The Technical University of Denmark, often simply referred to as DTU, is a university in Kongens Lyngby, just north of Copenhagen, Denmark. It was founded in 1829 at the site of the old Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts with the purpose of providing education for engineers and architects, hence its original name Kobenhavns Højere Polytekniske Læreanstalt (lit. The Higher Polytechnic Institute in Copenhagen). It is today ranked as one of the leading technical universities in Europe and has strong international ties with notable partner institutions worldwide.
With five main faculties and around 34 departments covering different fields within natural sciences and engineering, DTU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees at all levels from bachelor’s degree to Ph.D. The university also houses several research centers which carry out applied research within various fields in close collaboration with industry partners.
DTU’s history goes back to 1827 when King Frederick VI founded Den Polytekniske Læreanstalt (the Polytechnical Institute) with eight professorships in mathematics, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, architecture and engineering drawing; making it the second oldest technical university in Scandinavia after the Swedish Kungliga Tekniska högskolan (Royal Institute of Technology). In 1829 the institute’s activities moved to buildings located on Charlottenborg Slotshave (now home to The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts) until 1932 when campus relocated once again – this time to its current location north of Copenhagen.
During World War II DTU became embroiled in controversy after being complicit with German occupiers by implementing their anti-Jewish race laws; expelling Jewish students and firing Jewish staff members. However since then relations between Denmark’s small but active Jewish community and DTU have been largely mended – culminating most recently in 2018 when Professor Esben Lorentzen became first Jew ever elected Rector at any Scandinavian university.
Undergraduate education at DTU starts out with a three-year Bachelor’s program resulting either in a BSc degree or BA degree depending on field chosen. Popular undergraduate programs include Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering,, Electrical Engineering,[13), Energy Technology,, Mechanical Engineering,, Production Engineering, Sound and Vibration. Students not yet sure which field they wish pursue can opt for an introductory “pre-course” year known as KA90 before starting their bachelor studies proper. Alternatively there exists a number flexible study options allowing students tailor their education more specifically towards their needs/interests such as: Double Degree Programs, International Programmes & Double Degrees, Sandwich Programmes & Student Exchanges ,. These programmes typically add an extra semester or two onto standard duration study periods but offer unique advantages such as learning abroad opportunities or closer interaction/collaboration with industry partners.
After completing a Bachelor’s program graduates can apply for admission into one DTU’s many Master’s programs which typically take 2-3 years to complete full time.,,. Admission requirements vary between programs but generally require either a relevant Bachelor degree from another institution or completion of specific upper secondary level courses along obtaining minimum grade point averages (GPAs).,. For those interested continuing onto PhD studies there are also specialised PhD tracks available within some departments offering additional instruction/training beyond that required for regular PhD programs.,. Notable alumni from DTU include Crown Princess Mary who graduated with a MSc degree biochemistry 1999,, Olympic gold medalist sailor Paul Elvstrøm who studied civil engineering 1947-51,and actor Mads Mikkelsen who completed his MSc degree architecture 1987 before later changing careers into acting .