University of Southern Denmark (SDU)

The Master's Degree Programme in Biology at SDU provides a comprehensive education that integrates a strong foundation in natural sciences with cutting-edge knowledge and advanced experimental methodologies. Covering a wide range of subjects—from molecular biology to ecosystems and from ancient life forms to modern climate change—this programme emphasizes hands-on, experimental work conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories on campus in Odense, at the Marine Biological Research Centre in Kerteminde, and the Svanninge Bjerge Research Station, as well as at various locations across Denmark and around the globe. Graduates will be equipped with a versatile education, preparing them for diverse careers in the private sector, research, teaching, or public administration.

The Master’s programme in Chemistry at the University of Southern Denmark offers students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research on chemical compounds for new pharmaceuticals and modified DNA aimed at targeting infected cells. The first semester focuses on key disciplines such as spectroscopy, inorganic and organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and theoretical chemistry. In the second semester, students can either specialize in an area of interest or undertake a company project in Denmark or abroad. During the second year, students will work on a Master’s thesis, contributing to the development of new knowledge under the supervision of researchers from the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, with the option to collaborate with external researchers.

The Master's Degree Programme in Computational Biomedicine at the University of Southern Denmark focuses on the application of computer-based methods for modeling, simulation, and statistical analysis in the health sector and biotech and pharmaceutical industries. This programme delves into biological data science and the analysis of 'big data' to tackle complex biological and biomedical challenges using algorithms, databases, and statistical tools. Students will gain expertise in bioinformatics, biochemistry, and programming techniques, along with advanced skills in statistics, R programming, and data mining, including Deep Learning and AI. The curriculum also covers protein structure/function modeling and the design of observational and clinical studies, with opportunities to specialize in areas of interest through elective courses. This comprehensive education equips students to contribute to the understanding of biological processes and the discovery of novel disease genes, biomarkers, and treatment strategies.

The Master's Degree Programme in Computer Science at the University of Southern Denmark offers an education grounded in internationally recognized research, with opportunities to specialize in algorithms, cybersecurity and cloud computing, or data science and artificial intelligence. This programme provides a deep understanding of computer science, preparing students for international careers in areas such as optimization, artificial intelligence, cryptology, machine learning, and data mining across industries like software development, robotics, medicine, and finance. With a strong emphasis on both theoretical research and practical application, the programme challenges students to solve complex problems using advanced models, principles, and algorithms, fostering creativity and innovation through coding exercises and real-life projects from industry partners.

The Cultural Sociology program explores the transformations of cultural identities and social relations in the context of globalization, migration, welfare state restructuring, and the rise of social media. The course examines shifts in popular culture, body culture, and gendered identities, and investigates how cultural values and social relations influence economic practices, while emotions shape politics and social life. Key areas of study include changes in rural life and identity, civil-society issues, transformations in state-citizen relations, and the emergence and evolution of subcultures, countercultures, and social movements.

The Master’s Degree Programme in Data Science at our Kolding campus equips students with the expertise to process and analyze the rapidly growing volumes of global data, with a focus on practical and theoretical programming, statistics, machine learning, and database systems, alongside IT security and ethics. The programme blends a theoretical syllabus with hands-on projects and group work, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across diverse fields such as economics, digital marketing, and health. With all instruction and materials in English, the programme prepares students for a global career, offering specializations in Economics and Business Administration, Human Informatics, or ITC Systems. Whether or not you have prior programming experience, the curriculum is designed to build your skills from the ground up, provided you have a strong interest in learning and a good foundation in mathematics.

The two-year MSc in Economics provides students with the tools to drive societal welfare and progress while opening diverse career opportunities. Combining traditional economic theory with contemporary issues, the programme offers research-based teaching in economics, econometrics, and data science. Students are trained to critically analyze the world and develop strategies to make a positive impact, preparing them for professional success in a variety of fields.

This programme deepens your understanding of key financial issues within firms, equipping you with the expertise to manage critical financial decisions, such as those made by a CFO. By applying advanced accounting and finance models, you will be prepared to support and enhance management decisions across various types of organizations.

This programme delves into marketing communication processes from both corporate and brand perspectives, employing advanced socio-cultural theoretical frameworks to analyze consumer markets. Students will develop the skills to understand and address contemporary branding and communication challenges by applying cutting-edge marketing theories and advanced ethnographic methods. Alongside traditional branding and marketing insights, the programme offers a thorough exploration of the impacts of social media, creative consumers, and consumer resistance on marketing strategies.

This programme equips you with the analytical skills to harness data from various sources, combined with a solid understanding of business and an innovative mindset, to create new opportunities in dynamic markets. As data becomes increasingly vital in companies, you will learn to leverage it effectively to develop and launch new business ventures or enhance existing ones, both in Denmark and internationally. This unique blend of data expertise and business acumen prepares you to drive growth and innovation in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

This unique programme prepares you for the changing role of marketing and communication in a fast-paced globalized cultural economy. It teaches you to understand the relationships between marketing and culture as a foundation for adjusting to cultural differences, and responding to contemporary challenges and trends in consumer societies around the globe. You will learn to apply principles of cultural brand management and conduct ethnographic market research methods to gain deep and rich insights into consumer culture.

The two-year MSc in Human Resource Management equips students with the skills to effectively manage the people side of organizations, recognizing that employees are often a key competitive advantage. The program provides a solid foundation in human resource management, organizational behavior, strategy, communication, and leadership, with a focus on contemporary issues such as sustainable people management. Students benefit from a mix of mandatory courses and elective options, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests. This program, closely related to the Strategy and Organization and Organization of Innovation Processes programs, prepares graduates for impactful careers in HR and beyond, offering specialized courses in managing human resources within various organizational contexts.

The MSc in Innovation Management focuses on the critical role of innovation as a driver of long-term growth and sustained competitive advantage. This program equips students with the skills to manage business and corporate-level projects involving the development, introduction, and implementation of new technologies and methods. Emphasizing the connection between technological and commercial aspects of business, the program covers essential methods for managing technological innovation and business development. Students also gain expertise in using tools and techniques that support business development, consulting, and the effective management of innovation processes.

The MSc in International Business Strategy is structured to provide a comprehensive education in global business management, with six compulsory courses in the first two semesters (60 ECTS) covering international business strategy, strategic partnerships, organizational structures, marketing channels, and entrepreneurship, along with essential analytical and methodological skills. In the third semester, students can tailor their studies through a wide range of elective courses offered at SDU or opt to study abroad, with SDU's extensive network of partner institutions ensuring the transfer of relevant ECTS credits. The program culminates in a master thesis in the fourth semester (30 ECTS), allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world business challenges.

This MSc in Anthropology responds to the growing global demand for strategic anthropological insights in navigating global and local markets. Staying true to the discipline's roots, the program emphasizes ethnographic fieldwork, with students undertaking a major fieldwork project in their third semester, guided by an international group of researchers with expertise in market systems, organizations, and consumer culture across diverse environments—from the polar circle to the Amazon. The insights gained from this hands-on experience form the basis of the Master’s thesis, written in the fourth semester, allowing students to apply their findings to real-world challenges.

This MSc in Anthropology responds to the growing global demand for strategic anthropological insights in navigating global and local markets. Staying true to the discipline's roots, the program emphasizes ethnographic fieldwork, with students undertaking a major fieldwork project in their third semester, guided by an international group of researchers with expertise in market systems, organizations, and consumer culture across diverse environments—from the polar circle to the Amazon. The insights gained from this hands-on experience form the basis of the Master’s thesis, written in the fourth semester, allowing students to apply their findings to real-world challenges.

This programme provides a solid foundation for making strategic decisions related to the preparation, development, and use of economic and control systems within a firm. It covers the construction and application of both financial and non-financial information critical to strategic decision-making. Additionally, you will gain proficiency in methods and tools that are essential for generating the economic information needed to effectively manage a firm, making these skills central to the program's focus.

The MSc in Economics and Business Administration with a profile in Marketing, Social Media, and Digitalization equips students with advanced skills in marketing communication, digital business, consumer behavior, and competitive strategy. The program emphasizes both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, complemented by specialized electives in brand management and marketing strategy. Through a dynamic mix of project work, group activities, and interactive lectures, students gain the expertise needed to navigate and manage the evolving demands of marketing, social media, and digitalization within organizations. The curriculum, structured over eight quarters, fosters intensive engagement with professors and peers, ensuring the development of a robust business vocabulary and practical, managerial insights essential for thriving in competitive environments.

The MSc in Economics and Business Administration with a focus on entertainment markets, sports, and event sectors delves into the intersection of these industries with key marketing and organizational strategies. The program covers topics such as governance in sports companies, project management, and innovation management, alongside strategy and competition in marketing. Students develop robust methodological skills in both qualitative and quantitative research, supported by elective courses tailored to the program, with additional options from other master studies at Campus Esbjerg. Structured over eight quarters, the program combines project work, group activities, and lectures, fostering an interactive learning environment where students engage closely with professors and peers, enhancing their industry-specific vocabulary and practical understanding essential for future careers in these dynamic fields.

The MSc in Economics and Business Administration with a focus on Strategy & Organization equips students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to effectively analyze, formulate, and implement strategies within organizations. Rooted in a robust theory-based framework, the program emphasizes the application of analytical tools, such as organizational experiments, to make systematic, informed decisions about strategy and organizational design. It addresses contemporary challenges, including those posed by remote work and emerging technologies like AI. Taught by the Strategic Organization Design unit—an interdisciplinary, internationally recognized research group—the program integrates the latest research insights and methods, ensuring students are well-prepared to engage with strategy and organization specialists in their future careers.

The MSc in Sustainability Management, spanning two years, prepares you to evaluate and address the environmental, social, and economic impacts of businesses and organizations. The program equips you with essential tools for developing and assessing sustainability strategies, focusing on decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. Graduates will be well-suited for diverse roles such as Sustainability Manager, Business Analyst, Consultant, or Corporate Social Responsibility Manager across various sectors including private companies, government bodies, and international institutions. Additionally, the program provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing a Ph.D. and an academic career.

The Environmental and Resource Management program offers a multidisciplinary approach that combines natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences to address and resolve the environmental challenges of the future. The course provides students with analytical and empirical skills essential for creating sustainable solutions and balancing environmental, economic, and social interests. By integrating various perspectives and methodologies, the program equips students to develop effective strategies and approaches for managing and mitigating complex environmental issues.

The Master’s program in International Conflicts and Security equips students with the skills needed to understand and manage the evolving landscape of global conflicts and security issues. Taught by international experts in international politics and law, the program provides a deep interdisciplinary approach to analyzing contemporary, complex, and volatile conflicts that can endure for decades. Students gain insight into the multifaceted nature of modern security challenges and develop the expertise necessary to help organizations navigate and prepare for these dynamic environments. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing graduates to address the intricacies of conflict, development, and peace enforcement in a rapidly changing world.

The MA in American Studies is a two-year interdisciplinary program that provides a comprehensive examination of the United States, a nation often perceived as a monolithic culture despite its rich diversity. The program delves into American culture, politics, economics, literature, and society, exploring the complexities of a country with over 300 million people across fifty states. By integrating insights from various disciplines, the course equips students to understand and analyze the multifaceted American cultural identities and the evolving dynamics between the U.S. and the global community.

The program is designed to prepare graduates for key roles in global organizations by integrating economics, marketing, and management with language, culture, and communication. It provides a deep understanding of these disciplines, enabling students to excel in international business, negotiation, and intercultural communication. Offering five distinct profiles, the program draws on robust research environments from the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences, ensuring a comprehensive education that addresses the global nature of business and politics. Graduates will be equipped with the skills needed to navigate and lead in diverse and cross-cultural settings.

The course explores the multifaceted nature of English, examining whether it represents a single language spoken globally in various national, regional, and local dialects, or if it functions more as a lingua franca, encompassing several languages with shared elements. It also delves into the diverse literatures written in English and the historical and cultural evolution of English-speaking nations. Through this analysis, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and commonalities within the English language and its global impact.

The MSc in Public Health Science equips students with expertise in political, social, and economic strategies for enhancing population health. The program emphasizes global health, health economics, and health promotion, and provides a diverse, international learning environment that prepares students to address complex public health challenges on local, national, and global scales. Key topics include reducing health inequalities, supporting healthy choices, and organizing effective prevention campaigns. The curriculum also explores the impact of international crises, such as war and climate change, on healthcare systems and migrant health. By combining policy analysis with behavioral science, medicine, sociology, epidemiology, and statistics, the program prepares graduates to excel in health planning, development, counseling, economic evaluations, and research aimed at disease prevention and health promotion.

The Master's Degree Programme in Mathematics at the University of Southern Denmark deepens your understanding of scientific theories and methods while enhancing your ability to work independently and communicate complex academic concepts clearly. The program integrates the study of mathematics as both a field of abstract elegance and a tool for practical application across various sciences, including astronomy, physics, chemistry, computer science, economics, and technology. Students engage with a wide range of mathematical disciplines, including analysis, geometry, discrete mathematics, statistics, and numerical analysis, through both theoretical exploration and practical problem-solving. This comprehensive approach prepares graduates to contribute to scientific research and manage business functions effectively.

The MSc in Mechanical Engineering equips graduates with the expertise to tackle complex structural problems and develop innovative, safe, and sustainable products. The program provides specialized knowledge in product development, technical analysis, and mechanical design, preparing students for roles in designing and analyzing both simple and high-tech products, such as robots and wind turbines. Through problem-based projects, students gain hands-on experience in welfare technology, sustainability, and production. Combining theoretical coursework with practical project work, the program involves collaboration with industry partners on real-world development projects, making it ideal for those who wish to delve deeply into theory while becoming specialists in their field.

The Master's Degree Programme in Medicinal Chemistry immerses students in the research and development of chemical substances for use in new pharmaceuticals. Building on your Bachelor's degree, the program offers advanced courses in spectroscopy, molecular modeling, medicinal chemistry, and biological chemistry, alongside electives that deepen your expertise in drug development. This comprehensive curriculum equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the creation of innovative pharmaceutical solutions.

The MSc in Business, Language, and Culture at the University of Southern Denmark’s international Sonderburg Campus is designed for those aiming to build a career in business, economics, and management while enhancing their intercultural communication and language skills. The program offers an excellent opportunity to deepen your expertise in marketing, business economics, and business administration, all while cultivating a strong awareness of intercultural dynamics and advancing your proficiency in business languages.

The MSc in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology is ideal for those with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology who wish to advance their expertise. This program prepares you for diverse roles in industries such as phytopharmacology, food production, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, process development, and biorefineries. You will gain the skills to design, revamp, and optimize chemical and biotechnical processing plants and products, considering technical, resource, and environmental factors. The program also equips you to conduct laboratory work, develop and validate analytical methods, and take on consultancy, research, and project management roles in chemical, environmental, and biotechnological industries.

The MSc in Engineering - Electronics equips you with specialized expertise in power electronics and embedded systems, critical components in nearly all modern electronic devices. The program teaches you to integrate these two fields in practical applications, positioning you at the forefront of developing the intelligent products of the future. For instance, hybrid and electric vehicles rely on power electronics and advanced control systems to minimize energy consumption. This program prepares you to play a central role in shaping innovative, energy-efficient technologies.

The MSc in Engineering, Innovation, and Business equips you with the skills to turn innovative ideas into profitable ventures by combining engineering expertise with business acumen. This program prepares you to analyze new business and technological opportunities, assess their commercial potential, and play a pivotal role in digital transformation. Whether you're aiming to launch your own startup or pursue a career as a project manager or business developer, you'll gain competencies in product and process development, along with a strong foundation in finance and market research. Conducted in an international, English-speaking environment, this program provides the tools to excel in the dynamic intersection of innovation and business.

The MSc in Environmental Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark prepares you to address massive climate challenges and resource scarcity by becoming a specialist in eco-friendly and sustainable solutions. The program provides a deep understanding of the environmental impacts of consumption and equips you with the skills to design environmentally efficient systems, products, and technologies. As a graduate, you will be qualified to serve as an environmental expert in industry, consultancies, government agencies, or research institutions, leading the way toward a greener, more sustainable future.

The MSc in Mechatronics equips you with the skills to innovate at the intersection of mechanics, electronics, and software, which are integral to everything from robots to household appliances. This program prepares you to develop smaller, faster information technology products and energy-efficient solutions. With a deep understanding of Mechatronics, you'll be able to create advanced control systems that address future technological demands, offering innovative solutions to everyday challenges.

The MSc in Engineering - Operations Management prepares you to lead and execute technically complex development projects in sustainable manufacturing and beyond. You will gain expertise in production technologies and supply chain management, enabling you to design solutions that leverage global conditions for competitive advantage. Your skills will also be applicable in sectors like healthcare, where equipment and processes are managed like production systems. As an Operations Management engineer, you'll learn to navigate strategic, tactical, and operational levels, implementing solutions that effectively integrate process technologies, production, and supply chain strategies within dynamic market environments.

The MSc in Physics and Technology merges the analytical depth of physics with the practical innovation of engineering, equipping you to tackle pressing societal challenges like energy and climate through the intelligent use of materials. This program provides specialist skills in the design, modeling, fabrication, and analysis of functional materials, bridging fundamental knowledge with an application-oriented approach. With a focus on real-world applications ranging from advanced sensor technology for medical diagnosis and food analysis to the development of enhanced renewable energy sources, this academic profile offers a fast track to employment in cutting-edge technological fields.

The MSc in Physics and Technology merges the analytical depth of physics with the practical innovation of engineering, equipping you to tackle pressing societal challenges like energy and climate through the intelligent use of materials. This program provides specialist skills in the design, modeling, fabrication, and analysis of functional materials, bridging fundamental knowledge with an application-oriented approach. With a focus on real-world applications ranging from advanced sensor technology for medical diagnosis and food analysis to the development of enhanced renewable energy sources, this academic profile offers a fast track to employment in cutting-edge technological fields.

The MSc in Engineering - Product Development and Innovation (PDI) is designed for those with a bachelor's degree in engineering who want to specialize in product design, technological development, and innovation. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes the integration of technology and social sciences, focusing on the interaction between them and the broader world. You will gain a comprehensive education in product development and innovation, combining engineering expertise with innovation management. The program equips you with the skills to develop products, services, and system processes, integrating design engineering with technology and innovation management. Understanding both technology-driven innovation and market-driven demand, you will be prepared to lead and manage innovation processes that truly make an impact.

The MSc in Engineering - Robot Systems prepares you to contribute to cutting-edge developments in drone and robot technology. You will gain expertise in creating advanced robots with artificial intelligence for applications in hospitals, industry, and private homes, or in developing unmanned aerial systems (drones) for tasks such as inspecting power lines, aiding agriculture, delivering medical supplies, or conducting search and rescue operations. The program offers two specializations: Advanced Robotics Technology and Drones and Autonomous Systems, with the latter available as a full four-semester track starting September 2020. Through this degree, you will acquire competencies in computer science, electronics, unmanned aerial systems, and robotics, alongside a deep understanding of complex technological environments.

The MSc in Software Engineering prepares you to develop cutting-edge software that enhances user experiences and meets societal and business needs. As a graduate, you could pursue careers as a software developer, IT systems architect, or project manager, working on mobile apps, IT security, and online solutions. The program focuses on creating and refining state-of-the-art software products and services, emphasizing both technical excellence and user-centric design. You will study key areas including Software Engineering, Programming, Information Technology, Industry and Society, and Engineering Foundation and Practice, equipping you with the skills to develop innovative solutions and improve existing technologies.

The MSc in Software Engineering prepares you to develop cutting-edge software that enhances user experiences and meets societal and business needs. As a graduate, you could pursue careers as a software developer, IT systems architect, or project manager, working on mobile apps, IT security, and online solutions. The program focuses on creating and refining state-of-the-art software products and services, emphasizing both technical excellence and user-centric design. You will study key areas including Software Engineering, Programming, Information Technology, Industry and Society, and Engineering Foundation and Practice, equipping you with the skills to develop innovative solutions and improve existing technologies.

The MSc in IT Product Design explores the impact of intelligent products on future lifestyles and workflows by emphasizing innovative solutions that engage users. This program pushes the boundaries of product design by fostering empathy and responsibility in creating sustainable changes. It combines critical judgment, an open-minded approach, and skills beyond traditional engineering and computer science, focusing on the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. Through this program, you will develop the competencies needed to design and implement successful products and services that positively benefit the world.

The MSc program in Web-Based Communication focuses on the interaction between humans and technology, blending research-based knowledge with practical challenges. The curriculum explores the opportunities and challenges of web technology in knowledge management and communication, teaching you to evaluate and apply theories and methods in communication, interaction, and IT. You will gain hands-on experience in designing and developing digital applications and information products relevant to web-based communication, including the design and testing of web applications. The program emphasizes a dynamic interplay between theory and practice through both research and practical development projects.

The MSc in Physics at the University of Southern Denmark offers a specialized education in fundamental areas of the discipline, including computational physics, particle physics, cosmology, quantum optics, and soft matter and statistical physics. The program is driven by the quest to describe and predict natural phenomena and to uncover the basic laws governing the universe. With internationally recognized research groups leading the way, you will benefit from a dynamic and versatile academic environment that emphasizes cutting-edge research and a deep understanding of the physical principles that underpin our knowledge of the world.

The MSc in Demography and Population Studies explores the complexities of population changes and their impact on contemporary societies. Focusing on key demographic behaviors such as migration, fertility, and mortality, this program equips you with the tools to understand and analyze the effects of population growth and aging. You will gain insights into how these demographic shifts challenge societies and inform policies, preparing you to address critical issues related to population dynamics and their broader implications.