In the event of any inconsistency between the Danish and English language versions of the document, the Danish version prevails |
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:
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:
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):
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
Niels Chr. Sidenius
Rector
Kirsten Andersen
head of secretariat