Structure and options

Semester structure

In most programmes, the academic year is divided into semesters. Usually, each semester consists of four courses equivalent to 30 ECTS. All courses are completed with an exam, so you have 4 exams at the end of each semester. A year has two semesters, a spring and an autumn semester:

• the autumn semester runs from the beginning of September until the beginning of December with exams in December and January.
• the spring semester runs from the beginning of February until mid-May with exams in May and June.

Quarter structure

Some programmes have a quarter structure with one year consisting of four quarters. Usually, a quarter consists of two courses equivalent to 15 ECTS. All courses are completed with an exam, so you have two exams at the end of the quarter. Each quarter:

• runs for approximately seven weeks.
• is completed with exams, that therefore take place four times a year (October/November, December/January, March/April and May/June).

Check the programme you are interested in

You can read more about the programme structure and course descriptions for the programme you are interested in under All programmes

During your time at CBS, you have various opportunities to create your own academic profile. You can fx choose an elective you have a particular interest in, go on exchange or do an internship.

Electives

During your studies, you can study elective courses catering to your specific interest. CBS offers a large number of electives within a wide range of topics in economics, business administration and other related disciplines. You can also choose to take electives at other Danish universities The electives you choose still have to be relevant for your programme though.

See the current selection of CBS electives on Courses on bachelor level 

Minor

You can also choose to study a so-called minor. A minor is a package of electives within a specific academic area. Typically, it consists of 3 courses. By taking a minor, you strengthen your competences within a specific area of interest, and you can use it to qualify for specific jobs or industries. 

See the current selection of CBS minors on Minors

Exchange

A lot of students choose to go on exchange, and they usually do so through one of CBS’ many international collaboration agreements. When you go on exchange through CBS, you do not have to pay tuition fee at the foreign university (with a few exceptions). 

Find a list of all our partner universities here.

Please note, exchange is mandatory for IBA and BSc Shipping. 

Academic internship

In some programmes, you can choose to replace some of your electives with a so-called academic internship. You can do the internship at a company in Denmark or abroad.

The academic internship consists of a working period at a company which is then completed with a project report and an exam. When doing an internship you get the opportunity to relate theory to practice and reflect on the academic training you receive at CBS in a practical setting. Therefore, the project report and work assignments during your internship have for be relevant to your study programme.

The academic internship is mandatory for HA(kom.) and BSc Shipping.

Bachelor project

The third year (fourth year for IBA) is completed with writing your bachelor project during your last semester. You write the thesis either alone or with a partner, and choose the topic you want to write about. This allows you to focus on a topic of you are interested in.

Check the options on the programme you are interested in

The options differs from programme to programme, so it is important that you check the options for the programme you are interested.

Semester structure

In most programmes, the academic year is divided into semesters. Usually, each semester includes four courses which all are completed with an exam. A year has two semesters, a spring and an autumn semester:

• the autumn semester runs from the beginning of September until the beginning of December with exams in December and January.
• the spring semester runs from the beginning of February until mid-May with exams in May and June.

Quarter structure

Some programmes will have a quarter structure and one year consists of four quarters. Usually, a quarter includes two courses each completed with an exam, so you have two exams at the end of the quarter. Each quarter:

• runs for approximately seven weeks.
• is completed with exams, that therefore take place four times a year (October/November, December/January, March/April and May/June).

Check the programme you are interested in

You can read more about the programme structure and course descriptions for the programme you are interested in under All programmes

During your time at CBS, you have various opportunities to create your own academic profile. You can fx choose an elective you have a particular interest in, go on exchange or do an internship.

Electives 

On the 3rd semester, you can choose to study electives catering to your specific interest. CBS offers a large number of electives within a wide range of topics. You can also choose to take electives at other Danish universities. The electives you choose still have to be relevant for your programme though.

See the current selection of CBS electives on Courses at master level

Minor

On the 3rd semester, you can also choose to study a so-called minor. A minor is a package of electives within a specific academic area. Typically, it consists of 3 courses. By taking a minor, you strengthen your competences within a specific area of interest, and you can use it to qualify for specific jobs or industries. 

See the current selection of CBS minors on Minors

Exchange

Many students choose to go on exchange on their 3rd semester; usually at one of CBS’ more than 300 partner universities. When you go on exchange through CBS, you do not have to pay for the teaching at the foreign university (with a few exceptions), and you can bring your SU (student grant). 

Find a list of all CBS partner universities here

Academic internship

You can choose to replace some of your electives with a so-called academic internship. The academic internship consists of an internship period at a company, which is then completed with a project report. You can do the internship at a company in Denmark or abroad.

When doing an internship you get the opportunity to relate theory to practice and reflect on the academic training you receive at CBS in a practical setting. Therefore, the project report and work assignments during your internship have to be relevant for your study programme.

CEMS - Master in International Management programme

On some of our graduate programmes you can apply for the CEMS - Master in International Management programme. CEMS MIM is a double degree programme, which gives you the opportunity to add a second degree in international management to your CBS degree. This means that you will get both the MSc degree and the CEMS in International Management degree.

CEMS is a 1-year programme, which you study in combination with your CBS degree in your 3rd and 4th semester. Part of it takes place at one of the other CEMS universities abroad.

Learn more about CEMS / Master in International Management

Double Degree

On a few of our graduate programmes you can apply for a double degree. A double degree gives you the opportunity to obtain a degree from CBS, while at the same obtaining a degree at another university. This allows you to complete two degrees in the time it would take you to earn one degree. 

You spend the first year at CBS following the mandatory courses on your study progamme, and the second year at the other university. 

Read more about Double degree

Master's thesis

Your 2nd year is completed with a master's thesis. You choose the topic you want to write about, which allows you to focus on a specific topic of your interest. Typically, you write your master's thesis with a fellow student. 

Check the options on the programme you are interested in

The options differs from programme to programme, so it is important you check the options for the programme you are interested in.

The part-time master has the same academic content and level as the full-time equivalent. You will attain the same competencies and knowledge as the full-time version of the programme you are interested in.

As a part-time student it will take you 4 years to complete the programme, divided over 8 semesters with 15 ECTS each semester. Each semester includes two courses which all are completed with an exam.

A year has two semesters, a spring and an autumn semester:

• the autumn semester runs from the beginning of September until the beginning of December with exams in December and January.
• the spring semester runs from the beginning of February until mid-May with exams in May and June.

Part-time masters at CBS

CBS offers 5 part-time masters:

• Cand.merc.aud. - revisorkandidat - taught in Danish
• Cand.merc. i finansiering og regnskab - taught in Danish
• Cand.merc. i økonomisk markedsføring - taught in Danish
• MSc in Business Administration and Digital Business
• MSc in Economics and Business Administration in Supply Chain Management

Read more about part-time masters at CBS

Options during the programme

As a part-time student, you can use your electives and master's thesis to create your own academic profile. 

Electives

On the 3rd year, you can choose to study courses catering to your specific interest. CBS offers a large number of electives within a wide range of topics. You can also choose to take electives at other Danish universities. The electives you choose still have to be relevant for your programme though.

See the current selection of CBS electives on Single courses and electives - Master

Minor

On the 3rd year, you can also choose to study a so-called minor. A minor is a package of electives within a specific academic area. Typically, it consists of 3 courses. By taking a minor, you strengthen your competences within a specific area of interest, and you can use it to qualify for specific jobs or industries. 

See the current selection of CBS minors on Minors

Master's thesis

Your 4th year is completed with a master's thesis. You choose the topic you want to write about, which allows you to focus on a specific topic of your interest. Typically, you write your master's thesis with a fellow student.