The Royal Danish Academy

The Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a prestigious institution focused on architecture, design, and conservation. It aims to foster creative and innovative graduates who can contribute to society through their skills and talent. The Academy emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and integrates expertise from its three core disciplines.

Academics

The Royal Danish Academy offers Bachelor's and Master's programs across Architecture, Design, and Conservation. The teaching approach combines theory and practice, with a significant portion of learning taking place at drawing boards, in workshops, and through joint presentations and seminars. Many faculty members are active professionals in their respective fields, bringing real-world experience to the classroom. Notable Master's programs taught in English include "Architecture and Extreme Environments," "Computation in Architecture," "Fashion, Clothing & Textiles," "Strategic Design & Entrepreneurship," and "Visual Game and Media Design."

International Students

The Royal Danish Academy welcomes approximately 30 exchange students each semester from over 70 partner institutions worldwide. While Bachelor's programs are primarily taught in Danish, English-speaking students are accommodated with guidance in English. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are required to pay tuition fees, but exchange students are exempt. The Academy does not offer accommodation but provides guidance on finding housing in Copenhagen, advising students to start their search early due to high demand.

Campus & Location

The Royal Danish Academy is primarily situated on the vibrant Holmen and Esplanaden campuses in Copenhagen, with an additional campus in Nexø on Bornholm. Holmen, a former naval base, offers a unique environment with buildings that reflect its historical industrial past. Copenhagen itself is a dynamic city that offers a high quality of life and is easily navigable by bicycle. While the Academy does not provide specific transportation details, Copenhagen has an efficient public transport system.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from the Royal Danish Academy are recognized for their creativity, innovation, and ability to tackle complex artistic and practical challenges. Alumni from programs like Visual Game and Media Design find employment in game development, software and web industries as UI/UX designers, or in film and media as visual or art directors. Many graduates also pursue entrepreneurial ventures and establish their own companies. For instance, 63% of Computation in Architecture alumni work in architectural practices at renowned offices such as BIG and Henning Larsen, while 27% pursue research and teaching positions. The Academy fosters industry connections through collaborations with external companies and stakeholders, enabling students to build professional networks.