New opportunities for master's degrees
New master’s degree options
From 2028, you will be able to apply for both the well‑known master’s programmes and a range of new innovative programme options.
You can apply for focused one‑year master’s programmes, two‑year master’s programmes, and several new types of part-time master’s degrees that combine study with relevant employment.
Programmes worth fewer than 120 ECTS (such as the focused one‑year master’s programmes) provide access to lifelong learning opportunities.
When are the new master's options relevant?
The new master’s options are relevant if you plan to apply for admission in 2028 or later — for example, if you began your bachelor’s degree in 2025.
A limited number of new master’s programmes will open for admission before 2028. Keep an eye on this page, where we will present the new programmes as they become available.
Why new options?
In 2023, the Danish Parliament adopted a national reform of university education. As a result, all universities — including the University of Copenhagen — must develop new types of master’s programmes.
Read more about the reform on the Ministry of Higher Education and Science's website (in Danish)
New programme types
The University of Copenhagen’s new master’s landscape can be divided into three main categories.
The focused one‑year master’s degree programme is a full‑time programme worth 75 ECTS. It is structured around mandatory courses and concludes in a final project. You can choose up to 10 ECTS of elective courses, allowing you to tailor part of the programme to your interests.
The programme has a clear academic profile and a strong focus on specific career opportunities. This type of programme is well suited if you want a more direct route into the labour market or are aiming for a particular sector or role.
Lifelong learning through continuing education
Once you have completed your master’s programme, you gain access to continuing education. This enables you to keep developing your skills and building on your academic foundation throughout your working life. We call it lifelong learning.
The programme is eligible for SU (State Educational Grant).
The two‑year master’s degree programme (120 ECTS) resembles the type of master’s degree you may already be familiar with.
The programme consists of four semesters, including a final thesis. The exact ECTS distribution may vary; you can read more on the individual programme pages.
The programme is eligible for SU (State Educational Grant).
A part-time master’s programme for working professionals combines part‑time employment with part‑time study. You work in a relevant position alongside your studies, allowing you to apply your academic knowledge directly in practice. At the same time, you gain professional experience that strengthens your CV and enhances your career opportunities after graduation.
The new professional master’s programmes are organised according to several different models. Remember to check the individual programme pages to see how each programme is structured.
Part-time master's degree (75 ECTS)
There are two models:
- You work and study at the same time
- You begin with one semester of full-time study and work alongside your studies for the remainder of the programme (a combined model)
Part-time master's degree (120 ECTS)
There are three models:
- You work and study at the same time
- You begin with one semester of full-time study and work alongside your studies for the remainder of the programme (a combined model)
- You begin with two semesters of full‑time study and work alongside your studies for the remainder of the programme (a “1+2” combined model). This model is offered only within STEM fields (technology, IT, natural sciences and mathematics).
The duration of the programme depends on how it is organised.
You receive a salary during the periods when you are employed alongside your studies. If you have a period of full‑time study, you may be eligible for SU (State Educational Grant) during that time.
Master's programmes
More information about the new programmes will be added to this page as soon as it becomes available.
In the meantime, you can explore our current range of master’s programmes.
