studieretning

Studieretning is a term used in Danish upper secondary education to describe the study direction or specialization a student follows within a gymnasium program (such as STX) and related formats. It defines the main set of subjects the student concentrates on and influences the subjects that will count toward the final studentereksamen (the Danish upper secondary exam). The concept was introduced to provide more flexibility and coherence in the curriculum, allowing students to tailor their education toward their interests and future studies.

A studieretning consists of a package of subjects, including compulsory elements and chosen electives, arranged to form a coherent profile. The exact composition varies between schools and programs and is organized as part of the school’s fagpakker and valgfag system. Common directions include a natural sciences focus, a language and social sciences focus, or an arts and humanities focus, but schools may offer additional profiles. The studieretning thus guides both daily timetabling and long-term planning.

The choice of studieretning affects which exams students will take and which prerequisites they meet for higher education. It helps ensure that the student has depth in a particular area while maintaining breadth in other subjects. Changes to a studieretning are possible in some cases, usually with guidance from teachers and according to school policies.

In summary, the studieretning is the structured academic trajectory chosen by students within Danish gymnasial education, shaping subject selection, exam pathways, and alignment with future university studies or careers.