Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
15 or 16, even though it is not compulsory to attendFolkeskole ("public school"). The school
years up to the age of fifteen/sixteen are known as Folkeskole, since any education has to
match the level offered there. About 82% of young people take further education in addition to
this.[1] Government-funded education is usually free of charge and open to all. Denmark has a
tradition of private schools and about 15.6% of all children at basic school level attend private
schools, which are supported by a voucher system.[2][3]
The Education Index, published with the UN's Human Development Index in 2008, based on
data from 2006, lists Denmark as 0.993, amongst the highest in the world, tied for first
with Australia, Finland and New Zealand.[4]
The chief national officer of the education system is Education Minister Christine Antorini (Social
Democrats). However, universities are the responsibility ofSofie Carsten Nielsen (Det Radikale
Venstre).[5]
Literacy in Denmark is approximately 99% for both men and women.[6]
UNIVERSITIES IN DENMARK
The first university in Denmark, University of Copenhagen, was established in 1479. The
second, University of Kiel in Schleswig-Holstein, was established in 1665. When SchleswigHolstein was conquered by German forces in 1864, the University of Copenhagen was once
again the only university in the Kingdom of Denmark and remained so until 1928 when
the University of Aarhus was founded. Since then, numerous universities have been
established. In addition, there are many independent colleges specializing for instance in
educating teachers.
International higher education in Denmark
Danish universities and other Danish higher education institutions also offer international
students a range of opportunities for obtaining an internationally recognised qualification in
Denmark. Many programmes are taught in English, including Bachelors, Masters, PhD,
exchange and summer school programmes.[7]
who have been born in Denmark (including the Faroe Islands and Greenland);
Not only is there no tuition charged to the students, all Danish citizens (and many others
meeting certain criteria) are offered monthly financial aid, called "SU" (Statens
Uddannelsessttte which translates to The State's Educational Support), which totals
about DKK 2,728 monthly if the student lives with his/her parents or guardians, and
about DKK 5,486 monthly if the student lives away from his/her parents or guardians.[8] Students
can supplement the SU with low-interest government loans amounting to DKK 2,807 per month,
which must be paid back upon the completion of their education.[9]
Education in Denmark starts early. Most children at the age of 6 months start attending their first
form of child care and an introduction into the Danish education system.
No formal teaching is allowed until the age of 6 years, but the Danes believe strongly that being
around other children and integrating is important.
So children in child care will be exposed to personal development skills, language skills, social skills,
nature, movement and cultural values. This is regarded as a form of education in Denmark.
The government has said that waits should be no longer than 3 months and most people I have talked
to have not waited any longer.
Child care is not free and depending on where you live you can expect to pay up to 3000 kroner per
month per child.
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of privately run day cares and schools, especially
in smaller communities. When kommunes decide to close them down, the inhabitants of the area will
decide to start their own schools and daycares instead of having the children driven far away to
attend school.
Types of Schools
The first form of education in Denmark, that your children will be exposed to is when they
enter vuggesture.
The "vuggestue" is pronounced "vogue -ga- stew", which is for children ages 6 months to 3 years of
age.
After that your child will move into a brnehave or kindergarten which is for children ages 3 to 6
years of age.
After the age of 6, children start attending "Folkeskole" in their local kommune. You can apply for a
school outside your kommune.
There are 3 levels of schooling.
Grades 0-3 (where 0 is actually kindergarten and the children get a chance to integrate into a new
school system)
Grades 4-6
Grades 7-9
Schools will vary greatly from what you find in America and the UK. Teaching is done a bit more
loosely and in teams.
For example Grades 4-6 will be taught by a team of teachers who each have the freedom to choose
their own textbooks, materials and methods of teaching. There are no official grades as you find in
US schools. It is not until the 8th grade where grades are officially given and than in grade 9 the
students take their final exams.
After final exams, students can choose to contiue their education for another 3 years and take their ALevels ( studentereksamen) or go to a trade school /apprenticeship(ungdomsuddannelse).
After that you can continue to go to University or higher education.
International Schools
If you wish to expand your choice of education in Denmark, check out the International
Education in Denmark .
There are lots of International Schools throughout Denmark, tho most are found close to
Copenhagen.
Studenterkursus,
HF-Kursus,
higher education programmes which come under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs (e.g. Architecture, Music,
Fine Arts, and Librarianship). The Ministry of Education is responsible for short- and medium-cycle higher
education. The legislation covers the aims and framework of education, funding and in some cases
curricula, examinations and staffing. Higher education institutions are publicly financed and Stateregulated. The quality of higher education is ensured by ministerial approval of new programmes and
institutions, external examiners and an evaluation system. Although they have institutional autonomy,
institutions must follow general regulations concerning teacher qualifications, award structures, study
programmes and quality assurance. The relevant Ministries approve new programmes. The Danish
Evaluation Institute (EVA) is responsible for external quality assurance. Its evaluations form the basis for
accreditation of Professional Bachelor's programmes and private sector programmes in order to make
their students eligible for State study grants. The use of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)
became mandatory in all higher education study programmes on September 1st, 2001, the use of the
Diploma Supplement on September 1st, 2002.
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Bekendtgrelse af lov om ben uddannelse (erhvervsrettet voksenuddannelse) m.v. (LBK
n956) Year: 2003
Concerns: Institutions offering adult and continuing education
Decree: Bekendtgrelse af lov om Centre for Videregende Uddannelse og andre selvejende institutioner
for videregende uddannelser m.v. (LBK n1256) Year: 2004
Concerns: Centres for Higher Education/University Colleges
Decree: Bekendtgrelse af lov om Danmarks Evalueringsinstitut (LBK n905) Year: 2000
Concerns: Quality assurance
Decree: Bekendtgrelse af lov om uddannelse af lrere til folkeskolen (LBK n 981) Year: 2000
Concerns: Institutions that train Folkeskole teachers
Decree: Bekendtgrelse af lov om uddannelse af pdagoger (LBK n 980) Year: 2000
Concerns: Institutions that train pre-school teachers and educators
Decree: Bekendtgrelse af lov om vurdering af udenlandske uddannelseskvalifikationer m.v. (LBK
n74) Year: 2003
Concerns: Assessment and recognition of foreign qualifications
Decree: Bekendtgrelse om adgang m.v. ved bachelor-og kandidatuddannelser ved universiteterne (BEK
n362) Year: 2005
Concerns: Universities
Decree: Bekendtgrelse om adgang, indskrivning og orlov m.v. ved visse videregende uddannelser
(BEK n 149) Year: 2006
Concerns: Higher education institutions under the Ministry of Education
Decree: Bekendtgrelse
338) Year: 2004
om
bachelor-
og
kandidatuddannelser
ved
universiteterne
(BEK
og
videregende
uddannelse
practical studies and require the submission of a project/project paper. Having satisfied a number of
criteria such as links to research and development, most of these programmes now lead to the
Professional Bachelor's degree (Professionsbachelor). Most programmes give access to further studies
in the same field, typically a Master's programme (adult education) or, on certain conditions, a specific
Candidatus programme.
Teacher education:
Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers
Training of social educators for nurseries, kindergartens and the pre-school class is offered at educator
training colleges/centres for higher education. The programme takes 3 1/2 years and leads to the
award of the Bachelor in Social Education (professionsbachelor som pdagog). Training of primary
and lower secondary teachers is offered at teacher training colleges/centres for higher education.
Students are trained for teaching throughout the entire Folkeskole, which is a combined primary and
lower secondary school. The programme takes 4 years and leads to the award of the bachelor of
Education ( professionbachelor som folkeskolelrer). Further training of Folkeskole teachers takes
place at the Danish University of Education.
Training of secondary school teachers
In order to obtain permanent appointment, teachers in general upper secondary education are required
to hold a Candidatus (Master's) degree, normally in two subjects (major/minor) and to have completed
a 2-year supplementary course (pdagogikum) which includes further studies in the minor of the two
university subjects, educational theory and in-service teaching practice. Teachers in the hhx and htx
programmes must hold a Candidatus (Master's) degree and have completed a teacher training course
in addition to qualifications depending on the type of subjects they are to teach. Teachers of specialized
subjects must have a minimum of 2 years' relevant work experience.
Training of higher education teachers
Teachers in higher education institutions must hold a degree at least equivalent to the level at which
they are to teach. In addition, they must hold qualifications for teaching the subjects in question which
may be earned, for example, through research work, professional experience or periods abroad.
Non-traditional studies:
Distance higher education
Some programmes of open education (see section below) are offered as distance education. Students
meet with their teachers and co-students for two or three sessions per semester. The educational
institution provides the syllabus, exercises and guidance. Distance education may also be Internetbased.
Lifelong higher education
The Open Education scheme comprises all vocationally oriented programmes from basic vocational
education and training to long cycle higher education programmes, as well as short, condensed
courses. It is possible to follow courses at one's own pace. Participants can choose to follow particular
subjects or modules or to complete an entire course. Teaching may take place in the daytime, in the
evening, at week-ends or as distance learning. Institutions can offer all or parts of the courses they are
entitled to offer. Open education confers the same qualifications as the corresponding courses taken
under other forms. Entire courses and single subjects offered under the open education scheme may
lead to a fully recognized diploma. Admission requirements are the same as for the corresponding fulltime courses. Adult Education and Continuing Training Programmes are available at all levels of
education. Higher education qualifications are offered at three levels: Videregende voksenuddannelse
(advanced adult education) comparable to the short-cycle higher education level; Diplomuddannelse
(Diploma programmes) comparable to medium-cycle higher education/Bachelor's Degree level;
Masteruddannelse (Master programmes) comparable to long-cycle higher education/Candidatus
(Master's) Degree level. Most programmes consist of two years' part-time study, equivalent to one
year's full-time study. Admission requirements are a relevant prior qualification and at least two years'
professional experience. Institutions may accept applicants on the basis of other relevant qualifications.
The educational level of Danes is high. There are nine years of compulsory education,
and almost all education is a free benefit as part of the Danish welfare system.
Every Dane over the age of 18 is entitled to public support for his or her further education. From the
age of 18, young people receiving education may obtain public support, the so-called State
Educational Grant or "SU" (Statens Uddannelsessttte), so that no one is precluded from futher
education because of social or economic reasons.
Primary School
The primary school is comprehensive, i.e. the children are not divided up on the basis of ability or
social background. It is provided to all children from 6-16 years at age. Danish law stipulates 9 years
of compulsory schooling. The schools are normally divided in 10 years, beginning with an, optional,
introductory pre-school period and ending with a school-leaving examination.
Secondary education
After the primary school a wide range of upper secondary education programmes are available. These
include STX, HF, HHX, HTX and vocational educations. The various kinds of upper secondary level
education prepare students for higher education or a corporate position.
Higher education
Higher education comprises the university sector, which offers research-based undergraduate and
graduate programmes, as well as a parallel sector for professional bachelor, diploma programmes and
more business-oriented programmes. Most higher education institutions offer courses in English, and a
graduate level several English programmes such as MBA and MPA programmes are available.
Folk schools
Folk schools offer formal adult education. Most students are between 18 and 24 years old. The length
is typically 4 months. You sleep, eat, study and spend your spare time at the school. There are no
academic requirements for admittance and there are no exams. It is a special Danish phenomenon.
Life long education
Denmark has a long tradition for lifelong education. Courses at all levels and in subjects ranging from
cooking to international business economy are offered within and outside the public education system,
and often as a part of further education supported by employers. Courses in Danish language and
culture are offered at all levels and targeted at different groups of foreigners.
Education in Denmark is sponsored by the state and some of the institutions are self regulatory.
The education is mainly looked after by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science, Technology and
Education .The Ministry of Education sets up the structure of the syllabus at the primary and secondary levels.
The Ministry also maintains a good connection with the municipal councils in order to look after the 1 year pre- school
class. The Ministry of Education also oversees the higher educational structure and the technical colleges. The
business colleges and agricultural colleges also come under its administration.
The Universities act which was passed in the year 1992 has made the education system of Denmark a cohesive and
well organized. The various institutions regularly update their syllabus content according to the beneficial
requirements of the students. The teachers are also provided with adequate training methods to guide the students in
the right direction.
Denmark High School educational system is divided into three parts gymnasium,technical schools and business
schools. The compulsory subjects for the students are Danish Language and Literature,history and foreign
languages. The students have to attend high school based on the their essential qualifications and according to the
availability of seats. The students have the choice of various optional subjects as well and the scope for embarking
on an educational tour of Europe. Various kinds of cultural exploration trips are also organized to give the students a
n experience of practical training.
Another interesting aspect of Denmark High school is the Danish Folk High School which started in the nineteenth
century and is well distributed throughout the Danish countryside. The Danish Folk High School is home to the
following aspects of education:
A rural woman comes there with her young son to paint a model of pottery.
The boy also engages in some activity by playing soccer and also does a little bit of wall painting.
Some rectification programs are undertaken to prevent alcohol and drug habits.
A Danish Folk school is different in the sense that there are no gradation structures and marking given to the
students, so the question of competition does nor arise. It is not actually a part of the Danish educational system in
general but 85% of the funding comes from the state. So the Denmark High school is a mix of both the forms
discussed above.
There are various universities in Denmark offering an extensive range of education and students from across the
world go to study there . Some of the universities of Denmark and their activities have been described below:
Aalborg University
Aalborg University dates back to the year 1959 when it came into recognition under the leadership of Carl Willum
Hansen, the principal of a state high secondary school in Aaalborg. But it was officially inaugurated in the year 1974
when a a number of universities merged with it and it became Aaalborg University Center. The various departments
which function under the university are as follows:
The
Humanities
Department.- Communication
and
Psychology,
Education,Learning
and
Engineering ,Science and Medicine Departments -Architecture and Design, Biotechnology, Chemistry
and Environmental Engineering,Civil Engineering,Computer Science, Copenhagen Institute of Technology.
University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen has a collection of 37,000 students and over 7,000 employees .It is also the largest
educational and research institute of Denmark. There are over 100 institutes and departments working under the
banner of the university and some of them are given below:
1 Gymnasium
2 The Higher Preparatory Examination (HF)
Gymnasium[edit]
Main article: Gymnasium (Denmark)
The Gymnasium has its origin in the cathedral- and monastery schools established by
the Roman Catholic Church in the early Middle Ages, and seven of the schools established in
the 12th and 13th centuries still exist today. The medieval schools had, broadly speaking, only
one purpose: to educate the servants of the Catholic Church by teaching them to read, write,
and speak Latin and Greek. Following the Reformation's official implementation in 1536, the
schools were taken over by the Crown; their primary purpose remained preparing students for
theological studies, only now it was for the benefit of the Protestant Church.
This educational base remained nearly unchanged until 1809, when the old Clergyman's School
was transformed, in accordance with the spirit of the time, into a humanistic Civil Servant's
School, the purpose of which was to "foster true humanity" through immersion in the
ancient Greek and Latin cultures combined with some teaching of natural science and modern
languages.
In 1871, the scientific and technical development of the 19th century led to a division of the
education curriculum into two lines: the languages and the mathematics-science line. This
division remained the backbone of the structure of the Gymnasium until the year 2005, when a
major reform of the Gymnasium was enacted. Today, each Gymnasium offers a selection of
lines decided by each individual Gymnasium. These typically include various linguistic,
scientific, and creative lines, as well as combined-subject lines.
In 1903, the languages line was divided into a classical line, preserving extensive teaching in
Latin and Greek, and a modern languages line, in which Latin and Greek were replaced
by English, German, and French. At the same time, the three-year course of the Gymnasium
was directly connected with the municipal school through the establishment of
the mellemskole ("middle school", grades 6-9), later to be replaced by the realskole.
According to the latest reform, the Gymnasium still offers three years of general upper
secondary education in two lines. The division of the two lines into three branches each has
however been replaced by a more flexible system, under which each of the lines contains a core
curriculum of obligatory subjects and a number of optional subjects which can be taken at two
levels.
The HF is thus the "sweeper" of the general upper secondary education level. In the
Gymnasium, there is still an overrepresentation of middle class children (40% male/60%
female), whereas the HF recruits its predominantly female students from a broader base of
society (30% male/70% female).
Another reason for establishing the HTX-programme on an experimental basis was the need to
strengthen the status of the technical schools. Broad education and training possibilities at the
schools were to provide a broader and qualitatively better recruitment.
In 1982, the HTX-experiment was carried out at the technical schools in Snderborg, Aalborg,
and Copenhagen. The pilot period lasted until the spring of 1988, after which the programme
was evaluated and made permanent after minor adjustments had been made to the individual
subjects. On the same occasion, the HTX-examination was granted the status of a university
entrance examination, and the graduates were now in principle placed on an equal footing with
those of the Gymnasium, the HF and the HHX programmes as far as access to higher
education was concerned.