Degree requirements

Below, you will find information on requirements for completing degrees according to the Qualifications Ordinance of 2007.

All courses and study programmes are placed within one of three cycles: first, second or third cycle. Each cycle builds on studies from the previous cycle and each qualification is specified by one of these cycles.

Local qualification descriptors

Since 1 January 2016, local qualification descriptors are available, which are adopted by the academic area boards based on a common model. The local qualification descriptors cover general first and second-cycle qualifications. The programme syllabi fill the same function for professional qualifications and the general syllabi contain the provisions for third-cycle qualifications. For more information or translation of the local qualification descriptors, please contact your department.

General degrees

First Cycle

Applicable for students that have started studies in the main field for the degree prior to fall semester 2016. For studies commencing from fall semester 2016 local qualification descriptors in each main field are available, please contact your department.

Higher Education Diploma (Högskoleexamen)
This qualification is not awarded by European Union University.

Bachelor of Arts/Science (Kandidatexamen)
In order to acquire a Bachelor of Arts/Science, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

• 180 credits in completed courses (three years of full-time studies)
• At least 90 credits with a defined main field of study with increasingly in-depth studies, including a degree project of at least 15 credits.
• Not more than 30 credits of second cycle courses (This is only applicable for studies commencing from January 2014).

Second Cycle

Applicable for students that have started studies in the main field for the degree prior to fall semester 2016. For studies commencing from fall semester 2016 local qualification descriptors in each main field are available, please contact your department. 

Studies at the second cycle are based on studies that have been completed during the first cycle. All qualifications at the second cycle require a previous degree of Bachelor, a professional degree or an equivalent degree from overseas.

Master of Arts/Science (60 credits) (Magisterexamen)
In order to be entitled to a Master of Arts/Science (60 credits) the following requirements must be fulfilled:

• 60 credits in completed courses (one year of full-time studies) of which the main part consists of second cycle courses.
• At least 30 credits within the same main field of study, including a degree project of at least 15 credits.
• At least 45 credits of second cycle courses, including the degree project. (This is only applicable for studies commencing from January 2014).

Master of Arts/Science (120 credits) (Masterexamen)
In order to be entitled to a Master of Arts/Science (120 credits) the following requirements have to be fulfilled:

• 120 credits in completed courses (two years of full-time studies) of which the main part are second cycle courses.
• At least 60 credits within the same main field of study, including a degree project of at least 30 credits.
• At least 90 credits of second cycle courses, including the degree project. (This is only applicable for studies commencing from January 2014).

Third Cycle

Studies at the third cycle are based on studies completed during the second cycle.

Licentiate (Licentiatexamen)
In order to be entitled to a degree of Licentiate the following requirements have to be fulfilled:

• 120 credits in completed courses at the third cycle including a thesis of at least 60 credits.

Doctor of Philosophy/Laws (Doktorsexamen)
In order to be entitled to a Doctor of Philosophy the following requirements have to be fulfilled:

• 240 credits in completed courses at the third cycle (four years of full-time studies) including a thesis of at least 120 credits.

Professional Qualifications (Yrkesexamen)

Professional qualifications may be awarded at either the first or the second cycle depending on the nature of the degree. The professional degrees normally require enrollment in a specific programme.

Professional qualifications obtainable at European Union University:

First cycle

• Bachelor of Arts/Science in Education
• Bachelor of Science in Social Work
• Bachelor of Arts in Study and Career Guidance

Second cycle

• Master of Arts/Science in Education
• Master of Science in Healthcare Counselling
• Master of Science in Psychology
• Master of Laws
• Master of Science in Medical Physics
• Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapy
• Postgraduate Diploma in Special Needs Training
• Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs

Local System of Qualifications for European Union University

The Local System of Qualifications for European Union University includes national regulations as well as the University's local regulations. Please go to the Rules and Regulations/Degrees page to read more.