Welfare State and Social Policy in Sweden

15 credits

The aim of the course is to develop a basic understanding of the Swedish welfare state and of Swedish social policies in a historical and comparative perspective. The course provides an introduction into the historical genesis, the structural shape and the socioeconomic outcomes of the Swedish welfare state and of major areas of Swedish social policy. Another theme concerns the new challenges and current developments in the Swedish model and in particular areas of public welfare provision. Moreover, the course also focuses on cross-national variations in the welfare state, and how the Swedish case can be characterized in comparison to other capitalist industrialized countries. Besides this, the course also introduces central concepts and theoretical approaches in welfare state research, including comparative typologies, as tolls for systematic descriptions and analyses.

The course is combined with national-, international- and exchange students.

Växjö – the student city with a vibrant campus

Just south of Växjö city centre lies Campus Växjö. Many students choose to live on campus.

Here you have friends, restaurants, lecture halls, gyms, a supermarket, the university library, outdoor recreation areas, and student pubs – all within a five-minute walk. You can also live in other parts of Växjö and easily reach the university by bike or bus.

With nearly 100 000 inhabitants, Växjö is one of Sweden’s fastest-growing cities. It has a strong Småland entrepreneurial spirit and a diverse business sector – perfect when you’re looking for a placement, an internship, or a job.

Växjö is also a scenic city, where you’re always close to forests and lakes, and it offers plenty of events and experiences, ranging from music and food to sports.

Read more about our student cities here.

Students in house M

Build your own degree

Did you know that you can combine single-subject courses to build your own degree? In this way, you can design your own degree based on your interests and the career you are aiming for. This does not apply to all courses so make sure to check with a study counsellor at the faculty. Learn more about how you can build your own degree and become unique on the labour market.