Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The Kandidatuddannelse in Samfundsfag (Candidatus in Social Science) is a graduate program offered by Aarhus University. This program focuses on the structure of society, the political system, and how citizens, organizations, and political leadership interact and influence each other. Students learn about the organization and development of modern society in both Danish and international contexts, including economic and international trends that affect it. The program allows students to major in Samfundsfag and combine it with a minor in subjects like mathematics, sports, language, history, art, business economics, or religious studies.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Kandidatuddannelse in Samfundsfag earn the title of cand.soc., which primarily targets the education sector. When combined with a gymnasium-oriented minor, the program provides competence to teach in upper secondary schools, vocational education, or high schools. There are also good job opportunities in the administrative field in the state and municipalities, Danish authorities, or in the information and consulting industry, as well as the EU and embassies, which also employ cand.soc. graduates.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Kandidatuddannelse in Samfundsfag, applicants must meet specific requirements:

• Retskrav (Legal Right of Admission): The Bachelor's degree in Samfundsfag from Aarhus University gives direct admission.
• Bachelor's Degrees Giving Direct Admission: Certain bachelor's degrees, such as the Bachelor's degree in Samfundsfag from Aarhus University with a bachelor's minor within the upper secondary school's subject area (45 ECTS), provide direct admission.
• Other Degrees That Can Provide Admission: Other degrees can also provide admission if they have a similar scope and content. The university assesses whether the degree has a level, scope, and content that corresponds to the academic requirements.

Admission Restrictions

There is no admission restriction on this graduate program, meaning all qualified applicants will be offered a study place.

Language Requirements

Applicants must document Danish qualifications equivalent to Danish A-level (Dansk A) in the Danish upper secondary school when applying for a Danish-language graduate program at Aarhus University.

Program Structure

The program is structured over four semesters, with the following distribution:

• 1st Semester: TLV (30 ECTS)
• 2nd Semester: TLV (15 ECTS) and Politologisk Opgaveseminar (15 ECTS)
• 3rd Semester: Valgfag - Politologiske Seminarer (30 ECTS)
• 4th Semester: Speciale (30 ECTS)

Study Life

A typical week on the program includes a mix of preparation, meetings with study groups, and attendance at seminars. The program emphasizes a strong academic environment and research-based teaching, with faculty members actively involved in research areas such as international politics, political systems, public policy, and public administration.

Career

Graduates of the program have a range of career opportunities, including teaching, administrative roles, and positions in the information and consulting industry. The program also provides a solid foundation for further academic pursuits.

Competence Profile

A graduate in Samfundsfag has the following competencies:

• Insight into selected specialized and advanced problem areas and results within the central and adjacent disciplines of political science.
• Ability to independently acquire relevant, scientifically based knowledge within the central and adjacent disciplines of political science.
• Ability to argue independently, analytically, reflectively, and critically at a high academic level.
• Ability to set up relevant social science problem statements and conduct investigations in a way that meets current research standards.

Contact Study Guidance

For questions about the program's academic content, study environment, or employment opportunities, please contact the study guidance service.