phd at aarhus university

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Graduate School of Technical Sciences

Apply for a phd position here.

The list below will be updated with new announcements continuously. If you can’t find a project within your field of research on the list, please have a look later.

You can use the filter function to narrow down your search field or search for something specific.

Application guide

Please read the GSTS application guide before you apply.

PhD study structure and financing

See how the structure and income of your PhD study would look.

Contact us by writing an e-mail to admission.gradschool.tech@au.dk

Aarhus BSS School of Business and Social Sciences Aarhus University

Application guide, read before applying.

Before applying applicants are advised to study the rules and regulations of PhD studies at Aarhus BSS Graduate School. These may be found here (in Danish and English)  

Online application form

Applicants must apply by completing Aarhus University’s online application form (please find these under calls).  

What must be included in the application?

• The application (including all attached documentation) must be written in Danish or English.
• The application must include the documentation outlined below according to the scheme you wish to apply to.
• All documents must be in pdf-format.
• All documentation (including references) you want assessed as part of your application, must be received by the Graduate School no later than the application deadline.
• No documentation for language skills are required in the application process. However, excellent communication skills in English are considered essential, and the applicant must be able to read, write, and speak academic English fluently. English language requirement is comparable to a minimum of TOEFL 83 or IELTS 6,5, corresponding to Danish Highschool level B. The PhD administration may ask applicants to document their proficiency in English at any time during the recruitment process if this is considered necessary.
• To learn more about the content of the different schemes please see PhD degree structure .
• Apply only to one PhD programme. If the Graduate School finds that your application applies better to another PhD programme your application will be assessed by the relevant committee there.
•  If you have any questions regarding the application process please see frequently asked questions or contact us at the Graduate School .

Applicants are very much encouraged to supply documentation as to how they rank compared to their class (both bachelor and master degrees) if the entrance exams are from a foreign university. This may for example be in form of a letter from the university stating that either how you rank as an individual compared to other students (“ranks as no. 6 out of 111” or “ranks as among the best 8 percent”) or if that is not possible then general information from the university as to how grades were distributed the year of your graduation will be appreciated. 

The Graduate School reserves the right to reject any applications which do not include the mandatory documentation or live up to the limitations stated below.

Applications for the 3-year scheme must include:

 The application must include all off the following documents:

• The motivation must be no more than 2,400 characters, spaces included . The number of characters must be stated in the document.
• Curriculum vitae  (resumé)
• The project description must be no more than 12,000 characters, spaces included . This includes details on topic and thesis statement, suggestions for relevant theory and literature, project hypotheses, considerations on methodology and data, figures/tables, as well as a realizable 3-year project schedule. In case figures and/or tables are included, they each count 800 characters regardless of size. The limitation of 12,000 characters is exclusive of list of references. The number of characters must be stated on the first page of the project description. Different types of reference systems are accepted. The Graduate School reserves the right to reject the application if the project description exceeds 12,000 characters including figures
• If externally financed scholarship: signed declaration on PhD application with externally financed scholarship (see here for more information)
• Master Diploma. If the Master’s degree has not yet been completed a document stating that must be included instead
• Transcript of records for qualifying Master’s degree , i.e. details on completed course work and marks/grades obtained for the qualifying Master’s degree. If the Master’s degree has not yet been completed an up-to-date transcript of records must be included instead
• Bachelor Diploma
• Transcript of records for qualifying Bachelor’s degree  , i.e.   details on completed course work and marks/grades obtained for the qualifying Bachelor’s degree

Applications for the 4-year scheme must include:

The application must include all off the following documents:

• The motivation must be no more than 2,400 characters, space included . The number of characters must be stated in the document
• The preliminary project description must be no more than 12,000 characters, space included . The description should account for the preliminary plans for the progress of the PhD studies, including topic proposal. In case figures and/or tables are included, they each count 800 characters regardless of size. The limitation of 12,000 characters is exclusive of list of references. The number of characters must be stated on the first page of the project description. Different types of reference systems are accepted. The Graduate School reserves the right to reject the application if the project description exceeds 12,000 characters including figures.  
• Master Diploma. A document stating that the Master’s degree has not yet been completed and that this is a 4+4 application, must be included instead
• Transcript of records for qualifying Master study , documentation of completed course work and marks/grades of 60 ECTS in a Master’s programme
• Transcript of records for qualifying Bachelor’s degree  , i.e.details on completed course work and marks/grades obtained for the qualifying Bachelor’s degree

Applications for the 5-year scheme must include:

• The motivation must be no more than 2,400 characters, spaces included . The number of characters must be stated in the document
• The preliminary project description must be a brief outline of no more than 4,800 characters, space included . It should describe project topics which may constitute the preliminary plans for the PhD studies. In case figures and/or tables are included, they each count 800 characters regardless of size. The number of characters must be stated on the first page of the project description. The Graduate School reserves the right to reject the application if the project description exceeds 4,800 characters including figures.
• Master Diploma. A document stating that the Master’s degree has not yet been completed and that this is a 3+5 application must be uploaded instead
• Transcript of records for qualifying Master study , a document stating that the Master’s degree has not yet been completed and that this is a 3+5 application must be included instead
• Bachelor Diploma.  If the Bachelor’s degree has not yet been completed a document stating that must be included instead
• Transcript of records for qualifying Bachelor’s degree , i.e.   details on completed course work and marks/grades obtained for the qualifying Bachelor’s degree. If the Bachelor’s degree has not yet been completed an up-to-date transcript of records must be included instead

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Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences

Phd in psychology and behavioural science.

The purpose of the PhD programme is both to train researchers, but also to meet the needs of practical life for highly qualified psychologists. The PhD programme at the Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science offers training in the areas of:

• Studies in organizational participation and corporation
• Applied basic research in memory and cognition
• Health psychology
• Man-Technology interaction
• Psychotherapy research
• Psycho-traumatology
• Development of qualitative methodology
• Apprenticeship learning
• Anthropological psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Applied social psychology with special attention towards children and adolescents

You can read more about the PhD programmes  here.

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Department of Computer Science

The department has many PhD students in on our world-class research groups . All PhD students accepted at the department are fully funded and receive a generous stipend (either salary or SU, Danish students' Grants and Loans Scheme).

When can I start?

Many believe that you must complete your Master's degree before applying for a PhD position. However, at Aarhus University it is possible to apply already after your Bachelor's degree or even during your Master's studies. For more info see the figure below or read more in the rules and regulations .

Study and work

Although research in collaboration with your PhD supervisor and others is the primary focus for a PhD student, there are also other activities in the daily life as a PhD student. You will follow courses and sharpen your skills within the area of research chosen for your PhD studies. However, PhD students typically also work as a teaching assistant or as a part of the department's visitor’s service, where we present computer science to upper secondary school classes. PhD students are also encouraged to take part in the boards and committees at the department.

Study abroad, travels and conferences

As a PhD student, you need to view the world from a number of angles – not just from our department. Therefore, all our PhD students visit a foreign research institution, typically from three to six months, to gain experience, collaborate, and establish a network in the academic community. Also, during your PhD studies you attend conferences and summer schools in other parts of the world. The department will cover expenses for travelling.

Before you apply

1. On our research pages , you can find information about the research area and staff members in each of the research groups, at the department.

2. Reach out to potential supervisor to learn about the possibilities of becoming a PhD student on their research projects.

3. Read the application guidelines, which contain information about documentation needed, language test, etc. you need to prepare for your application.

4. Apply via Graduate School of Natural Sciences . Please note the deadlines: February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1.

• Apply to a predefined PhD position , or
• Apply via the open call  

Ask the potential superviser you are in contact with whether you should apply for a predefined PhD position or via the open call.

5. Questions ? For research-specific questions, please contact the relevant faculty member. For general questions about PhD studies at the department, please reach out to Head of Programme Anders Møller or PhD administrator Henriette Farup. 

A total of 71 PhD students are currently enrolled at the department:

• 46 international students
• 25 Danish students
• 15 female students
• 56 male students

346 PhDs in Computer Science have graduated from Aarhus University since 1975 .

Research groups at the department

• Algorithms, Data Structures and Foundations of Machine Learning
• Collaboration and Computer-Human Interaction
• Computational Complexity and Game Theory
• Data-Intensive Systems
• Logic and Semantics
• Programming Languages
• Ubiquitous Computing and Interaction
• Bioinformatics
• Use, Design and Innovation
• Modelling and Validation of Distributed Systems

Anders   Møller

Mette   Sørensen

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Graduate School, Arts

Phd degree programmes (4+4 or 5+3).

The Graduate School, Arts offers two degree programmes:

The Graduate School, Arts also offers double and joint degree programmes in collaboration with international partners.  

The PhD degree programme

The programme regulations for the graduate schools at Aarhus University are in accordance with the provisions in Ministerial Order no. 1039 of 27 August 2013 on the PhD Programmes at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions and section 16b(1) –(4) of the Danish University Act, Consolidation Act no. 261 of 18 March 2015.  

Official duration of programme in credits and/or years The PhD degree programme is equivalent in length to three years of full-time study or 180 ECTS credits at a level above that of completed Master’s degree. One year corresponds to 60 ECTS credits.       

Programme results   The objective of the PhD degree programmes at Aarhus University is to train the PhD student to independently conduct high-calibre research and to master research methods and tools, development tasks and teaching within the field.

The PhD degree is conferred on a candidate who has completed a PhD programme, which is comprised of the following elements:

• Independent research work under supervision (the PhD project)
• Normally, 1 ECTS point is considered equivalent to 25 hours of work, including preparation time etc. To a limited extent, ECTS points may be awarded for participation in academic conferences, if the outcome is considered equivalent to the outcome form participating in a PhD course. A maximum of 10 of the 30 ECTS points required may be earned in this way.
• To ensuring the international level of the PhD degree programme, a long-term and continuous period of research lasting at least two months must be included at an active research environment which is not your own (preferably outside Denmark).
• The PhD student must perform work for the institution of employment according to its directions, corresponding to 840 working hours during the employment. If the PhD student is enrolled/employed for a shorter period of time than three years in total, the departmental work will be reduced in accordance with the duration of the employment period. To ensure that PhD students not employed at the faculty will acquire this competency, these PhD students must have participated in teaching activities at the faculty Guidelines ‐ PhD students’ paid work for departments (840 hours total) corresponding to one term of teaching.
• Completion of a PhD dissertation on basis of the PhD project .

The dissertation must be publicly defended.  

Professional status (if applicable) A PhD degree from Aarhus University is a research-based, internationally oriented educational qualification that qualifies the holder to take knowledge-intensive positions in industry, business, the public sector and in academia – including in the international labour marked.   

Purpose The PhD degree programme is a research training programme which aims to develop the competencies of PhD student to carry out research work independently, i.e. abilities in the areas of analysis of, knowledge of, independent work with and communication of academic issues at the highest international level. In this connection, the programme will give students familiarity with all the most advanced research methods and theories in their respective fields. As a result, the PhD degree programme will qualify a PhD graduate to independently carry out research, development and teaching work in both the public and the private sectors. After completing the PhD degree programme, PhD students should also have developed all skills in developing new ideas within one or more areas of their discipline, as defined in the broadest sense.

The PhD degree programme is aimed at training students for future employment both as academic researchers and in a broader range of functions in society.

For further information please see this page .

5+3 scheme (3-year PhD fellowships)

To begin a 3-year fellowship you must have passed a qualifying examination that corresponds to 300 ECTS credits (e.g. a Bachelor’s degree allocated 180 ECTS credits and a Master’s degree allocated 120 ECTS credits).

Your Master’s degree programme must be completed no later than the day before enrolment start (see the start date in the call).

The PhD degree programme consists of PhD courses , academic communication,  working at the department   including teaching, possible international exchanges, independent research and working with the PhD dissertation.

Duration  3 years full-time study. 180 ECTS credits.

Working hours per week 37 hours per week.  Full-time employment equals 37 hours a week on average as stated in the agreement and protocol.    

Language The Graduate School of Arts offers supervision in Danish and English. It will also be possible to take courses taught in English.

Admission requirements To be considered for the PhD fellowships (5+3) applicants must have the following qualifications within relevant academic disciplines:

• a 3-year BA (180 ECTS credits), and
• a 2-year MA (120 ECTS credits).

Your degrees must be equivalent to a Danish Bachelor's degree and a Danish Master's degree. For further information please see this page:  https://phd.arts.au.dk/applicants/international-applicants  

Admission to the Graduate School, Arts requires satisfactory  English language skills  (if you do not have ‘B level’ in English from a Danish entrance examination).

Applicants can suggest a potential main supervisor among faculty staff (not mandatory).

4+4 scheme (4-year student research scholarships)

- requirements (ects credits).

Entrance requirement To begin a 4-year scholarship you must have passed a qualifying examination that corresponds to 240 ECTS credits (e.g. a Bachelor’s degree allocated 180 ECTS credits as well as Master’s degree examinations that correspond to 60 ECTS credits, or a combined Bachelor's and Master’s degree allocated 240 ECTS credits).  This means that the earliest point in time at which you can apply is during the semester immediately before you reach the 240 ECTS credits in total (or 60 ECTS credits on your Master's degree programme).

Your degrees must be equivalent to at least a Bachelor's degree + one year of Master's study in Denmark.

60-90 ECTS credits on the Master's degree programme Applicants who will have acquired 60 to 90 ECTS credits in a Master’s degree examination after the deadline for application may apply for a 4-year scholarship. 

• If a Danish Master’s degree programme has been extended and has a prescribed duration of 150 ECTS credits (in Danish "rammeudvidelse"), the applicant must have accumulated at least 90 ECTS credits and no more than 120 ECTS credits at the time of their enrolment on the PhD degree programme.
• Applicants who have already earned 90 ECTS credits (120 ECTS credits if the Danish Master's degree programme has been extended to 150 ECTS instead of 120 ECTS) at the time of application should apply for the 3-year fellowship (5+3 programme). The Master’s degree programme must be completed no later than the day before the PhD enrolment starts.

In general terms, the Master’s thesis constitutes the final part of the Master’s degree programme unless you still need to pass a course or two on the Master's degree programme.

Credit for courses taken on Master's degree level In addition to passing the entrance requirement you must also be able to obtain a credit transfer of 60-90 ECTS credits for courses taken on Master's level.

Please note that we might not be able to give you credit for all courses taken on your Master's degree programme. You might have passed 60 ECTS credits on your current 2-year Master's degree programme or your completed 1-year Master's degree but when we compare your courses to the courses on one of our Master's degree programmes we can only give you credit corresponding to 40 ECTS credits. This means that we cannot enrol you as a 4+4 student at Arts because you need at least 60 ECTS credits to be admitted.

The assessment of the qualifications associated with your Master's degree programme will be made by Study Centre Arts if your PhD application is sent for assessment in the Admission Committee. Do not contact the Study Centre yourself for an assessment before you apply or during the assessment of your PhD application.

Two Master's degrees Please note that you cannot apply for the 4+4 scheme with an ongoing Master’s degree programme if you have already completed another Master’s degree programme corresponding to a Danish two-year Master’s degree programme (120 ECTS). This means that you have to apply for the 5+3 scheme with your completed Master’s degree and not the 4+4 scheme with your ongoing Master’s degree programme.

- Length of PhD degree programme

The standard length of the PhD degree programme is 3 years of full-time study: 1 year of full-time study on part A, and 2 years of full-time study on part B for students enrolled on the 4+4 scheme. 180 ECTS credits in total = 3 year of PhD study.

The degree programme consists of a part A and a part B.

• 60 ECTS credits on the Master's degree programme (120 ECTS) at PhD enrolment start 2 years on part A and 2 years on part B. Part A consists of 60 MA-ECTS credits and 60 PhD-ECTS credits and part B consists of 120 PhD-ECTS credits. The average number of working hours on the PhD degree programme: 18.5 hours per week on part A and 37 hours per week on part B.  
• 61-89 ECTS credits on the Master's degree programme (120 ECTS) at PhD enrolment start    2 years on part A and 2 years on part B. Part A consists of the remaining MA-ECTS credits of the Master's degree programme (31-59 ECTS) and 60 PhD-ECTS credits. Part B consists of 120 PhD-ECTS credits.  The average number of working hours on the PhD degree programme: 18.5 hours per week on part A and 37 hours per week on part B.  
• 90 ECTS credits on the Master's degree programme (120 ECTS) at PhD enrolment start 1½ years on part A and 2 years on part B. Part A consists of 30 MA-ECTS credits and 60 PhD-ECTS credits . P art B consists of 120 PhD-ECTS credits.  The average number of working hours on the PhD degree programme: 24.67 hours per week on part A and 37 hours per week on part B.
• Exception - if the Danish Master's degree programme has been extended to 150 ECTS 90 MA-ECTS credits =  2 years on part A and 2 years on part B. 120 MA-ECTS credits = 1½ years on part A and 2 years on part B.

During part A of the programme you complete your MA simultaneously with the first part of your PhD. 

If you are not already enrolled as a Master’s student at the Faculty of Arts, Aarhus University you will be contacted by the Study Centre Arts (if you get one of the PhD fellowships). They will find a new Master's degree programme at Arts for you and make a  credit transfer for the courses previously completed as part of your degree programme at Master’s level.  On this page you can see all the Master's degree programmes at Aarhus University (choose "Faculty" - "Arts" to see the programmes at Arts):  https://kandidat.au.dk/en/  

SU grant as a Master's degree student:

• If you are a Danish citizen please see this page:  http://www.su.dk/su/su-betingelser/
• If you are not a Danish citizen please see this page:  http://www.su.dk/english/su-as-a-foreign-citizen/

This initial part of the programme may consist of courses, independent research, international exchanges and work at one of the Faculty's departments.

Duration of part A The duration depends on how many ECTS credits you have on your Master's degree programme at enrolment start on the PhD degree programme.

• 60-89 ECTS credits 2 years on part A
• 90 ECTS credits 1½ years on part A

Working hours per week The number of working hours per week on part A depends on the length of time for which students are enrolled.

• 1½ years on part A 0.5 years of full-time study (6 months) for the Master’s degree programme, and 1 year of full-time study (12 months) for the PhD degree programme. This results in an average of 24.67 working hours per week for the PhD degree programme.
• 2 years on part A 1 year of full-time study (12 months) for the Master’s degree programme, and 1 year of full-time study (12 months) for the PhD degree programme. This results in an average of 18.5 working hours per week for the PhD degree programme.

Semi-annual evaluation and midway assessment The course of the postgraduate programme is evaluated every 6 months. After 18 months the student will either be recommended for completing the programme with part B and thus obtaining the PhD degree or to end the programme after the first 2 years and thus obtaining a research-intensive Master’s degree. PhD students completing after part A will be working on their master thesis during the last term.

In part A the PhD degree programme is financed by a SU PhD scholarship (corresponding to 2 SU vouchers from the State Education Grant and Loan Scheme in Denmark) as well as a salary for the student's work at the department (all in all 280 hours in two years).

Students who are recommended for part B will during the last term of part A be working on a  qualifying exam  which consists of the fourth evaluation and a presentation of one or more scholarly works within the PhD project. One or more of these works will be assessed as the  master thesis  in order for the student to obtain the Master's Degree. Satisfactory completion of all the parts of the qualification exam is necessary for enrolling in part B. Master's thesis The Master’s thesis must be submitted  no later than four weeks   (six weeks if submitted in the period 15 June - 31 August)  before the expiry of the enrolment on part A so the mark given for this thesis can be entered in the same month as the expiry of part A. If the Master’s thesis is submitted before the deadline and thus gaining the Master’s degree before the month in which the enrolment on part A expires, the SU PhD scholarship expires at the same time as the degree is awarded (at the end of the month).  If the Master’s thesis is submitted before the deadline, the time remaining under part A will not be added to part B. Enrolment for part B lasts two years, no matter how long part A lasts. 

Part B consists of PhD courses, academic communication,  working at the department  including teaching (560 hours), possible international exchanges, independent research and working with the PhD dissertation. At part B the PhD project is financed by a scholarship in accordance with the collective agreement. Please consult the translated version of the salary agreement at Aarhus University.

Duration of part B You will be enrolled for 2 years on part B. 

If you obtain your Master’s degree before the month in which your enrolment on part A expires, your SU PhD scholarship expires at the same time as your degree is awarded (at the end of the month).  The remaining time on part A will not be added to part B if the Master's degree is obtained early. The enrolment for part B lasts two years, regardless of the length of part A.

Working hours per week 37 hours per week.

The Graduate School of Arts offers supervision in Danish and English to PhD students enrolled in the postgraduate programme. In Part A it is possible to take courses taught in English in several of the study programmes, or to combine international courses. In Part B it will be possible to take courses taught in English in all of the study programmes. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the study programme or to see the Faculty’s current International Course Catalogue for further information on courses in English.

- Admission requirements

To be considered for the student research scholarships (4+4) applicants must have one of the following qualifications within relevant academic disciplines:

• a 3-year BA (180 ECTS credits) and a minimum of 1 year of full-time graduate study (60 ECTS credits), or
• equivalent qualifications (an MA allocated 240 ECTS credits).

Master’s degree students who have not yet successfully completed the final exam of the first year of their Master’s degree programme should include a curriculum for any outstanding exams and a statement from the relevant teacher or director of studies. 

Your degrees must be equivalent to a Danish Bachelor's degree and a Danish Master's degree programme. For further information please see this page:  https://phd.arts.au.dk/applicants/international-applicants  

Applicants can suggest a potential main supervisor among faculty staff (not mandatory). 

- Enrolment on a Master's degree programme

Requirements (ECTS credits) If you apply for PhD enrolment with a 1-year Master's degree or a 2-year Master's degree that is not equivalent to a Danish 2-year Master's degree you must apply for the 4+4 scheme.

In order to assess if you meet the entrance requirements for enrolment as a Master's student at Arts we must check your previous qualifications (Bachelor and Master). We must ensure that we are able to admit you on one of our current Master's degree programme at Arts with a credit transfer of at least 60 ECTS credits. If the courses taken on your Master's degree programme does not match at least 60 ECTS credits on one of our Master's degree programmes we cannot admit you as Master's student on the 4+4 scheme which also means that we cannot enrol you as a PhD student.

Credit for courses taken on Master's degree level In addition to passing the entrance requirement for the PhD enrolment you must also be able to obtain a credit transfer of 60-90 ECTS credits for courses taken on your Master's degree programme.

Please note that we might not be able to give you credit for all courses taken on your Master's degree programme. You might have passed 60 ECTS credits on your current 2-year Master's degree programme or your completed 1-year Master's degree but when we compare the courses to the courses on one of our Master's degree programmes we might only be able to give you credit corresponding to 30 or 40 ECTS credits. This means that we cannot enrol you as a 4+4 student at Arts because you need at least 60 ECTS credits on a Master's degree programme in order to be admitted.

On this page you can see all the Master's degree programmes at Aarhus University (choose "Faculty" - "Arts" to see the programmes at Arts):  https://kandidat.au.dk/en/  

4+4 scheme (part A and part B) The 4+4 scheme consists of a part A and a part B. During part A of the 4+4 scheme you must complete a Master's degree programme (120 ECTS) simultaneously with your PhD enrolment (180 ECTS). This means that you will be enrolled as a Master's student and a PhD student at the same time for the first 1½-2 years of the enrolment on the 4+4 scheme (part A).

Part A consists of 30-60 MA-ECTS credits depending on the credit transfer from your previous Master's degree programme and 60 PhD-ECTS credits. Part B consists of 120 PhD-ECTS credits. 

Double and Joint degree programmes

The Graduate School, Arts offers double and joint degree programmes in collaboration with international partners. As part of a double or joint degree programme PhD students will spend time at both universities under mutual supervision schemes.

The programmes may be organised in collaboration with one or more cooperating foreign PhD training institutions. Enrolment based on collaboration on degrees at two institutions will be based on framework agreements between the Graduate School, Arts and the partner institutions. Similarly, individual agreements will be entered into with partners concerning the content of a student's PhD programme. The PhD plan will then be based on this agreement.

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Graduate School of Health

Phd courses.

During the course of your PhD study programme, you are required to complete PhD courses or similar subject elements totalling approximately 30 ECTS credits. On these pages, you find information about courses offerede by GSH but also how you can obtain ECTS for external courses and other activities.

ECTS Calculation

1 ECTS corresponds to 25 working hours*

*includes all kinds of activities related to the individual course i.e. lectures, preparation, exercises, homework etc.

PhD courses at GSH

Find information about mandatory, scientific and elective courses offered by GSH

Transferable skills courses

Get an overview of transferable skills (e.g. Academic English or Project Management) courses for all PhD students at AU.

External courses

ECTS credits for activities and courses offered by external institutions

PhD Course Management

Find guidelines on how to login and navigate PhD Course Management

PhD courses 2025 - Click here

PhD courses offered in 2024 will open for registration in  PhD Course Management  on October 10, 2024, at 10 AM

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Graduate School of Natural Sciences

Computer science.

The programme covers a wide range of theoretical and experimental areas within Computer Science and Bioinformatics:

• Algorithms, Data structures and Foundations of Machine Learning  – particular focus on I/O-efficient algorithms and algorithm engineering for massive data sets.
• Bioinformatics   – development and application of models and methods for analyzing biological and biomedical data, covering topics such as algorithmic development, algorithm engineering, software development, and statistical modeling focusing on evolutionary genome analysis, structural bioinformatics and medical bioinformatics.
• Computational Complexity and Game Theory  – computational complexity theory, algorithmic and computational game theory, mathematical programming, combinatorial optimization, computational algebra, real algebraic geometry, and multi-agent systems.
• Computer Mediated Activity  – development of new interaction techniques, methods and theories for computer-mediated activities of work and everyday life.
• Cryptography and Security  – in particular, public-key cryptography, cryptographic protocols, and quantum cryptography.
• Data-Intensive Systems  – topics related to spatio-temporal data management, query processing and indexing, high-dimensional and multimedia data, and infrastructure for mobile services and cloud computing.
• Logic and Semantics  - semantics of programming languages and type theories, models and logics for reasoning about programs.
• Programming Languages  – program analysis and testing.
• Ubiquitous computing and interaction  – creating concepts for future interactive spaces at schools, libraries, museums, homes, and workplaces.
• Use, Design and Innovation – including participatory design in innovation processes,

Affiliated centres/departments:

The programme is affiliated with the Department of Computer Science , which has around 1000 students and 150 employees. The department houses a wide range of world-class research groups .

Information for prospective PhD students

Please see our information for prospective students .

Before you apply, please have a look at the relevant research pages listed above and read the application guidelines , which specify required documentation.

Research-related questions should be directed at the relevant research leader. General questions about PhD studies, admission etc. should be directed at head of programme Anders Møller or PhD Administrator Henriette Gammelgaard Farup . Please note that your application must be completed via the online application system to be valid.

Examples of employment after graduation:

After graduation, many of our students are employed in the IT industry in the Aarhus area, which includes companies such as Google, Uber, Systematic, and Trifork, however many choose to seek opportunities internationally, or obtain academic positions either in Denmark or abroad.

Geographic location:

Except for Bioinformatics, all research groups are located in the IT-City of Katrinebjerg, Aarhus.

There is close collaboration with the Department of Information and Media Sciences, the Alexandra Institute, and numerous IT companies. The Bioinformatics activities are located at the main AU campus.

71 PhD students are currently enrolled at CS:

• 46 international students
• 25 Danish students
• 15 female students
• 56 male students
• 346 PhDs in Computer Science have graduated from Aarhus University since 1975

Head of Programme

Anders   Møller

Local programme administration.

Mette   Sørensen

Gsns phd partner.

Sututhi   Perrananthasivam

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More than 100 research centres across 5 faculties at AU.

Aarhus BSS is on of Europe's largest business school and is housing the country's largest business and social science units at university level.

Tech features research of the highest quality within the fields of engineering, environmental science, agricultural science, animal science and food science.

The interdisciplinary centres includes researchers from two or more faculties and includes atleast two of the university's three main activities.

For many students and researchers it is difficult to envision the possible career paths and options available. To make this slightly easier, you can find a description of the key pathways that are the typical for young researchers. This will provide you with an overview of possibilities and ideas about how to plan your own career. The four tracks are meant as guidelines that can inspire you to reflect on which path that matches your skills, interests and values the most. 

• Track 1: Stay in Academia
• Track 2: Research in Industry and Public Sector
• Track 3: Careers using generic academic skills
• Track 4: Becoming an Entrepreneur

PhD Programmes

• Ph.D. Anthropology, Global Studies and the Study of Religion
• Ph.D. Art, Literature and Cultural Studies
• Ph.D. History, Archeology and Classical Studies
• Ph.D. Language, Linguistics and Cognition
• Ph.D. Theology, History of Ideas and Philosophy
• Ph.D. ICT, Media, Communication and Journalism
• Ph.D. Agroecology
• Ph.D. Ecoscience
• Ph.D. Environmental Sciences
• Ph.D. Geoscience
• Ph.D. Chemistry
• Ph.D. Mathematics
• Ph.D. Nanoscience
• Ph.D. Physics and Astronomy
• Ph.D. Computer Science
• Ph.D. Didactics
• Ph.D. Learning and Education
• Ph.D. Animal Science
• Ph.D. Food Science
• Ph.D. Public Health

Aarhus University Scholarships

Below you will find scholarships related to Aarhus University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.

Read more about eligibility

For a complete overview of scholarships for Aarhus University, visit our scholarship search .

University Ranking

Housing services.

Please note that AU Housing doesn't offer on-campus accommodation. In Denmark, on-campus housing is rare, and most students and staff live off-campus and commute to and from campus. The majority of the rooms allocated by AU Housing are situated within a 30-minute travel distance from campus.

AU Housing has access to around 700 rooms located in various dormitories and shared facilities houses. However, it's important to note that AU does not own these housing facilities; instead, it collaborates with different landlords and housing organizations. 

Library services

The AU Library, Aarhus BSSThe common room on the second floor provides a well-used opportunity for students to store and prepare their own food and enjoy a break from the books. Since students are allowed to use the facilities of the library 24/7, students can be spotted between the bookshelves even at night time and early in the morning.

ICT services

As a student at BTECH you have access to email, Brightspace, different programmes etc. On Campus you can use wireless network.

On the IT and Support pages of the Study Portal you can find information common to all students at AU.

Campus life

• Aarhus Campus
• Emdrup Campus
• Herning Campus
• AU Silkeborg
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Aarhus, Central Jutland, Denmark

Other programmes from this organisation.

• 54 (Pre-)Masters
• 12 Short Courses
• 3 (Pre-)Bachelors
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Department of Dentistry and Oral Health

New research explains why virus causing cold sores does not spread to devastating brain infection.

A previously unknown defence mechanism in the brain prevents herpesvirus from infecting the brain's nerve cells. This is shown by researchers from Aarhus University in a new study that has great perspectives.

More than half of us are carriers of chronic herpesvirus infections. But even though the herpesvirus can infect our nerve cells, it rarely causes serious infection of the brain. Researchers from Aarhus University have now discovered a key element of the explanation.

The researchers have discovered a previously unknown defence mechanism in the body that is the reason why herpes infection causes a serious and potentially fatal brain inflammation in only one out of 250,000 cases. The study has recently been published in the scientific journal Nature.

"The study has exciting perspectives because it gives us a better understanding of how the brain defends itself against viral infections," says Professor Søren Riis Paludan from the Department of Biomedicine at Aarhus University. He is the article’s last author, a Lundbeck Foundation Professor and centre director of the Excellence Centre CiViA.

"We’ve discovered how our body prevents herpesvirus from entering into the brain, even though 50-80% of us are chronically infected with this particular virus. The idea behind CiViA is that we want to understand how the body fights infections without harming itself at the same time. The mechanism we've found doesn't cause inflammatory reactions," he says.

The answer lies in the protective TMEFF1 gene.

The brain uses a novel mechanism to keep the virus out

Many years of experimenting with the genome-wide CRISPR screening technology and development of mice that lacked the critical gene have finally convinced the researchers that TMEFF1 produces a protein that prevents herpesvirus from entering into nerve cells.   

The study in Nature is accompanied by another article describing two patients with brain inflammation caused by herpesvirus infection, called herpes encephalitic. In a collaborative study led by researchers in New York, the research group in Aarhus discovered that two children who developed herpes encephalitis were carrying a genetic defect that disabled the protective TMEFF1 gene.

"The new study is groundbreaking because it updates the basic understanding of immunity against viral infections," explains Søren Riis Paludan.

 "This is interesting for immunologists because it illustrates that there are still many immunological mechanisms in the brain that we don’t know about. "The study is also relevant for neuroscience because it sheds light on how the brain, so to say, prevents unwanted visitors from intruding without causing harm to the brain itself, i.e. the neuronal cells," he says.

May provide a better understanding of Alzheimer's

Søren Riis Paludan hopes that the study is the first step towards revealing a completely new range of brain defence mechanisms. One of the tracks that the researchers will now investigate is what the discovery may mean for the development of dementia.

Research has already demonstrated a correlation between infection with herpesviruses and later development of Alzheimer's disease.

"Perhaps our discovery of a new antiviral mechanism in the brain can help to clarify whether individual differences in this particular mechanism or similar mechanisms can give the virus access to the brain and accelerate neurodegenerative processes," says Søren Riis Paludan.

About CiViA

• The Center for Immunology of Viral infections (CiViA) was established in 2023 and is located at the Department of Biomedicine at Aarhus University.
• The centre consists of research groups based at AU and the Technical University Munich. The research groups aim to uncover novel immune mechanisms that contribute to the early defence against infections – and to decipher how the delicate balance between protective and pathological immune responses are achieved.
• Professor Søren Riis Paludan is the centre director of CiViA, which is funded by the Danish National Research Foundation through their Center of Excellence programme.
• Read more here: https://biomed.au.dk/civia

The research results - more information

• The study is basic research.
• The partners are: Mark Denham, Dandrite University; Poul Nissen, AU; Trine Hyrup Mogensen, AU; Jacob Giehm Mikkelsen, AU; Yujia Cai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shen-Ying Zhang and Jean Laurent Casanova, Rockefeller University.
• External funding: The Lundbeck Foundation, the Danish National Research Foundation and the European Research Council (ERC)
• Direct link to the scientific article on which the media coverage is based:  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07670-z

Professor Søren Riis Paludan Aarhus University, Department of Biomedicine Telephone: +45 28 99 20 66 Email: [email protected]

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38,000 students

including PhD students

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Working at AU

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PhD positions at Aarhus University

See a full list of vacant PhD positions at Aarhus University

How to apply for academic positions

Aarhus University logo

International admissions at AU

• Bachelor's degree programmes
• Master's degree programmes
• Engineering degree programmes
• Exchange programmes
• AU Summer University
• PhD programmes
• Ask about studies
• Chat with our students
• International student blog
• Fairs and events
• On-demand webinars
• AU in many languages
• How to apply
• Bachelor’s degree programmes
• Master’s degree programmes
• Summer University

Research units and facilities

• Departments and schools
• Research centres
• Research facilities
• Research support
• Find a researcher

PhD studies

• Vacant PhD positions
• Career services

Researcher positions

• Vacant positions
• Fellowship programme at AIAS
• Attractive working conditions
• Funding opportunities

Junior Researcher services

• Junior Researcher Association
• Campus resources

Danish way of living

• Cost of living
• Family and work-life balance
• Learning and teaching culture

Your new city

• Aarhus and surroundings
• Things to do in Aarhus
• Getting around
• AU locations

For students

• Prepare your arrival
• Student housing
• Student life
• Future and career

For PhDs and researchers

• Before arrival
• Relocation and onboarding services

How to collaborate with AU

• Business Collaboration
• Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Partner universities
• International alliances

Technology Transfer at AU

• Commercialisation
• Technologies for licensing
• Top reasons to choose AU
• Key statistics

Organisation

• AU contact information and map
• Employee contact information
• International services

AU for visitors

• Visitors' service

Courses for PhD students at Aarhus University

Aarhus University offers a large variety of both scientific and transferable skills courses. Information on the application procedure, deadlines etc. can be found on the Graduate School websites or in the course description.   

Courses offered by the graduate schools

The graduate schools offer a large variety of both scientific and transferable skills courses. Read more about the courses:

• Graduate School - Faculty of Arts
• Aarhus BSS Graduate School
• Graduate School of Health
• Graduate School of Natural Sciences
• Graduate School of Technical Sciences

PhD courses at other Danish universities

Are you interested in PhD courses offered by other Danish universities? Go to  www.phdcourses.dk  and choose between 300 different PhD courses.

Questions about courses?

Contact the graduate schools.