Diversity, equity, inclusion and education
Summary
How do education systems promote, or hinder, equity and participation for all? This course critically explores the core concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with a focus on their meaning and application in educational contexts. Students will engage with issues of power, marginalization, and belonging across schools, higher education, workplaces, and leisure activities. You can choose between two modes of study: On campus at the Faculty of Education in Gothenburg, or distance (online).
About
This course examines diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from multiple perspectives, with particular attention to how dimensions such as gender, class, ethnicity, multilingualism, and (dis)ability intersect to shape educational experiences and opportunities. The course adopts both intersectional and decolonial lenses to address how societal structures can limit or expand access and participation for individuals and groups at risk of marginalisation.
Structured around three thematic modules, you will explore:
• Migration and Integration: Analyze how migration and ethnicity affect access to education and inclusion in society.
• Capability and Inclusion: Examine how individual and structural factors influence participation, with emphasis on the capability approach.
• Institutional and Organizational Structures: Critically assess how policies, leadership, and organizational frameworks promote or hinder inclusive environments.
Whether you aim to deepen your understanding of social justice in education or contribute to more inclusive practices in your field, this course offers tools to critically reflect, engage, and act towards change.
Choose your mode of study
You can choose between two modes of study:
- On campus at the Faculty of Education in Gothenburg, offering opportunities for direct interaction in an academic environment.
- Online, providing greater flexibility in terms of location and scheduling.
Both options are designed to accommodate a diverse group of students from around the world, contributing to rich discussions with a variety of perspectives and international experiences.
Please note that the chosen mode of study implies registration to the specific course offering, either Campus or Distance. This means that if you are registered for the Campus course, you cannot attend online sessions in the Distance course, and vice versa.
Teaching and assessment
The course combines lectures with compulsory seminars (5 in total) that require active and prepared participation. Teaching is interactive, involving group work, case analyses, and individual reflections.
Assessment in the course is based on: individual written assignment, oral group presentation and policy analysis, and active participation in the compulsory seminars.
The language of instruction is English. Access to a computer and internet is required for all students.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
General entrance requirements
Selection
Selection is based upon average grade from upper secondary school (34 %), the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits (33 %) and Högskoleprovet - Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test (33 %).
