Københavns Universitet (University of Copenhagen), Denmark
The University of Copenhagen is the oldest University in Denmark – founded in 1479. With over 37,000 students and more than 7,000 employees, the University of Copenhagen is the largest institution of research and education in Denmark.
Who can go?
Postgraduate research students in the School of Social Anthropology.
There is usually a place for one postgraduate research students for a period of one semester in each academic year. Places available may vary from year to year depending on the exchange balance.
How to apply
Interested students must check that there is an academic at the University of Copenhagen who can act as their host supervisor.
Students should discuss the opportunity with their supervisor and request further details from the School’s study abroad coordinator. In the event of multiple applicants for this exchange, the School of Social Anthropology’s postgraduate committee will decide which application to prioritise.
Applications should be submitted in suitable time to be considered and processed before the nomination deadline for the University of Copenhagen. The deadlines are:
- 1 May for Semester 1
- 1 October for Semester 2.
Successful applicants will be required to complete the University of Copenhagen's application for admission by the deadline set by Copenhagen.
Current students can contact study abroad coordinators to find out more.
Your studies
The academic year at the University of Copenhagen is split into two semesters:
- Semester 1 runs from early September to late January.
- Semester 2 runs from early February to late June.
The Faculty of Social Sciences offers an orientation meeting, Danish language courses and social events.
The working language of the department is English. Danish language courses are available before the start of each semester in January and August, and during the study terms (September to December and February to May).
Passports and visas
You should ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your trip, and for at least six months after you return to the UK. You should scan your passport and keep a copy for your records.
If you are a European Union national, you will not require a visa and may enter the European Union countries with your passport or national identity card. Please note that you may have to comply with legal obligations, such as registering your address with the local authorities.
If you are an international student who has a visa to study in the UK, and you have any questions about the implications of studying or working abroad whilst matriculated at St Andrews, you should consult Student Services by emailing advint@st-andrews.ac.uk. You can also check the passports and visas page for further information.
About the University
The University of Copenhagen is the oldest University in Denmark – founded in 1479. With over 37,000 students and more than 7,000 employees, the University of Copenhagen is the largest institution of research and education in Denmark. The university consists of eight faculties with approximately one hundred different departments, laboratories, centres and museums, and over 200 programmes for study.
The Department of Anthropology is one of the largest Anthropology departments in Europe, and has a strong international reputation. Its staff see fieldwork as the cornerstone of anthropological knowledge production and pride themselves on covering all major ethnographic regions of the world. The Department offers a range of courses for PhD students and a lively programme of events. The University also has a large number of interdisciplinary research centres.
Finance
As an exchange student, you will not pay tuition fees to your host university, and will only be liable for your normal St Andrews tuition fees.
Research Council students should make sure that they have their funding body’s permission to study abroad, notifying them particularly for any mobility grants that they may be receiving.
The University of Copenhagen has information on living costs.
St Andrews students authorised to study or work abroad as part of their degree programme will be covered by the University’s insurance policy. For more information see the travel insurance webpage.
Accommodation
The University of Copenhagen Housing Foundation offers a number of rooms in halls of residence (kollegier), shared apartments and apartments in various parts of Copenhagen for international students and staff. Postgraduate students should have access to the same options as international staff, including apartments suitable for students accompanied by partners and children. To access the booking system as staff, you will need to liaise with the Housing Foundation and, after checking your eligibility, they will send you a unique link to access the system.
Students should apply for accommodation along with their application for admission. Housing applications are processed as they are received until all available rooms have been allocated and exchange students are therefore not guaranteed university accommodation. Note that university accommodation is not on-campus, and is offered by a housing federation independent of the University of Copenhagen.
You should be prepared to find private accommodation if necessary. Most people search for housing in the Greater Copenhagen area, and it is normal to commute to the university.
Please note that the University of St Andrews is unable to guarantee housing at any partner institution.
Travel and transport
If you arrive by plane, you will arrive at Copenhagen International Airport (Kastrup), which is located 8 kilometres south of the city centre on the island of Amager. You can get from the airport to the city by train, bus or taxi. It is easy to get from the airport to the city centre by train or metro. The ride from the airport to the city centre takes about 15 minutes.
If you are going to live in the southern part of Copenhagen, it may be more convenient to get a bus from the airport, as you do not need to get all the way to the city centre. Bus number 250S runs from the airport. Tickets can be purchased on the bus. Note that buses do not accept credit cards; you need cash.
To plan your route, you may wish to visit Rejseplnen's webpage.
Copenhagen has ample public transportation. Many students cycle around the city, so investing in a bike may be a good idea.
Student support
Copenhagen offers a Student Counselling service.
Please be aware that student support services will be different across all of partner universities.
Contact
Global Office
University of St Andrews
A11
Bute Building
Westburn Lane
St Andrews
KY16 9TS
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2245
Email: studyabroad@st-andrews.ac.uk