Studying at Uppsala University – What to expect

15 Mar 2017

There are a certain few countries that seem to dominate the global higher education field, namely the U.S., UK, Canada and Australia. While these all remain solid options, there are plenty more countries with tertiary offerings that are equally as reputable. For students seeking a unique study experience and the chance to explore a brand-new landscape and culture, the beautiful setting of Sweden could be your ideal study abroad destination.

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Sweden is one of the largest countries on the continent, offering a wealth of breath-taking scenes, from coastlines that stretch miles, to stunning green spaces and countless crystalline lakes. On top of this, Swedish cities are known to be rich in history and steeped in irresistible character, making it the perfect backdrop for your journey into higher learning.

Around the world, Sweden is characterised by its inherent innovation, known as the creators of powerful inventions like the seatbelt and the pacemaker, while also blessing the world with things like Spotify and IKEA. But one of its most important details is that Sweden’s higher education system is classed as one of the best in the world, with several Swedish universities ranked in both the Times Higher Education and the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Swedish universities encourage students to think independently and creatively, instilling them with the ability to question the status quo by seeking new perspectives, before developing their own well-informed opinions. You’ll be expected to make active contributions, to speak your mind and take full control of your independent education. Though Swedish stands the nation’s first language, the country is well-adapted to the needs of the global population, ranking in the world’s top three in for English language proficiency. The country is also a firm believer in tackling environmental issues, making environmental thinking and sustainability an integral part of life, including in education.

Believing in the same education principles is Uppsala University, the first institution founded both in Sweden and the whole of Scandinavia. As a pioneer of Swedish higher education, Uppsala is known for excellence in both teaching and research while helping make the world a better and brighter place.

Here, Faculty believe in the future of your career, equipping you with more than just a world-class qualification. The institution seeks students who are keen to expand on their knowledge, heightening their skillsets and digging deep within their chosen subject discipline. “Every year Uppsala University attracts highly motivated students from Sweden and around the globe. Being a student at Uppsala University is about considerably more than taking courses. We offer outstanding cultural and student environments and unique student life,” says Eva Åkesson, Vice-Chancellor of Uppsala. So, if you interested in pursuing Swedish higher education, here’s what to expect from Uppsala University…

A comprehensive education that paves the way for a career in research, and beyond!

Your education at Uppsala University is closely linked to research, regardless of the subject that you study. As a student, you’ll play an active role, participating in research seminars and other activities organised by your department, while gaining practical, hands-on experience conducting field and lab-based studies. Here, students can immerse themselves in a world-class research environment, making crucial academic connections with various research groups. As a world-leading research institution with eight Nobel Prizes, 3,000 teachers or researchers, and 5,000 peer-reviewed scientific publications in 2015, Uppsala University is an excellent place to start your research career or earn your Ph.D.

A chance to develop your skill set and gain a competitive edge…

Uppsala students acquire up-to-date knowledge and expertise, as well as the valuable capacity for independent and critical thinking. Courses and programmes are constantly in development to reflect current research methods and results, highlighting global perspectives, as well as student demand and society’s current needs. Every student is taught through a multi-faceted approach to ensure they acquire the generic and specific theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the world.

A memorable student experience in a fantastic location…

Image courtesy of Uppsala University

With campuses in Uppsala and Gotland, students will study on a campus that has been rated ‘one of the best places to be’. Here, students will stay in Sweden’s fourth-largest city, with Uppsala also being known as Sweden’s premier student setting, with more than 40,000 study visitors calling it their home away from home. You’ll have the chance to live in a medieval city, full of culture and history that’s just waiting to be explored. The Gotland campus is set in the World Heritage listed medieval town of Visby, immersing you in a picturesque environment and one of Sweden’s favourite tourist destinations. How will you fit it all in when there’s so much to learn and discover?!

At Uppsala University, you’ll receive more than an elite, global education. In fact, you’ll leave equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to take on the world, while experiencing at one of Europe’s – and the world’s – finest tertiary education locations.

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