By Lea Laursen Pasgaard, AAU Communication and Bo Jeppesen, Rector's Office. Translated by LeeAnn Iovanni, AAU Communication. Photo: Lasse Møller Badstue, AAU Communication

Halving the length of up to half of the Danish Master's programmes, primarily in the social sciences and humanities, 5,000 business Master's places, 2,500 new international study places and better opportunities for further education throughout life. These are the main elements of the reform proposal for the university programmes that the SVM government (Social Democrats, Liberal, Moderates) presented at a press conference on 2 March.

AAU's rector, Per Michael Johansen, is not pleased that the government is insisting on shortening the length of Master's programmes.

- I fundamentally believe that Denmark needs more knowledge, not less. Our graduates can handle complex issues and connect large amounts of knowledge. There is not less need for this in the future. We will fight for good academic programmes in the future as well. As for the government's stated goal of programmes with more contact with private and public companies and feedback – AAU is quite strong in this regard, says the rector.

Also a need for two-year Master’s at SSH

The new Master's programmes of one and one-quarter academic years will be offered in all main areas, but to varying degrees. The government proposes that the majority be offered in the social sciences and humanities and to a lesser extent in the health sciences, natural sciences and technical areas.

- I don't agree at all with the notion that there is not as much need for two-year programmes in SSH. We are business oriented when we educate, and when we develop and evaluate our degree programmes. Cooperation between students from all disciplines and companies is something we have been involved in for many years at AAU. The humanities and social science programmes are no exception, states the rector.

- That said, I also see positive elements in the government’s initiative. At AAU, we certainly welcome the fact that more international students will once again have the opportunity to study in Denmark, and I also see more opportunities in the initiative's focus on further and continuing education, he adds.

Several elements match AAU's profile

The rector also sees opportunities in the government’s desire to develop Master’s degrees for working professionals, and in the focus on increasing the interaction between the programmes and the business community and public sector authorities.

- This is really one of the strengths of our programmes at AAU. Our students are already skilled at collaborating with their surroundings; they also have close contact with their teachers and our PBL model also puts a lot of emphasis on feedback and cooperation. 

Will contribute to the work ahead

The government's reform proposal will lead to major changes in the university sector, and the rector and the rest of the management will follow the political negotiations closely. The management will also actively participate in the work ahead to develop the final plan, including through Universities Denmark.

- We will of course take part in the work ahead on the reform. I believe that we have good experience with the way we organise our degree programmes that matches some of what the government wants to see in future programmes, the rector concludes.