Paths to a degree
There are a few study programmes at the Centre for Languages and Literature, but we primarily offer freestanding courses. What’s the actual difference?
All study programmes are comprised of courses
Study programmes consist of a set of courses compiled by the programme coordinator into a well-functioning whole. Some programmes lead to a professional qualification. For example, the teacher training programme leads to a degree in teaching which you need in order to be qualified to teach. Other programmes lead to general degrees; in the humanities, the first qualification obtained is a Degree of Bachelor of Arts.
Freestanding courses can also lead to a general degree, that is, a Bachelor of Arts. There is no significant difference between a Bachelor’s degree from a study programme and one from freestanding courses – it always comprises 180 credits in completed first-cycle courses. However, there is a difference in terms of implementation. For students enrolled on a study programme, the study content of almost all programme semesters has been determined in advance, whereas students taking freestanding courses decide before each semester what they want to study.
Unique education
Within a study programme, the courses for each semester are usually set, and if you are admitted (and pass all courses) you know that you will be able to continue to study and complete the programme within 3 years. If, on the other hand, you choose to study freestanding courses, you can build your own unique education. However, this requires planning and reflection, and you must apply and be admitted to every new semester. There are pros and cons to both paths, so you need to figure out which one suits you best. If you are unsure, feel free to book an appointment with a study advisor.
Inspiration
At Lund University, there are more than 2 000 freestanding courses. In your degree, you can also include courses which you have studied at other universities, in Sweden or abroad. The possible combinations are practically endless.
How Julia put together her degree:
| Film Studies, 1–60 credits | Film Studies, 1–60 credits |
| History, 1–30 credits | History, 31–60 credits |
| Film Studies, BA course, 30 credits | Project Management and Entrepreneurship in Arts and Humanities, 30 credits |
- 180 credits, 3 years, Degree of Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies
How Simon put together his degree:
| French, level 1, 1–30 credits | Political Science, level 1, 1–30 credits |
| Political Science, level 2, 31–60 credits | Practical Philosophy, 1–30 credits |
| French, level 2, 31–60 credits | French, BA course, 61–90 credits |
- 180 credits, 3 years, Degree of Bachelor of Arts in French