Danish Minister Approves First 18 New Degree Programmes Under University Reform

Denmark’s Minister for Higher Education and Science has approved the first 18 new degree programmes under the university reform, opening up more flexible pathways for future master’s students. From next year, universities in Sønderborg, Odense, Aarhus and Copenhagen will be allowed to offer new programmes that make it possible to combine study and work and, in some cases, complete a master’s degree worth 75 ECTS.

The new programmes are part of a broad political agreement from 2023 on reforming university education in Denmark, with a focus on increased flexibility and quality. While traditional 120 ECTS master’s degrees will remain available, the reform introduces new formats, including expanded professional master’s degrees and shorter programmes.

One of the key changes is the introduction of a new “1+2” professional master’s degree model. Under this structure, students complete one year of full-time study with eligibility for student grants, followed by a two-year period combining part-time study with relevant employment. This model is aimed primarily at engineering and other IT and STEM-related fields, where both universities and employers have called for greater flexibility.

The reform also allows universities to offer 75 ECTS master’s degrees, and the range of professional master’s programmes that combine study with employment will be expanded. Examples of newly approved programmes include Applied Computer Science and Health Economics as 75 ECTS degrees, as well as a number of “1+2” professional master’s degrees in areas such as software engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics and biotechnology, offered by institutions including Aarhus University, the IT University of Copenhagen, the University of Copenhagen and the University of Southern Denmark.

“We have reached a milestone in our work to give students more flexible routes to a master’s degree. At the same time, both students and Danish business can look forward to the fact that a large share of the new study opportunities are within IT and STEM, where there is strong demand for qualified labour. Several of the programmes will be taught in English, which also makes it possible to attract international talent. The universities have contributed constructively, and when I look at the list of new programmes, I really see many exciting new opportunities opening up,” says Christina Egelund.

The ambition for the future master’s degree landscape is that 20 per cent of students will be enrolled in professional master’s programmes and 10 per cent in 75 ECTS master’s degrees. By 2028, the goal is that 10 per cent of students will begin a professional master’s degree, rising to 20 per cent by 2032, while the new “1+2” programmes are expected to account for up to 5 per cent of master’s degree places annually from 2028.