In 2009, the Danish government introduced time-dependent completion bonuses for all Danish universities to propel candidate students through their degrees.<\/p>\n
Prior to this, only 16 per cent of students country-wide completed their Master\u2019s programme on time, shows a 2008 paper from the European Commission.<\/p>\n
According to the University of Copenhagen’s 2009 annual report, 22 per cent of Master\u2019s wrapped up on time in 2009. Neither the Government nor the University of Copenhagen was satisfied with this number.<\/p>\n
To qualify for the time-dependent completion bonuses, the University of Copenhagen\u2019s two-year Master\u2019s students must complete their degrees within 27 months.<\/p>\n
The University of Copenhagen\u2019s winnings have climbed from DKK 131 million in 2009 to DKK 146 million in 2010.<\/p>\n
This year, the University has set its ambitious sights on winning DKK 167 million in bonuses. <\/p>\n
If anything, the University will be assisted in reaching its goal by a recent law, forcing students to complete their Master\u2019s thesis within 6 months. <\/p>\n
\u00bbThis rule probably has the highest impact of all on lowering the completion time,\u00ab says Hanne Harmsen from the University\u2019s \u2018Educational Services\u2019. <\/p>\n
\u00bbBefore that, students could spend as long as they wanted on their thesis,\u00ab she explains.<\/p>\n
On the softer side, the University has intensified student counselling, with several faculties creating mentor-ship programs and career-focused initiatives to spur students forward.<\/p>\n
These new initiatives are expected to further improve completion rates and reduce the average period of study.<\/p>\n
Uni-avis@adm.ku.dk<\/p>\n