Dreaming of a future in the software industry?


Software Development
Top Up (Bachelor Degree) Download curriculum
1½ years (90 ECTS) Application 15.3, 1.7, 15.10 or 1.12In the top-up programme in Software Development, you will learn how to design and program large, data-heavy and distributed systems.
You will work with all of the various aspects of the software development process, such as databases, contracts, tests, system integration, project management and system development.
Examples of electives: Mobile Platforms or Software Design Patterns. The electives can change from semester to semester in order to be aligned with trends in the industry.
This programme is relevant for both Danish and international students.
Programme content and structure
On the Software Development programme you learn how to develop and manage large distributed data-intensive systems.
The Bachelor’s degree in Software Development is a 1½ year top-up programme (equivalent to 90 ECTS). The programme consists of three semesters.
During the course of your studies you will be in close contact with the business community and you will, for example, write papers in cooperation with a business. You will also be an intern in a business in which you can try out your competencies in practice. We cooperate with a large number of businesses.
Courses
The programme consists of the following courses:
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Databases for system developers
Database types, database optimisation, administrative tools, transactions, security. In the module you will learn to choose and use the correct database solutions for various tasks. In addition, you will also analyse and work with large databases and tasks, such as redesign and operations optimization.
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Tests
Test strategies, types, models, verification, validation, contracts. In the module you will learn to plan, carry out tests, and integrate tests in strategies, development processes and quality assurance.
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System integration
Data conversion, migration, standards, SOA - service-oriented architecture. In the module you will learn to integrate existing systems and integrate existing systems in connection with the development of new systems. You also learn to develop new systems that support integration in the future.
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Development of large systems
Management techniques, quality systems, distributed development, patterns and frameworks. In the module you will learn how to plan and manage development processes with many project participants. You will also learn how to design and implement large systems that consist of small parts from independent development groups.
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Electives
In addition to the mandatory part of the programme, there is an elective part in which you can specialise in, for example, Project Management.
Internship
You enter into a 2 months internship in a business either in Denmark or abroad.
Your internship advisor at KEA will help you with any practical questions concerning your internship with a host company which you must find yourself.
Final exam project
For the final examination project you write a report within one of the subjects in the programme.
More information
If you want to know more in details about the programme and the elements, you can read more in the curriculum (a new one is being written and will be online as soon as possible).
Study form
The teaching is project-based, which provides a solid foundation for understanding business processes, and assignments are normally carried out in groups.]
The instruction is based on projects, which provide a basis for understanding practice, and the tasks are normally carried out in groups. Classroom instruction is gradually being replaced by advisor-based instruction.
The project tasks and the final project in particular, are independent tasks that you carry out on the basis of the theory that you have learned. The projects should be based on specific cases from businesses as far as this is possible. You will be given good advice and constructive criticism along the way.
You must be prepared to make an independent effort and cooperate with your fellow students. The type of instruction gives you experience that you can use for solving both known and new issues.
What does it take to study at KEA?
Studying is not just about attending lectures and classes and taking part in the teaching activities. The active enrolment model shows you what is expected of you as a student at KEA.
The study programmes at KEA are full-time programmes, which means that you should expect to have to devote an average of about 42 hours a week to your studies. The hours are split between various activities such as teaching activities and preparation time.
Read more about the Active Enrolment Model
On this page you can also get tips for planning your time while studying at KEA.
KEA is a playground, a community and a wealth of responsibilities
As a student at KEA, you have almost endless possibilities.
Workshops, with everything from CNC milling machines and wild 3D printers to a wide range of digital hardware. We have one of the world’s leading material libraries. We have cozy corners, roof terraces, cafes and bars.
At KEA, there is a new challenge around every corner.
We hope you will use all these possibilities for creativity, development and socialising.
Career and future
Bachelors in Software Development typically find work as system developers for large (global) IT projects, and over time find work as architects or project managers for such projects.
You can be employed, for example, as:
- Software developer
- Software coordinator
- Software analyst
- Software programmer
- Project manager
- Quality assurance analyst
- IT architect
Employment possibilities are good.
Further education
With a BA in Software Development, you may be eligible to take a Master's degree programme at a university in Denmark or abroad.
You can contact the Study and Career Advisors if you have questions about the Danish Education System.
Available seats
We still have available seats at Software Development. If you live in Denmark and are fully qualified (see admission requirements above), you can apply for the programme until study start (27 August) or as long as there is available seats.
All admission requirements must be fulfilled, and it is a good idea to make sure you have all relevant documentation ready and at hand before you start filling out the application form. After we have received your application, you will receive an email about how to send us the documentation needed.
If you have questions about admission please contact us at APPLICANT@KEA.DK
Admission
If you want to apply for Software Development, you must meet our entry requirements. You can read more about the requirements below.
Requirements for admission to KEA
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Admission requirements
The following Danish AP degree qualify for admission:
- Computer Science
Calculate your grade average
When evaluating your application we look at your weighted grade average. To get an idea of your grade average, you can use the calculator below.
Calculate your average (excel file)
Please note that this average only provides a guideline.
If you have an equally relevant higher education, you can apply for "admission with special permission" based on an individual competency assessment (IKV).
Please note that you must document competencies equivalent to the qualifying Danish AP degree in Computer Science.
Deadline for IKV application: see the section "Admission with special permission".
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Language requirements
All applicants must have passed English at a level equivalent to a Danish Upper Secondary education B-level.
If you're applying with a Danish-taught AP degree, you have to include documentation for your English B level.
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Admission with special permission
If you do not meet the formal admission requirements, you can apply for admission with special permission based on an individual competency assessment (IKV), (in Danish: "Individuel KompetenceVurdering - IKV).
In an IKV, KEA assesses whether your competencies correspond to fulfillment of the formal admission requirements for the programme in question. You must document competencies corresponding to fulfillment of the formal admission requirements, and you must document that you meet the language requirements.
If you wish to apply for admission with special permission, you must meet the following application deadlines:
- Summer intake: 15 March at 12.00 CET
- Winter intake: 15 October at 12.00 CET
Below you can read more about the application process and find the application form:
Semester start
The fall semester begins in the end of August and the spring semester begins in the end of January. You can see study start dates in our Academic Calendar.
Please note, that from August 2022 the programme will no longer be available in English for full degree students at KEA. It is still possible to go on exchange at KEA, see more at global.kea.dk
Application
If you want to apply for Software Development, you can read about how to apply and what the process is below.
Application Proces
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How to apply
Summer intake
You must apply via the application form on this page. Remember to submit all your documentation with the application.
Read more about the application process
When evaluating your application we look at your weighted grade average. Therefore, you must have passed the final exam at the latest 1 July. If you pass the exam after the deadline, your application will not be handled further.
Winter intake
You must apply via the application form on this page. Remember to submit all your documentation with the application.
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Application deadline
For summer intake:
All applicants can apply from 1 February.
The application deadline for all Danish / EU / EAA students with a qualifying Danish AP degree is 1 July at 12:00 noon CET. You’ll get the final admission answer on 9 July.
The application deadline for EU/EAA students without a qualifying Danish AP degree is 15 March at 12:00 noon CET. You’ll get the final admission answer on 9 July (early June if you live outside Denmark).
The application deadline for non-EU citizens is 15 March at 12:00 noon CET. You’ll get the final admission answer in May.
For winter intake:
All applicants can apply from 15 September.
The application deadline for all Danish / EU / EAA students with a qualifying Danish AP degree is 1 December at 12:00 noon CET. You’ll get the final admission answer just before Christmas.
The application deadline for all Danish / EU / EAA students without a qualifying Danish AP degree is 15 October at 12:00 noon CET. You’ll get the final admission answer just before Christmas.
The application deadline for non-EU citizens is 15 October at 12:00 noon CET. You’ll get the final admission answer by 15 November.
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Application fee
Non-EU applicants are required to pay an application fee in order for KEA to process their application.
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Entrance grade point average
All admitted (2021)
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Limitations
If you have completed a master’s degree, you are not eligible to start a second degree at an equivalent or lower level unless there are vacant study places. This limitation applies to all applicants holding a master’s degree regardless of whether it is a Danish or an international master’s degree.
If you want to know more
Read more about transfer to KEA, re-admission and re-enrollment on the page APPLICATION AND ADMISSION.
Contact
If you have questions about the content of the programme, you can contact our study advisors. If your questions are of a more practical nature regarding, for example, application and admission, then KEA Applicant is ready to help you.
Questions about transfer, re-admission and admission requirements
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +45 46 46 07 00.
You can call us Monday to Friday, between 10.00-12.00. All times are CET.
Questions about exchange programmes
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or find contact information for our international coordinators at global.kea.dk.

You can reach Berit by phone Monday and Friday from 9am - 11am (GMT+1)
General information
Below you can find information about study place, curriculum and other practical information regarding Software Development.
Practical information about the programme
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Language
The programme is offered in English.
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Address
Classes take place at:
Guldbergsgade 29N
2200 Copenhagen N
Denmark -
Programme start
The programme commences in January (winter intake) and in August (summer intake).
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Finance
The programme is entitled to the state education support (SU) for Danish citizens. Read more at www.su.dk
Tuition fee terms:
- Nordic/EU/EEA students are free of charge
- Non-EU citizens must pay a tuition fee of € 5,400 per semester
There is no fee for following students:
- Students from the European Union (EU)
- Students from EEA countries (Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland)
- Students from Switzerland
- Students who are granted permanent residency or time-limited permit with the possibility of permanent residence in Denmark
- Students exchanged with Danish students as part of a bilateral agreement with an educational institution abroad
- Students who are granted residence permit under §9c, paragraph 1 of the Aliens Act as the accompanying child of a foreigner with a residency permit issued under pursuant to section 9a of the Aliens Act
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Expenses
Books (approximately DKK 6,000 during the course of 1½ years), and your own notebook PC or Mac which supports 5GHz (802.11a) in order to avoid problems with KEA’s network. Furthermore you need the following programmes installed: Microsoft Office 2010.
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Curriculum
Download the national part of curriculum
Former curriculae
You can find former curriculae at our curriculae archive
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Code of conduct
KEA has a set of general codes of conduct, which apply to everyone. Locally, there might be more detailed codes.
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Diploma Supplement
KEA issues a Diploma Supplement in English automatically at the end of your studies, as a supplement to your diploma.
The Diploma Supplement is designed to provide a description of the nature, level, context, content and status of the qualification.
The Diploma Supplement contains a description of KEA Copenhagen School of Design and Technology and the Danish educational system.
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Scholarship
Unfortunately, the Danish Government has discontinued allocating funds towards scholarships for non-EU/EEA students.
Due to this decision, KEA is unable to offer any scholarships at this point.