Aalborg University plans to close several creative programmes under Denmark’s Master’s reform (Kandidatreformen), prompting protests from students and criticism from Aalborg Municipality on 6 October 2025. The university says the changes reflect low enrolment and the need to reallocate capacity, while local officials argue the closures would harm the city’s cultural ecosystem.
Why the master’s reform is driving closures
Denmark’s Master’s reform aims to reshape graduate education by introducing shorter degrees and more labour‑market‑oriented pathways. Universities have been asked to redesign programme portfolios, cut or convert some two‑year master’s degrees, and shift capacity to fields with higher demand.
At Aalborg University (AAU), the leadership has proposed discontinuing a group of arts‑ and culture‑related programmes as part of its institutional plan for the new master’s landscape.
What Aalborg University plans to discontinue
Among the programmes identified for closure are Art and Technology, Music, Experience Design, and Applied Philosophy. According to the dean’s office, these programmes face persistently low admissions while other AAU degrees turn away qualified applicants. The university argues that consolidating resources will allow it to meet national targets and strengthen areas with higher student demand.
Students and city officials challenge the rationale
Students contend that the creative programmes supply skills and talent that feed Aalborg’s cultural and creative sectors. They cite the Art and Technology track’s role in interactive arts and digital installations, and argue closures would undercut the city’s innovation ecosystem.
Aalborg’s alderman for Health and Culture (Rådmand for Sundhed og Kultur), Jes Lunde (Radikale Venstre), has sided with the students, saying the proposed cuts risk a talent drain fro
