A. GENERAL INFORMATION
ECTS, the European Credit Transfer System, was developed by the Commission of the European Communities in order to provide common procedures to guarantee academic recognition of studies abroad. It provides the means of measuring and comparing learning achievements, and transferring them from one institution to another.
The ECTS system is based on the principle of mutual trust and confidence between the participating higher education institutions. The few rules of ECTS, concerning information (on courses available), agreement (between the home and host institutions) and the use of credit points (to indicate student workload) are set out to reinforce this mutual trust and confidence. Each ECTS department describes the courses it offers not only in terms of content but also in terms of the credits allocated for each course.
ECTS credits represent a value allocated to courses to describe the student workload required to complete them. They reflect the quantity of work each course requires in relation to the total quantity of work required in order to complete a full year of academic study, i.e. lectures, practical work, seminars, private study and examinations or other assessments. ECTS credits express a relative value, where 60 credits represent the workload of a year of study; normally 30 credits are given for a semester and 20 credits for a trimester.
It is up to the participating institutions to subdivide the credits for the different courses. Only those practical projects and optional courses which form an integral part of a course of study, give academic credit. Non-credit courses may, however, be mentioned in the transcript of records.
Credits are awarded only when the course has been completed and all required examinations have been successfully taken.
Higher education at universities in Sweden is divided into undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Undergraduate education in Sweden is organised either as a study programme or as single-subject courses. Regarding the study programmes, the majority range between 120 and 180 Swedish credits, i.e. three to four and a half years of study, as one academic year of full-time studies corresponds to 40 Swedish credits. Though the study programmes follow fixed courses of study, both compulsory and optional courses are included within most programmes.
Single-subject courses are to be found primarily in the faculties of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities. Each course is usually 5-20 Swedish credits. By combining single-subject courses in various ways, it is possible for Swedish students to construct an individual programme.
Lund University, with seven faculties and a number of research centres and specialised institutes, is the largest institution for research and higher education in Scandinavia. The main part of the university is situated in Lund, but with some departments for research and education in Malmö and Helsingborg. It was recently voted Sweden's most popular university by students throughout Sweden. Founded in 1666, the university today has approximately 28,000 undergraduate students, 3,500 postgraduate students and a staff of 6,000. Instruction is offered in the fields of Technology, Science, Law, Social Sciences, Medicine, Humanities, Theology, Performing Arts, and Civil Aviation.
Lund University collaborates with a large number of other universities/colleges and research institutes world-wide. The University participates in the European Community programmes SOCRATES/ERASMUS and TEMPUS as well as the Fifth Framework Programme in European research collaboration.
The International Office is responsible for the co-ordination of the on-going internationalisation process at the university. This involves, among other things, developing agreements for academic exchange and research co-operation at a central level. The International Office works closely with administrators at the faculties, for the development and support of internationalisation.
International Office
Lund University
P.O. Box 117
S-221 00 Lund
Sweden
Visiting address: Sandgatan 3, Gamla kirurgen
THE INTERNATIONAL DESK/ STUDENT AFFAIRS
The International Desk, which is a part of the International Office, together with the student unions, student nations and student mentors, co-ordinates the official Arrival Day, which is a part of the welcoming reception for international students, at the beginning of each semester.
The International Desk also publishes the newsletter "What's Up" every six weeks, with information about activities in Lund and Malmö. During the semester, international students are welcome to contact the desk with any practical problems.
The International Desk/Student Affairs
P.O. Box 117
S-221 00 Lund
Sweden
Visiting address: Sandgatan 3, Gamla kirurgen
International students are recommended to arrive in Lund on the official Arrival Day, i.e. approximately two weeks before the semester starts. For the autumn semester of 2002 the official Arrival Day is: 19 August and for the spring semester 2003: 13 January.
On Arrival Day student mentors meet the international students at the railway station and take them to the Arrival Day Reception where they receive a "Welcome package" of useful information. They also meet representatives from the International Housing Office (see below), to sign their housing contract, and register with the "Swedish Language and Orientation Program" - a two-week intensive course in Swedish, free of charge offered to exchange-students accepted at Lund University.
Arriving at a later date often means losing access to the program mentioned above and having to get around by oneself.
As in many other university cities, the housing situation in Lund is very strained. It can be extremely difficult to find a student room, particularly at the beginning of the semester. Sweden does not have a campus accommodation system as certain other countries do. National students are obliged to find housing pretty much on their own. As a special service to our Exchange- and International Master's students we co-operate with the International Housing Office that manages a limited number of rooms.
Since housing demand sometimes exceeds supply, we cannot guarantee anyone a room; however under normal circumstances there are rooms for everyone who has submitted their application before the deadlines (May 20 and Nov 20), and meets the necessary criteria.
For your own sake arrange your accommodation in advance. If you have not applied for accommodation, fill in the combined application form for housing, Swedish Language and Orientation Programme and student mentor, on our webpage: www.lu.se/intsek/international/housing.htm. Don't forget to save the application on a disc or print it out in order to bring it to Lund. It's a proof that you have applied for accommodation. Please fill in the application form no later than 20 May (autumn semester) or 20 November (spring semester).
Student rooms are for single occupancy. They are usually situated in a corridor of about 10-12 rooms where you live among Swedish and/or international students. Most rooms have Internet access. The tenants share a living area, kitchen and sometimes also bathroom. The cost for accommodation does not include food or meals, the students buy and prepare their own food. Students can manage on a food budget of approximately SEK 2000 per month. During your exchange you will be responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of your room. Your room will be inspected after your departure and if it is not found in good order, or if there should be any damages, you will be charged for the cleaning/repairs. The information on the homepage mentioned above should answer any other questions you might have about student housing and the application procedure.
As soon as possible after application deadline, the International Housing Office will send you either a confirmation of housing, or a letter stating that you are on the waiting list. Please note, this confirmation from the International Housing Office is not a Letter of Acceptance for studies at Lund University. The confirmation letter will explain payment procedures for the advanced payment of 4500 SEK which is to be paid by July 20 for Autumn semester and December 7 for Spring semester. Enclosed with the confirmation letter will be a form asking for your intent to take the accommodation offered by the IHO, copy of bank transfer of the advanced payment, copy of your letter of acceptance and current details about arrival date and time. Those placed on the waiting list will receive confirmation if IHO finds accommodation for you.
Do not forget to inform the International Housing Office of any changes in your home address before coming to Lund!
SWEDISH LANGUAGE AND ORIENTATION PROGRAM
Students accepted at Lund University within an exchange programme are offered a two-week intensive course in Swedish, free of charge. The course is offered in all levels and concentrates on developing communicative skills. Guest lectures provide an introduction to Swedish society and culture. The starting date autumn 2002 is August 20 and spring 2003, January 14. A place on the course requires that you apply no later than May 20 for the autumn or November 20 for the spring, and that you register for the course on Arrival Day. The student nations and the student unions at Lund University offer an introduction to social life in Lund during the Orientation Program.Coming to a foreign country can be both exciting and difficult. In order to get some practical help and get to know student life the international student can apply for a mentor. A mentor at Lund University is a fellow student at Lund University who, in most cases, is studying at the same faculty. Application for the above mentioned programme and student mentor is included on the application form for housing. Application should be received no later than May 20 for the autumn semester or November 20 for the spring semester. More information and application form is found on the Internet: www.lu.se/intsek/international/housing.htm
FURTHER COURSES IN THE SWEDISH LANGUAGE
Lund University offers Swedish language courses for exchange students who wish to include Swedish course credits in their study program. Each 5-credit course includes 60 classroom hours and sizeable reading and writing assignments outside the classroom. Instruction is given on full-time basis for a five-week period or on a part-time basis for a ten-week period.
The number of places offered by Lund University are limited and preference is given to students with Scandinavian studies as their main subject, students seeking to create a Scandinavian niche within their discipline. Students who require further Swedish language for their exchange studies, or to students from universities where Lund University wishes to stimulate exchange. The course must not negatively effect any ordinary program and participation should therefore be discussed with your co-ordinator at Lund University before application.
Students who do not fit into the categories of preference will be able to apply for any remaining places at the International Desk upon arrival.
All the above courses are offered at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, and require participation in the two-week introductory course.
Students coming to Lund University within the framework of an exchange programme such as the ERASMUS programme must, together with their teacher, fill in an enrolment form and register at the department or at the International Desk (depending on which coordinator has signed the Letter of Acceptance). The "Welcome package" which the student receives on arrival will contain, among other things, information on the various things that must be done during the first days in Lund or Malmö. Students arriving at a later date are welcome to pick up the Welcome Package at the International Desk.
The normal academic year is divided into two semesters of 20 weeks each. The autumn (fall) semester runs from September 1 to January 18, and the spring semester from January 19 to approximately June 7. At Christmas, there is a short break.
N.B.! The exact duration of the semesters may vary from faculty to faculty. It is therefore advisable to check the exact dates directly with the departments concerned.
To be accepted for study on the courses described in this catalogue, the student must have an adequate knowledge of Swedish or English (in cases the courses are offered in English). For those who are not native speakers of English, an internationally recognised test of English proficiency is recommended, e.g. the TOEFL-test (550), ELTS (6.0) or the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency. Students are also recommended to start practicing their English half a year in advance, paying special attention to the vocabulary and expressions used in their particular subject.
STUDENT UNIONS AT LUND UNIVERSITY
For students enrolled at a university in Sweden it is recommended to be a member of a student union. The student union is a non-political and non-profit making organisation. Through the student unions, students are represented on decision-making boards concerned with academic education at all levels within the university. This gives the students an opportunity to influence their education.
Among other things, the student unions have taken upon themselves to look after their members' interest in relation to the university. This concerns, among other things, the quality of the education being provided. The student unions arrange student evaluations of courses offered.
The student union to which a student is to belong depends on the subject he/she studies. In Lund there are student unions for the faculties of, Law, Medicine, Humanities and Theology, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences. There are also student unions at Lund Institute of Technology, and the School of Social Work. The students at the various colleges and departments in Malmö have their own student unions.
STUDENT NATIONS AT LUND UNIVERSITY
In addition to joining a student union, it is also compulsory to register as a member of a student nation. The student nations in Lund are essentially large social clubs and form the heart of student life in Lund. They are open to all students and there are no entrance requirements.
The original purpose of the student nations was to provide opportunities for students who moved to Lund from different parts of Sweden to socialise with others from their home regions, to meet friends and to catch up on news from home. There are currently thirteen nations in Lund, representing different areas or cities in Sweden. Their function today, however, is to provide students with social activities and clubs for extra-curricular activities, no matter where the student comes from.
At the beginning of each semester, during the introductory weeks, the different nations will organise activities to introduce themselves to the international students. Every nation has an international secretary, on a voluntary basis, whose job it is to assist international students.
After having paid the student union fee, the student will receive a "student card". This card will have the student's name on it and will function as a national student identification card, stating that he/she is a student at Lund University.
By showing this card the student will also be able to obtain discounts at some shops, for travel, theatre tickets etc.
Resident Permit
EU citizens must apply for a residence permit if they are to study for more than three months. However, this is done after arriving in Sweden. The student must send in an application form to the Swedish Immigration Board. A copy of the Letter of Acceptance and the form "E111" regarding health insurance must be enclosed. The application form for residence permit can be obtained at the International Desk.
Other regulations apply for students from other countries. International students from non-EU countries usually have to apply for a permit before entering Sweden. For further information, the Swedish embassy or consulate in the student's home country should be contacted.
Health and insurance
All students at Lund University are covered for accidents occurring within the framework of their studies (for example: during classes, while studying at a university library and when travelling from dorm to class). However, Lund University takes no responsibility for covering costs, which relate to accidents or health during the rest of the period that you are a student in Sweden. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you have health insurance cover.
Please, also note that you are required by the housing regulations, to have an insurance policy, covering third party liability. The explanation of third party liability cover is: "If you by negligence, omission, etc., cause personal injury and/or damage to property and thereby are sued for damages, in most cases the insurer will in your place negotiate with the opposite party, represent you in court, and pay necessary legal costs or pay the damages (not punitive damages)." Of course there are exceptions, such as damage you cause as owner and/or driver of a motor vehicle or motor/sailing boat.
If you are an EU/EEA citizen, contact your regional social insurance office for an E128 form. This document is a health insurance, which will guarantee you medical treatment on the same conditions as Swedish citizens. If you don't bring this form you stand the chance of not being treated at the hospital!
For those of you coming from outside the EU/EEA, medical treatment in Sweden is very expensive if you do not have insurance cover (hospital treatment per day is at least SEK 2800). Check with your regional social insurance office if there is an agreement between your country and Sweden regarding health insurance coverage. If there is, you should check the conditions that apply and bring your insurance card or a copy of it with you to Sweden. If there is no such agreement or you feel that the agreement is not sufficient, you must either take out an insurance policy before leaving your country, or take out an insurance on arrival in Sweden. If you are uncertain as to the requirements, please contact the Swedish embassy in your home country.
Ask at your home university for special agreements concerning insurance for exchange students. If there are no such agreements, exchange students at Lund University can take out a Eurostudent insurance, which covers third party liability. Information and application forms are available at the International Desk. You can also contact Eurostudent-/Worldstudent directly on the following e-mail address: eurostudent@gefvert.se or telephone number: +46-8-4405441.
November 2, December 25, December 26, January 1, January 6, April 18, April 21, May 1, May 29, June 9, and June 21.
The following rough example of an average monthly budget is to give an idea of the cost of living for a student in Sweden:
| Food | 2700 |
| Student accommodation | 2700 |
| Literature and course material | 500 |
| Telephone, newspaper | 500 |
| Insurance and medical care | 200 |
| Clothing, leisure, travel | 1000 |
Total |
7600 SEK |
Lund is one of the oldest cities in Sweden. In the late 10th century, Lund was a permanent settlement whose activities were centred around a church and a royal mint. It was the seat of an archbishopric and a religious, political, commercial, cultural and educational centre for all Scandinavia. Today Lund has about 95 000 inhabitants.
At the heart of Lund is the Cathedral, in the Lundagård park, are the University Building, the Lundagård House and the Academic Society. Nearby is also the Museum of Cultural History (Kulturen).
Lund is not only a thousand years of history but is very much a city of youth and is bursting with student life, which explodes every fourth year in a student carnival.
From the Lund University Hospital in the north, you can distinguish Copenhagen on the other side of the Sound. At close range, you see an arc of successful industrial enterprises: Tetra Pak, Alfa Laval, Gambro, Draco and Åkerlund & Rausing. This is also the location of IDEON, Scandinavia's largest research park, where more than one hundred high-tech enterprises have established offices since the launch of IDEON in 1983. They all collaborate with Lund University and have made Lund known all over the world.
The statue of King Karl X Gustav on horseback in the middle of the Malmö City Square commemorates the military victory over 300 years ago which made Scania a Swedish province. Malmö was given its municipal privileges in 1352 and since then has developed into a modern industrial and commercial city with a number of well-known industrial enterprises, e.g. PLM, Euroc, Sydkraft and Kockum.
The Malmö IDEON science park, specialises in medical technology and pharmaceutics and is situated close to the Malmö University Hospital, which is also a teaching hospital. Malmö is also the home of the World Maritime University, which was established here by the United Nations.
The cultural institutions of Malmö have much to offer. The wealth of material in the museums, not least Malmöhus Castle, give a good picture of the cultural development of the town and region. There are many small theatres, e.g. the Hippodrome, the Studio Theatre and the Gala Theatre, and the City Theatre specialises in opera, operettas, musicals and ballet. The concert hall, the municipal art gallery and the Rooseum art gallery offer programmes of a high international standard.
With about 240 000 inhabitants, Malmö is the third largest city in Sweden.
Lund is part of the Øresund Region covering Zealand in Denmark and Sweden's southernmost province, Scania. The Region has 3.5 million inhabitants. Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, holds the largest concentration of inhabitants with its 1.2 million people.
The Øresund Region is one of Europe's great centres of research and learning and the collaboration between the universities and other educational institutions is creating new cross-border study programmes. It is also one of Europe's strongest economic regions and is becoming one of its most important regions when it comes to growth and the environment. The EU has designated the region as a model region for greater employment. Through a joint environmental programme, the Danish and Swedish governments are seeking to create one of Europe's cleanest metropolitan regions.
Further information about Lund University and Sweden:
Lund University: http://www.lu.se
Swedish Institute: http://www.si.se
The city of Lund: http://www.lund.se
The city of Malmö: http://www.malmo.com/