Niels Møller Nielsen

The Bachelor Programmes and the Roskilde Model

In this chapter we take a closer look at the structure and organization of the four bachelor programmes offered at Roskilde University. These bachelor programmes, and in particular the possibility they offer for students to gradually specialize in two subjects – possibly even from two different faculties – are quite unique in university education. We explain the historical background for the programmes and how they have developed in the 2012 reform. We analyse how the four pedagogical principles of student-directed project work, problem orientation, exemplarity and interdisciplinarity are implemented differently in the structures of each of the four bachelor programmes and how they are realized in the pedagogical practices. In particular, we analyse the organization and evaluation of student-directed project work across the four programmes. We conclude with some reflections on the relation of the bachelor programmes to other aspects of the university and to broader society.