The Danish education system ranks high among members of the European Union. However, the cost of living in major cities, such as Copenhagen, is relatively high. Fortunately for students from EU/EEA member countries and Switzerland, they can avail themselves of free education. They can also apply for scholarships that may provide a monthly stipend for living and accommodation costs.
An interesting thing about Danish students is that most of them don’t tend to choose university courses based on which one offers the most lucrative career opportunities in the future. Instead, they tend to follow in their parents’ footsteps. That is to say, children of doctors will most likely become doctors too.
With that, here are some of the best subjects to study in Denmark.
Top Subjects to Study in Denmark
1. Software Engineering / Data Science / Computer Science
Software engineers and data specialists are in high demand in any developed nation these days. They can find a job in either the public or private sector. It is due to the high volume of online data that requires management and the need for cybersecurity in a dynamic, technological world.
Career opportunities for graduates with relevant degrees in Denmark are very diverse, ranging from data management and security to film animation and video game development. It is due to the advanced technological innovations in the country. They can also easily find good-paying jobs almost anywhere in the world.
Aarhus University offers undergraduate Computer Science and Computer Engineering programs in Danish and a Master’s degree program in Computer Engineering in English. Meanwhile, the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) offers a Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering program that allows students to select an area of specialization, such as Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Computer Security, and more.
2. Medicine
Medicine is another one of the best subjects to study in Denmark. There is a high level of satisfaction among Danish people regarding the excellent quality of hospital facilities and healthcare services they receive. It is also because the standard of education in medical programs in the country is relatively high. However, there is a shortage of physicians in Denmark.
Typically, it takes six years of university education for an individual to become a medical doctor in Denmark. Students have to spend three years taking up a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine or Health Science and another three years for a Master’s degree. Graduates who want to specialize in a particular medical field have to spend five more years training for it.
The University of Copenhagen offers an excellent Medicine program. Both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are conducted in Danish. International students need to show proof of proficiency in the language before admission. Aarhus University also has an outstanding Medicine program. Those who finish six years of study may choose to become a general practitioner, pursue a specialization, or become a medical researcher or professor.
3. Civil Engineering
Civil engineers in Denmark are among the highest-paid and most well-respected professionals. The industry has shown massive growth in the past decade due to the shortage of houses in contrast to the growing population. Recently, initiatives are also in place to create an artificial island to accommodate the influx of people in Copenhagen and protect the area from the rising water levels. This is what makes civil engineering among the top subjects to study in Denmark.
In addition, smart and efficient housing designs are necessary to maximize the limited space in the densely populated country. Government agencies and large private construction companies are constantly searching for highly competent civil engineers. Danish universities also offer excellent degree programs relevant to the industry to address these issues.
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has Danish-taught Bachelor of Engineering programs in Architectural Engineering, Arctic Civil Engineering, and Civil Engineering. Each program lasts three years and six months, with an additional six months necessary for an internship in a Danish company or abroad. Graduates can then pursue a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. After earning such degrees, they may explore various career opportunities, including building infrastructure or entering the energy sector.
4. Accounting or Finance
Denmark is one of the best places to study Finance for EU/EEA citizens due to free education in Danish public universities. In addition, finance specialists are among the highest-paid professionals in the country. Because of this, Accounting or Finance is one of the best subjects to study in Denmark. However, not many people choose these courses yet because it is not easy to become an accountant in the country.
Copenhagen has become a financial hub in recent years, attracting more investors and talents locally and internationally. That is why now is the best time for incoming university students to consider pursuing a degree in Accounting or Finance since the demand for specialists in these fields is expected to rise in the following years.
The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) has a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration – Accounting and Finance program. It lasts four semesters and is delivered entirely in English. On the other hand, the Copenhagen Business School has several relevant Master’s degree programs in English and Danish. Interested students may also select their preferred area of specialization.
5. Education
Primary and lower secondary education in Denmark is compulsory, making teachers one of the most in-demand professionals in the country. The quality of education in Denmark is also globally renowned for its high standards. That is why most schools in the country seek highly competent educators.
A Bachelor’s degree in Education in Denmark typically takes four years to complete. However, lifelong learning is also expected of Danish professionals, so upper secondary teachers have to pursue higher degrees, undergo further teacher training, or complete a 60-ECTS course for continuous academic growth.
University College South Denmark offers a Bachelor’s degree in Teacher Education partly in Danish and English languages for 240 ECTS. Meanwhile, University College Absalon offers a 270-ECTS International Honors Degree in Teaching that allows students to spend part of their education and teaching experience abroad. This initiative provides students with intercultural skills that make them more appealing to an international education setup.
We hope that you found this article on the best subjects to study in Denmark informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
