Following a so-called binary structure, the higher education institutions can be grouped into two different sectors: the university sectorthe college sector, i.e. the professionally oriented higher education sector. Students in Danish higher education work independently and exercise their own initiative. As well as attending traditional lectures, they study in small groups where they are expected to make active contributions. Part of their studies consist of independent project and research work. Most degree courses are self-contained, and students choose their field of specialisation when commencing their studies. All programmes include the preparation of either a major project report, a thesis or a dissertation, depending on the level of the degree. The university sector As a result of a government initiative, the number of universities was reduced from 12 to 8 through a series of mergers that took effect on 1 January 2007. The 8 universities are: University of Copenhagenincluding the Faculty of Life Sciences (previously the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University) and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (previously the Danish University of Pharmaceutical Sciences) University of Aarhusincluding the Aarhus School of Business and the School of Education (the Danish University of Education), University of Southern Denmark, Roskilde University, Aalborg University, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen Business School, IT University of Copenhagen In addition, there are a 13 specialist university-level institutions in architecture, art, music etc. Teaching at university sector institutions must be research-based: this is a fundamental principle for all universities aimed at ensuring high standards in all programmes. The university sector proper only comprises institutions offering degrees up to the highest academic level, including doctorates. The college sector:The college sector comprises around 100 specialised institutions of higher education offering professionally oriented programmes:Colleges offering medium-cycle programmes, mainly professional bachelor's degrees.Most colleges offering Professional Bachelor's degrees have merged into more comprehensive Centres for Higher Education (centre for videregående uddannelse - CVUs) following an act passed by Parliament in 2000. CVUs are a new type of institution developed with the aim of strengthening professionally oriented types of higher education and creating new possibilities for further education and training. The centres are also meant to be innovative bodies in the field of knowledge development. As from 2005, CVUs fulfilling certain quality criteria may be awarded the label of University College. Vocational colleges offering short-cycle programmes, mainly 2-year Academy Profession degrees.Most colleges offering Academy Profession degrees have formed Academies of Professional Higher Education (erhvervsakademier) as a framework for regional cooperation. This was made possible by the 1998 reform of short-cycle higher education. In order to obtain the status of Academies of Professional Higher Education the participating colleges must fulfil a number of quality requirements in terms of scope and level. Admission to higher education:General access requirements to higher education in Denmark are 12 years of education including one of the following secondary school leaving examinations or comparable qualifications: studentereksamen (stx) – Upper Secondary School Leaving Examination, højere forberedelseseksamen (hf) – Higher Preparatory Examination:højere handelseksamen (hhx), – Higher Business Examination højere teknisk eksamen (htx) – Higher Technical Examination. Access to Academy Profession programmes is also possible on the basis of a relevant 3-4 year vocational education and training programme supplemented by adequate general upper secondary courses (e.g. maths, physics, English). In certain Bachelor's degree programmes, alternative entry is possible on the basis of a relevant educational qualification (typically a professional bachelor's degree) combined with 2 or 3 years' work experience. Additional requirements may apply. Admission to many study programmes depends on the fulfilment of specific requirements. These may either be a specific subject combination or requirements concerning the level of the subjects taken, the grades obtained, work experience etc. Admission to programmes in certain fields such as art and music requires an entrance examination based on talent. The Ministers responsible for higher education may fix a maximum number of student admissions within certain fields of study. Apart from that, individual institutions may have restricted admission for certain fields of study. Students apply for admission through a Coordinated Enrolment System (KOT). Each institution selects students according to the general admission regulations. The available places are divided into two quota systems. Places in the first quota are distributed to applicants with Danish and equivalent upper secondary school leaving certificates on the basis of their grade average. Places in the second quota are given to applicants on the basis of individual assessment by the institution.
