Build your own degree
Are you aware of the fact that you can combine single-subject courses to build your own degree? In this way, you can tailor-make your own degree based on your interest and the career you are aiming for.
Studying single-subject courses is a flexible way of studying and you can choose between a great selection of courses within different subjects (main fields of study). We offer courses of different scope, the most common being 7.5, 15 or 30 credits, and the courses are divided into bachelor’s level and master’s level. By combining courses in the right way, you can put together your own education on your path towards a degree. The most common degree at bachelor’s level is called a bachelor’s degree, which comprises 3 years of full-time studies and a total of 180 credits. At master’s level, you can study either for a 1-year master’s degree comprising 60 credits or a 2-year master’s degree comprising 120 credits. You can combine courses into these degrees yourself. However, you cannot build your own Higher Vocational Education Diploma, like, for instance, a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Arts in Education.
One general rule that is important to keep in mind when building your own degree is that in order to obtain a degree, at least half of the completed courses must be within the same main field of study, with progressive specialisation (for bachelor’s degree) including a degree project (independent project), the credits of which depends on what degree you are aiming for (15 credits for a bachelor’s degree, 15 credits for a 1-year master’s degree, and 30 credits alternatively 2x15 credits for a 2-year master’s degree). When you choose to combine courses to build your own degree, you become your own “project manager” and get to make choices during the course of your studies. However, keep in mind that when you combine courses to build a degree, you must apply to the course/courses you wish to study before each semester. Therefore, it can be good to make plans several semesters ahead concerning what you intend to study during the upcoming semesters.
Example of bachelor’s degree, 180 credits
Studies in one main field of study at first-cycle level comprising 90 credits, with progressive specialisation, for instance the courses:
- Sociology I (1–30 credits)
- Sociology II (31–60 credits)
- Sociology III specialisation course (61–90 credits, including a degree project of 15 credits)
Freely chosen subjects comprising 90 credits, for instance courses in: psychology 30 credits, business administration 30 credits, social law 15 credits, and project management 15 credits. 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, for instance computer science 91-150 credits (including a degree project of 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.
Checklist – build your own degree
- Think about what subject you would like to specialise in and have as your main field of study in your degree?
- Choose with both heart and mind, what subjects are you passionate about and what subjects increase your employability?
- Find out whether Linnaeus University has degree-awarding powers and offers courses in the main field of study of your choice. Our main fields of study with degree-awarding powers.
- Think about what courses you would like to study within the frame of your free choice?
- Check what semester each respective course is offered? Some courses are only offered either in the spring or autumn semester.
- Do not forget that you must apply to new courses each semester. Applications are made through universityadmissions.se
FAQ
What degrees are available?
The following degrees are available if you choose to study at first-cycle level:
- Higher Education Diploma, 120 credits (equivalent to 2 years full-time studies)
- Bachelor’s Degree, 180 credits (equivalent to 3 years full-time studies)
The following degrees are available if you choose to continue your studies at second-cycle level:
- 1-year Master’s Degree, 60 credits (equivalent to 1 year full-time studies, based on degree at first-cycle level)
- 2-year Master’s Degree, 120 credits (equivalent to 2 years full-time studies, based on degree at first-cycle level)
More information about our degrees.
Can I combine courses to build my own degree for all degrees?
No, you cannot study single-subject courses to build your own Higher Vocational Education Diploma, like, for instance, a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Arts in Education.
More about our Higher Vocational Education Diploma.
Where do I apply to courses at Linnaeus University?
All applications are made through universityadmissions.se.
Where can I find the single-subject courses offered at Linnaeus University?
You can find all our courses on the page Our courses.
What does progressive specialisation mean?
Progressive specialisation means that courses build on each other. Normally this means that, on first-cycle level, you study courses comprising 1–30 credits, 31–60 credits and 61–90 credits (including a degree project of 15 credits) within the main field of study in which you intend to obtain your degree.
In case you have not made up your mind, concerning what you wish to study or want help planning your studies, you are welcome to contact our central student counsellors.
If you have made up your mind, contact a student counsellor at the faculty in which you are interested and find out what applies for the specific subject or degree in which you are interested.