Build your own degree
Did you know that you can combine freestanding courses to build your own degree? In this way, you can tailor-make your own degree based on your interests and the career you are aiming for.
Studying freestanding courses is a flexible way of studying and you can choose between different courses within several subjects (main fields of study). When you choose to combine courses to build your own degree, you become your own “project manager” and get to make choices during your studies.
The most common degree at bachelor’s level is called a Degree of Bachelor, commonly known as Bachelor’s Degree. It comprises 3 years of full-time studies and a total of 180 credits. At second-cycle level, you can study either 1 year of full-time studies for a master’s degree comprising 60 credits, or 2 years of full-time studies for a master’s degree comprising 120 credits. When you build your own degree, you combine different courses yourself.
Main fields of study
We offer the opportunity to build your own degree in, for example, these main fields of study, with courses for which the language of tuition is English:
- Peace and Development Studies
- Mathematics
Please note that these main fields of study can change.
If you have studied courses equivalent to 30–60 credits in a main field of study, we offer more opportunities, please contact your study counsellor to learn more.
Interested? Contact your study counsellor
If you’re interested in building your own degree in one of the main fields of study we offer, contact your study counsellor at the faculty. They can help you find out what applies for the specific subject or degree in which you are interested.
If you are planning to study courses for which the language of tuition is Swedish, we offer a wider range of subjects. You are welcome to contact our central study counsellors to find out more.
Checklist – build your own degree
- Think about what courses you would like to study within the frame of your free choice. We offer courses of different scope, the most common being 7.5, 15 or 30 credits, and the courses are divided into bachelor’s and master’s level.
- Check what semester each respective course is offered. Some courses are only offered either in the spring or autumn semester.
- Keep in mind that you must apply to new courses for each semester. It would be a good idea to plan your studies a few semesters ahead. Applications are made through universityadmissions.se.
- When you build your own degree, at least half of the completed courses/credits must be within the same main field of study in order for you to obtain a degree.
Examples of degrees
Example of bachelor's degree 180 credits (3 years full time studies)
Half of your degree (90 credits) consists of studies in one main field of study at first-cycle level including an independent project of at least 15 credits.
For the second half of your degree, you can choose courses freely, focusing on your interests and future career plans. At least 30 credits of these must be in another subject than the main field of study.
Example of 2-year master’s degree, 120 credits
- Studies in one main field of study at second-cycle level comprising 60 credits (including one independent project of at least 30 credits or two independent projects of 15 credits each).
- Studies in freely chosen subjects comprising 60 credits, of which at least 30 credits at second-cycle level. For instance, courses comprising 30 credits mathematics and 30 credits computer science at second-cycle level.
In order to obtain a 2-year master’s degree, you must previously have obtained a bachelor’s degree, a Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Higher Vocational Education Diploma comprising at least 180 credits, or a corresponding degree from abroad. Courses that are included in a qualifying degree at the first-cycle level cannot be used or transferred into a degree at second-cycle level.
Questions about building you own degree
What degrees are available at Linneaus University?
The following degrees are available if you choose to study at first-cycle level:
- Higher Education Diploma, 120 credits (equivalent to 2 years of full-time studies)
- Bachelor’s Degree, 180 credits (equivalent to 3 years of full-time studies)
The following degrees are available if you choose to continue to study at second-cycle level:
- Master’s Degree, 60 credits (equivalent to 1 year of full-time studies)
- Master’s Degree, 120 credits (equivalent to 2 years of full-time studies)
Where do I apply to courses at Linnaeus University?
All applications are made through universityadmissions.se.
Where can I find the freestanding courses offered at Linnaeus University?
You can find all our courses on the page Our courses.
Can I combine courses to build my own degree for all degrees?
No, you cannot study freestanding courses to build your own degree for a professional qualification, like a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Degree of Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education.
More information about our Higher Vocational Education Diploma.