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VIA University College Contents 03 University 04 Study at VIA 04 The Danish Educational System 05 Danish grading scale 06 Practical approach to studies 07 Practical placement and study trips 08 Joint and double-degree opportunities 08 Enrolment 10 Study environment 10 Study premises 11 Study organisations 12 Safety guide 13 Social life
3 University is the largest university college in Denmark and we represent the thirdlargest educational institution in the entire country. We are centred in 8 campuses in the western part of Denmark and we offer more than 50 study programmes in a multitude of areas such as health, social education, technology, trade, design, business, animation and others. Through these programmes we assure the personal and professional development of approx. 18,000 students every year. International agreements with other educational institutions from all over the world sharpen our focus on mobility as well as on long and shortterm development and research projects. We have approximately 20 research centres, ensuring that the focus of our educational programmes is always on new and relevant knowledge in order to further develop our bachelor degree programmes. Our study programmes have been accredited by the Danish Evaluation Institute. is also a member of ENQA (the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education). We are a certified holder of an extended Erasmus charter under the EU s Lifelong Learning Programme, as well as being an independent state-recognised Higher Education Institution. Furthermore, our study programmes are approved by the Danish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education. Our mission is to develop and offer profession-oriented educational programmes and knowledge of high quality in learning and educational environments in order for educational opportunities, production of knowledge and communication to benefit and challenge society s needs locally as well as globally. Our vision is to maintain our leading position nationally and to become one of the leading global providers of practice-led educational programmes and knowledge. Originality, openness and diversity are the values which drive us every day because we find it crucial to have core guidelines on which to base our work. Recently, we have published the results of an International Student Satisfaction Survey in which VIA obtained a satisfactory grade of 8.6 on a scale from 1 to 10. This shows that our students benefit from our very international environment. The fact that the young people are satisfied and happy with their stay at VIA encourages us to become more ambitious in our effort. We offer more than 50 study programmes in a multitude of areas such as health, social education, technology, trade, design, business, animation and others.
Study at VIA The Danish Educational System Our principles of education are in accordance with the principles for studying in Denmark published by the Danish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education. The education we offer aims to ensure that all young people acquire knowledge and competencies which will qualify them to take active part in society and contribute to its further development. The Danish approach to studies is very practical and it is based on the involvement of students in projects, class work, discussions, debates etc. The high quality of studies is maintained by continuous evaluation and approval of the educational institutions. Project work is an important tool for developing a young person s mind and capabilities. Real life case stories and companies will be brought up for analysis and discussions and will make the students feel valued and appreciated. The education we offer aims to ensure that all young people acquire knowledge and competencies which will qualify them to take active part in society and contribute to its further development
Study at VIA 5 Danish grading scale The 7-point grading scale is used in all the institutions of higher education in Denmark which are state-regulated. The individual student s performance will be measured according to the extent to which the student is capable of meeting the academic requirements for each specific course or subject. Below, you can find the explanation of the grades compatible with the ECTS-grading system according to the Danish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education. Grade 12 10 7 4 02 0-3 Explanation For an excellent performance displaying a high level of command of all aspects of relevant material with no or few minor weaknesses For a very good performance displaying a high level of command in most aspects of the relevant material, with only few weaknesses For a good performance displaying good command of the relevant material, but also some weaknesses For a fair performance displaying some command of the relevant material, but also some major weaknesses For a performance meeting only the minimum requirements for acceptance For a performance which does not meet the minimum requirements for acceptance For a performance which is unacceptable in all respects ECTS A B C D E Fx F NOTES: The minimum grade for the approval of an exam/assignment is 02. Apart from the 7-point grading scale, pass/fail assessment may also be used. The student s performance will be assessed according to the academic targets set for the specific subject or course.
Study at VIA Overall, we encourage the exchange of ideas and knowledge which benefits everyone. Practical approach to studies At we believe in good communication and dialogue between our students and their lecturers and teachers, project-oriented group work and an international environment which promotes intercultural understanding. Theory and practice go hand-in-hand which means that we believe in an alternation between the theoretical and practical part of the studies. This is characteristic of the Scandinavian education culture. At our schools and faculties the teaching styles focus on the student being responsible for his or her own education but always having the possibility of receiving supervision and guidance. This is very different from other countries where the lecturer is in charge of the development of the students. We emphasise the contact between lecturers and students and this is shown in the way we communicate in the classrooms. We expect the students to participate actively in lectures by asking qualified questions and by challenging themselves and the lecturer. Overall, we encourage the exchange of ideas and knowledge which benefits everyone. In this way the students will become more responsible and will learn to overcome the barriers which exist between them and the lecturers. Project-based learning is also part of our educational culture. Students are responsible for their projects, they choose the company they want to work for and what they want to discuss about that particular company. Again, all this is done under the strict supervision of the lecturers who make sure that the students are always on the right track. These projects are made individually but also increasingly in international groups of 4-6 students from different countries, so everybody will get to interact with people from other cultures and with other backgrounds. By doing so, new graduates obtain knowledge about the latest theories and methods as well as the practical experience of how things are done in real life. Also, a very important point of focus for us is the involvement of students in the development of the study environment. Our students often come up with ideas for improvement and they will be supported and helped whatever the matter. There is a multitude of cases where students have brought one small idea into a big and well-recognized project giving them the impression of a real life working situation.
Study at VIA 7 As we mentioned before, we believe in focusing on practice. We believe that it is very important to have the know-how of applying theory to practice. Practical placement and study trips As we mentioned before, we believe in focusing on practice. We believe that it is very important to have the know-how of applying theory to practice. When being enrolled in one of our educational programmes, the students have the possibility of taking practical placement or study in an institution or company relevant to their field of studies. This means that for a period of 12 to 20 weeks they will be working or studying in a different place while gaining relevant experience for their future careers. That is why in the semester before the study or practical placement, the students will actively look for a suitable in- stitution to host their placement semester with the advice of the international coordinator. The students will have the opportunity to attend different information meetings about how to find a suitable host institution and will be benefiting from the guidance of a supervisor, i.e. a lecturer designated to assess and evaluate the quality of the study or practical placement. Prior to the practical placement the student and the host institution must prepare and agree on learning objectives, a learning agreement and a schedule. These must be approved by the international coordinator at the university college as part of the student s study programme. For further information about study and practical placement opportunities, please contact the International Coordinator at the school or faculty at VIA that you are applying to or where you are enrolled.
STUDY AT VIA Joint and double-degree opportunities cooperates with many international partners on a wide range of subjects. Besides the ordinary exchange of students and staff and development of knowledge, we have entered into partnerships to be able to offer both joint degrees and double-degrees to our students. These types of extended programmes are created to increase mobility and improve our students chances in getting into an international career. Please contact the International Coordinator at your school or faculty for more information about the possibilities of a joint or double-degree. Enrolment There is a lot of information regarding the enrolment procedures and entry requirements because they differ from campus to campus and from one study programme to another. But you can visit our website where you will find all the information you need. You will also find some relevant e-mail addresses where you can ask additional questions. For application details please click here. For details about tuition fees please check the table below. NO TUITION FEES Citizens of countries which are full members of EU Citizens of Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein (EEA) Refugees or immigrants living in Denmark with a permanent residence permit issued in Denmark We have an Association Agreement with Turkey TUITION FEES All other citizens who do not belong to the categories listed on the left NOTES: This applies to all full degree and exchange students! But please be aware that if VIA does not have a bilateral agreement with the institution you are studying at, tuition fee must be paid. The tuition fee differs from study programme to study programme. Find information on study costs and tuition fees under the relevant study programme.
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Study environment Students from various countries attend our study programmes, which creates a flow of information not only between Denmark and other countries but also between the specific countries which constitute the international engine of. The international environment created represents a great platform for intercultural understanding and a base for networking. Therefore, the relationships created during the university years are long-lasting and can prove very useful in the future. Networking skills are an important requirement, and the earlier you start using your network the more you will gain from it in the future. Another important aspect about internationalisation is that once the students are together they get to learn from each other and share the same experience in different ways. This means that they will become more openminded and have a broader perspective on studies, culture, friendship and many others. At most of the VIA campuses students have 24 hours access to the university premises. This includes classrooms, computers and free internet, printers, laboratories, meeting rooms and any other facilities which are part of the study environment. The libraries and the bookstores together with their staff members are available to students during working hours. This is where you can get all the study materials you need from the literature needed in class to online articles and e-books. Study premises When arriving at VIA University College, you will receive a Student Card which will be your Identity Card as long as you are a VIA student. At most of our campuses you will have 24 hours access to the study premises with this card. You will find a cafeteria where you can buy breakfast and lunch at reasonable prices. There are a large number of study rooms or areas specially designed for group work or individual work. Printers and plotters are found all around the campuses in case the students need hard copies. 24 hours internet access is provided as well as computers which can be used for work in special cases when personal laptops break down. Each campus has an administrative and enrolment office which can assist in any matters such as media, IT or Campus Service. You will also find one or more international coordinators who are able to help both Danish and foreign students with international matters. All these services are free of charge and they are present solely to increase the quality of the study environment and to make the student s life easier. When new students start their studies, they will receive a Student Number and a password (which can be changed later). With that student number, the student can follow all the news about the university on the intranet, look for information about anything related to the university and study programmes, follow the schedule of classes, receive information about exams and assignments as well as send and receive e-mails to and from fellow students and the school administration.
Study environment 11 Student organisations At every campus of VIA University College one or more student organisations can be found. They give a warm welcome to new students, organise activities throughout the semester and together with the school administration, they improve the quality of the university by meeting and exceeding students needs. These student organisations are formed by Danish and international students who work together on a volunteer basis. By taking part in volunteer organisations, the students will develop analytical skills, gain experience as team leaders or team members, which can be used later on when applying for jobs. Many employers are looking specifically for graduates who have done volunteer work alongside their studies because this bears witness to good time and priority management. By taking part in volunteer organisations, the students will develop analytical skills, gain experience as team leaders or team members, which can be used later on when applying for jobs.
Safety guide This is addressed to all the students and staff members at. Each of our 8 campuses has its own Contingency Plan which has been developed according to the placement of the buildings in the campus, its structure and its number of students and staff members. Each of the campuses has its own safety committee. This committee meets several times per year in order to discuss all the major improvements that need to be done at that particular campus. Once you are enrolled at one of our schools or faculties, you will have access to all the details regarding safety guide and regulations, contact person and safety committee. You will be welcome to ask all your concerning questions related to this topic.
13 Social life Many people say that the university years are the best in a person s life. So, when we talk about the university we do not only talk about studies and serious academic aspects. We believe that the students social life matter very much for the student to gain more from his/her studies. The introduction days are important in a fresh student s life. During these days the student will take part in a multitude of social activities including team building games and getting-to-know games, together with other students who are going to be his/her classmates in the following semester. In this way, the new student will have a fresh start and will meet the persons with whom he/she is going to interact during his/her period of studies. Some of our campuses host a student café or a student bar where everybody can relax after a long day at school. There is also the alternative of using the cafes and bars in the city centres. Even though the weather is not always the best for outdoor activities, the Danes have learned how to enjoy this type of activities. Jogging, cycling and kayaking are only some of the activities which can be practised in your leisure time. Besides this, a multitude of sport associations and cultural events are available in the cities of Denmark and they are available to anyone willing to join. Some of our campuses host a student café or a student bar where everybody can relax after a long day at school. There is also the alternative of using the cafes and bars in the city centres
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