Esbjerg welcomes the psychologists of the future

On Monday 1 September, SDU opened its doors for the first time to the new Bachelor of Psychology programme in Esbjerg. 75 new students took part in the opening ceremony, marking an important expansion of the university’s health sciences activities in the region – and an investment in the mental health of the future.

The official launch took place at Campus Esbjerg, where SDU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor, the Minister for Economic Affairs, the Minister for Higher Education and Science (via video), and representatives from the local business community welcomed the new students.

A growing need for psychologists – also beyond the big cities

Behind the launch of the programme is a clear societal need. Waiting times for psychological help are long, and the demand for psychologists is growing – in the healthcare system, in workplaces, and in the social services sector.

Stephanie Lose, Minister for Economic Affairs and former Chair of the Regional Council of the Region of Southern Denmark, helped lay the foundation for the new degree programme in Esbjerg.

– There is a great need for more psychologists in Denmark – and especially for the opportunity to train them across the country. The psychology programme in Esbjerg is an important step towards better wellbeing, prevention, and access to qualified help closer to people’s everyday lives – particularly in our part of the country. It also helps realise a clear ambition from the government that high-quality education opportunities should be available nationwide, she said.

Community psychology and real-world teaching

The psychology programme in Esbjerg has a particular focus on community psychology. Here, students don’t just learn about the individual mind, but also about the social and cultural contexts that shape people’s lives, health, and wellbeing.

The programme focuses on how psychologists can contribute to solving complex societal challenges – for example, by working with social justice, community building and sustainable change. The aim is to use psychological knowledge actively and constructively in collaboration with a wide range of actors in society.

At the same time, the teaching is closely connected to real-world practice. Through practice-based projects and partnerships with the surrounding community, students gain hands-on experience and insight into how psychologists actually work – for example, in public organisations and private companies in South West Jutland.

– We’ve already seen the difference it makes when we closely connect theory and practice – something we’ve had great success with in the medical degree programme in Esbjerg. We’re now applying the same approach to psychology, with the goal of educating psychologists who can turn knowledge into action in complex real-life situations, says Ole Skøtt, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at SDU.

The E1 model connects students with real-life experience

The psychology programme in Esbjerg is part of the E.1 concept, developed by Education Esbjerg. E.1 is supported by a digital platform where students can find student jobs, internships, projects and free events – all designed to create a strong sense of community in collaboration with the educational institutions and local partner companies in Education Esbjerg:

– The fact that the psychology programme in Esbjerg is now a reality with 75 new students marks a milestone in establishing Esbjerg as a university town with both academic strength and a human face. It’s the result of a strong partnership between SDU, local foundations and Education Esbjerg – and of course the many passionate individuals who contributed to establishing the new programme. We’ve taken an important step towards improving Esbjerg’s image as an attractive place to live, study and settle down, says Lone Saaby, Director of Education Esbjerg.

– With the E.1 concept in psychology, we’re building a bridge between theory and practice – from student life to working life. This is about providing education that fits the times we live in. But ultimately, it’s the community and local support – not least from the foundations – that makes it all possible.

Psychology as a lever for Esbjerg’s development

Jesper Frost Rasmussen, Mayor of Esbjerg Municipality, is pleased that the programme has now officially launched.

– The psychology programme is another important strategic step in our ambition to develop Esbjerg as an attractive university town. The degree attracts young talent, generates new knowledge and helps address one of the major societal challenges of our time – the need to prioritise mental health. We’re proud that Esbjerg can now offer another strong degree programme that strengthens the city and makes a real difference in society.

Atmosphere and community

After the official speeches, a video greeting from the Minister for Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund, was shown. The opening day concluded with a reception and guided tour of Campus Esbjerg.