Flexible PhD programmes (3+5 and 4+4)

It is possible to start your PhD project before obtaining your Master's degree.

As a PhD student on a flexible PhD programme, you are simultaneously enrolled in a Master's programme and in the PhD programme, complying with all requirements in both programmes. 

Study structure

The chart below shows how a flexible PhD programme can be structured while comparing it to the structure of the ordinary PhD programme.

Flexible models The PhD programme is prescribed to 180 ECTS, equalling three years workload. Most Master's programmes are prescribed to 120 ECTS equalling two years workload. Any course or thesis activities from the Master's programme cannot be credit transferred to the PhD programme.

Part A is completed, when the PhD student obtains the Master's degree. This is followed by Part B, which is two years of 100 % PhD studies. The Master’s degree must not be obtained before you also have completed one year of PhD studies in the Part A.

For Master's programmes which are more than 120 ECTS (e.g. medicine), Part A is extended accordingly. 

You can work on your Master's programme and your PhD in Part A simultaneously. You can also take a semester or a quarter where you focus either on your Master's programme or your PhD.

 

You do not get more time for doing research, but you get a longer time period to conduct your research and your PhD project.

A majority of PhD students on the flexible models are already affiliated to the research environment, where the PhD project is to be carried out.

From the supervisor's point of view, the university or hospital can attract or maintain highly talented students.

 

  • Like all other PhD students, you must have a project, a supervisor and funding.
  • You must complete a time and activity schedule for the entire enrolment period together with your supervisor.
    This period totals to three years of PhD study plus the remaining study elements of your Master's programme.
    We recommend that you have at least 1 year left of your Master's programme.
  • If relevant, apply for exemption in your Master's programme for extended study time or any study activity requirements.
    Find further information at the study pages of your Master's programme at KUnet.
  • Consult the Graduate School for a calculation of your enrolment period, equaling three years of PhD plus the remainder of your Master’s programme. Your request must include a recommendation from your supervisor specifying why the project is suitable as a flexible model, and your time and activity schedule.
  • Apply for enrolment at the Graduate School and include your time and activity schedule.
  • You can apply for study start any time of the year.

 

  • Like all other PhD students, you must have a project, a supervisor and funding.
  • Apply for admission to a Master's programme at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Enclose a letter of recommendation from your supervisor, stating that you will also enrol in the flexible PhD programme.
  • You must complete a time and activity schedule for the entire enrolment period together with your supervisor. This period totals to three years of PhD study plus two years of Master's programme. 
  • If relevant, apply for exemption in your Master's programme for extended study time or any study activity requirements.
    Find further information at the UCPH Master's programmes.
  • After being admitted to the Master's programme, you can apply for enrolment in the Graduate School. Enclose documentation for admission to your Master's programme and state that the application is for the flexible PhD model.
  • Study start is usually 1 September or 1 February.

 

Stipend, salary, PhD tuition fee, running costs etc. must be covered by your supervisor or department.

Tuition fee

  • If you are a non-EU citizen, the tuition fee for the Master's programme will be waived by the University of Copenhagen. Danish and EU citizens do not pay such tuition fee.
  • The PhD tuition fee must be paid annually in the first three years of your enrolment period. The annual fee is DKK 50,000.

Salary

  • If you conduct your PhD at a hospital, the Graduate School recommends that you are offered a scholar stipend in Part A. Talk to your supervisor.
  • If you are employed at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, you will receive a stipend equivalent of 48 grant portions during Part A. Each portion is equivalent to the current level of Danish state education grant. You will be offered 150 working hours each year as a student assistant at your department during Part A. Contact SUND HR and your department. 
  • When you start Part B, you will obtain salary like other PhD students.