Higher Education in Denmark: Types of Institutions and Degrees

Denmark has one of the most powerful higher education systems in Europe and the world. Education is the key aspect of economic, ideological and social development in the country. Want to pursue your higher education studies in Denmark? We’ll give you all the information you need on types of higher education in Denmark and the different degrees they offer.

Table of Contents

Types of higher education institutions in Denmark

Higher education in Denmark consists of three sectors of higher education: universities, colleges, and academies. Moreover, there are five types of higher education institutions in Denmark that give students the chance to pursue their higher education studies according to their desired specialty.

Academies of professional higher education

There are 9 independent Business academies in Denmark. These academies offer various vocational academic programs and many vocational Bachelors programs. You can also get many other diplomas in different areas of studies.

University colleges

There are 8 university colleges in Denmark. 7 of them fall under the university college section of Danish law. The remaining college does not. These colleges offer comprehensive education and give students the chance to develop practical academic and professional skills. These colleges offer high-level education that meets the national standards in Denmark.

Maritime education institutions

There are 3 institutions for marine studies and marine engineering. These institutions are supervised and monitored by the ministry of higher education and science. The ministry of education is also responsible for teaching and practice in addition to supervising applied fieldwork.

Private higher education institutes for architecture and arts

Denmark has 4 institutes of architecture and arts that operate under the authority of the ministry of higher education and science. The purpose of these institutes is to educate students according to academic programs that meet the highest level of education. They also aim to develop the artistic field by relying on practical foundations and conducting further research in architecture, design, archival science, science, and information. Before starting any program in this field, you need to show your artistic skills by taking an entrance exam.

Universities in Denmark

Finally, Denmark has 8 universities that offer academic university programs. The universities are responsible for research in various fields. Additionally, these universities give students the chance to study in Danish or English.

Read about the top universities in Denmark.

Types of academic degrees granted by higher education in Denmark

Undergraduate degrees in Denmark

Undergraduate degrees in Denmark take several forms, and you can earn either an ordinary higher education degree, a professional bachelor’s degree, a (research-based) bachelor’s degree and a bachelor’s based on research and artistic research.

You can get an Ordinary higher education degree after you’ve completed 90-150 ECTS and at least 15 ECTS of work placement. This is an academy profession degree which programs combine theoretical studies with a practical approach.

The Professional Bachelor’s degree, on the other hand, requires students to complete between 180 and 270 ECTS with a period of work placement of at least 30 ECTS.

The classic Bachelor’s degree as well as the Bachelor’s degree within the arts requires 180 ECTS. The first type of bachelor’s degree is offered in all scientific fields, with a qualification of either a B.Sc. or a BA. The bachelor’s within the arts is, as its name suggests, is awarded to students who have completed undergraduate studies in music or in fine arts.

Get more info on the website of the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science.

Bachelors in Denmark

You can study your Bachelors over three years or four years if you’re specialized in arts. In order to get this degree, you must have a high school diploma. You also need a Bachelors degree if you want to be accepted into a Masters program.

Read our article on Bachelors study in Denmark.

Academic vocational degree

This degree takes a year and a half or two years and a half to complete. It further allows its holder to apply for a Bachelors’s degree or a vocational Bachelors’s degree. This degree is a combination of practical studies, applied studies, and fieldwork. Moreover, this degree gives students the foundation to pursue professional jobs in the future.

Vocational Bachelors degree

Finally, the degree will take 3 to 4 years. It is quite similar to a regular Bachelors degree. However, there is a greater focus on professional practice and developing vocational skills through fieldwork while studying.

Master’s degree

You need to study for two years in order to get your Master’s degree, two years and a half for veterinary medicine and three years in arts and medicine. All Masters are research-based and offers students theoretical, analytical, scientific and artistic knowledge all while granting students the practical skills to work.

For more information, read our article on Masters programs in Denmark

PhD in Denmark

It will take you 3 years to get your PhD in Denmark. You’ll get to conduct research and work in a dissertation specific to your field of study. In fact, researchers will get the basic knowledge of research according to the national standard. You’ll also get the chance to contribute to the knowledge and understanding of your field of research based on scientific studies.