Different types of degrees
A degree certificate, also called a higher education qualification or diploma, is evidence that you have acquired knowledge up to a certain level. There are different types of degrees and different paths to your degree.
Higher education qualifications are divided into three main categories: general qualifications, qualifications in the fine, applied and performing arts and professional qualifications.
There are rules that control which qualifications are offered and which degrees may be awarded. You can read more about these rules on the Student Portal. Degree requirements on the Student Portal
Contact degrees
General qualifications
General qualifications are awarded at three levels: first-cycle level, second-cycle level and third-cycle level. All of our courses and study programmes are divided into these levels. Each level is a continuation of the level below.
- At first-cycle level, the qualifications awarded are Higher Education Diploma and Degree of Bachelor.
- At second-cycle level, the qualifications awarded are Degree of Master (60 credits) and Degree of Master (120 credits).
- At third-cycle level, the qualifications awarded are Degree of Licentiate and Degree of Doctor.
A general qualification on first-cycle or second-cycle level always has a main field of study. The main field of study is the subject area that your studies focus on.
Different paths to a general qualification on first-cycle or second-cycle level:
- You can choose your main field of study by studying a set of courses that are part of a study programme.
- You can study a set of courses that you put together yourself. It is good to be aware that there can be both optional courses and compulsory courses.
Contact a study counsellor to learn more about how you can study a programme or individual courses leading to a qualification.
Main fields of study
A general degree on third-cycle level always has a doctoral subject.
More about doctoral studies on University of Gothenburgs's web
Qualifications in the fine, applied and performing arts
The difference between a qualification in the fine, applied and performing arts and a general qualification lies in the content and specialization. There are qualifications in the fine, applied and performing arts at the same levels as general qualifications. Completion of a programme is the only way to obtain a qualification in the fine, applied and performing arts.
Professional qualifications
A professional qualification is a degree with a focus on a specific profession. In order to obtain such a qualification, you must study a professional study programme such as the Programme in Occupational Therapy, the Pre-school Teacher Programme, or the Master of Laws.
Please note that the teaching at professional study programmes is conducted mainly in Swedish.
What must be included in a degree certificate?
At the University of Gothenburg, we use qualification descriptors. A qualification descriptor contains information about the requirements for a specific degree, such as a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Journalism. For example, the qualification descriptor states:
- How many credits must be passed to obtain the degree
- What courses in the main field of study must be included.
If you would like to know what must be included in a degree with a specific main field of study, you can contact a study counsellor.
Grades at the University of Gothenburg
As a student at the University of Gothenburg, you receive a grade each time you are examined in a course. The type of grade awarded varies depending on what you are studying. At the University of Gothenburg, we have five different grading scales. At Swedish higher education institutions, average grades are not given for a degree. You can read more about grades on the Student Portal.
Grading systems on the Student Portal
Can my previous qualifications be included in the degree?
You can apply for credit transfer based on your previous qualifications if you have been admitted to and are registered as a student at the University of Gothenburg. In your application, it is important that you include your original documents as proof of your previous qualifications.
