What is it like to study in Sweden?

Studying in Sweden may be different from what you are used to in your home country. Swedish higher education emphasises independent learning, critical thinking, and active participation. At the Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies, you will join an international academic community where students from different countries, cultures, and Christian traditions learn together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and dialogue.

Independent Learning

Master’s-level studies require a high degree of independence and personal responsibility. You are expected to plan your studies, prepare for classes, complete the required reading, and submit assignments on time. While your teachers are there to guide and support you, you are responsible for managing your own learning.

Active Participation

Teaching at the Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies includes lectures, seminars, discussions, and independent study. Seminars are an important part of the learning experience, and students are expected to participate actively by asking questions, sharing ideas, and engaging respectfully with different viewpoints.

Critical Thinking

Swedish higher education encourages students to think critically and analytically. Rather than simply memorising information, you will be expected to evaluate different perspectives, develop your own arguments, and support your conclusions using appropriate academic sources.

Academic Integrity

All assignments submitted must be your own original work. Whenever you use the ideas or words of another author, you must cite your sources correctly. Plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct are taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action.

Communication

Most communication between the University College and students takes place via Canvas and email. Course information, announcements, assignments and timetables will be published on Canvas. It is your responsibility to check both Canvas and your email regularly and to keep your contact details up to date.

Studying at Master’s Level

The programs offered by the Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies are second-cycle (Master’s-level) programs. Students are therefore expected to have the academic background and study skills necessary for advanced university studies, including academic writing, independent research, and critical engagement with scholarly literature.

An International Learning Environment

Our students come from many different countries and backgrounds, creating a rich international learning environment. We encourage openness, mutual respect and thoughtful dialogue, recognising that different experiences and perspectives strengthen our academic community.

We hope your time at the Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies will be both academically rewarding and personally enriching. If you have questions or need support during your studies, your teachers and the Dean of Students are here to help.

Higher Education Credits (ECTS)

Swedish universities use the national system of Higher Education Credits (hp), which is fully compatible with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). One Swedish higher education credit corresponds to one ECTS credit.

A full academic year of study is equivalent to 60 higher education credits (60 ECTS). Since each semester consists of approximately 20 weeks of study, a full-time student normally completes 30 credits per semester.

Credits are awarded only after you have successfully completed the required coursework and examinations.

Study Pace

Courses are offered at different study paces. The study pace indicates approximately how much time you are expected to devote to your studies each week.

  • 100% (full-time): approximately 40 hours of study per week, equivalent to 30 credits per semester.
  • 50% (half-time): approximately 20 hours of study per week, equivalent to 15 credits per semester.
  • 25% (part-time): approximately 10 hours of study per week, equivalent to 7.5 credits per semester.

Your programme or course will specify the study pace, and this should be considered carefully if you are planning to combine studies with employment or other commitments.

Grading

Swedish universities use different grading scales depending on the institution and the course. At the Stockholm School of Eastern Christian Studies, the grading scale for each course is set out in the course syllabus. Please ensure that you familiarise yourself with the grading criteria and examination requirements at the start of each course.