Swedish Education System

Education in Sweden is of the highest standard, in part due to the Swedish government's investment in education being amongst the highest in the world. An education from Lund University is internationally recognised.

Degree structure

The education system in Sweden is divided into three cycles:

• First cycle (undergraduate/Bachelor's)
• Second cycle (postgraduate/Master's)
• Third cycle (postgraduate/doctoral - PhD)

The list below shows the degree types and the ECTS points they are worth.

Undergraduate degrees (first cycle):

• University Diploma: 120 ECTS
• Bachelor's Degree: 180 ECTS

Postgraduate degrees (second cycle):

• Master's Degree (1 year): 60 ECTS
• Master's Degree (2 years): 120 ECTS

Professional degrees (third cycle):

• Licentiate Degree: 120 ECTS (similar to the UK MPhil)
• Doctoral/PhD Degree: 240 ECTS

Studying in Sweden

Teaching and the commitment of the students to learn is taken extremely seriously but there is often a relatively informal relationship between the teacher and students. Attendance at lectures is required but students are also expected to work independently and develop an in-depth knowledge of their subject through independent study. The teaching methods used focus on the critical analysis of the course content with the use of real case studies wherever possible. There is often an emphasis on group work.

Education at Lund University is closely aligned to current research, often drawing on the interdisciplinary research approach that has helped secure Lund University’s place as Sweden’s strongest research university. International guest lecturers and speakers from business, government, NGOs and research regularly feature as part of the curriculum to further connect studies to the professional world. Students are encouraged to develop their critical and analytical thinking and leadership skills to prepare them for an international career.  

Study credits - ECTS

When you study at Lund University your academic accomplishments will be measured in credits using the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). The qualifications you earn at Lund will be easily understandable throughout Europe and the world. The national system of higher education credits used in Sweden ('högskolepoäng', in Swedish) is equivalent to credits measured in ECTS.