DTU Hirtshals Campus is located at the gateway to the North Atlantic. It is a centre for world-class education and fisheries and aquaculture research. Here, Bachelor of Engineering students specializing in Fisheries Technology and Master's students specializing in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture study alongside researchers who develop solutions to benefit fisheries, fish farming, and the marine environment, with a focus on sustainability and biodiversity.
If you are passionate about fisheries, aquaculture, and sustainable food, an engineering degree at DTU's Hirtshals campus could be just what you are looking for.
Located in the heart of the North Sea Research Park, close to the harbour and surrounded by the natural beauty of North Jutland, the campus offers students the opportunity to study for a Bachelor of Engineering in Fisheries Technology or a Master of Science in Engineering in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture.
As a student in Hirtshals, you’ll find that the gap between theory and practice is narrow.
You will be taught and mentored by leading researchers who are passionate about helping you gain knowledge across a range of subjects, including sustainable aquaculture, fisheries technology, data analysis, animal welfare, AI, species identification, and food production.
Your daily life will be filled with teaching that combines theory with projects and fieldwork carried out in collaboration with local companies and partners. Here, you will witness first-hand how your knowledge can be transformed into practical solutions that can benefit the marine environment and the fishing industry.
You can, for example, meet representatives from various companies or visit the research vessels Dana and Havfisken.
"If you are into aquaculture this is the place for you. You have the close proximity and interaction with the department, researchers, and facilities – and you have the real systems and companies nearby."
When you study at DTU Hirtshals Campus, you’ll be surrounded by industry-relevant companies and organisations, the natural environment, and your fellow students.
You and your fellow students will share an interest in fisheries and aquaculture, and you will meet people from all over the world. As the campus is home to only two study programmes, you will soon get to know everyone.
”Even if you’re from a big city, you never get bored here because it’s a really social campus. It’s really easy to find someone to chat with.”
After classes, you can use the campus for everything from experimental projects and group work to barbecues, Friday drinks, and aquarium club meetings, where students work together to look after the campus aquariums.
Just outside, the harbour and the countryside await, where you can enjoy peace and quiet, or go fishing, hiking, sailing, or swimming in the sea. You can also play paddle tennis, or work out at the gym. Twice a week, you can head to the sports hall where lecturers and students play football, badminton, and basketball as part of the sports club.
There are excellent opportunities to find a student job in the local industry. You can also use your free access to the North Sea Oceanarium to study life beneath the sea.
If you fancy a taste of city life, you and your friends can head to Aalborg or Hjørring. Alternatively, you can go on an outing in the area, such as a concert, camping trip, or a visit to The People’s Festival of Nature (‘Naturmødet’) in Hirtshals.
Student life at DTU Hirtshals Campus offers:
DTU Hirtshals Campus is located in the North Sea Research Park, close to Hirtshals Harbour. The park brings together research and industry in the field of innovation in fisheries and aquaculture.
DTU's Hirtshals campus, which opened in 2023, features modern laboratories, testing facilities, a makers' lab, and a new research hall. Lecturers and students also have access to the largest test tank in Northern Europe, where new fishing technologies can be tested under realistic sea conditions.
As well as its modern research facilities, the campus is characterised by its welcoming surroundings.
Spanning over 1,400 square metres, it features lecture theatres, bright teaching rooms, group rooms, laboratories, climate-controlled rooms, and a makers' lab.
There are also pleasant outdoor areas, a canteen, and a lounge with a kitchen and table football.
Together, these facilities provide students with excellent opportunities to socialise, both academically and socially.
"The facilities here are really excellent, and we take a very hands-on approach. We get to see what the researchers are working on, and we talk to companies in the industry."
If you choose to study at DTU Hirtshals Campus, you won't need to worry about finding somewhere to live.
You’ll find affordable student accommodation right next to the campus and in the halls of residence in Hirtshals town. Here, you can create a daily life with room for both leisure and socialising, exam revision, and film nights.
"At the hall of residence, we have a large kitchen and a spacious living room where we can get together and eat. It’s important to have that sense of community at the hall of residence when you’re living in a new town."
