Development of Elite Programmes at Aalborg University:-

(se engelsk abstract)The Commission of European Communities concluded in a report from 2005 that “knowledge, research, skills and education will be the currency of success in the face of globalization” and that there should be support for excellence in European universities. This paper gives examples from Europe and the United States on higher educations tailored to challenge the most talented and motivated students. Further details are provided on the current situation in Denmark, where the government has decided to support the development of highly specialised elite programmes at the master level. Aalborg University was able to respond to this challenge as the first university in Denmark as the problem-based learning concept characterizing the university proved well-suited as a general framework for elite-programmes. This framework is described in details and results from a survey conducted among the elite students are reported. Many of the objectives of the programmes such as involving the students in research and having them to contribute actively are met. Students have been able to submit journal papers and patent applications. More importantly, up to 84% of the elite students are potentially interested in pursuing a career in academia.