ECTS requirement
The Danish PhD Order states that the PhD programme must include courses and other educational activities corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS credits. UCPH interprets this requirement as meaning that PhD students should complete between 28.0 and 35.0 ECTS credits in PhD courses and similar educational activities.
Minimum requirement. PhD students must complete at least 28.0 ECTS credits before an assessment committee can be appointed in connection with submission of the PhD thesis.
Maximum requirement. PhD students should not exceed 35.0 ECTS credits in course activities.
PhD students and supervisors are expected to discuss course activities and ECTS progression on an ongoing basis throughout the PhD programme. We encourage PhD students to review their current ECTS status and discuss relevant course activities with their supervisor and adjust the PhD Plan accordingly.
FAQ
The interpretation applies to all PhD students and §15 authors wishing to obtain a PhD Degree from UCPH.
- Only in exceptional circumstances. PhD students need to apply for this, and the relevant PhD School will assess it on an individual basis. But a transitional arrangement is in operation for 2026 (see below)
- There are no exemptions to these requirements for §15 authors.
Yes. The PhD Administration checks whether the minimum course activity requirement has been fulfilled before an assessment committee can be appointed.
No, not yet at an individual level. However, aggregated data is collected and information about students exceeding 35.0 ECTS credits may be followed up locally by the relevant PhD School. With the implementation of a new administrative system, it is expected that the PhD Administration will be able to carry out these checks at an individual level. It is not yet known when this functionality will be implemented.
- Questions regarding course activities and ECTS progression should normally be discussed with your supervisor throughout the PhD programme.
- For administrative questions such as ECTS status, exemptions, course registration and thesis submission, please contact the PhD Administration:
SCIENCE: phdcourses@science.ku.dk
HUM, SAMF, JUR, TEO: phdcourses@adm.ku.dk
SUND: phdkursus@sund.ku.dk
Transitional arrangement during 2026
The harmonised interpretation is effective from 1 June 2026. To ensure a smooth implementation of the harmonised interpretation, an automatic transitional arrangement applies for the remainder of 2026 for students at SCIENCE, Humanities, Law, Social Sciences and Theology. No changes has been made for students at SUND.