Danish University Thesis Templates: AAU, DTU, KU, AU & SDU LaTeX Guide

Writing a thesis at a Danish university requires adherence to specific formatting guidelines and design standards. Each institution—from Aalborg University (AAU) to the University of Southern Denmark (SDU)—has unique requirements that can challenge even experienced LaTeX users. This comprehensive guide provides ready-to-use templates and expert guidance for creating professional theses that meet your university’s exact specifications.

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Overview of Danish University Requirements

Danish universities maintain high standards for thesis presentation, reflecting their commitment to academic excellence. Common requirements include:

• Standardized layouts following university design guides
• Bilingual support for Danish and English text
• Specific typography and color schemes
• Institutional branding elements
• Accessibility compliance for digital submissions
• Environmental considerations for printed versions

Understanding these requirements before starting ensures a smooth submission process.

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Aalborg University (AAU) Thesis Template

AAU Design Philosophy

Aalborg University emphasizes clarity and modern design. Their thesis requirements reflect the PBL (Problem-Based Learning) approach.

Complete AAU Template

\documentclass[12pt,a4paper,twoside,openright]{memoir}
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\usepackage[danish,english]{babel}
\usepackage{lmodern}
\usepackage{amsmath,amssymb}
\usepackage{graphicx}
\usepackage[dvipsnames]{xcolor}

% AAU Colors
\definecolor{AAUblue}{RGB}{33,26,82}
\definecolor{AAUgrey}{RGB}{84,97,110}

% Page setup
\usepackage{geometry}
\geometry{
    top=3cm,
    bottom=3cm,
    left=3.5cm,
    right=2.5cm,
    headheight=1cm,
    headsep=0.5cm,
    footskip=1cm
}

% Headers and footers
\usepackage{fancyhdr}
\pagestyle{fancy}
\fancyhf{}
\fancyhead[LE,RO]{\thepage}
\fancyhead[RE]{\leftmark}
\fancyhead[LO]{\rightmark}
\renewcommand{\headrulewidth}{0.4pt}

% Chapter style
\chapterstyle{madsen}
\setsecheadstyle{\Large\bfseries\color{AAUblue}}
\setsubsecheadstyle{\large\bfseries}

% Title page
\newcommand{\makeAAUtitle}{
    \begin{titlingpage}
        \centering
        \vspace*{2cm}
        
        % University logo
        \includegraphics[width=0.4\textwidth]{aau-logo.png}
        
        \vspace{2cm}
        
        % Title
        {\Huge\bfseries\color{AAUblue} \thetitle\par}
        
        \vspace{1cm}
        
        % Subtitle
        {\Large Master's Thesis\par}
        
        \vspace{2cm}
        
        % Author
        {\large\bfseries \theauthor\par}
        
        \vspace{1cm}
        
        % Program
        {\large
        Master of Science in Engineering\\
        Computer Science\\
        Department of Computer Science\par}
        
        \vfill
        
        % Date
        {\large Aalborg University\\
        \thedate\par}
    \end{titlingpage}
}

% Abstract environment
\newenvironment{AAUabstract}[1]{
    \chapter*{Abstract}
    \selectlanguage{#1}
    \addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{Abstract}
}{
    \clearpage
}

% Problem statement box
\newmdenv[
    linecolor=AAUblue,
    linewidth=2pt,
    roundcorner=5pt,
    innertopmargin=10pt,
    innerbottommargin=10pt,
    innerrightmargin=10pt,
    innerleftmargin=10pt
]{problembox}

\begin{document}

% Front matter
\frontmatter
\title{Advanced Machine Learning for Sustainable Energy Systems}
\author{Your Name}
\date{June 2025}

\makeAAUtitle

% Danish abstract
\begin{AAUabstract}{danish}
Dette speciale undersøger anvendelsen af avancerede maskinlæringsmetoder...
\end{AAUabstract}

% English abstract
\begin{AAUabstract}{english}
This thesis investigates the application of advanced machine learning methods...
\end{AAUabstract}

% Table of contents
\tableofcontents*
\clearpage
\listoffigures*
\clearpage
\listoftables*

% Main matter
\mainmatter

\chapter{Introduction}
\section{Problem Statement}
\begin{problembox}
How can advanced machine learning techniques be applied to optimize sustainable energy systems while maintaining grid stability and reliability?
\end{problembox}

\section{Project Context}
This thesis is conducted in collaboration with...

% Additional chapters
\chapter{Literature Review}
\chapter{Methodology}
\chapter{Implementation}
\chapter{Results and Analysis}
\chapter{Discussion}
\chapter{Conclusion}

% Back matter
\backmatter
\bibliographystyle{apalike}
\bibliography{references}

% Appendices
\appendix
\chapter{Source Code}
\chapter{Additional Results}

\end{document}

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Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Template

DTU Design Standards

DTU maintains strict design guidelines emphasizing technical precision and visual clarity.

Complete DTU Template

\documentclass[11pt,a4paper,twoside,openright]{book}
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\usepackage{mathptmx} % Times font as per DTU guidelines
\usepackage[danish,english]{babel}
\usepackage{graphicx}
\usepackage{xcolor}

% DTU Colors
\definecolor{DTUred}{RGB}{153,0,0}
\definecolor{DTUgray}{RGB}{128,128,128}

% Geometry
\usepackage[
    top=2.5cm,
    bottom=2.5cm,
    inner=3cm,
    outer=2cm,
    headsep=1cm,
    footskip=1cm
]{geometry}

% Headers
\usepackage{fancyhdr}
\pagestyle{fancy}
\fancyhf{}
\fancyhead[LE]{\thepage}
\fancyhead[RE]{\nouppercase{\leftmark}}
\fancyhead[LO]{\nouppercase{\rightmark}}
\fancyhead[RO]{\thepage}
\renewcommand{\headrulewidth}{0.4pt}
\renewcommand{\footrulewidth}{0pt}

% Chapter formatting
\usepackage{titlesec}
\titleformat{\chapter}[display]
{\normalfont\huge\bfseries\color{DTUred}}
{\chaptertitlename\ \thechapter}{20pt}{\Huge}
\titlespacing*{\chapter}{0pt}{0pt}{40pt}

% DTU Title Page
\newcommand{\makeDTUtitle}{
    \begin{titlepage}
        \centering
        \vspace*{1cm}
        
        % DTU Logo
        \includegraphics[width=0.3\textwidth]{dtu-logo.pdf}
        
        \vspace{2cm}
        
        % Title
        {\Huge\bfseries \thetitle\par}
        
        \vspace{1.5cm}
        
        % Degree
        {\Large\scshape Ph.D. Thesis\par}
        
        \vspace{2cm}
        
        % Author
        {\Large\bfseries \theauthor\par}
        
        \vspace{1cm}
        
        % Department
        {\large
        DTU Compute\\
        Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science\\
        Technical University of Denmark\par}
        
        \vfill
        
        % Supervisors
        {\large
        \textbf{Main Supervisor:} Professor Name\\
        \textbf{Co-supervisor:} Associate Professor Name\par}
        
        \vspace{1cm}
        
        % Date
        {\large Kongens Lyngby, \thedate\par}
        
    \end{titlepage}
}

% Summary box for DTU
\newenvironment{DTUsummary}{
    \chapter*{Summary}
    \addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{Summary}
    \markboth{Summary}{Summary}
}{
    \clearpage
}

% Preface
\newenvironment{DTUpreface}{
    \chapter*{Preface}
    \addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{Preface}
    \markboth{Preface}{Preface}
}{
    \clearpage
}

\begin{document}
\selectlanguage{english}

% Title information
\title{Quantum Computing Applications in Cryptography}
\author{Your Name}
\date{December 2025}

% Front matter
\frontmatter
\makeDTUtitle

\begin{DTUpreface}
This thesis was prepared at DTU Compute in fulfillment of the requirements for acquiring a Ph.D. degree in computer science.

The work was carried out from September 2022 to December 2025 under the supervision of...
\end{DTUpreface}

\begin{DTUsummary}
This thesis explores quantum computing applications in modern cryptography...
\end{DTUsummary}

% Danish summary (required)
\chapter*{Resumé}
\addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{Resumé (Danish Summary)}
\markboth{Resumé}{Resumé}
\selectlanguage{danish}
Denne afhandling undersøger kvantedatabehandlingens anvendelser inden for moderne kryptografi...
\selectlanguage{english}

\tableofcontents
\listoffigures
\listoftables

% Main content
\mainmatter

\chapter{Introduction}
\section{Motivation}
Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift...

\chapter{Theoretical Background}
\chapter{Quantum Algorithms}
\chapter{Implementation}
\chapter{Security Analysis}
\chapter{Conclusions}

% Back matter
\backmatter
\bibliographystyle{plain}
\bibliography{references}

\appendix
\chapter{Mathematical Proofs}
\chapter{Source Code}

\end{document}

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University of Copenhagen (KU) Template

KU Design Elements

The University of Copenhagen emphasizes elegant simplicity with its distinctive seal and typography.

Complete KU Template

\documentclass[12pt,a4paper,twoside]{report}
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\usepackage{palatino} % Palatino font for KU
\usepackage[danish,english]{babel}
\usepackage{graphicx}
\usepackage{xcolor}

% KU Colors
\definecolor{KUred}{RGB}{144,26,30}
\definecolor{KUgray}{RGB}{102,102,102}

% Page layout
\usepackage[
    top=3cm,
    bottom=3cm,
    left=3cm,
    right=3cm,
    headsep=0.75cm
]{geometry}

% Headers and footers
\usepackage{fancyhdr}
\pagestyle{fancy}
\fancyhf{}
\fancyhead[LE,RO]{\thepage}
\fancyhead[LO]{\rightmark}
\fancyhead[RE]{\leftmark}
\renewcommand{\headrulewidth}{0.5pt}

% KU Title Page
\newcommand{\makeKUtitle}{
    \begin{titlepage}
        \centering
        
        % KU Seal
        \includegraphics[width=0.25\textwidth]{ku-seal.png}
        
        \vspace{1cm}
        
        {\large\scshape University of Copenhagen\par}
        {\large Faculty of Science\par}
        
        \vspace{3cm}
        
        % Title
        {\Huge\bfseries \thetitle\par}
        
        \vspace{2cm}
        
        % Degree
        {\Large Master's Thesis in Bioinformatics\par}
        
        \vspace{3cm}
        
        % Author
        {\Large\bfseries \theauthor\par}
        
        \vfill
        
        % Academic details
        {\large
        Supervisor: Professor Name\\
        Department of Biology\\
        \thedate\par}
        
    \end{titlepage}
}

% KU Abstract style
\renewenvironment{abstract}{
    \chapter*{\abstractname}
    \addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{\abstractname}
}{
    \clearpage
}

\begin{document}

\title{Machine Learning in Genomic Medicine}
\author{Your Name}
\date{August 2025}

\makeKUtitle

\begin{abstract}
This thesis investigates the application of machine learning algorithms...
\end{abstract}

% Danish abstract
\begin{otherlanguage}{danish}
\renewcommand{\abstractname}{Resumé}
\begin{abstract}
Denne afhandling undersøger anvendelsen af maskinlæringsalgoritmer...
\end{abstract}
\end{otherlanguage}

\tableofcontents
\listoffigures
\listoftables

\chapter{Introduction}
The intersection of machine learning and genomics...

% ... additional chapters ...

\bibliographystyle{nature}
\bibliography{references}

\end{document}

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Aarhus University (AU) Template

AU Visual Identity

Aarhus University uses a clean, modern design with distinctive blue coloring.

Complete AU Template

\documentclass[11pt,a4paper,twoside,openright]{memoir}
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\usepackage{helvet} % Helvetica for AU
\renewcommand{\familydefault}{\sfdefault}
\usepackage[danish,english]{babel}
\usepackage{graphicx}
\usepackage{xcolor}
\usepackage{tikz}

% AU Colors
\definecolor{AUblue}{RGB}{0,61,115}
\definecolor{AUdarkblue}{RGB}{0,37,70}
\definecolor{AUlightgray}{RGB}{237,237,237}

% Geometry
\setlrmarginsandblock{3.5cm}{2.5cm}{*}
\setulmarginsandblock{3cm}{3cm}{*}
\checkandfixthelayout

% Chapter style
\makechapterstyle{AUstyle}{
    \renewcommand{\chapnamefont}{\normalfont\Large\bfseries\color{AUblue}}
    \renewcommand{\chapnumfont}{\normalfont\huge\bfseries\color{AUblue}}
    \renewcommand{\chaptitlefont}{\normalfont\Huge\bfseries\color{AUdarkblue}}
    \renewcommand{\printchapternum}{\chapnumfont \thechapter}
    \renewcommand{\afterchapternum}{\\[10pt]}
}
\chapterstyle{AUstyle}

% AU Title Page
\newcommand{\makeAUtitle}{
    \begin{titlingpage}
        % Top blue bar
        \begin{tikzpicture}[remember picture,overlay]
            \fill[AUblue] (current page.north west) rectangle ([yshift=-3cm]current page.north east);
            \node[anchor=west] at ([xshift=2cm,yshift=-1.5cm]current page.north west) {
                \includegraphics[height=2cm]{au-logo-white.png}
            };
        \end{tikzpicture}
        
        \vspace{5cm}
        
        \begin{center}
            % Title
            {\Huge\bfseries\color{AUdarkblue} \thetitle\par}
            
            \vspace{2cm}
            
            % Degree
            {\Large Ph.D. Dissertation\par}
            
            \vspace{3cm}
            
            % Author
            {\Large\bfseries \theauthor\par}
            
            \vspace{1cm}
            
            % Department
            {\large
            Department of Computer Science\\
            Faculty of Natural Sciences\\
            Aarhus University\par}
            
            \vfill
            
            % Date
            {\large Denmark · \thedate\par}
        \end{center}
    \end{titlingpage}
}

\begin{document}

\title{Distributed Systems for Edge Computing}
\author{Your Name}
\date{2025}

\makeAUtitle

% ... thesis content ...

\end{document}

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University of Southern Denmark (SDU) Template

SDU Design Guidelines

SDU emphasizes accessibility and environmental consciousness in their design approach.

Complete SDU Template

\documentclass[12pt,a4paper,twoside]{book}
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\usepackage{libertine} % Linux Libertine for SDU
\usepackage[danish,english]{babel}
\usepackage{graphicx}
\usepackage{xcolor}

% SDU Colors
\definecolor{SDUblue}{RGB}{0,115,153}
\definecolor{SDUgray}{RGB}{77,77,79}
\definecolor{SDUlightblue}{RGB}{182,215,232}

% Page setup
\usepackage[
    top=2.5cm,
    bottom=2.5cm,
    inner=3.5cm,
    outer=2.5cm
]{geometry}

% Headers
\usepackage{fancyhdr}
\pagestyle{fancy}
\fancyhf{}
\fancyhead[LE,RO]{\thepage}
\fancyhead[RE]{\textsc{\leftmark}}
\fancyhead[LO]{\textsc{\rightmark}}
\renewcommand{\headrulewidth}{0pt}

% SDU Title Page
\newcommand{\makeSDUtitle}{
    \begin{titlepage}
        \centering
        \vspace*{1cm}
        
        % SDU Logo
        \includegraphics[width=0.4\textwidth]{sdu-logo.png}
        
        \vspace{2cm}
        
        % Faculty
        {\large\scshape The Faculty of Engineering\par}
        
        \vspace{1cm}
        
        % Title
        {\Huge\bfseries\color{SDUblue} \thetitle\par}
        
        \vspace{2cm}
        
        % Thesis type
        {\Large Ph.D. Thesis\par}
        
        \vspace{2cm}
        
        % Author
        {\Large\bfseries \theauthor\par}
        
        \vfill
        
        % Bottom info
        {\large
        Department of Technology and Innovation\\
        University of Southern Denmark\\
        \thedate\par}
        
    \end{titlepage}
}

\begin{document}

\title{Sustainable Robotics for Healthcare Applications}
\author{Your Name}
\date{September 2025}

\makeSDUtitle

% ... thesis content ...

\end{document}

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Common Elements Across Danish Universities

Bilingual Support

% Package setup for Danish/English
\usepackage[danish,english]{babel}
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}

% Special Danish characters
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}

% Switching languages
\selectlanguage{danish}
% Danish text here
\selectlanguage{english}
% English text here

% Or use environment
\begin{otherlanguage}{danish}
Dette er på dansk.
\end{otherlanguage}

Required Sections

Most Danish universities require:

% 1. Title page (university specific)
% 2. Abstract in English
\begin{abstract}
Your English abstract...
\end{abstract}

% 3. Abstract in Danish (Resumé)
\chapter*{Resumé}
\selectlanguage{danish}
Dit danske resumé...
\selectlanguage{english}

% 4. Acknowledgments
\chapter*{Acknowledgments}
I would like to thank...

% 5. Table of contents
\tableofcontents

% 6. Lists of figures and tables
\listoffigures
\listoftables

Citation Styles

% Common citation styles in Denmark
\bibliographystyle{apalike}  % APA-like
\bibliographystyle{chicago}  % Chicago style
\bibliographystyle{nature}   % For natural sciences
\bibliographystyle{ieee}     % For engineering

% Or with BibLaTeX
\usepackage[style=apa]{biblatex}

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Collaborative Thesis Writing with inscrive.io

Benefits for Danish Students

When writing your thesis with inscrive.io:

1. GDPR Compliance: Full compliance with EU data protection
2. Multi-language support: Seamless Danish/English switching
3. University templates: Pre-configured for Danish universities
4. Supervisor collaboration: Real-time feedback and review
5. Version control: Track all changes throughout your thesis journey

Team Features

% Supervisor comments
\newcommand{\supervisor}[1]{{\color{red}\textbf{[Supervisor: #1]}}}

% Co-author tracking
\newcommand{\contribution}[2]{{\color{blue}\textbf{[#1: #2]}}}

% Draft management
\newcommand{\draft}[1]{{\color{orange}\textbf{[DRAFT: #1]}}}

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Submission Guidelines

Digital Submission

Most Danish universities now require digital submission:

% PDF/A compliance
\usepackage[a-1b]{pdfx}

% Metadata
\hypersetup{
    pdftitle={Your Thesis Title},
    pdfauthor={Your Name},
    pdfsubject={Ph.D. Thesis},
    pdfkeywords={keyword1, keyword2, keyword3},
    pdfcreator={LaTeX with pdfTeX},
    pdfproducer={inscrive.io}
}

Print Requirements

For printed copies:

% Ensure proper margins for binding
\usepackage[
    inner=4cm,  % Extra space for binding
    outer=2.5cm,
    top=3cm,
    bottom=3cm,
    twoside
]{geometry}

% Blank pages for double-sided printing
\cleardoublepage

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Accessibility Compliance

Danish universities increasingly require accessible documents:

\usepackage[tagged]{accessibility}

% Alternative text for images
\begin{figure}
    \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{diagram.png}
    \Description{Detailed description of the diagram showing...}
    \caption{System architecture}
\end{figure}

% Proper heading structure
\section{Main Section}
\subsection{Subsection}
\subsubsection{Sub-subsection}

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Best Practices for Danish Theses

Language Consistency

1. Choose primary language: Usually English for STEM fields
2. Translate key terms: Maintain glossary of translations
3. Abstract in both languages: Required by most universities
4. Consistent terminology: Don’t mix languages within sections

Visual Identity

% Respect university colors
% Use official logos correctly
% Follow typography guidelines
% Maintain consistent styling

Academic Integrity

% Proper citation of all sources
% Clear indication of own contributions
% Acknowledgment of collaborations
% Declaration of authorship

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Font Issues

% If university fonts aren't available
\usepackage{fontspec}  % With XeLaTeX
\setmainfont[
    BoldFont={UniversityFont-Bold},
    ItalicFont={UniversityFont-Italic}
]{UniversityFont-Regular}

% Fallback options
\usepackage{libertine}  % Open-source alternative
\usepackage{palatino}   % Classic academic font

Logo Problems

% Multiple logo formats
\graphicspath{{logos/}{images/}}

% Conditional logo loading
\IfFileExists{university-logo.pdf}{
    \includegraphics[height=3cm]{university-logo.pdf}
}{
    \includegraphics[height=3cm]{university-logo.png}
}

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Resources and Support

University-Specific Help

• AAU: aau.dk/thesis-guidelines
• DTU: dtu.dk/english/education/phd/thesis
• KU: ku.dk/english/research/phd/thesis
• AU: au.dk/en/research/phd/thesis
• SDU: sdu.dk/en/research/phd/thesis

LaTeX Communities

• Danish TeX Users Group
• University LaTeX forums
• inscrive.io support community

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Conclusion

Writing a thesis at a Danish university demands attention to specific formatting requirements and design guidelines. These templates provide a solid foundation, but remember to:

1. Check current guidelines: Requirements may update
2. Consult your department: Some have specific rules
3. Start early: Allow time for formatting iterations
4. Use version control: Track all changes
5. Test thoroughly: Ensure compatibility with university systems

Modern tools like inscrive.io simplify the process with built-in templates, real-time collaboration, and GDPR-compliant storage—essential features for Danish academic institutions.

Your thesis represents years of hard work. These templates ensure it looks as professional as the research it contains.

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Ready to start your thesis with confidence? Try inscrive.io with pre-configured templates for all Danish universities, real-time supervisor collaboration, and automatic formatting compliance. Focus on your research while we handle the LaTeX complexity.