9 unexpected programmes at Stockholm University

Did you know Stockholm University offers 75 master's programmes taught in English? And some of them are programmes you won't find anywhere else.

Published: Thu 27 Oct 2016 09:51 CEST
9 unexpected programmes at Stockholm University
Photo: Niklas Björling

There are many reasons to study at Sweden’s largest university – such as unparalleled research, its sterling reputation, and the quality of the relationships between students and professors.

And then there’s the university’s unique Master’s programmes, all conducted in English. Students from around the world have the opportunity to come to a green European metropolis and enrol in top-notch programmes that are truly rare – even one-of-a-kind.

Like what, you ask?

Well, check out the following Master’s programmes and get a flavour for just how diverse Stockholm University’s assortment of programmes taught in English really is. And these are just a few of many!

1. Fashion studies

Paris, New York, watch your back. Nordic fashion continues to be on the rise, with the elegance and minimalism of Audrey Hepburn but the vigour and guts of the Vikings.

But Swedes' fashion sensibilities go beyond the catwalk: After all, knowledge is power. The prestigious Fashion Studies programme at Stockholm University is one of a few programmes of its kind anywhere in Europe, with prominent research in the field.

"Is fashion a code, a message, sumptuarism or a protocol?" "What is the difference between costume, dress and fashion?" are questions asked on the department’s site.

From wigs to cod-pieces to philosophy, mass-production, and gender studies, the Master's programme in Fashion Studies prepares students to understand and analyse every aspect of fashion, historical and contemporary.

2. Open eGovernment

Are you a fan of the Swedish Model? Here's a programme for you.

As stated on the programme’s website, this degree “promotes a new role needed in public organisations, an e-Government architect, a role that has the knowledge and skills necessary to drive Information and Communications Technology (ICT) enabled changes in the public sector”.

An “e-Government architect” combines knowledge about democratic processes, citizen service and public administration with technical and design skills to improve how it gives service to society – and of course the programme is international and even fully accessible online, in case you’re not in Stockholm.

The university’s research within the field applies an unconventional method, “learning by doing”, to visualise the impact of ICT on government transformation to design and invent new possibilities for inclusive and democratic future communities.

So if you dream of transforming public organisations, making them more open, more inclusive, transparent and more innovative, using IT, check out the unique programme here.

3. Transnational creative writing

Many, if not most, careers are transnational these days. Shouldn’t your education be, too?

Stockholm University’s programme in Transnational Creative Writing qualifies students for doctoral studies in the field of creative writing or for work within diverse publishing industries. Students develop advanced skills in writing as well as analysing writing, useful in all spheres, whether you want to work with writing as an art or in publishing. You will learn to use advanced methods for the exploration of literary texts, both in terms of form and in terms of their relation to history, politics, and ethics.

4. Social-Ecological Resilience for Sustainable Development

Sweden is famous for sustainability - and Stockholm was the first city to be awarded the European Green Capital title by the EU Commission, and was ranked the third most sustainable cityin the world in 2016.

And as the world struggles to address the increasing effects of climate change and to find sustainable solutions for the environment, what better place is there to learn about sustainable development than right in the heart of the green metropolis? This programme teaches students "resilience thinking" and how to solve real-life problems in the best way possible.

What is resilience thinking, you ask? Resilience is the capacity of a system – anything from a person, a forest, or an entire economy – to deal with change and continue to develop, and how strongly humans and nature are connected.

Intrigued? Read a student blog about the programme.

5. Curating Art, including Management and Law 

Some people know exactly what they want to do with their lives. Like to be a curator at a top international museum of art, perhaps.

A curator is typically responsible for the collection at a museum, gallery, or archive, including acquisitions and care of - in this case - works of art. Sound like your cup of tea? Luckily, Stockholm University has a programme for that. Equal parts academic and practical education, this Master's programme was developed jointly by Stockholm University and various institutions from the art world, and educates students in both art as well as the legal aspects of managing an exhibition, from planning to vernissage.

6. Dance studies

Given the catchy nickname NoMads, the Nordic Master in Dance Studies is a collaborative programme between Stockholm University, the University of Copenhagen, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim.

Students in the programme get to study at each of the locations, learning dance history and anthropology, critical reflection, cultural theory, as well as cultural and educational administration and much more. So if you’re a nomad who likes life on your toes with a song in your heart, check it out.

7. Geomatics with Remote Sensing and GIS

Geomatics may be a new term to most of us, but chances are it affects you every day. Whether you're a hiker or a geocacher, enjoy watching the journey of the parcels you order from abroad, or need help from an emergency response vehicle, geomatics plays a central role.

This Master's programme at Stockholm University’s Department of Physical Geography gives students skills in Geographic information systems, visualising and mapping geodata, remote sensing, and explorative data analysis.

Wondering what you can do with that? Plenty! Graduates with these skills are in high demand both in the public and private sectors, and might work with landscape change, environmental monitoring and mapping, and everyday environmental issues on the political agenda.

8. International Commercial Arbitration Law

Stockholm University is recognized as a leader in the field of international arbitration, and this programme has a global reputation and graduates from some 70 nations already. Students have the chance to work in close connection with the prestigious Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, in an approach both hands-on and dynamic.

If you're interested in law but want to work internationally, this could be the programme for you. International arbitration involves legal proceedings between individuals or companies in different states, meaning you don’t have to focus on one country’s national laws – you can go broader.

Ever wanted to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and hold hearings on international issues? Now is your chance.

9. Information security

Stockholm University began offering studies in information security way back in the 1960s - but today it's more relevant than ever. Digitalisation shows no signs of slowing down, and the more information we put in the cloud, the greater the need for security.

Graduates of this programme are basically in-demand IT superheroes with a plethora of career opportunities – they protect "the essential and critical cyber infrastructure, trying to prevent or solve a wide range of computer crimes and other illicit activities, as well as protecting human rights, freedom and democracy."

 
 
This article was produced by The Local and sponsored by Stockholm University. 
All photos: Niklas Björling

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