To apply for admission to this master's degree programme, you must have completed a qualifying bachelor鈥檚 degree or a similar Danish or international degree programme which is assessed to be relevant. Apply for admission via the application portal.
Below, you can read more about admission requirements and which documents to upload in the application portal.
Here you'll find the different academic requirements depending on which qualifying degree you hold.
Admission to a Master鈥檚 degree programme African Studies requires at minimum successful completion of a qualifying and recognised university degree equivalent in level and content to a Danish Bachelor鈥檚 degree.
If you have completed a Bachelor鈥檚 degree or are enrolled in the final semester of a Bachelor鈥檚 programme you are eligible to apply for the Master鈥檚 degree programme in African Studies.
You are required to document proficiency in English either by
Please see the full language requirements.
If you hold one of the degrees listed below, you are considered to meet all academic admission requirements and have direct access to apply to the Master鈥檚 degree programme in African studies.
To be admitted to the programme, you must hold a recent and relevant Bachelor鈥檚 degree and meet the language requirements.
Academic requirement
Students with a bachelor鈥檚 degree or professional bachelor's degree in other fields related to African Studies may be considered qualified for admission. Admission will only be granted if applicants, after a thorough assessment by the Assessment Committee, are deemed to possess educational qualifications equivalent to those required to qualify for admission. The applicant must have passed at least 30 ECTS within the fields of political science, anthropology, geography, history, religion, international studies, cultural studies or public health.
If you have already completed a Danish Master's degree, If your non-Danish master's degree corresponds to a Danish master's degree, you are subject to the master's degree admission rule.
To gain admission to a Master's programme at 蜜桃传媒, applicants must document qualifications on par with the Danish secondary school 'English level B' with a weighted grade point average of at least 3,0.
We accept the following four ways of documenting this:
Proof* of English language proficiency level B (Danish secondary school) with a weighted grade point average of at least 3,0 or English level A (Danish secondary school) with a weighted grade point average of at least 3,0
The Centre of African Studies accepts the University of Purdue view that if you are a citizen from the following countries, you do not need to present an English Language Proficiency exam:
Studies completed in the English language and/or in an English speaking country. For example, if you have studied your Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Australia, you are not required to complete an English language proficiency exam.
Applicants with English as their second language (except Scandinavians) must pass an IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English test before being admitted. We accept the following tests and scores:
鈥� IELTS-test (British Council) with a minimum score of 6.5
鈥� Computer-based TOEFL-test with a minimum score of 213 points
鈥� Paper-based TOEFL-test with a minimum score of 560 points
鈥� Internet-based TOEFL-test with a min score of 83 points
鈥� Passed Cambridge English Certificate: minimum level C1, e.g. the CPE or CAE
IELTS and TOEFL Language tests older than 2 years are not accepted (from the application deadline). There is no limitation for validity for the Cambridge tests.
* An official certified copy is a copy of an original document that has been certified as a true and correct copy by a person who is authorised to witness a statutory declaration. Official certified copies are usually a photocopy of the original document stamped, signed and verified by an official in your country. Each country varies in whom is qualified to certify documents, however generally speaking your university, lawyers and embassies can certify documents for you, so that we can verify that what we have is a true replica of the original (and therefore determine if you are eligible for the MA with us).
The programme accepts a maximum of 42 students. One third of the seats are reserved for students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
If more applicants than the maximum intake fulfil the admission requirements, a selection will be made on the basis of a comprehensive evaluation, with emphasis on the following criteria:
* Relevant courses include courses with topics in political science, anthropology, geography, history, religion, international studies, cultural encounters studies or public health.
Please note that the top criterion allows us to prioritise applicants according to the amount of relevant subjects. I.e. an applicant with a BA in Anthropology could be prioritised higher than a BA in Healthcare with 30 ECTS in subjects related to sociology.
For Danish, EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, find the category below that fits you and read more about the application procedure:
As a citizen in EU (including Denmark), EEA or Switzerland, you can apply for admission based on:
Some Bachelor鈥檚 degrees have already been assessed to meet the admission requirements. See: Do you meet the admission requirements?
If your degree does not fulfill the admission requirements automatically, the study board will evaluate your application and assess if your degree can meet the admission requirements based on its academic content.
If you are unsure whether your degree meets the admission requirements:
You can only get an answer to whether or not your degree meets the admission requirement by applying for admission at the MA Programme. Solely the admission committee can evaluate whether you are qualified or not. They do this once they have received your application.
Application fee
The admission process is free of charge for citizens of the EU (including Denmark), EEA or Switzerland.
Tuition fees
As a citizens of the EU (including Denmark), EEA or Switzerland, you do not have to pay tuition fees.
When to apply
As a citizen in the EU (including Denmark), EEA or Switzerland, you can apply for admission based on:
The study board will evaluate your application and assess if your degree can meet the admission requirements based on its academic content.
You can only get an answer to whether or not your degree meets the admission requirement by applying for admission at the MA Programme. Solely the admission committee can evaluate whether you are qualified or not. They do this once they have received your application.
Application fee
The admission process is free of charge for citizens of the EU (including Denmark), EEA or Switzerland.
Tuition fees
As a citizens of the EU (including Denmark), EEA or Switzerland, you do not have to pay tuition fees. If you have a permanent residence permit your do not have to pay tuition fee.
When to apply
Application fee
Citizens from a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland must pay an application fee of DKK 750 (app. EUR 100).
Tuition fees
As a citizen from a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland you need to pay tuition fees. At African Studies, the fee is DKK 53,500 per year.
If you hold a permanent residence permit or hold a temporary residence permit 鈥渨ith a view to鈥� or 鈥渨ith the possibility of鈥� permanent residency in Denmark or a permit with a status similar to permanent residency, you will neither have to pay application nor tuition fee.
If you hold these types of residence permits, you can apply after the applications deadline, rules and procedures for EU citizens. Of you hold any other type of residence permit please inquire about application status and tuition fee by contacting admission@teol.ku.dk
When to apply
For Non-EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, find the category below that fits you and read more about the application procedure:
As a citizens from a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland you can apply for admission at African Studies if you:
Some Bachelor鈥檚 degrees have already been assessed to meet the admission requirements. This means that they automatically fulfill the admission requirements. See: Do you meet the admission requirements?
If your degree does not fulfill the admission requirements automatically, the study board will evaluate your application and assess if your degree can meet the admission requirements based on its academic content.
You can only get an answer to whether or not your degree meets the admission requirement by applying for admission at the MSc Programme. Solely the admission committee can evaluate whether you are qualified or not. They do this once they have received your application.
Application fee
Citizens from a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland must pay an application fee of 750 DKK (app. 100 EUR).
Tuition fees
As a citizen from a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland you need to pay tuition fees. At African Studies the fee is DKK 53,500 per year.
If you hold a permanent residence permit or hold a temporary residence permit 鈥渨ith a view to鈥� or 鈥渨ith the possibility of鈥� permanent residency in Denmark or a permit with a status similar to permanent residency, you will neither have to pay application nor tuition fee.
If you hold these types of residence permits, you can apply after the applications deadline, rules and procedures for EU citizens. Of you hold any other type of residence permit please inquire about application status and tuition fee by contacting admission@teol.ku.dk
When to apply
As a citizens from a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland you can apply for admission at African Studies if you:
1) Hold a relevant Danish Bachelor鈥檚 degree or another relevant degree at the same educational level.
2) Have proof that you meet the language requirements for English B or equivalent skill level (see below).
The study board will evaluate your application and assess if your degree can meet the admission requirements based on its academic content.
You can only get an answer to whether or not your degree meets the admission requirement by applying for admission at the MSc Programme. Solely the admission committee can evaluate whether you are qualified or not. They do this once they have received your application.
Application fee
Citizens from a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland must pay an application fee of DKK 750 (approx. EUR 100).
Tuition fees
As a citizen from a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland you need to pay tuition fees. At African Studies, the fee is DKK 53,500 per year.
If you hold a permanent residence permit hold a temporary residence permit 鈥渨ith a view to鈥� or 鈥渨ith the possibility of鈥� permanent residency in Denmark or a permit with a status similar to permanent residency, you do will not have to pay tuition fee.
If you hold these types of residence permits, you can apply after the applications deadline, rules and procedures for EU citizens. Of you hold any other type of residence permit please inquire about application status and tuition fee by contacting admission@teol.ku.dk
When to apply
Application fee
Citizens from a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland must pay an application fee of DKK 750 (app. EUR 100).
Tuition fees
As a citizen from a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland you need to pay tuition fees. At African Studies, the fee is DKK 53,500 per year.
If you hold a permanent residence permit or hold a temporary residence permit 鈥渨ith a view to鈥� or 鈥渨ith the possibility of鈥� permanent residency in Denmark or a permit with a status similar to permanent residency, you will neither have to pay application nor tuition fee.
If you hold these types of residence permits, you can apply after the applications deadline, rules and procedures for EU citizens. Of you hold any other type of residence permit please inquire about application status and tuition fee by contacting admission@teol.ku.dk
When to apply
It is your bachelor鈥檚 degree and its academic contents, which determine whether you meet the admission requirements. Please note that the MA programme is in English. Therefore, there is specific language requirement for the study programme.
When you apply for admission, you need to create an application at the application portal and upload relevant documentation. This is the only way you can apply for admission. In order to make sure we have all the information needed to evaluate your past achievements and future potential, you are required to submit the following items together with the application form:
* An official certified copy is a copy of an original document that has been certified as a true and correct copy by a person who is authorised to witness a statutory declaration. Official certified copies are usually a photocopy of the original document stamped, signed and verified by an official in your country. Each country varies in whom is qualified to certify documents, however generally speaking your university, lawyers and embassies can certify documents for you, so that we can verify that what we have is a true replica of the original.
If you are a student at UCPH, AU, AAU, SDU, ITU or CBS, we recommend that you import the documentation of your Bachelor鈥檚 degree automatically using function. You simply ask the system to import your educational data from your university.
You can submit 3 applications for UCPH
Please note that you may submit a maximum of 3 applications to UCPH study programs with the same study start.
Follow your application
Once you have applied for admission, you will find application updates and received messages from the University. When you receive a message at the application portal, you will receive an email at the mail address you have registered with your application.
Tips for the application portal
Accept your offer of admission
If you have received an offer of admission, you need to accept the offer. If you do not accept the offer before the deadline (which will appear in your admission letter), you will lose your spot in the MA programme. Therefore, it is important to check the status of your application regularly at the application portal.
Check your email regularly
When you receive a message at the application portal, you will receive an email at the mail address you have registered with your application. Please be aware that emails from the application portal may end up in your spam filter.
Citizens from a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland must pay an application fee of 750 DKK (app. 100 EUR). Click here for exemptions and further information.
As a citizen from a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland you need to pay tuition fees. At African Studies the fee is DKK 53,500 per year.
If you hold a permanent residence permit or hold a temporary residence permit 鈥渨ith a view to鈥� or 鈥渨ith the possibility of鈥� permanent residency in Denmark or a permit with a status similar to permanent residency, you will neither have to pay application nor tuition fee.
If you hold these types of residence permits, you can apply after the applications deadline, rules and procedures for EU citizens. Of you hold any other type of residence permit please inquire about application status and tuition fee by contacting admission@teol.ku.dk
The Faculty of Theology only has a very limited number of Danish Government Scholarships available 鈥� generally less than four per year. The Scholarship is only granted as partial tuition fee waivers, and not as an amount that covers basic living costs.
General information about scholarships and loans at UCPH
Faculty specific information about Danish Government Scholarship
We look forward to meeting you and to welcoming you to the MSc programme.
The welcome programme at your MA programme will take place late August.
We will send you all information concerning your first days at UCPH through the Therefore, please check the email you have registered in your application.
Please remember that there might be documentation you need to upload before your study start. Check documentation requirements under how to apply?
The student counsellor is ready to help you with your course registration.
If you have special needs due to a functional impairment (for example dyslexia or a physical or mental diagnose) then it is possible for you to get help and support during your study programme because of your condition. Among others, you can apply for special aids, IT equipment and support classes.
Find information about what kind of special educational support is available at UCPH.
Application deadline for Danish applicants and applicants from within the EU, EEA and Switzerland.
Open for applications from 16 January. You will receive a reply by 10 June.
Application deadline for applicants from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland.
Open for applications from 15 November. You will receive a reply by 1 May.
From 1 - 15 June the second application round is open for Danish applicants and other applicants from the EU/EEA with a Danish or foreign bachelor's degree. Study start in September 2025.
| Admission statistics African Studies 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Admitted | 35 |
| Admission distribution (legal right/other) | 0% / 100% |
| Applicants | 78 |
| Age average | 29 |
| Legal gender distribution (cpr. - m/f) | 49% / 51% |
| Nationality (dk/international) | 31% / 69% |
| Available spots | Yes |
The official length of the MA programme in African Studies is two years full-time study distributed over four semesters. As a rule, a semester comprises fourteen weeks of instruction. The programme comprises a number of compulsory courses, optional courses and an MA thesis.
It is possible to build up special business qualifications by either choosing a project-based module (internship and field study) instead of a optional courses or by choosing the language component Kiswahili.
Learn more about the programme in the
See the for the current semester.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
Introduction to African Studies 7,5 ECTS | Politics, Development and Change in Africa Four classes per week for seven weeks |
| Nature, Population and Society in Africa 15 ECTS Four classes per week for fourteen | Religion, Culture and Society in Africa 7,5 ECTS Four classes per week for seven weeks |
Economic Development in Africa 7,5 ECTS | Advanced Research Methods 7,5 ECTS Four classes per week for seven weeks |
Thematic course Four classes per week for seven weeks |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
Elective components: A combination of one or two thematic courses and/or project-based modules 30 ECTS | MA thesis (with thesis seminar) |
Alternatively you can choose Kiswahili as part of your elective components (15 ECTS). As the Kiswahili courses take place in the first and second semester this option will give you a course structure like this:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
Introduction to African Studies 7,5 ECTS | Politics, Development and Change in Africa Four classes per week for seven weeks |
| Nature, Population and Society in Africa 15 ECTS Four classes per week for fourteen weeks | Religion, Culture and Society in Africa 7,5 ECTS Four classes per week for seven weeks |
Advanced Research Methods 7,5 ECTS Four classes per week for seven weeks | |
Economic Development in Africa 7,5 ECTS | Thematic course Four classes per week for seven weeks |
Elective component: Four classes per week for fourteen weeks | Elective component: Kiswahili 2 Four classes per week for fourteen weeks 7,5 ECTS |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
Elective components: A combination of one or two thematic courses and/or project-based modules 15 ECTS | MA thesis (with thesis seminar) |
The ERASMUS study programme offers two study abroad opportunities for students at the Centre of African Studies - at African Studies, Universit盲t Leipzig, Germany & African Studies, NTNU Trondheim, Norway. The application deadline is 1 March.
You also have the opportunity to study for a period abroad at a non-partner university. If you wish to do so you must start to plan your study abroad approx. one year prior to departure, as it is a time-consuming process. You are welcome to make an appointment with our international coordinator who provides advice on how to plan and apply for a study period abroad.
Participation in an internship or fieldwork programme may replace a thematic seminar, and should take place in the 3rd semester. The internship or fieldwork programme must have direct relevance to African Studies and must therefore normally take place in Africa. However, internships or fieldwork programmes taking place outside Africa will be permitted if the assignments or the location of the fieldwork relates specifically to Africa.
The objective of the internship is to gain practical knowledge and experience in carrying out assignments and participating in activities that are relevant to the subject areas that make up African Studies. An internship may be part of the preparation for the MA thesis.
The objective of field study is to gather material on a specific topic and to give the student experience in the research situation that is characteristic of field study. The student must be able to apply common quantitative and qualitative field study methods. Field study may be part of the preparation for the MA thesis.
Chipo Marisa Petersen did an internship at an NGO in Uganda and gained good insight into climate adaption strategies, general NGO-work and the large agricultural sector in Uganda.
At my third semester I had the opportunity to undertake an internship position at the Ugandan based NGO, Development Network of Indigenous Voluntary Association (DENIVA). I was mainly engaged with the NGO鈥檚 project regarding climate change adaptation in agriculture under the supervision of the Project Officer.
My job included undertaking administrative tasks, participating in monitoring and evaluations, contributing to reports as well as participating in meetings and workshops in relation to the project. Furthermore, I conducted a field study on one of the project sites managed by Mayuge District Farmers Association in eastern Uganda.
Here I investigated the mechanisms of one of the most central climate adaption strategies - the climate resistant seed technology, that was part of the project - from the perspective of small-scale farmers. The internship has been a unique opportunity to get an insight into one of Uganda鈥檚 largest sectors, agriculture, and to bridge the gap between theory and practice of climate change adaptation.
- Chipo Marisa Petersen
Pernille B忙rendtsen is a journalist and enrolled in the MA programme in African Studies. She did her third semester as fieldwork in Tanzania. Here she tells her story.
I鈥檝e worked in East Africa since 2005, the latter five years as an independent journalist. I decided to do the MA in African Studies to boost my experience with an academic foundation. The feet-on-the-ground part is, however, important to me, and during 2016 I chose to do my third semester as fieldwork in Tanzania.
I went to Kigoma at Lake Tanganyika to look into how opposition is perceived by people who see themselves as opposition. As Tanzania recently has experienced some noticeable shifts in politics I found it necessary to collect primary data. But I鈥檓 also interested in how politics feels and functions for people in their everyday lives. This, I鈥檇 never get hold of by going through election data or public opinion surveys from a desk in Copenhagen!
Let me share an example from Kigoma: One day I鈥檇 arranged an interview in a ward office with a councillor. As preparation for the interview he鈥檇 brought a heap of photos which he placed on the table. His own, personal history of politics started in 1993 鈥� just one year after Tanzania established multipartyism. Via his photos we talked through the history of opposition politics in Kigoma. We talked numbers of shifts of seats and votes, but also emotions of grievance and victory.
I'm interested in what鈥檚 in between the election data, the number of votes and the people. I鈥檓 interested in this kind of backroom machinery of politics, of what drives people, be it stomachs, hearts or minds. People argue with 'development' (tarmac, schools, health service), but issues of identity, pride, jealousy and belonging weave it together.
It is complex stuff. We may think the Internet can provide some sort of instant closeness and understanding. I鈥檓 more curious about all the stuff which cannot be googled or 鈥� yet 鈥� found in libraries. It is a gift to have the time and space to ask the questions you cannot ask when you are far away. Field work provides such opportunities.
- Pernille B忙rendtsen
Tord Halvorsen had a trainee position at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Uganda as a part of his project-based module in the third semester. This lead to a job offer at the Embassy where he is currently working.
Why did you choose African Studies?
I chose African Studies because it struck me as the perfect combination of interdisciplinary courses, hands-on opportunities integrated in the programme, as well as an exciting learning environment. I had previously completed a Bachelor鈥檚 Programme in African Studies in Norway, so I considered this as a natural next step to further develop my interests and knowledge of Africa 鈥� in particular African politics and development.
What did you like best about it?
Perhaps my favourite aspect of the programme is the highly varied backgrounds of the other students undertaking the MA. The only thing we have in common is an interest in Africa 鈥� whether we are political scientists, anthropologists, economists, historians, or anything else. When everyone brings their specific competence to the classrooms, we have fruitful discussions and bring new viewpoints.
Did you have any worries about choosing African Studies?
I did not really have any specific worries 鈥� as I had completed my BA in African Studies only the semester previously, I felt confident that I knew what to expect.
What is your current job?
I am currently working as a trainee at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kampala, Uganda, as part of my project-based module in the third semester of the programme. However, I have been offered a new position come the end of my traineeship, so I will be postponing the thesis with six months while working as a Programme Officer here at the Embassy.
What do you do in your job?
As a trainee, you are involved in many of the running tasks of an Embassy 鈥� often you yourself control the amount of work you undertake. Typically, you attend meetings, write reports, conduct research, keep dialogue with various partners, etc. However, other days you are simply helping to organise an evening event, accompanying a colleague to a reception, or taking pictures for the Embassy鈥檚 Facebook page. 篓
What do you like about your job?
I like the liberty it provides me to pursue my aspiration to work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by being involved in the Embassy鈥檚 work here in Uganda. It truly provides great insight and I feel very included.
How did you land your current job?
I landed the job through applying for a vacancy online.
How do you use the knowledge and skills from your education in your current job?
I use the knowledge from my education by constantly reviewing facts and information critically 鈥� and understanding 鈥榯he bigger picture鈥� is incredibly important, especially in the African context.
For CAS Masters students, the opportunity to do an internship abroad is something that lets students tailor their semester to their own passions and interests. For CAS student Daryl Aubry, the experience working for a national newspaper in Dakar in Senegal was particularly enriching.
As part of his Masters in African Studies, Daryl Aubry did an internship at the national newspaper Le Soleil in Dakar in Senegal between August 2020 and March 2021. During his internship, Daryl did journalistic research and wrote multiple articles on a wide array of subjects.
He says:
鈥淎lthough having absolutely no experience in this field I was asked, from day one, to produce news articles for the newspaper on a regular basis. During my very first week I also started to dig for article ideas and investigate all by myself. I was mainly working for the economic section of the paper, but I was allowed to write about whatever subject I wanted. I was also sometimes sent to cover different events for the newspaper.鈥�
Foreign Affairs minister summit. Photo: Daryl Aubry
During Daryls time at the newspaper, he was also able to explore Senegal and travel around the country.
鈥淚 went to the Cap-Vert peninsula and to Casamance in southern Senegal, where I researched and wrote on different topics like economy, society, nature. Almost all of the articles I wrote for the newspaper were published in the physical daily version and some of them were put on the newspaper website.鈥�
鈥淎lthough it was not always easy, this experience was definitely valuable, and I recommend that anyone who wants to do an internship to just go for it. It is one of the particularities of our Master in African Studies and it is priceless!鈥� he finishes.
The aim of the Masters programme in African Studies is three-fold.
Firstly, it is to provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of Africa and its relationship to the world in relation to the continent鈥檚 diverse historical, social, political, economic and cultural dimensions.
Secondly, it is to equip students with critical analytical capacities relevant to a range of social, political, economic and cultural challenges,that can be applied both to Africa-specific conditions and to other global, national and local contexts.
Thirdly, armed with such knowledge and skills, it is to produce graduates with competences that allow them to enter a range of professional environments in both the public and private sectors, both internationally and nationally.
Graduates of the Masters in African Studies will be equipped to do the following:
Having gained the knowledge, skills and competences noted above, graduates in African Studies may pursue careers in a fairly wide range of professional fields. The analytical and multidisciplinary profile combined with the area specific knowledge is useful in both the public and the private sector both nationally and internationally. You may, like other graduates from African Studies, be hired by:
The current employers of our graduates include: UNHCR, Global Nyt (journalist), International Media Support (journalist), Danish Refugee Council, Oxfam IBIS (蜜桃传媒 Advocacy Advisor), FOA (trade union), Danish Immigration Service, Danish Maritime Authority, Crossing Borders (NGO), aPureBase (global pharma data provider), National Union of Students in Denmark, Tella Consultant, Chancellor University, Malawi (Lecturer in English), Consultancy firm in Lithuania working with IT and business development in East Africa, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, Sex & Samfund, LGBTI Denmark (Programme Officer), Sony Denmark.
The Masters in African Studies is an area studies programme, based fundamentally on an interdisciplinary approach. This necessarily combines concepts, theories, methods, literature and empirically-grounded research from a range of disciplines within both the social sciences and humanities. Such an approach both draws upon and expands knowledge and skills acquired during the student鈥檚 Bachelor studies.
The Masters education is structured so as to provide a combination of core compulsory courses, elective courses on selected topics, the option of internship and/or fieldwork study, and finally a research-based thesis. The core courses cover: an introduction to African Studies; nature, population and society; economic development; religion, culture and society; politics, development and change, and advanced research methods. The electives vary over time and may include such topics as: conflict and violence, critical development planning and policy, human rights, migration and displacement, religious movements, natural resources governance, non-governmental organisations, and urban Africa. Kiswahili is offered consistently as an additional elective.
Some of the most pressing current and future challenges on the African continent concern the climate crisis, sustainability and environmental governance. These issues are integrated as part of the compulsory courses in the MA study program alongside a range of other diverse dimensions of African realities. You can also chose to specialise further in this field by choosing elective courses with a sustainability focus. There are also good opportunities to choose an internship or a fieldwork project centred on sustainability, climate change adaptation or environmental governance issues.
All teaching is closely connected to research at Centre of African Studies. You can read more about the sustainability aspects of this research at the Centre鈥檚 Research Platform You are also welcome to contact Platform Leader if you have questions regarding the content of these aspects of the Master鈥檚 Programme.
Teaching methods vary. Depending on the specific course, they may combine: lectures, seminar-style classes, practice-oriented workshops, group discussions, opponent sessions, films and panel discussions. Active student participation is encouraged.
All teaching is strongly research-based, provided by staff who are very well established in their respective fields. CAS also frequently hosts internationally renowned scholars as guest speakers.
Situated at South Campus, the Centre of African Studies offers its students a vibrant and international study environment. Approximately 15,000 students are studying at one of the more than 100 programmes taught at South Campus.
South Campus is located near the Islands Brygge metro station on Amager only a few metro stations from Kongens Nytorv and R氓dhuspladsen (city hall square), which are the hearts of Copenhagen鈥檚 historical and social life.
As a student, you can freely access the facilities throughout the campus area. Apart from having access to a range of student facilities such as study places, wireless network, library, canteen and caf茅, students at CAS can easily get involved in a variety of social activities and events, like being part of the Faculty鈥檚 amazing football team (anyone is welcome to join!)
Furthermore, students at CAS are encouraged to organise overnight trips, guided tours of exhibitions, theatre visits, dinners, events in the student caf茅, and much more.
Students are always welcome to contact the Social mentor or the Student Counsellor with ideas for social activities.
General information about student life and studying at UCPH.
Please visit 蜜桃传媒 general information about finding housing.
Are you considering studying at the Centre of African Studies? Would you like to know more about the courses, the students, and the environment at CAS? Then maybe the offer of being a one-day student at CAS is something for you!
This will give you the opportunity to learn more about how it is to study African Studies, you will be able to follow a couple of courses and spend some time in the company of students at the Centre of African Studies.
Please contact the student counselling if you are interested.
E-mail: studentcounsellor@teol.ku.dk
Why did you choose to study African Studies?
My interest in Africa and African Studies grew during my job assignment in Ghana some years ago. I spent around 1 1/2 years in Accra working as Head of Sales for one of the largest real-estate developers in West Africa. My clients were not only Ghanaian nationals, but members of the diaspora in the U.S., UK, Europe, among other nationalities, e.g., Nigerians, etc. I witnessed the presidential elections in 2016 in Ghana and learned a lot in practice about the impact鈥檚 politics had on economic and financial markets and vice versa. Through my Ghanaian colleagues I also learned how religion played into the workplace and the diversity of ethnic and tribal cultures. However, as this was all practical experience, I wanted to deepen my theoretical knowledge of the continent, to understand the social, historical, cultural dynamics and global interconnections. Back in Copenhagen, and after a few years in a full-time job, I applied to this Master programme, as it felt just right and matched my expectations of an interdisciplinary approach to African Studies.
Did the degree live up to your expectations?
Yes, the degree very much lived up to my expectations. I decided to go ahead with the full-time Master and never regretted it. The interdisciplinary approach of the programme was exactly what I was looking for: I got a solid understanding of economic development, political dynamics and how that often is intertwined with historical and religious patterns and can have impacts on, amongst others, nature conservation or education systems. But most importantly, what I have learned most is critical thinking about how to approach working, learning, thinking about Africa and its diverse cultures and contexts and to always consider local circumstances without slipping into a Eurocentric mindset.
In what ways have you used your degree?
With more than 13 years of professional experience on my back - mostly in communications, marketing and sales - it was difficult for me to see how and where a Master degree in humanities could fit in with my career. However, after one semester I applied to The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) for a part-time communications position in their Diaspora Programme Unit. I could use the knowledge and literature on Africa's diaspora during my interview as well as my own experience from Ghana and beyond, which was definitely one reason why I got the job. Once part of DRC, not only could I see how professional INGOs work with and in Africa and its diaspora, but could use my critical thinking from the Master programme to challenge entrenched mindsets of working in an international humanitarian organization.
What challenges have you experienced?
One challenge I had was the academic writing style. Studying for the first time at a Danish University, it was difficult to adopt the specific writing style and adjust to the rules and regulations. I did a lot of extra work outside the studies to improve my writing style and to ensure that I adhere to all the rules.
What do you think of the study environment?
I think the biggest challenge for me was the lack of classroom teaching, because our cohort started during the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2020. 3/4 of our studies were held online via zoom, only the first semester was hybrid teaching - where we could choose between classroom and online participation. However, all professors and lecturers were super accommodating and tried their best to make the classes and sessions as participatory and interactive as possible. Overall, I still felt the community spirit at CAS, where all professors and lecturers had an "open door" policy and were always available for discussing questions, queries or comments.
Current employer: Danish Refugee Council, HQ Copenhagen, as Communications Advisor in the Programme, Policy and External Relations Department.
Why did you choose to study African Studies?
I have always been very interested in the developmental- and political conditions on the African continent, and I also travelled there a lot. I was excited to engage with what was going on, on the continent.
Did the degree live up to your expectations?
Yes, definitely. I was surprised to find that the degree basically is not only about Africa but is more a way of critically approaching our world and society, with Africa being the starting point. You can use the tools you get at CAS to understand other geographical contexts.
In what ways have you used your degree?
I have developed a critical approach to much of my work. And learned to question the way things are done, and critically reflect on for example procedures.
What challenges have you experienced?
I was surprised at the extensiveness of the study. I was challenged in relation to my own interest, which are more politically inclined. The degree also incorporates religion and anthropology, which I knew less about, but I was positively surprised.
What do you think of the study environment?
The study environment was really great. The first year we spent a lot of time together, since we had classes together, while most of us went on exchange or field work the next semester. Because it is a small class, you create a really good and close study environment, where you share the same interest 鈥� namely Africa.
Why did you want to study African Studies?
I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, and I have therefore always had an interest, especially in East Africa. Additionally, I was excited about the structure of the degree, not least because you have the option to go on an exchange or to do fieldwork and dive into a specific subject, during the 3rd semester. And then CAS gave me the space to examine my interest in the postcolonial approach.
Did the degree live up to your expectations?
Overall, I have been quite satisfied with the teaching and the structure of the degree. I thrive with getting the opportunity to dive down into a specific subject of your own choice, and you can do that at CAS. It feels a bit like you get to tailor your own education, which is one of the reasons why I applied.
How have you used your degree?
My current job is not Africa-related at all, but what CAS has given me is the ability to approach virtually any societal- or cultural question. This is something you can use in many work contexts, especially generalist officers. CAS was also a great combination of professional profiles and different theoretical approaches and courses. There was also a lot of diversity amongst the students. I think all this contributes to the possibility to access many positions, not necessarily only Africa-related ones.
What is the best part about African Studies, and it what ways has it been challenging?
The best part is the option to tailor your own education and to do, for example, field work. In some ways you create your own master鈥檚 degree, and you are able to specialise within the area you choose.
A challenge is probably that the title of the degree can be misleading, because you are not only studying that big a continent, with that much diversity. And if I for example tell a person in Denmark that I have a master in African Studies, I often experience that they think I know everything about Africa. Which of course I don鈥檛.
What鈥檚 the social environment like?
The social environment at CAS is really great, because everyone is interested in spending time together and get to know each other. Many of the students are international and therefore they don鈥檛 have a large network in Denmark. It was very important to me to have a space without any competition amongst the students. I am comfortable being in an environment with fellow students, not competitors. And that鈥檚 what it was like at CAS.
27-year old Rutger Kremers puts his skills gained as an African Studies graduate to good use when he trades healthcare equipment and pharmaceuticals as a Procurement Officer in a Copenhagen-based trading company. It鈥檚 a challenging job that requires cultural sensitivity, good communication skills and regional knowledge
Rutger Kremers finds time to talk about his work life experiences as a graduate from the Centre of African Studies at 蜜桃传媒 even though he is preparing for a business trip to Dubai a few hours later. His is aA story about transforming the academic endeavours of university studies into a busy career in a private trading company with a global reach. 27-year-old Rutger is originally from The Netherland but is lives in Copenhagen where he works for Missionpharma A/S as a Procurement Officer.
As one of only a few employees in the succesful company with a background in African Studies, Rutger differs from the majority of his colleagues who typically hold degrees in business studies focusing primarily on trade. But Rutger finds that his alternative background is mostly an advantage.
- I鈥檓 pretty sure I was interesting for the company in the first place because my educational background with specialization in Sub-Sarahan Africa set me apart from the other candidates. It's interesting for them when somebody different comes up. I also had sales experience from a sales job as a student, and I think it was the mix that made me stand out and made them invite me for a job interview.
Avoiding the pitfalls of culture gaps
Rutger has worked for the company for one and a half years now and is involved in several aspects of the wholesale trading house. He purchases health care products mainly in Asia and sells these to African buyers. Currently he is responsible for sales in Lesotho and he finds that his background in African Studies has given him a cultural sensitivity and regional knowledge that eases the communication with the customers.
- I think I avoid many of the typical pitfalls that many of the colleagues run into during their first year. They often express frustration when the customers from African countries behave very differently from the Danish customers they are used to. Often their thoughts then run along the lines of: 'They should just do things the Danish way which is more efficient and logical'. With my degree in African Studies I am perhaps better able to understand the cultural and contextual reasons behind these differences, and not get frustrated with our clients, he says.
But it isn't only the area-related knowledge Rutger finds useful. The MA in African Studies involves general methodological and communicative skills that he uses in many aspects of his job.
- We sell most of our pharmaceuticals to the public sector in African countries, which is a quite complex process starting with a call for tenders from the authorities. This means that e.g. the Ethiopian Ministry of Health issues a big list of their demands with specifications and price limits and then the different sellers compete for the bid. I'm dealing with a lot of business letters and legal documents and the training in written communication that you get from the MA is useful here as well as the general ability to analyse complex stuff, he says.
From Netherlands to Copenhagen and Africa by chance
It wasn't Rutger鈥檚 plan from the beginning to move to Copenhagen and study African Studies. Originally from the Netherlands, he had a BA and an almost-completed MA in economic history from the University of Utrecht before his attention was drawn to the attraction and possibilities of a specialisation in the vast continent. This arose when he had his final internship in The Netherlands' Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Sub Saharan Africa Department.
- Before I had not taken that much interest in subjects related to Africa. But I got more interested because I saw that we are challenged by a lot of stereotypes in business, development aid and basically all dealings with Africa. So I decided to write my master's thesis on South African history and afterwards I sought to specialise further. I also wanted to study abroad and luckily I was admitted to African Studies in Copenhagen.
Today he is glad that he made the choice to specialise in Africa at the 蜜桃传媒.
- It has lead me to an interesting and most importantly challenging and meaningful job today.
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