Why this programme expand_more
Work integrated learning
University West is Sweden’s leading university in work integrated learning (WIL). We were tasked with the development of WIL by the Swedish government 15+ years ago and continue to lead the field today. This approach focuses on problem-based learning for industry and gives you potential access to real projects from partner companies and research centres.
We built your specialisation in digitalised organisations in close collaboration with corporate partners. You may choose to hold an internship in the third semester of your programme, and your training concludes with a master’s thesis you design in collaboration with your supervisor. It will address a real issue organisations now face.
The School of Business, Economics and IT, which delivers your programme, has many years of expertise in digitalisation and leadership. As a student in this programme, you’ll join a thriving community of professors, researchers and doctoral candidates.
As a student in this programme, you’ll join a thriving community of professors, researchers and doctoral candidates. Your courses and instructors are based in the active research in WIL. There are many companies linked to our research projects that includes researchers and staff from the entire university. As a student, you will have the opportunity to be part of cutting-edge research.
Challenges in social welfare
The research of this group spans sectors and is highly open, innovative and collaborative. As the research aim is broad (improving the general well-being of society), projects are interwoven with those in education and additional research areas.
IT, healthcare and personal well-being
Research in this area focuses on the balance of efficiency and quality in tech development and digitalisation. For example, LINA is mapping healthcare digitalisation and what research issues this brings to the forefront, such as the use of apps.
Another example is the Health and Sustainable Learning project that is directed at young adults studying at university. The project explores conditions, resources and strategies that promote students’ mental health and life-long learning, at both the organisational and individual level.
Industrial WIL (I-WIL)
This area involves close collaboration with organisations and companies and focuses on: leadership and management of digitalisation processes, competence and security in human-robot interactions, sustainable services and business models, and virtual environments for collaboration and learning.
WIL as an educational approach
Work in this area raises critical questions around the added value of, as well as potential conflicts between, University West’s WIL goals and the interests of our collaborating partners, both within Sweden and abroad.
WIL as an educational model has historically been studied with an objective to close the gap between the university and the workplace, guiding universities in how to offer beneficial work placements and enhance employability.
Now, different approaches that focus on how knowledge and skills are produced and learned inside and between the university and the workplace are emerging.
International internship or study abroad
You can chose to spend the autumn semester of the second year of your studies abroad with a corporate and university partner or stay in Sweden and take our recommended elective courses.
Options for international industry placement and study abroad include:
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- India
- US
- Brazil
- Mexico
Specialised and personal
University West offers an intimate campus environment without the usual barriers between academic staff and students. Here, your professors are easily accessible to answer questions, hold discussions and provide individual feedback. The teacher-to-student ratio is higher than at most comparable programmes at other universities.
While large universities have several focus areas, University West’s small size and high quality allow us to focus on and dedicate resources to a few prioritised areas. This ensures a high-quality programme as well as a warm and friendly atmosphere.
International environment
Students from around the globe come together in your programme to create a unique and international environment. The programme is fully taught in English, and you will study together with students from Sweden as well as international students from countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and North and South America.
Many of your instructors also have international experience in both research and education. This will enhance your cultural experience and English-language proficiency.
A strong job market
Digitalisation drives development at an exponential speed; successful organisations need leaders who know how to implement organisational learning and flexibility. There is a high demand for leaders with these new skills in both the public and private sectors, including manufacturing, health care, education and commerce.
