‘It’s historic’

Very early on in the conversation, it becomes clear that the two researchers are deeply committed to SDU Esbjerg’s newest addition to its portfolio of degree programmes. It is also clear that they are passionate about their subject area – and that SDU has chosen wisely by entrusting them with the responsibility for developing the degree programme in psychology and a new research environment focusing on community psychology.

- This is the last time in my lifetime that a new psychology programme will be developed. It’s historic, and we’re very much looking forward to realising our ambitions, says Pernille Hviid.

She has been employed at SDU since 1 April this year and brings 20 years of experience from the University of Copenhagen, where she was previously an associate professor in developmental psychology and community psychology. She has also previously worked in the PPR system (the municipal pedagogical and psychological counselling system).

- I am very excited and happy to have been invited into the engine room of this exciting project. I will act as the day-to-day manager of the programme and I will basically develop both its form and content – as well as ensure that it will be a success for SDU and for the students, explains Pernille Hviid, who will move from Østerbro, Copenhagen, to the island of Fanø off the west coast of Jutland at the start of the semester.

Meaningful to create something new

The development of the academic environment, which will be ready to welcome 75 students and a highly qualified team of researchers after the summer, began several years ago. Since 2023, Aida Hougaard Andersen, Head of Studies of the psychology programmes at SDU, has collaborated on the task with Rikke Holm Bramsen, Head of the Department of Psychology, and Professor Tonny Elmose Andersen, who is responsible for strategic research development.

It has required intense coordination and great commitment – and last year, it led to the approval of the psychology programme in Esbjerg by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science. The content of the bachelor programme was developed in close collaboration between the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Department of Psychology and has just been approved by the Dean. Aida emphasises that their work would never have proceeded this far without a massive effort from many colleagues across the University.

- It’s been both fun and hard. But it feels meaningful because we’re shaping something from the ground up – something that will make a difference in the region and at the same time point towards a more sustainable and socially engaged university practice, she says.

A different and locally anchored way of creating an education programme

This education programme is special because it is the result of a thorough dialogue with all relevant actors. There was a documented need for psychologists throughout the Region of Southern Denmark, and SDU therefore initiated a series of dialogue meetings with the municipalities, the Region and the business community to identify the need for psychologists across the sectors.

- It’s an incredibly exciting and unique way to create a university programme. We are experiencing enormous support and enthusiasm – from businesses, municipalities, the Region and civil society. Education Esbjerg has been with us all the way, and this has given us the opportunity to develop an environment in which knowledge is used and shared locally, says Aida Hougaard Andersen.

The programme is structured around a strong interaction between theory and practice. The students gain experience with practice visits as early as during the bachelor programme. This provides a solid grounding in real-life issues – and this is a crucial difference from many other degree programmes in psychology.

Same academic skills as in other psychology programmes – with a focus on community psychology

On the programme, community psychology constitutes a significant academic perspective. It is an independent course and also a common thread running through the programme. The newly established research centre for community psychology will also carry out work in this field. According to Pernille Hviid, this has great benefits – for the students and for the society they will enter after graduation.

- Community psychology is not just a course – it permeates the entire programme. We want to educate psychologists who are able to understand the individual in context and to create value for people and for society. The students will learn to work with many target groups and to think about health and well-being in a broader societal framework, she says.

Aida and Pernille emphasise that of course the programme meets the same academic requirements as the psychology programmes offered in other parts of the country. And the strong sister programme in psychology in Odense provides excellent opportunities for academic discussions and exchanging experiences across campuses.

Interdisciplinary collaborations in focus

One particular strength of the Esbjerg campus is the possibility to create meaningful collaboration across disciplines – for example, with the degree programmes in medicine and law.

- If we can show our students the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration during their studies, they will find it easier to put into practice. We have been well received at SDU Esbjerg and we feel that the study environment matches the community psychological and general psychological thinking that our programme is based on, says Aida Hougaard Andersen.

A historic opening – and big ambitions

In just over two months, history will be made at SDU Esbjerg. On 1 September, the degree programme in psychology will be officially inaugurated – and a group of dedicated lecturers will be ready to welcome the new students and prepare them for the future.

And of course, Pernille and Aida will be at the helm.