SDU’s Rector on the Master’s Degree Reform – SDU must forge stronger connections between studies and business

A major reorganisation presenting several challenges

As a starting point, SDU has to convert up to 30 per cent of its master’s programmes to new formats. But the challenges vary depending on the format, Jens Ringsmose emphasises.

– The Master’s Degree Reform is largely driven by a desire to forge stronger connections between the universities and the business community, which is why the Reform places such a strong emphasis on master’s degree programmes for working professionals.

The one-year master’s programmes of 75 ECTS credits are traditional full-time programmes, which the universities have considerable freedom to organise. For this reason, the reorganisation process is different from that of the master’s degree programmes for working professionals, which are based on close collaboration between students, employers and the universities.

– With regard to the 75-ECTS master’s programmes, the challenge is to put together high-quality but shorter study programmes. The programme structure is basically well-known, but it places significant demands on how we organise the academic content, progression and workload.

The master’s degree programmes for working professionals present a different picture.

– The challenge here is that the model requires close collaboration between three parties: businesses, students and the university. If we are to succeed, all three parties need to see a clear benefit in the format, explains Jens Ringsmose.

He also points out that SDU’s growth profile may make the task more challenging for SDU than for other universities.

– We expect to welcome more master’s students in the coming years, but there is still a fixed quota for the number students we are permitted to enrol on 120-ECTS master’s programmes. This means that the proportion of study places we will need to convert is likely to exceed the 30 per cent specified in the agreement.

Closer to the Region and to employers

To the extent that the Reform also presents a strategic opportunity for SDU, this lies primarily in the University’s regional rooting, says Jens Ringsmose.

– Our ambition is to have strong regional roots and to deliver world-class education and research. This also means that, to a significant extent, we are educating graduates who will enter a regional labour market.

He highlights SDU’s extensive presence in Southern Denmark and the University’s close links with businesses and institutions in the Region of Southern Denmark as a strength. For graduates of the master’s programmes for working professionals, this contact may prove crucial.

– We aim to ensure a good match between our graduates and the needs of employers. And the closer the link between the University and the business community, the greater the likelihood that we will educate graduates who have the skills that are in demand.

– But this has never been done before in Denmark, and the only thing we can be absolutely certain of is that we’ll be in for a surprise. As the Reform is implemented, issues, challenges and opportunities that we had not anticipated will undoubtedly arise.

Removing rigid barriers

According to Jens Ringsmose, a key element of the Master’s Degree Reform is to remove some of the barriers that have characterised the universities’ approach to education.

– In many respects, the Master’s Degree Reform is an effort to break down the barriers between universities and the surrounding society. In my view, the Reform is primarily about connecting our students with the business community at an earlier stage, which will make their transition from studying to working life smoother.

He also sees the Reform as a break with the notion that first you get an education and then you pursue a career.

– The Reform is an attempt to remove several barriers. Between university and society, and between stages of life, in which you first pursue an education and then start working. If we succeed, the Reform will reduce these barriers, which will lead to much more interaction between educational institutions, people who are interested in getting and education and the business sector.

Let’s focus on making it a success

Jens Ringsmose makes no secret of the fact that the Reform does not stem from the universities’ own wishes. Nevertheless, this does not change how SDU is approaching the task now.

– The Reform has been adopted; it now constitutes the framework conditions of our work, and we will do everything we can to ensure our success. We will work to ensure that we create the best possible opportunities for our students.

– We are also aware that the Reform offers a number of opportunities. For instance, in the field of further and continuing education, the 45-ECTS supplementary programme offers some exciting opportunities.

For SDU, the key question will be whether the new types of programme will actually prove attractive to both students and employers – not merely whether the University will meet the formal requirements of the Reform.

– If we can develop attractive, converted degree programmes, and if businesses see the value in hiring graduates of master’s programmes for working professionals, we will have come a long way, says Jens Ringsmose.