Study Structure

The study structure at the University of Copenhagen might be different from the university in your home country. Read on to understand the structure.

Get to know the study structure at UCPH

The study structure at the University of Copenhagen is divided into three levels and follows a 3+2+3 structure. 

Three years of undergraduate studies lead to a bachelor’s degree and an additional two years lead to a master’s degree.

Only a few degrees differ from this model. A master's degree obtained from UCPH can be extended with three more years of postgraduate work leading to a PhD degree.

Illustration in colors showing the study structure at UCPH

Information about study structure at UCPH

Teaching and exams

At UCPH, you will experience many different types of teaching during your studies.

Each programme consists of a mix of lectures and tutorials. Some include student presentations and project-based work, and many programmes also have practical assignments as well as lab and fieldwork.

Students are assessed after taking one of the following types of examinations: exam paper, written on-site exam, oral exam or active participation. In addition, some courses may require the successful completion of written, oral or practical assignments during the course.

Academic calendar

The academic calendar is divided into two semesters: autumn semester (September to January) and spring semester (February to June).

Faculties and programmes use the semester structure except for:

Here, the courses are organised in a block structure, dividing the academic year (60 ECTS) into four nine-week blocks.

Credit system

UCPH uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) which defines a full study load for one year as 60 ECTS. The number of credits awarded for each course varies depending on the workload. Find out more about the Danish credit system.

The academic year

The dates below give an overall view of the academic calendar (autumn and spring semester) at UCPH. 

Please contact the individual departments to confirm their specific teaching schedules.

Autumn semester: 1 September 2024 – 31 January 2025
 (classes typically end in December)

Spring semester: 1 February 2025 – 30 June 2025
(classes typically end in May/early June)

Public holidays in study year 2024-25

  • Autumn holiday: 14 - 20 October 2024(week 42)
  • Christmas break: 24 December 2024 - 1 January 2025
  • Easter Break: 17 April - 21 April 2025 (both days included)
  • Ascension Day: 29 May 2025
  • Constitution Day: 5 June 2025
  • White Monday: 9 June 2025