Education
Training highly respected and valued nurses since 1867, the Swedish Red Cross University is one of the most popular universities in nursing education in Sweden. Founded with Emmy Rappe as its first director, it is considered as the first non-religious nursing educational institution in Sweden. The University has approximately 850 students at undergraduate and advanced level and 70 employees.
The university provides a critical service to society and about 200 nurses and 50 specialist nurses in intensive care, infectious care and psychiatric care graduate annually from the Swedish Red Cross University. We also contribute to increasing the competence among clinical supervisors by offering specific training courses.
Most study programmes and courses at the Swedish Red Cross University are held in Swedish. International students who study with us are exchange students who have applied to come here through their university. Our courses in English are given to these exchange students and our Swedish students.
The nursing programme, 180 credits
The nursing programme at the Swedish Red Cross University has a global profile, but is mostly run in Swedish.
We provide nurses with knowledge and competence to conduct change and development work in a global landscape – with a scientific, professional, and norm-conscious approach.
The education is structured with modern pedagogical methods, and a large part of the teaching is conducted through our digital learning platform – access to your own computer is therefore recommended.
The programme comprises 180 higher education credits at the undergraduate level and is mainly conducted in Swedish. Within the framework of Erasmus+ we offer nurse students from our partner universities to come and study at our nursing programme. The exchange period is 13 weeks, the education will be held in English and takes place during semester five of the three year nursing educational programme.
Studies abroad
Our international collaborations allow our students to apply for theoretical courses as well as clinical training abroad.
Outside Europe, the Swedish Red Cross University has agreements with universities in Tanzania, Colombia, and Japan. We also participate in exchange programmes such as Erasmus+, Linnaeus-Palme and Minor Field Studies. Within the Erasmus+ programme, we have agreements with partner universities in Norway, Denmark, United Kingdom, France and Spain.
Six full-time semesters
The nursing programme consists of 180 higher education credits at the undergraduate level, which corresponds to six semesters of full-time studies. After graduation the graduate becomes a registered nurse and obtains a bachelor’s degree in nursing science.
Approximately one-third of the education consists of work-integrated learning (clinical practice and clinical training).
Education overview
Year 1
Theme: Health, humanity and caring relationships
- Course I: Nursing and health, 30 credits
- Course II: Science in nursing, 30 credits
Year 2
Theme: Illness, vulnerability and health work
- Course III: Global nursing and healthlessness, 30 credits
- Course IV: Science and health work, 30 credits
Year 3
Theme: Global nursing in complex care situations
- Course V: Ethical considerations and leadership in global nursing, 22.5 credits
- Course VI: Optional course, 7.5 credits
- Course VII: Thesis in nursing, 15 credits
- Course VIII: Implementation of nursing knowledge and innovation, 15 credits
Specialist programmes in nursing
At the Swedish Red Cross University, nurses can also further their education as a specialist nurse. We have programmes in intensive care, psychiatric care and infectious disease care and these programmes are run in Swedish.
In addition to a professional degree as a specialist nurse, our educations lead to a one year master’s degree in nursing. Regardless of the programme, the graduated nurse will be well prepared to work in current and future healthcare, nationally and internationally.
All specialist programmes are structured in block themes where knowledge and skills concerning profession and science are integrated and deepened step by step. Person-centred care, teamwork, evidence-based care, quality development, safe care and information and communication technology, and nursing applications are vital foundations in our specialist training.
The specialist programmes are mainly conducted in Swedish. There may be courses and modules in English, but the teaching is in Swedish for the most part.
The specialist nursing programme in infectious care, 60 credits
The specialist nursing programme in infectious care at the Swedish Red Cross University started in 2016 as the first in Sweden. The specialist nursing programme in infectious care is an advanced level education for licensed nurses.
The programme aims at a professional and scientific development, which prepares you for a new role as a specialist nurse. General academic competence in the form of in-depth critical thinking and reflective approach is included and practised in all programme courses.
The specialist programmes are mainly conducted in Swedish. There may be courses and modules in English, but the teaching is in Swedish for the most part.
Professional courses
- Advanced assessments and nursing interventions in infectious care, 15 credits *
- Complex needs and vulnerability in patients with infectious diseases, 7.5 credits *
- Global challenges in infectious diseases, 7.5 credits *
- Perspectives on profession, leadership and development, 7.5 credits * **
Method course and independent work
- Scientific theories and methods, 7.5 credits **
- Thesis in nursing, 15 credits **
Specialist nursing programme in intensive care, 60 credits
The specialist nursing programme in intensive care is an advanced level education for licensed nurses. Here, you will gain in-depth competence in medical science, nursing, medical technology and other related areas.
With adequate supervision, you care for patients who are critically ill with a failure in vital functions. Gradually, you train to be independently responsible for assessing the patients’ nursing needs to carry out targeted care and treatment in collaboration with specialist doctors and other team members.
Through various learning activities, you practice action readiness for emergencies and participate in intensive care quality development.
The specialist programmes are mainly conducted in Swedish. There may be courses and modules in English, but the teaching is in Swedish for the most part.
Professional courses
- Basic nursing care in intensive care, 15 credits *
- Complex care needs and vulnerability in intensive care conditions, 15 credits *
- Perspectives on profession, leadership and development, 7.5 credits * **
Method course and independent work
- Scientific theories and methods, 7.5 credits **
- Thesis in nursing, 15 credits **
Specialist nursing programme in psychiatric care, 60 credits
The specialist nursing programme in psychiatric care is an advanced level education for licensed nurses. The students are trained to take responsibility for the quality and development of nursing people with mental illness in various care and environment forms.
After completing the programme, you can evaluate and apply new knowledge in nursing practice. You are also an expert in applying the principles of person-centred care and shared decision making.
The specialist programmes are mainly conducted in Swedish. There may be courses and modules in English, but the teaching is in Swedish for the most part.
Professional courses
- Advanced assessments and caring activities in psychiatric nursing, 7.5 credits *
- Health promotion in psychiatric nursing related to NANDA-I diagnostics, 7.5 credits *
- Supervision in nursing and of nursing students, 7.5 credits *
- Complex nursing care needs and vulnerability in mental illness, 7.5 credits *
- Perspectives on profession, leadership and development, 7.5 credits * **
Method course and independent work
- Scientific theories and methods, 7.5 credits **
- Thesis in nursing, 15 credits **
* The course includes clinical training
** The course is conducted together with other specialist nursing programs at the Swedish Red Cross University
Single courses
The Swedish Red Cross University also offers single courses. These courses are given in Swedish.
Exchange students opportunities
- Programme information for exchange students
- International collaborations
- International coordination team
- Information about our courses and programmes given in Swedish
For international coordinators
Incoming international students
For students and staff at the Swedish Red Cross University College
More information