DTU’s flexible structure was key in enabling Patrick Jørgensen to pursue his studies while becoming Danish fencing champion. Next stop—the Olympic Games.
For most students, studying, attending lectures and completing assignments is challenging enough. However, second-year MSc student in media technology, Patrick Jørgensen, has also found the time to become Danish fencing champion. Much of this is down to the flexibility of DTU’s study programme, he says.
”I’ve been able to plan how many credit points and courses I have each semester. Naturally, there are some assignments that have to be handed in on time and some mandatory lectures, but apart from that I can more or less decide where and when I study,” says Patrick Jørgensen.
However, it is only on the MSc study programme that Patrick has taken fewer subjects per semester. He completed his BSc in Software Technology within the prescribed time.
“The BSc programme was incredibly stressful. In addition to intensive fencing training, the BSc was a whole new kind of study experience for me. I therefore decided to take fewer subjects at MSc level so that I have more time for fencing and studying,” he explains.
This enables Patrick to train twice a week alongside his studies. He knows several other people who have had to give up fencing because their study programme was too inflexible to accommodate it.
Helpful study partner
When Patrick participated in group work, he made it clear that he was an elite athlete and that fencing was high on his list of priorities. On the BSc programme, he had a good friend who helped him stay up to date if he was unable to attend lectures.
“My friend understands that I have another interest outside of my studies which I find just as important as obtaining my degree. Our friendship has really helped me through my BSc,” says Patrick Jørgensen.
Because Patrick attends fencing training as often as he does, he is unable to join his fellow students every week in the Friday bar. By his own admission, this has affected his relationships with his peers but he is also quick to point out that it is a question of priorities on his part.
“My ambition is to take part in the Olympic Games and to do well at university—and to achieve these goals, sacrifices have to be made. I’ll just have to party when there’s time,” concludes Patrick.