Exploring Sweden 7.5 credits

About the course

How can Swedish fika, perceptions of gender equality and the importance of being in nature be studied through ethnographic methods?

In this course we introduce ethnographic research methods, such as interviews and observations to explore Swedish everyday life and customs. Through the lens of ethics and reflexivity we combine theory with practical assignments to discuss and explore how qualitative methods can be used to study Sweden from cultural perspectives. A cultural perspective includes in-depth knowledge about people's experiences, meaning-making and everyday practices. This may for example include why and how people engage in or abstain from certain activities, customs and celebrations defined and stated as "Swedish". As part of the course, the student will conduct a minor documentation of a Swedish phenomenon.

The course is primarily directed towards international students living, working, or studying in Sweden. Exchange students can take the course in parallel with Swedish culture and everyday life (1ET055).

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Spring 2026
- Exploring Sweden
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  Spring 2026 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Apply
  
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  Starts
  4 May 2026
  
  Ends
  7 June 2026
  
  Number of credits
  7.5 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-15003
  
  Selection
  Grade point average (34%) - Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test (32%) - Academic credits 1-165 ECTS (32%)
  
  Application
  Online applications are now open. Application deadline is 15 October 2025. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 12,075
  
  Total fee: SEK 12,075
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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You apply to our programmes and courses via universityadmissions.se – the official website for higher education applications in Sweden. There, you can track your application, check that your documents have been registered, and log in to find our your admission results.
 
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Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

More about application and admission

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