Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences, Science

With its mix of youthful energy, culture, and innovation, Aarhus University (AU) offers an immersive and integrated academic experience. Located in Denmark’s second largest city, AU strikes a balance between the vibrancy of urban life and the connection of a close-knit, student-friendly community. The large student population contributes to a lively atmosphere, with abundant cultural, social, and academic activities. The combination of academic excellence, diverse cultural offerings, and a student-centered social scene makes Aarhus University an ideal location for students seeking both immersion into the local student community and a rich, fulfilling academic experience. 

Unique study opportunities

  • Engage in cross-faculty programs such as cognitive science, environmental studies, and digital innovation, which merge perspectives from different academic areas and offer a more holistic understanding of complex issues.
  • Contribute to campus sustainability initiatives through projects focused on renewable energy, waste reduction, and sustainable urban development. 

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Danish Language Study: None

There are no Danish language courses offered at Aarhus University.

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: Two to four courses for a total of 20-24 quarter/13.3-16 semester UC units
  • If you are enrolled in two or three courses, you may take one course for pass/no pass
  • If you are enrolled in four courses, you may take two courses for pass/no pass

Current Program Courses

Aarhus University (AU) is world renowned and features comprehensive English curriculum available to UC students at its main faculties:

  • The Faculty of Arts focuses on the humanities, history, culture, linguistics, philosophy, media, communications, sociology, global studies, literature, and anthropology. 
  • The Faculty of Technical Sciences has a strong emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy in the fields of mechanical engineering, computer engineering, and environmental science.  
  • The Faculty of Natural Sciences covers disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, and computer science.  
  • The School of Business and Social Sciences (BSS) is one of the largest academic units at AU, offering programs in economics, business administration, political science, sociology, law, and psychology.  

Most courses on this program are at the upper-division undergraduate level.  

The fall semester runs into the month of January. If you are studying during the fall only, you will need to select courses that will allow you to complete final exams in December.

Course Restrictions

Not all courses are open to exchange students. Some faculties and departments require a strong background in the subject to be admitted. For more information, review the Course Information & Restrictions.

Research and independent study are typically not available on this program.

Catalogs and resources

  • Aarhus University Course Catalog: To use this catalog, select "Autumn Semester" or "Spring Semester" for period. Search by faculty, department, or key words. Type "Bachelor" in the search bar to filter for courses at the bachelor level.
  • Aarhus University Course Information & Restrictions: Review the eligibility requirements and course restrictions for exchange students by faculty and department.
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings. 
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location. There are currently no listings for this program in the database.

Academic culture

Teaching at Aarhus University includes innovative teaching methods an an informal learning environment, and is generally structured around large lectures, discussion-based seminars, and practical exercises in the sciences. Study groups are a central part of university life. Not only can study groups benefit your studies, but they are a helpful way to meet other students. We recommend joining a study group at the beginning of the semester. Many professors require students to make one or two oral presentations during the semester, and these presentations are prepared in study groups.

The greatest academic challenge UCEAP students face at Aarhus University is being self-disciplined. There are few or no assignments during the semester and few hours in class per week. This has led some students to underestimate the vast independent work required to succeed in classes and perform well on projects and papers.  Most courses require extensive independent reading in addition to final exams. If you are highly self-motivated, you will do well in the Danish university system.

The exam system at Danish universities is unlike most other systems in Europe. Your final grade reflects only the official exams you complete during the semester. Most courses will have a single final exam, typically an oral or written exam. Oral exams are common in Danish education and may be new to UC students. For the most part, oral presentations, papers, attendance, participation, and other smaller projects throughout the term are not graded. Some courses may require attending at least 75% of all course lessons and active participation to pass the course.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework.  

Grades for the fall semester are typically available in March. Grades for the spring semester are typically available in September.

Tip: If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.