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Flexible part-time Master’s degree programmes

 

In the event of any inconsistency between the Danish and English language versions of the document, the Danish version prevails

 

Rules applying to flexible part-time Master’s degree programmes at the University of Aarhus

The University of Aarhus conducts flexible part-time Master’s degree programmes pursuant to the regulations contained in the Danish Act on further education for adults (“VFV-loven”) and the Executive Order on further education for adults (“VFV-bekendtgørelsen”).

Section 14 of the Act states that “The aim of part-time Master’s degree programmes is to equip adults to deal with highly qualified functions in companies, institutions etc. by developing their specialist and personal competencies on an academic basis”.

Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Executive Order state that flexible programmes consist of elements taken from existing degree programmes, ending in a final project. Flexible programmes are organised according to a personal education plan. They are conducted at the same level as approved part-time Master’s degree programmes, within the specialist area of the final project. Completion of such programmes entitles graduates to use the title “Master” followed by the main topic of the programme in brackets.[kandidatud­dannelse]

Personal education plans are drafted by a director of studies, and are subject to the approval of the dean according to the model outlined below.

Board of studies and director of studies

A personal education plan is drafted by the director of studies at the board of studies responsible for the specialist area of the final project. Personal education plans are subject to the approval of the dean.

Admission requirements

Admission to flexible part-time Master’s degree programmes depends on:

  1. Completion of a long or medium-term programme of higher education that is relevant for the study of the main topic (Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Professional Bachelor’s degree, medium-term programme of higher education, or diploma approved under the Executive Order). The dean may specify additional requirements regarding the subjects and subject levels to be included in the examination on which admission is based.
  2. At least two years of relevant work experience (related to the study of the main topic) after the degree programme on which admission is based.

Based on a specific assessment, the dean may submit to the rector that admission should be granted to applicants who do not comply with the general educational requirements if the dean deems that the applicant in question has the necessary qualifications to complete a flexible part-time Master’s degree. The dean may grant dispensation from additional requirements stipulated by the dean himself.

Dispensation cannot be granted from the requirement regarding relevant work experience.

Personal education plans

Personal education plans can only be drafted after registration for supervision. They are drafted in collaboration with the applicant based on the applicant’s work experience, life experience and previous education.

Pursuant to sections 5-6 of the Executive Order, personal education plans must describe the applicant’s entire degree programme, including the final project. Such plans identify the elements that the applicant must complete in order to conclude the required degree programme. Plans must contain:

  1. The basis of the applicant’s admission.
  2. The specialist profile, main topic and level of competence (Master) of the degree programme.
  3. The composition of the elements included in the programme, stating the number of ECTS points and any elements that have already been completed.
  4. Specification of the university at which the individual elements are to be completed or have already been completed.
  5. The order in which the elements of the programme are to be completed, and a recommended timetable for this.

If a flexible part-time Master’s degree programme is not completed within six years of signing the education plan, the plan lapses. If the education plan lapses, any new education plan is subject to the approval of the dean at the request of the applicant. The education plan is drafted by the director of studies.

At the request of a student, the dean may allow some deviation from the education plan, for example if an element in the programme has been changed significantly or is no longer on offer.

Structure, content, scope and duration

The elements of a flexible programme and the final project must constitute a total of one year of full-time study (60 ECTS points):

  • A minimum of 30 ECTS points must be acquired by studying a main topic.
  • A minimum of 12 ECTS points must be acquired in a final project within the main topic.
  • A maximum of 6 ECTS points must be acquired in programme elements that do not contain examinations, or elements completed at a private institution of education.

60 ECTS points constitute one year of full-time study.

The degree programme is subject to the same organisational principles as those applying to approved part-time Master’s degree programmes. The aim is to complete a part-time degree programme within a framework of up to three years.

The time allocated depends on investigation of the courses provided by the institution concerned, the wishes of the student, and any time limitations specified for the elements included in the plan.

In relation to the State Education Grant and Loan Scheme for Adults in Denmark, the final project may be completed as a full-time course of study if the entire project including any oral examination in the education plan is to be completed over a maximum of ten consecutive weeks.

Faglig profil og niveau

Ved sammensætningen af uddannelseselementer skal studielederen sikre, at der er en klar faglig pro­fil, indre sammenhæng og faglig progression i uddannelsen, og at der gennem uddannelsesforløbet opnås et kompetenceniveau, der svarer til de regulerede masteruddannelser.

The University of Aarhus can offer flexible part-time Master’s degree programmes if the final project lies within a special area in which the University conducts an approved Master’s degree programme or an approved part-time Master’s degree programme. The programme elements can comprise modules or single subjects in existing and approved degree programmes.

Programme elements at a university abroad and elements from existing programmes under other ministries, county councils etc. may also be included in the education plan.

The director of studies must ensure that applicants are given the opportunity to complete all elements of their education plans, and must sign the necessary agreements with other institutions. The faculty will send a copy of the education plan to any other institutions at which parts of the programme are to be carried out.

Specialist profile and level

When the programme elements are finalised, the director of studiesmust ensure that the programme has a clear specialist profile, coherence and progression. The level, order and composition of the individual programme elements plus the final project must ensure that the level of competence achieved corresponds to that of an approved part-time Master’s degree programme.

Examinations

For programme elements comprising a single subject or modules in programmes approved by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, regulations regarding the curriculum, examination requirements and examinations are laid down in the academic regulations of the programme of which the element concerned forms a part.

The final project is an individual written project connecting the individual programme elements. The topic of the final project must be within the main topic of the degree programme.

The director of studies nominates a supervisor whose approval is required before the project starts.

The final project is evaluated at an oral examination based on the final project. A single grade is given for the written final project and the oral performance combined.

The examination is individual, and lasts 30 minutes including evaluation and announcement of the result. There is no preparation time.

The supervisor and an examiner appointed by the Ministry evaluate the final project. A grade is given on the scale of 13, cf. Executive Order on grades and other forms of evaluation (bekendtgørelse om karakterskala).

Certificates

Certificates for completed flexible part-time Master’s degree programmes are issued by the University of Aarhus. The practical procedures are performed by the administrative offices that issue certificates for part-time Master’s degree programmes approved by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Complaints

Complaints about the University’s decisions under the executive order must be submitted to the Ministry of Education if they concern legal issues.

Complaints about the University’s decisions under these regulations must be submitted subject to the rules for complaints about decisions applying to approved degree programmes.

Payment by participants

Payment by participants for supervision prior to the adoption of a plan and for the final project shall be determined by the dean. Interdisciplinary coordination shall take place via committees and the secretariat, which is also the case for determination of payment by participants under the Executive Order on part-time degree programmes in general.

Deadlines

Supervision and education plan with a view to admission to a flexible part-time Master’s degree programme as of 1 September:

Application for supervision: 1 February.

Signature of education plan and admission to the first element of the plan: 1 June.

Supervision and education plan with a view to admission to a flexible part-time Master’s degree programme as of 1 February:

Application for supervision: 1 September.

Signature and admission to the first element of the plan: 1 November.

Legal basis

  • VFV-loven: Act no. 488 of 31 May 2000 on vocational basic studies and higher education (the further education system) for adults.
  • VFV-bekendtgørelsen: Executive Order no. 1206 of 15 May 2000 on flexible degree programmes under the higher education system for adults.
  • Universitetsloven: Act no. 403 of 28 May 2003 on universities etc. (the Universities Act).
  • Eksamensbekendtgørelsen: Regarding elements in approved part-time Master’s degree programmes and Master’s degree programmes.
  • Censorbekendtgørelsen: Regarding elements in approved part-time Master’s degree programmes and Master’s degree programmes.
  • Bekendtgørelse om karakterskala: Regarding elements in approved part-time Master’s degree programmes and Master’s degree programmes.

Niels Chr. Sidenius
Rector

Kirsten Andersen
head of secretariat