Master’s degree

Denmark

Key features

  • Qualification: Kandidatgrad (candidatus)
  • Qualification in English: Master’s degree
  • EQF level: 7
  • Cycle: Second cycle
  • Thesis required: Thesis, 30-60 ECTS
  • Nominal length: 2 years / 120 ECTS (3 years /180 ECTS for some programmes within the arts and medicine)
  • Access requirement: Bachelor’s degree or professional bachelor’s degree
  • Access to further study: PhD

Master’s degree (universities)

The Master’s degree is awarded after 2 years of study (120 ECTS). However, a few Master’s programmes are longer: Medicine (3 years, 180 ECTS points) and Veterinary Medicine (2½ years, 150 ECTS).

Programmes

All Master’s degree programmes are research-based and provide students with theoretical knowledge, analytical and scientific (and/or artistic) skills combined with the ability of practical application.
Students in a master’s degree programme are required to submit a thesis (30-60 ECTS) before graduation.

The degree normally gives access to a PhD programme in the same field.

Degree titles

  • Danish: Cand. + latin abbreviation of academic area i [field of study], e.g.: cand.mag. (candidatus/candidata magisterii) i [field of study]
  • English: Master of Arts (MA) in [field of study] or Master of Science (MSc) in [field of study]

Master’s degree within the arts

The Master’s degree within the arts is awarded after 2 to 3 years of study (120-180 ECTS).

The degree normally gives access to a PhD programme in the same field. Music Academies also offer a specialist degree of 2 to 4 years following the Master’s degree.

Degree titles

  • Danish: Cand.[latin abbreviation of academic area] [field of study]]
  • English: Master of Arts (MA) in [field of study], Master of Music (MMus) [field of study] or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in [field of study]

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Persons obtaining degrees at this level…

  • Must possess knowledge of one or more subject areas which, in selected fields, is based on the highest international research within a subject area. Must be able to understand and, on a scientific basis, reflect on the knowledge of the subject area(s) as well as be able to identify scientific issues.

Skills

Persons obtaining degrees at this level…

  • Must master the scientific methodologies and tools of the subject area(s) as well as master general skills related to work within the subject area(s).
  • Must be able to evaluate and select among the scientific theories, methodologies, tools and general skills of the subject area(s), and set up, on a scientific basis, new analysis and solution models.
  • Must be able to communicate research-based knowledge and discuss professional and scientific issues with both peers and non-specialists.

Competences

Persons obtaining degrees at this level…

  • Must be able to manage work situations and developments that are complex, unpredictable and require new solution models.
  • Must be able to independently initiate and carry out discipline-specific and interdisciplinary collaboration and assume professional responsibility.
  • Must be able to independently take responsibility for their own professional development and specialisation.