MSSc in Public Management and Social Development
Study in Beijing and explore how public organisations and communities create sustainable solutions to real-world challenges with the MSSc in Social Sciences in Public Management and Social Development, a unique collaboration between CBS and the Sino-Danish Center.
Om MSSc in Public Management and Social Development
Why study MSSc PMSD?
3 good reasons to choose MSSc PMSD
Gain a truly global perspective
Learn through real-life collaboration
Build a strong international network
Understanding societal change across continents
China and Europe face similar challenges – from social mobility and demographic shifts to welfare reform and economic competitiveness – though from different perspectives. The MSSc in Social Sciences in Public Management and Social Development (PMSD) equips you to understand and address these issues. The programme focuses on how China and Europe can learn from one another to design sustainable welfare models and improve quality of life for citizens.
Bridging theory, practice and cultural insight
You will explore how societies, institutions and organisations evolve, and how innovation can drive social development. Courses introduce you to the history, cultures and institutional frameworks of both regions, giving you the tools to compare and analyse their approaches. Through empirical work, you will learn how the public and private sectors can collaborate to create new solutions that strengthen welfare and social cohesion.
Living and learning in Beijing
The programme is taught in Beijing in a truly international environment with both Chinese and European students and lecturers. You will study and live alongside your peers, gaining insights far beyond the classroom. The hands-on, cross-cultural experience will strengthen your ability to navigate complex global settings and develop competencies that extend well beyond academic learning.
A double degree and global career opportunities
MSSc PMSD is a collaboration between Copenhagen Business School (CBS) and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), offered through the Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research (SDC). You will graduate with a double degree from both universities – a Danish and a Chinese – opening doors to international careers in public organisations, NGOs and private companies working with social innovation, sustainability and policy development.
See the programme regulations for MSSc PMSD
Are you curious about studying in Beijing?
Master events
See upcoming events that can help you with your study choice and admission.
Opbygning
Filosofi og sociologi
You learn to use philosophical and sociological perspectives to understand how institutions, power, and values shape public management and social change. The focus is on critical reflection, ethics, and theories of organisation and governance in a global context.
Kultur og samfund
You learn how cultural, historical, and social factors influence public management and social development. The focus is on understanding diversity, welfare models, and globalisation, and how these shape governance and citizen engagement.
Innovation og iværksætteri
You learn how innovation and entrepreneurial practices can create social value and drive reform in the public sector. The focus is on developing new ideas, partnerships, and services that improve welfare, inclusion, and sustainable development.
3 things to consider
Ready for an international learning experience
Motivated to work across disciplines and sectors
Prepared for an intensive academic and personal journey
Programme overview
1. semester
2. semester
3. semester
4. semester
More about the programme progression
Structure of the programme
MSSc PMSD is a 2-year programme with 8 mandatory courses over the first 2 semesters. In the 3rd semester there is an internship, where you get to use the acquired knowledge actively and gain valuable practical experience in a sector of interest. In the 4th semester you will write your master’s thesis to complete the programme.
The programme follows the Chinese calendar, which means that holidays differ from those in Europe. For example, there is no Christmas holiday, but a longer holiday in February in connection with the Chinese New Year.
Student life and career opportunities
Find more information about the programme, content, structure and career and watch videos with students at SDC's webpage - Public Management and Social Development.
Studiemiljø
Small programme and close interactions
The programme is small with about 30 students, which means that you will be in close contact with both other students and your teachers. You will be part of a tightly knit group of people in a highly international and diverse environment.
Half the students will be from Denmark/Europe, the other half Chinese. Teachers will likewise be European and Chinese. There will no doubt be a wide variety of academic backgrounds represented which will provide very different perspectives on the topics covered.
Even before the programme starts you will be connected with other students to help you prepare all the practicalities of moving your life to China for 2 years.
The programme is carried out at Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research (SDC), which is located at the Yanqihu campus north of Beijing.
Community and network
As part of the preparation process before leaving for China, students from the Danish universities are invited to a preparatory seminar and will have a Facebook group where you can connect with other students.
In China you will have the opportunity to socialise with your fellow SDC students from all of the programmes. Outside of SDC you will also have ample opportunity to take part in networking activities through the Royal Danish Embassy in Beijing, the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China and through your third semester internship.
Student life at CBS
Being a CBS student is about more than going to lectures and doing exams.
Get a glimpse of student life at CBS. Here, you can explore what a typical day of teaching and exams looks like.
Also, you can learn how our programmes are structured and read about social life on campus, including the many ways to connect with fellow students.
Teaching and exams
Teaching
You will have only one course at a time for a period of three to four weeks, followed by an exam. This makes it a very intense learning experience with complete focus on each subject, one at a time.
Classes are small and there will be close student-teacher interaction. You will be expected to take active part. As the lecturers are both Chinese and Danish/European, the teaching styles may differ from what you are used to because of the difference in education culture.
Emphasis is on cooperation and interaction between students, learning from each other and combining knowledge and skills. As such, the learning output will come from both interaction in class and through group work, but also from social interaction between students and cultures outside the classroom.
Exams
Each course is concluded with an examination. Exam types differ, but include take-home assignments, group projects and oral presentations.
Read more about Exams.
Time consumption
Workload
On the master’s programme, you will work more independently than on the bachelor’s programme, and teaching places greater emphasis on preparation as well as in-depth individual study.
If you are studying on a full-time graduate programme, you should expect spending approximately 37 hours on average on your studies each week. The workload will vary during the year.
Hectic around exams
The time leading up to assignment submissions and exams can be hectic, and you can easily work more than 40 hours a week in this period. Preparing for oral exams can be especially time consuming, because you have to be able to explain and discuss the covered concepts and theories and learn things by heart.
Read more on Teaching and working methods
Student job
Most programmes are quite flexible in terms of combining studies with a student job. Most students work a maximum of 15 hours a week in order to have sufficient time for their studies.
Studying in Denmark - for internationals
If this is your first time studying in Denmark, you may find teaching and exam formats, the grading scale and the academic calendar very different from what you are used to.
Read about everything you need to know as an international student studying at CBS on International students
In need of special support?
Do you have a disability such as dyslexia, anxiety, autism, ADHD, long-term effects of concussion or another physical, psychological or neurological disability?
Then you have the opportunity to apply for Special Educational Support (SPS) and special conditions while studying.
This ensures you can study on equal terms with your fellow students.
Are you curious about studying in Beijing?
Adgangskrav
Entry requirements
You are qualified for admission to the study programme if you fulfil the following requirements.
Please note that fulfilling the requirements does not guarantee you a study place.
1. Bachelor degree
2. Language requirement
3. Academic requirements
1. Bachelor degree
You must hold a bachelor degree to fulfil the general requirement for admission to CBS’ master programmes. You must have completed your bachelor degree before study start.
Legal claim
No applicants have a legal right of admission to this programme as it is not the natural progression for any bachelor degree.
Have you not yet completed your bachelor degree?
You can apply for admission even if you have not yet completed your bachelor’s degree. However, you must finish it before study start. If you are offered a place, you will be conditionally admitted, which means:
- You must complete your bachelor’s degree before you can begin your studies at CBS.
- You must upload your bachelor diploma and transcript no later than 31 August.
2. Language requirement
English B with minimum grade level 2.0 (Panel content)
The language requirement
The language requirement is English level B, which must be passed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0
Documentation deadline
You must fulfil and document the language requirement before the application deadline.
Check if you fulfil the language requirement
In the tabs above, you can see how to document English level B from a Danish upper secondary exam.
If you do not hold a qualifying Danish upper secondary exam, you can see other ways of meeting the requirement.
We only accept the qualifications and documents listed on this page.
Danish upper secondary exam (Panel content)
Required courses and levels
Danish upper secondary exam or
If you have passed English level B from an upper secondary school in Denmark (ie. stx, hhx, htx, hf) you fulfil this requirement.
English level B must be passed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
If you have passed English level A, then you also fulfil the English level B requirement.
Supplementary upper secondary courses
English B as a single subject via secondary school supplementation (Gymnasialt suppleringskursus (GSK)) or as a Higher Preparation Examination single subject (HF-enkeltfag).
English level B must be passed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
Individual competency assessment (IKV)
If you think you have language competences corresponding to an English level A, you have the possibility to request an assessment - Individuel Kompetencevurdering (IKV) from a Danish VUC (adult education centre).
Required documentation
Danish upper secondary exam or supplementary upper secondary courses
Upper secondary (ie. stx, hhx, htx, hf) certificate:
- a scan/photo of the original, stamped and signed hard copy or
- a digitally signed certificate downloaded from Min Kompetencemappe
Individual competency assessment (IKV)
Official IKV assessment
Other upper secondary exams (Panel content)
Find your country
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Required qualifications
- English A1, higher level
- English A2, higher level
- English B, higher level
- English A1, standard level
- English A2, standard level
- English A Language and Literature, higher level
- English A Language and Literature, standard level
- English A Literature, higher level
- English A Literature, standard level
- English B, standard level
Required documentation
Official IB transcript issued by IBO. Alternatively, you can give CBS access to your results via IBO.org.
European Baccalaureate (EB)
Required qualifications
- L I
- L II
- L III – 6 years
- L III – 4 years
- L IV – 4 years (4 hours)
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- 2020 and before: minimum 6.00
- From 2021: minimum 5.00
Required documentation
Official EB transcript
Austria
Required qualifications
English as a first foreign language, min. 9 weekly hours accumulated during the final three years of the Oberstufe.
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 4
Required documentation
Reife- und Diplomprüfung diploma certificate including Stundentafel covering (min.) 5 years of the Oberstufe.
Reifeprüfung diploma certificate including Stundentafel covering (min.) 4 years of the Oberstufe.
Australia
Required courses and levels
A complete upper secondary education from Australia, where the majority of the education has been taught in English, fulfils the English B language requirement.
Required documentation
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) as well as Statement of Result or Record of Achievement or Qualifications Certificate, covering subjects and grades during the last two years of the secondary education.
Belgium (French part)
Required qualifications
- English Langue moderne 1
- English Langue moderne 2
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 50
Required documentation
Certificat d’enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (C.E.S.S.): Section générale OR technique OR artistique AND
Grade transcript including the grades and hours for the final 3 years
Bulgaria
Required qualifications
- English as first foreign language (556 hours)
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 3
Required documentation
- Diploma za (Zavarsheno) Sredno Obrazovanie / za Sredno Obrazovanie and
- Grade transcript for Years 10, 11 and 12
Canada
Required courses and levels
A complete upper secondary education from Canada, where the majority of the education has been taught in English, fulfils the English B language requirement.
Required documentation
High School Diploma / Graduation Diploma (or equivalent for your province) as well as Transcript of grades / High School Results (or equivalent for your province)
Croatia
Required qualifications
Minimum total sum of 9 weekly lessons* over years 10, 11 and 12 in Foreign Language 1
* We look at the number of lessons, not the number of hours.
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 2
Required documentation
- Svjedodžba o Državnoj Maturi and
- Final 4 years of exam results
Czech Republic
Required qualifications
Minimum 3 lessons per week in the final three years of the Maturita (equivalent to level B2 in the first foreign language according to Eurydice)
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 4
Required documentation
- Vysvedcení o Maturitni zkoušce and
- Exam results for all years of the Vysvedcení o Maturitni zkoušce and
- School document showing the number of lessons per week for the final three years
England, Wales, Northern Ireland
Required courses and levels
- A complete upper secondary education taught in England, Wales or Northern Ireland or
- A level English Language or
- A level English Literature
Required documentation
- GCSE certificate(s) (with a min. of 6 subjects) as well as A-level (Advanced level) certificate(s) (with a min. of 3 subjects) both taken in the UK or
- Official A level certificate for either English Language or English Literature
Estonia
Required qualifications
Min. 8 "kursuste arv" in English
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- 3 (Loputunnistus)
- 20 (Riigieksamenitunnistus)
Required documentation
- Gümnaasiumi Lõputunnistus and
- Hinnetekeht and
- Riigieksamenitunnistus
Finland
Required qualifications
- Minimum 8 English courses
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 5
Required documentation
- Official certificate - Ylioppilastutkintotodistus / Studentexamensbetyg) and
- Official transcript - Lukion päästötodistus/Avgångsbetyg från gymnasiet
France
Required qualifications
- English Langue vivante A
- English Langue vivante B
- English Langue vivante I
- English Langue vivante II
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 10
Required documentation
- Baccalauréat general diploma and
- Relevé des notes
Germany
Required qualifications
- Regardless of federal state: English studied in each of the four half-years of the Qualifikationsphase, passed with an average of 5 points (punkte) or higher in total
- For Waldorfschule/Rudolf Steiner Schule: English passed (5 points (punkte) or higher) as a Prüfungsfach in the Abiturprüfung
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 5 Punkte
Required documentation
- Exam certificate Abiturzeugnis and
- Exam results for exams (finals) and half-year results for the final 2 years
Hungary
Required qualifications
English as a first foreign language
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 2
Required documentation
- Gimnaziumi erettsegi bizonyitvany and
- Gimnaziumi bizonyitvany
Iceland
Required qualifications
For upper secondary studies completed according to the 2008 reform:
Minimum 15 Fein (new credits) obtained in English; of these, minimum 10 Fein must be at Þrep (qualification level) 3 or higher
For upper secondary studies completed according to the 1999 reform:
Minimum 15 einingar (old credits) obtained in English; at least one English subject must be at level 5 or higher (ENS 103+203+303+403+503)
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 5 (modulebase)
Required documentation
- Stúdentspróf (the diploma must include all course codes)
- Remember to upload your Icelandic diploma, not only the English version.
Ireland
Required qualifications
A complete upper secondary education from Ireland, where the majority of the education has been taught in English.
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
7 (Ordinary Level)
7 (Higher Level)
D3
Required documentation
The Established Leaving Certificate Examination (Leaving Cert) with a min. of 6 subjects total
Italy
Required qualifications
- Classico: English as the obligatory first foreign language
- Scientifico: English as the obligatory first foreign language
- Linguistico: English as the obligatory first, second or third foreign language
- Artistico: English as the obligatory first foreign language
- Scienze umane: English as the obligatory first or second foreign language
- Musicale e coreutico: English as the obligatory first foreign language
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- 6 (0-10 scale)
- 36 (0-60 scale)
- 60 (0-100 scale)
Required documentation
- Diploma di Esame di Liceo (Classico/Scientifico/Linguistico/Artistico/Scienza Umane/Musicale e Coreutico) and
- Scrutinio di quinta superior
Latvia
Required qualifications
The obligatory course in English (first foreign language) fulfils the requirement
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 4
Required documentation
- Atestâts par vispârējo vidējo izglîtîbu and
- Pielikums atestâtam par vispârējo vidējo izglîtîbu and
- Vispârêjâs vidējâs izglîtîbas sertifikâts
- Izglîtîbas satura un eksaminâcijas centra sertifikâts (only if there is a State exam in one or more subjects)
Lithuania
Required qualifications
- English (1. foreign language) as bendrasis kursas (basic level)
- English (1. & 2. foreign language) as isplestinis kursas (high level)
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 4
Required documentation
- Brandos Atestatas and
- Brandos Atestatas Priedas
Luxembourg
Required qualifications
- A minimum of 210 full teaching hours (of 60 minutes per hour) with an exam passed at upper secondary school level
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 30
Required documentation
- Diplôme and
- Certificat de notes
Malta
Required qualifications
- I level English
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: E
Required documentation
- Matriculation Certificate and Advanced Level Certificate and Intermediate Level Certificate
The Netherlands
Required qualifications
- The obligatory course in English fulfils the requirement
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 6
Required documentation
- Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs Diploma and
- Cijferlist
Norway
Required qualifications
- Engelsk VG English 1 (SPR3029 & SPR3030)
or - Engelsk VG2 International English (SPR3008 & SPR3009)
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 2 (average of all courses)
Required documentation
- Official (digitally signed) transcript for the Vitnemål for videregående opplæring
New Zealand
Required qualifications
A complete upper secondary education from New Zealand, where the majority of the education has been taught in English, fulfils the English B language requirement.
Required documentation
National Certificate of Education Achievement (NCEA) levels 1 and 2 and 3
Portugal
Required qualifications
- Cursos gerais do ensino secundário - Humanidades: 1. Foreign Language in English
- Cursos científico-humanísticos: The obligatory 1. Foreign Language in English or English as Opçoes C og D
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 10
Required documentation
- Exam certificate and
- Documentation from school confirming the level of your subjects/your total number of classes in English as first foreign language.
Romania
Required qualifications
- Theoretical line: Humanities; Specialisation: Filologie English fulfils the entry requirement
- Theoretical line: Humanities; Social Studies English fulfils the entry requirement
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
Minimum grade: 5
Required documentation
- Diploma de bacalaureat and
- Foaie matricola
Scotland
Required qualifications
A complete upper secondary education from Scotland, where the majority of the education has been taught in English, fulfils the English A language requirement.
Required documentation
Scottish Qualification Certificate as well as Summary of Attainment, Detail Record of Attainment and Profiles
Singapore
Required qualifications
A complete upper secondary education from Singapore, where the majority of the education has been taught in English, fulfils the English B language requirement.
Required documentation
Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-level exam certificate with a min. of 4 (H1, H2 and H3) exams total, as well as General Paper and Project Work
Slovakia
Required qualifications
- 1. Foreign Language in English with a minimum of 210 taught hours
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 4
Required documentation
- School-Leaving Exam Certificate – Vysvedcenie o maturitnej skúske and
- Supplement to Certificate of School-Leaving Examination and
- Grade transcripts for years 10, 11 and 12
Slovenia
Required qualifications
- The obligatory course in English as first foreign language fulfils the requirement if passed during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th year.
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 2
Required documentation
- Spricevalo o splosni maturi / Maturitetno sprièevalo and
- Obvestilo o uspehu pri splosnui mature and
- Letno spricevalo for the 4th year
South Africa
Required qualifications
A complete upper secondary education from South Africa, where the majority of the education has been taught in English, fulfils the English B language requirement.
Required documentation
National Senior Certificate (Matric/Matriculation Certificate) as well as grade transcript covering subjects and grades during all three years of studies
Spain
Required qualifications
- English as the obligatory first foreign language
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: 5
Required documentation
- Título de Bachiller / Bachillerato exam certificate
Sweden
Required qualifications
- Before 2014: Engelska min. Kurs C
- After 2014: Engelska steg 7 (ENGENG07)
Grade requirement
Equivalent to 2.0 on the Danish grading scale:
- Minimum grade: E (A to F scale) 10 / G (Prior to the latest reform)
Required documentation
- Official transcript for Gymnasieexamen från ett högskoleförberedande program or Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskolan
United States
Required qualifications
A complete upper secondary education from the United States, where the majority of the education has been taught in English, fulfils the English B language requirement.
Required documentation
High School Diploma as well as High School Grade transcript (covering all four years’ worth of subjects and grades) taken in the US.
Language tests (Panel content)
TOEFL
TOEFL iBT/iBT Home Edition
The TOEFL iBT/ iBT Home Edition taken on or after 21 January 2026 must be passed with
- a minimum overall score of at least 4,5 (new scale)
Exceptionally, we accept an overall score of 83 (old scale) in 2026.
The TOEFL iBT/ iBT Home Edition taken before 21 January 2026 must be passed with
- a minimum overall score of at least 83
MyBest scores are not accepted.
Read more about the TOEFL and how to register.
Documentation
Your TOEFL scores will be verified in the TOEFL database. You must list Copenhagen Business School as one of your score recipients when you sign up for the TOEFL test, or order a score sheet for Copenhagen Business School if you have already taken the test.
The TOEFL institution code for CBS is 7035.
You must upload either your digital copy, or a scan of your hard copy, TOEFL score sheet to the Application Portal.
Have you already passed a test?
Remember to check that your test date is no older than two years by the application deadline.
Be aware that it is your test date and not the date your test results were issued. If your test date is more than two years old by the application deadline, your test will not be accepted.
IELTS
IELTS Academic test
An IELTS academic test result of at least 6.5 is required.
We accept IELTS Online but note that IELTS One Skill Retake scores are not accepted.
Read more about IELTS and how to register
Required documentation
Your IELTS results will be verified in the IELTS database.
Please instruct your test centre to make your results available to Copenhagen Business School, either when you book your IELTS test or after the test date.
You must also upload a scan of your IELTS test report form to the Application Portal.
If you have not received the physical test report form, you can upload a document with the "Test Report Form Number" (TRF Number) so we can verify your scores.
Have you already passed a test?
Remember to check that your test date is no older than two years by the application deadline.
Be aware that it is your test date and not the date your test results were issued. If your test date is more than two years old by the application deadline, your test will not be accepted.
Cambridge
Cambridge exam
A Cambridge C2 Proficiency (Certificate of Proficiency in English) or a Cambridge C1 Advanced (Certificate of Advanced English) is required (no minimum score required).
Read more about Cambridge exams and how to register
Documentation
You must upload your Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) or Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Statement of Results and/or Certificate.
Your results are only valid if they can be verified through the Candidate Results Website. Make sure to register for the service and share your results with Copenhagen Business School.
There is no expiration date on the validity of the CPE/CAE exam results.
CBS bachelor degree (Panel content)
English-taught bachelor degree from CBS
Applicants with an English-taught bachelor degree from CBS who continue their studies in English at master level have already had their qualifications checked and do not need to upload additional documents.
Danish-taught bachelor degree from CBS
If you have a Danish-taught bachelor degree from CBS,we have already checked that you fulfil English level B and and do not need to upload additional documents.
3. Academic requirements
Your educational background will be subject to an overall individual assessment in order to establish if your bachelor's degree qualifies you for the programme and the academic areas listed below are covered in full and as prescribed.
The academic entry requirements are a min. sum total of 30 ECTS across one or more of the following areas:
- Business administration (e.g. innovation/entrepreneurship; management; marketing; organisation; accounting; finance; strategy; and the like)
- Social science methodology (incl. philosophy of science, research design, applied methods, qualitative methods, quantitative methods, mixed methods or the like)
- Politics in general (incl. political science, political theory, international politics, international political economy, international relations or the like)
- Culture/society studies with a focus on one or more East Asian countries (incl. sociology, social studies, public administration, anthropology, development studies, law, psychology, culture studies, area studies, history, philosophy)
- Economics (incl. economic theory, microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, or the like)
Tuition Fee
The MSSc in Public Management and Social Development is offered jointly by CBS and UCAS, which means that tuition fee regulations follow SDC’s rules.
If you are a Danish/EU/EEA citizen and enrolled in a bachelor programme, a graduate programme or a full-time qualifying course at a Danish institution of higher education by 1 March in the application year, you are not required to pay tuition.
In all other cases, a tuition fee applies. If you are not eligible for Danish SU, you may be able to apply for udlandsstipendium to help cover the costs.
Questions about tuition fees?
All questions about tuition fees, exemptions and payment must be directed to the Sino-Danish Centre for Education and Research (SDC). CBS cannot advise on tuition matters, residence permits in China or similar questions.
Check if you fulfil the academic requirements
Advance assessment (Panel content)
Check the advance assessments
CBS Admissions cannot make a pre-assessment of your individual qualifications before you apply for admission.
Find your bachelor programme
Instead, we have assessed a number of bachelor programmes. In these so-called advance assessments, you can see whether your bachelor degree fulfils the academic entry requirements.
An advance assessment shows whether the obligatory courses in your bachelor programme fulfil the academic requirements for a master programme at CBS.
We typically prepare an advance assessment when many applicants from the same bachelor programme apply for the same master programme.
You can find them by clicking on the tabs above.
Missing courses?
If you are missing courses, you may be able to fulfil the requirements through relevant elective courses or supplementary courses.
See what to do if you are missing courses to fulfil the academic requirements.
No advance assessment?
If your bachelor programme is not listed under the tabs above, you can make your own assessment of to what extent you meet the entry requirements through the courses you have taken in your bachelor programme and any supplementary courses.
Use the form below.
CBS (Panel content)
Qualifying bachelor degrees
If you have one of the following bachelor degrees, you fulfil the academic entry requirements for 2025:
BSc in Business Administration and Digital Management
Enrolled all years
BSc in Business Administration & Service Management
Enrolled all years
BSc in Business Administration & Sociology
Enrolled all years
BSc in Business, Language & Culture
Enrolled all years
BSc in International Business
Enrolled all years
BSc in International Business in Asia (IBA)
Enrolled all years
BSc in International Business & Politics
Enrolled all years
BSc in International Shipping and Trade
Enrolled all years
HA EB
Enrolled all years
HA PRO
Enrolled all years
HA Almen
Enrolled all years
HA(fil.)
Enrolled all years
HA(it.)
Enrolled all years
HA(jur.)
Enrolled all years
HA(kom.)
Enrolled all years
HA(mat.)
Enrolled all years
HA(psyk.)
Enrolled all years
HA MAK
Enrolled all years
Denmark (Panel content)
Qualifying bachelor degrees
If you have one of the following bachelor degrees, you fulfil the academic entry requirements for 2025:
Kinastudier (AU)
Enrolled all years
Kinastudier (KU)
Enrolled all years
Make a self-assessment
What is a self-assessment?
If there is no advance assessment available for your bachelor’s degree, you can make a so-called self-assessment of your educational background.
If there is an advance assessment of your bachelor degree showing that you are missing certain academic areas to fulfil the academic requirements, you can also use the self-assessment to show how you fulfil the missing academic areas.
Your self-assessment is not binding for us, but it can help you prepare your application and give us a better overview of your educational background.
How to make a self-assessment
Start by listing all the undergraduate courses you have taken, or are going to take, as part of your bachelor's degree or in addition to it, and compare them to the programme's academic requirements.
Read your course titles and descriptions carefully. Try to categorise the courses according to the master programme’s academic requirements.
To get an idea of how we assess each course category, you can use the course catalogue to see how we have categorised different CBS elective courses or CBS Summer University courses within each category.
Use the self-assessment form
We have created a form you can use for your self-assessment. The form is a tool to help you match your courses with the academic entry requirements for the programme and see to what extent you fulfil them.
Remember to include
- Courses you have already passed
- Courses you are currently taking
- Courses you expect to pass (e.g. supplementary courses at summer university)
Chance of admission
More applicants than places
This programme has a limited number of study places.
If there are more qualified applicants than available places, we will select the best qualified applicants. The selection is based on an overall assessment of the applicants’ educational background at bachelor’s level.
Selection criteria
In the selection of qualified applicants, we look at
- Broad and in-depth knowledge as well as grades within the academic areas constituting the entry requirements
- Analytical skills and experience with social science methodology
- Relevance of educational background at undergraduate level, including general grade level
- Personal statement
Personal statement
The personal statement is your opportunity to describe yourself in relation to the master programme you are applying for.
You can, for example, describe:
- Your experience from work, studies, leisure activities or similar
- How your experience relates to the programme
- How the programme relates to your future career ambitions
Requirements for the personal statement
- Maximum 2 A4 pages
- Minimum font size 11
- In English
Apply for admission
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Competencies
The programme provides you with a solid understanding of how welfare systems in China and Europe have developed over time, and how innovation can help shape new models to meet future societal challenges.
Beyond political and institutional knowledge, you will gain a nuanced understanding of Chinese culture, values and everyday life. This experience offers unique cultural awareness that few international graduates possess.
The combination of analytical, managerial and cultural competences will be a key strength when applying for positions in international organisations or companies that collaborate with or operate in China.
Competence profile
In the competence profile you can find more information about the various competences you achieve on the programme:
Academic profile for PMSD
What do you learn on MSSc PMSD?
Cross-cultural understanding and collaboration
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Strategic and managerial competence
Career
Graduates from the MSSc PMSD gain in-depth knowledge of both China and Europe – academically, culturally and personally. You will learn to identify and analyse complex challenges across these regions and use social science methods to design innovative solutions.
Through your studies and everyday life in Beijing, you will develop practical experience with Chinese language, culture and intercultural collaboration – skills that are highly valued by employers working in international contexts.
Graduates work in various industries such as :
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Project management in international or cross-cultural settings
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Strategic, operational and policy development across public and private sectors
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Public organisations, NGOs and private companies focused on welfare reform, social development and global business collaboration
The typical job tasks for a graduate:
- Policy advisor or analyst – developing and evaluating policies within social development, welfare reform or sustainability
- Project manager – leading international or cross-sectoral projects within public organisations, NGOs or private companies
- Programme coordinator – managing partnerships and initiatives between governments, international institutions and civil society
- Consultant – advising organisations on change processes, stakeholder engagement or corporate social responsibility
- Research or data analyst – conducting social research, impact assessments or market analyses with a global focus
- International relations or cooperation officer – facilitating collaboration between European and Chinese organisations or institutions
- CSR or sustainability specialist – designing and implementing strategies that promote responsible and inclusive growth
- Public affairs or communication officer – supporting strategic communication and stakeholder relations in international contexts
Life long learning
We want you, as a student, to continue developing both personally and professionally throughout your life. CBS aims to support you in applying your knowledge in your organisation and company. Our goal is for you to keep expanding your knowledge and skills, to engage actively in organisational and societal development, and to contribute to shaping a sustainable and democratic society.
CBS and your career
With a programme from CBS, you are a step closer to pursue the career you aspire to. We work closely with a wide range of companies in Denmark because we continuously develop our programmes to match the needs of society. Read more about your career options here.
Mere om MSSc in Public Management and Social Development
Study in Beijing and explore how public organisations and communities create sustainable solutions to real-world challenges with the MSSc in Social Sciences in Public Management and Social Development, a unique collaboration between CBS and the Sino-Danish Center.
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