The Danish education system has two types of first cycle programmes:

1.   The Professional bachelor’s programmes

2.   The University bachelor’s programmes

Professional bachelor's programmes

University colleges and maritime education and training institutions offer professionally oriented programmes at a level corresponding to a university bachelor. Generally, the programmes are three and a half years corresponding to 210 ECTS.  

The professional bachelor’s programmes have a strong focus on professional practice and combine theoretical knowledge with practical application in a range of subject areas such as business, education, engineering, IT, nursing, social work, etc. The programmes include a period of work placements, which prepare students to enter their profession.

University bachelor's programmes

The three-year university bachelor’s programme is a first cycle programme corresponding to 180 ECTS. It is most often followed by a two-year programme leading to the candidatus-degree (master’s level) corresponding to 120 ECTS. The university bachelor’s programmes are offered at general and specialised universities and also by higher education institutions within fine arts.

The university bachelor’s programme is research-based and provides students with a broad academic foundation as well as specialised knowledge. The programmes qualify students to enter the labour market and to pursue post-graduate studies.

For further information, please visit chapter 7.2.1. Bachelor.