
15 or 20 ECTS.
Teaching Methods
Teaching in the first cycle level programmes is a combination of
lectures and smaller group/class teaching. The teaching must
encompass methods, which can develop the students independence
and ability to create innovation.
The educational institutions may lay down provisions in the curriculum
to the effect that the students are obliged to participate in the
teaching.

The professional bachelor programmes and the academy profession


programmes typically constitute an interaction between theory and
practice and is organised in a combination of different forms of
learning, including e.g. case studies, lectures and exercises, problemoriented project work and practical training.
Teachers can choose their own teaching methods and materials.
Progression of Students
The main objective of examinations and tests are to assess whether,
and to what extent, the students qualifications comply with the
objectives, competences and academic requirements stipulated for the
programme in the programme order, curriculum etc.
First-year students at universities must sit the tests which the
curriculum stipulates are part of the first-year examination before the
end of the first year of a programme in order to continue with the
programme. Students who fail this examination may register for a new
attempt in August. The tests at the end of the first year must be
passed by the end of second year if the student is to continue with the
programme.
The form of the tests must reflect the content and working methods of
the course. The tests have to be organised as individual tests. In the
case that two or more students write a paper together, the assessment
has to be individual and it has to be evident who has written what part
of the paper.
Students can as a maximum register for this examination three times.
The institution may permit enrolment for a fourth and fifth time, if
unusual circumstances warrant it.
With regards to the professional bachelor programmes, programmes
which are nominated for up to 120 ECTS have to be completed within
the number of years which corresponds to the nominated duration of
the programme. Other programmes have to be completed within the
number of years which corresponds to the nominated duration of the
programme plus two years. The educational institutions can make
exceptions from the last possible completion date if it is due to unusual
reasons.
Employability
There are well established career guidance centers in almost all the
universities and university colleges. These offer career guidance to all

students and graduates. Many private and large companies offer incompany placements/trainee programmes which students have to
apply for on the same terms as when applying for a normal job.
Student Assessment
For bachelor programmes at universities, tests have to be individual.
Programmes have to contain a variation of different test formats, which
have to reflect the content of the teaching and methods. These can be:
Oral, written and practical tests
Participation in teaching, courses, practical experiments etc.
A combination of the above
Project oriented courses, perhaps linked to areas outside the
university in Denmark, or abroad
In programmes which are offered in Danish, tests have to be in Danish,
unless it is part of the test's purpose to document the student's skills in
a foreign language. However, the tests can be done in Swedish or
Norwegian instead of in Danish, unless it is part of the test's purpose to
document skills in the Danish language. If the teaching in a subject has
been carried through in a foreign language, the tests also have to be in
this language, unless it is part of the test's purpose to document the
student's skills in another language. Universities can disregard this
rule.
A passed test cannot be retaken by the student.
The student has three attempts to pass a test. The university can allow
for further attempts if unusual circumstances allow this.
A professional bachelor programme consists of external as well as
internal tests. The programme has to (at least) contain the following
three tests: One internal or external test which is taken before the
end of 2. semester, and which has to document that the student has
achieved the learning goals which have been stipulated for the first
study year.
One internal or external test which has to be taken after the
student's completion of the programme's practical training, and which
has to document that the student has achieved the learning goals
which have been stipulated for the practical training.

One external test in the final bachelor project which together with the
test after the practical training and the programme's other tests have
to document that the educational learning goals have been achieved.
The tests in the final bachelor project consist of a project and an oral
examination. One grade is given.
Certification
On completion of the education, the higher education institutions issue
a diploma, which indicates the examinations taken and the marks
obtained as well as the title/degree awarded. The diploma must
contain a description of the programme with an account of its subjectcomposition.
Students who leave a programme without having passed the final
examination are entitled to documentation of the examinations passed.
In an annexe to the certificate, the institutions issue a Diploma
Supplement in English, which in accordance with the standard model
developed by the European Commission, the Council of Europe and
UNESCO/CEPES describes the competence provided by the
programme, the contents, level and aim. The Diploma Supplement
provides information about the institution, the place of the institution
and the programme in the Danish education system.
With regards to the university bachelor programmes, the university
issues certificates for successfully completed programmes. Graduates
must receive their certificates within two months of the last test being
completed and the result published.
In addition to the graduates name and the name of the university, the
certificate must at least state:
The title graduates are entitled to use in Danish and English
The number of ECTS of the entire programme
The subjects in which tests have been taken, or which have been
documented in some other way, including the number of ECTS
Tests for which credits have been transferred
The examination language if the test has been taken in a foreign
language

The assessment obtained and if appropriate, the overall average


examination result
A profile, which describes the programme
University Colleges issue a diploma to students who have successfully
completed their professional bachelor programme. In addition to
information about the graduates name and the issuing authority, the
diploma must as a minimum contain the following information:
The educational elements in which the student has sat for an
examination
The assessments given
Educational elements documented in other ways
The individual educational elements cf. items 1 and 3, indicated in
ECTS-point
Examinations for which the student has obtained credit transfer
The examination language, if the examination was taken in a foreign
language, except for Norwegian and Swedish
The title which the programme leads to
The designation of the programme translated into English
The graduate can demand to have his or her diploma issued in English.
Short-Cycle Higher Education
Branches of Study
The academy profession programmes (Erhvervsakademiuddannelse) is
awarded after 1 to 2 years of study (90-150 ECTS) depending on
the area of study. Programmes within the following study fields are
offered: biotechnology and laboratory technical, design professional, IT
professional, social science, health professional, technical and the
economic-commercial. Teaching is a combination of theory and
practical experience.

Students may, on certain conditions, be awarded credits if they


continue in a medium- or long-cycle higher education programme. It is
the aim of the programmes to qualify students for the performance of
practical, vocational tasks on an analytical basis. The programmes
have to meet the general needs for vocational qualifications.
Admission Requirements
Access to higher education in Denmark varies from programme to
programme. Admission to most study programmes depends on the
fulfilment of both general requirements and specific requirements.
The general admission requirement for all programmes at first cycle
level is the completion of one of the qualifying examinations at upper
secondary level:
The upper secondary school leaving examination
(studentereksamen)
The higher prepatory examination (HF)
The higher commercial examination (HHX)
The higher technical examination (HTX)
Admission can also take place on the basis of a relevant vocational
education.
In general, the educational institutions are responsible for regulating
the size of the student population themselves, including the specific
number enrolled at each program. The Coordinated Enrolment System
(KOT) is responsible for coordinating the admission to higher
education.
Curriculum
An academy profession degree contains theoretical teaching at the
educational institution as well as practical training at a company,
either in Denmark or abroad. An academy profession programme
consist of compulsory educational elements as well as at least 15 ECTS
of practical training. The compulsory educational elements and the
practical training have to comprise at least 75 ECTS.
Moreover, the programme has to consists of electives of a maximum of
30 ECTS and a final project worth 10 or 15 ECTS.

Teaching Methods
Teaching in the first cycle level programmes is a combination of
lectures and smaller group/class teaching. The teaching must
encompass methods, which can develop the students independence
and ability to create innovation.
The educational institutions may lay down provisions in the curriculum
to the effect that the students are obliged to participate in the
teaching. The academy profession programmes constitute an
interaction between theory and practice and is organised in a
combination of different forms of learning, including e.g. case studies,
lectures and exercises, problem-oriented project work and practical
training.
Teachers can choose their own teaching methods and materials.
Progression of Students
The main objective of examinations and tests are to assess whether,
and to what extent, the students qualifications comply with the
objectives, competences and academic requirements stipulated for the
programme in the programme order, curriculum etc.
Programmes which are nominated for up to 120 ECTS have to be
completed within the number of years which corresponds to the
nominated duration of the programme. Other programmes have to be
completed within the number of years which corresponds to the
nominated duration of the programme plus two years. The educational
institutions can make exceptions from the last possible completion
date if it is due to unusual reasons.
Employability
There are career guidance centers in almost all academies of
professional higher education. These offer career guidance to all
students and graduates.
Student Assessment
An academy profession programme consists of external as well as
internal tests. The programme has to (at least) contain the following
three tests: One internal or external test which is taken before the
end of 2. semester, and which has to document that the student has
achieved the learning goals which have been stipulated for the first
study year.

One internal or external test which has to be taken after the


student's completion of the programme's practical training, and which
has to document that the student has achieved the learning goals
which have been stipulated for the practical training.
One external test in the final exam project which together with the
test after the practical training and the programme's other tests have
to document that the educational learning goals have been achieved.
The tests in the final exam project consist of a project and an oral
examination. One grade is given.
Certification
On completion of the education, the higher education institutions issue
a diploma, which indicates the examinations taken and the marks
obtained as well as the title/degree awarded. The diploma must
contain a description of the programme with an account of its subjectcomposition.
Students who leave a programme without having passed the final
examination are entitled to documentation of the examinations passed.
In an annexe to the certificate, the institutions issue a Diploma
Supplement in English , which in accordance with the standard model
developed by the European Commission, the Council of Europe and
UNESCO/CEPES describes the competence provided by the
programme, the contents, level and aim. Also, the Diploma
Supplement provides information about the institution, the place of the
institution and the programme in the Danish education system.
As mentioned above, the Academies of Professional Higher Education
issue a diploma to students who have successfully completed their
educational programme. In addition to information about the
graduates name and the issuing authority, the diploma must as a
minimum contain the following information:
The educational elements in which the student has sat for an
examination
The assessments given
Educational elements documented in other ways

The individual educational elements cf. items 1 and 3, indicated in


ECTS-point
Examinations for which the student has obtained credit transfer
The examination language, if the examination was taken in a foreign
language, except for Norwegian and Swedish
The title which the programme leads to
The designation of the programme translated into English
The graduate can demand to have his or her diploma issued in English.
Second Cycle Programmes
Branches of Study
The master programme in Denmark is a two-year programme leading
to the Candidatus-degree, corresponding to 120 ECTS. In branches
such as medicine, the two-year programme is extended to three years.
If the student combines two different specialisations, for example
History with Physics with the aim of obtaining qualifications to teach in
the upper secondary school, the studies will be prolonged with 30
ECTS.
The master level is generally finalised with a masters thesis of 30
ECTS. The thesis may, if it has an experimental character, be extended
up to 60 ECTS. Master programmes are offered within the following
study fields: humanities, natural science, social science, health
science, technical science and theology.
Admission Requirements
Admission to a master program is a relevant bachelor program or other
relevant Danish or foreign education on same level. The admission
requirements are stipulated in the study program by the universities.
Universities cannot admit students at the master programmes before
the previous bachelor programme has been completed and passed.
Universities can admit students on a master programme on another
basis than the above mentioned if the applicant has corresponding

professional qualifications and the university believes that the


applicant will be able to complete the programme.
In general, the universities are responsible for regulating the size of the
student population themselves, including the specific number enrolled
at each master programme. The Ministry of Science, Innovation and
Higher Education can however determine the maximum number of
students on a given master program.
Curriculum
Universities have a significant degree of academic freedom and
autonomy with regards to the curriculum of the master programmes.
According to the Act on Universities, the Director of Studies and
universities' Study Boards are responsible for the practical organisation
of teaching and assessments forming parts of the exams.
The Study Board shall ensure the organisation, realization and
development of educational and teaching activities, including aims to:
Assure and develop the quality of education and teaching and followup on evaluations of education and teaching
Produce proposals for curricula and changes thereof
Approve the organization of teaching and assessments forming part
of the exams
Handle applications concerning credit transfer and exemptions
Make statements on all matters of importance to education and
teaching as presented by the Rector or the person authorized by the
Rector to do so.
In the masters thesis, the students must document skills in applying
academic theory and methods to a specific academic subject.
Teaching Methods
The universities may lay down provisions in the curriculum to the effect
that the students are obliged to participate in the teaching.
Teaching can consists of class room teaching, lectures, one-to-one
consultation, group work and seminars. Teachers can choose their own
teaching methods and materials.

Progression of Students
The main objective of examinations and tests are to assess whether,
and to what extent, the students qualifications comply with the
objectives, competences and academic requirements stipulated for the
programme in the programme order, curriculum etc.
The form of the tests must reflect the content and working methods of
the course. The tests have to be organised as individual tests. In the
case that two or more students write a paper together, the assessment
has to be individual and it has to be evident who has written what part
of the paper. The student has three attempts to pass a test.
Employability
There are well established career guidance centers in almost all the
universities. These offer career guidance to all students and graduates.
Many private and large companies offer in-company
placements/trainee programmes which students have to apply for on
the same terms as when applying for a normal job. Student
Assessment
Tests have to be individual. Programmes have to contain a variation of
different tests forms, which have to reflect the content of the teaching
and methods. These can
Oral, written and practical tests
Participation in teaching, courses, practical experiments etc.
A combination of the above
Project oriented courses, perhaps linked to areas outside the
university in Denmark, or abroad
In programmes which are offered in Danish, tests have to be in Danish,
unless it is part of the test's purpose to document the student's skills in
a foreign language. However, the tests can be done in Swedish or
Norwegian instead of in Danish, unless it is part of the test's purpose to
document skills in the Danish language.
If the teaching in a subject has been carried through in a foreign
language, the tests also have to be in this language, unless it is part of
the test's purpose to document the student's skills in another
language. Universities can disregard this rule.

A passed test cannot be retaken by the student. The student has three
attempts to pass a test. The university can allow for further attempts if
unusual circumstances allow this.
Certification
On completion of the education, the higher education institutions issue
a diploma, which indicates the examinations taken and the marks
obtained as well as the title/degree awarded. The diploma must
contain a description of the programme with an account of its subjectcomposition.
Students who leave a programme without having passed the final
examination are entitled to documentation of the examinations passed.
In an annexe to the certificate, the institutions issue a Diploma
Supplement in English, which in accordance with the standard model
developed by the European Commission, the Council of Europe and
UNESCO/CEPES describes the competence provided by the
programme, the contents, level and aim. Also, the Diploma
Supplement provides information about the institution, the place of the
institution and the programme in the Danish education system.
Until April 1st 2007, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Higher
Education has according to the university act approved the study
programmes the universities can offer. As of April 1st, the approval of
university programmes was transferred from the ministry to a new
Accreditation Agency. In the Ministerial order on bachelor and masters
programmes, it is stipulated which titles in Danish and English the
universities can award.
The university issues certificates for successfully completed master
programmes. Graduates must receive their certificates within two
months of the last test being completed and the result published. In
addition to the graduates name and the name of the university, the
certificate must at least state:
The title graduates are entitled to use in Danish and English
The number of ECTS points of the entire programme
Which bachelor programme or other programme leads to the master
programme

The subjects in which tests have been taken, or which have been
documented in some other way, including the number of ECTS points
Tests for which credits have been transferred
The examination language if the test has been taken in a foreign
language
The assessment obtained and if appropriate, the overall average
examination result
A profile, which describes the programme
Third Cycle (PhD) Programmes
Organisation of Doctoral Studies
In Denmark two types of PhD programmes exist: The normal research
PhD where the student is connected to a university or another higher
educational institution while completing the PhD, and the Industrial
PhD which is completed in connection with a company and an
educational institution.
A PhD programme takes 3 years to complete (180 ECTS). It is possible
to study a PhD within the same scientific areas which exist on bachelor
and master level: humanities, natural science, social science, health
science, technical science and theology.
The educational institutions can award a PhD within the subject areas
where the institutions have research, and where they have established
a PhD school. An educational institution can establish a PhD school
alone or in cooperation with one or several institutions.
In the beginning of the PhD programme and within three months
the student and the educational institution need to determine a
research and an educational plan. The plan is to describe the project
and the course, as well as a time schedule, a supervisor agreement, an
agreement of possible copyrights and a financing plan. During the
programme, the student is to conduct independent research and on
that foundation write a thesis. Furthermore, the student needs to
attend courses which are relevant for the research project. They have
to correspond to six months of studies. Moreover, the student needs to
actively engage in research environments, both at the educational
institution and outside, e.g. abroad. Also, the student has to gain

experience with teaching or another form of knowledge dissemination,


e.g. dissemination of the research results.
On the basis of a statement from the supervisor, the educational
institution continually needs to assess whether or not the student's
course is running as planned or if it perhaps should be terminated.
At the final examination, a jury provides a recommendation on whether
the project proves that the student independently can make use of the
subject's sci-entific methods. Hereafter, the student has to defend the
project at a public defense where he or she is examined by the jury.
An educational institution can decide if a student can be enrolled as a
PhD student before the master degree has been completed. However,
this does not change the extent of the programme as the student still
needs to complete the master programme. This is only possible for a
few programmes.
Industrial PhD
The industrial PhD implies that the student is employed in a private or
public company, where he or she carrys out a PhD project within a
company's interest field. At the same time, the student needs to be
enrolled at university or another higher educational institution.
The Industrial PhD has been developed in order to promote research
and development in Danish business by educating researchers with an
insight into the professional aspects of research and development.
Furthermore, the scheme is meant to support the building of network
and exchange between companies and Danish and/or foreign
universities/research institutions.
Companies can apply for funding for a partial coverage of the expenses
to an Industrial PhD. The industrial PhD scheme is administrated by the
Danish Agency for Universities and Internationalisation.
Doctoral degrees
The higher educational institutions which are covered by the act on
universities can award doctoral degrees and honorary doctoral
degrees. The institutions can in those areas with associated master
degrees represented in the institution award doctoral degrees.
People who have been awarded a doctoral degree or an honorary
doctoral degree receive a diploma from the educational institution.

The award of a doctoral degree takes place on the basis of a thesis


which is defended at an oral, public defense. The award of the doctoral
degree is an ac-knowledgement of the fact that the writer has acquired
a considerable scientific insight and maturity and with the thesis has
brought science a step further.
People who have obtained a master degree or a PhD within a close
related subject area has the right to hand in a doctoral thesis for
evaluation. The educa-tional institutions can also allow for others to
hand in a doctoral thesis.
The honorary doctoral degree can be awarded to scientists who believe
to have made a valuable scientific contribution and where it is natural
to award them with the highest scientific award.
Admission Requirements
Normally, a completed master degree is required in order to be
enrolled as a PhD student. However, with a few programmes it is
possible to be enrolled before a student has completed the master
programme. In this case, the institution needs to make sure that the
student is able to complete the master programme during the PhD
programme. It is up to the educational institutions to decide who they
wish to enroll on the programmes, but it has to appear from the
institutions' internal rules which criteria the institutions use in the
admission procedure.
Most applicants apply for PhD programmes via job ads on available
PhD scholarships. The applicant has to write an application and provide
a detailed study plan which shows what the PhD project is to centre
around.
For some available PhD scholarships the subject has been decided
upon beforehand. In others, the applicant/student has the option to
decide for themselves when formulating the application.
Status of Doctoral Students/Candidates
PhD students is generally employed in a position as a PhD fellow. This
means that the PhD students are employed in a position with salary.
The employment covers the educational period of three years. Pension
is included in the salary. Industrial PhD students receives salary from
the company they are employed in.
Supervision Arrangements

When enrolling, each PhD-student is allocated an official supervisor


who must be a permanently tenured university teacher. The supervisor
has to be an acknowledged researcher within the relevant subject area.
In addition to giving subject-specific and study-related guidance, this
supervisor must see to it that the study including planned course
participation is running satisfactorily and proceeding according to plan.
Within three months of the start of the PhD programme, the university
shall approve a research and study plan (the PhD plan) for the
individual PhD student. At regular points in time during the PhD
programme, the university shall assess whether the PhD student is
following the PhD plan and, if necessary, adjust the plan. The
university shall lay down internal rules on the frequency of such
assessments In connection with the PhD programme, the educational
institution offers the student a teaching course and teaching guidance.
Also, the institution makes sure that the necessary resources are
available for the student so that he or she can complete the
programme as in accordance with the PhD plan.
The institution determines internal rules for the guidance of the PhD
student.
Assessment
The educational institution regularly assesses throughout the PhD
programme if the PhD student follows the PhD plan and make
adjustments if that is needed. The assessment is made on the basis of
an evaluation from the main supervisor, who after talks with the PhD
student confirms that the programme is being carried through in
accordance with the PhD plan, or in writing explains necessary
adjustments. The PhD student is given the possibility of submitting any
remarks to the evaluation. Any remarks have to be submitted within
two weeks. At the assessment, the educational institution needs to
consider documented illness, maternity leave and other forms of
approved leave. The educational institution determines internal rules
concerning the frequency of these assessments.
If the educational institution assesses that the PhD student no longer
follows the PhD plan despite possible adjustments, the institution gives
the student three months to improve the situation. The three months
cannot lead to an extension of the PhD programme. The institution
conducts a new assessment after the three months. The enrollment will
end if the assessment after the three months is negative.
The PhD thesis has to document the student's ability to make use of
the subject's scientific methods and provide research abilities

corresponding to the international standards for PhD degrees within


the same discipline.
The educational institution determines internal rules concerning the
preparation and submission of the PhD thesis.
The PhD student's enrollment at the educational institution terminates
when submitting the thesis. The main supervisor has to provide a
statement on the whole PhD course a week after the submission of the
thesis. If the supervisor in his or hers statement argues that the PhD
programme has not been completed with satisfaction, the student has
two weeks to put forward his or hers remarks to the supervisor's
statement. The thesis can only be taken into consideration if the whole
PhD programme has been completed satisfactorily.
An evaluation jury is set up by the educational institution after the
submission of the PhD thesis. The jury consists of three members and
one is appointed as the chairman. The members of the jury have to be
acknowledged researchers within the relevant subject area. The
members have to come from outside the educational institution, and
one has to come from abroad (unless this is inappropriate from an
academic perspective). The supervisors of the PhD project cannot be
members of the jury. The main supervisor is involved but cannot vote.
The student is informed as soon as the jury has been set up and has a
week to oppose any members of the jury.
Two months after the submission of the thesis, at the latest, the jury
reports to the educational institution if the thesis is suitable as a basis
for the award of the PhD degree. The student receives a copy of the
report. The defense of the thesis can take place if the thesis is found
suitable. If the thesis has not been found suitable, the jury will report if
the thesis can be resubmitted in a revised form. The student and the
supervisor have two weeks to comment the report. Has the thesis not
been found suitable, the educational institution will make one of the
following decisions on the basis of the jury's report and the
supervisor's and student's comments:
The defense cannot take place
The thesis can be submitted again in a revised form within a deadline
of three months. If the thesis is resubmitted, the thesis is evaluated
once more by the jury, unless special circumstances prevent this.
The thesis will be evaluated by a new jury

The PhD thesis is defended at a public defense after internal rules


determined by the educational institution. At the defense, the student
has to explain the work and defend the thesis in front of the jury's
member. The institution needs to make sure that the thesis is publicly
available in due time before the defense.
The educational institution determines time and place for the public
defense.
Certification
Soon after the student's defense of the PhD thesis, the evaluation jury
recommends if the PhD degree is to be awarded and reports this
recommendation to the educational institution and the student. The
recommendation has to be well grounded and if there is disagreement
in the jury, the decision will rest upon the voting majority. The
educational institution issues a diploma for the PhD degree. The
diploma is issued in Danish and in English and has to contain
information on subject area and topic for the PhD thesis as well as
information on the completed PhD programme.
If the PhD degree is not awarded, the educational institution will, after
request, issue documentation in Danish and in English that parts of the
PhD programme have been completed.

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