Welcome to the Department of Education & Special Needs Education (IPS)

The University Autumn Semester commences on 28 August 2023 which is also the last date for registration for courses (course start).

We teach and research in the following areas; educational and societal relations, education systems, school development and school leadership, adult education, inclusion, learning, language and assessment as well as grading issues.

More information and contact information for our staff can be found at www.gu.se/en/education-special-education

We are located in House A at Pedagogen. Link to Campus map

Welcome to your course The Swedish School System in a Comparative Perspective (PDG092)

Course information

The school system in a comparative perspective is an elective course that provides students with an introduction to the Swedish school system. It offers students opportunities to compare the Swedish school system to other educational systems in the world. The course include local study visits (subject to covid19 guidelines). The course offer students an understanding of international assessment instruments and their use and an introduction to a critical perspective of understanding cultures and diversity.

At the end of the course students are expected to have acquired a basic knowledge and understanding about the structure and content of contemporary Swedish school system and a capacity to use this knowledge for cross-national comparisons.

Course introduction (PDG092):    Tuesday  5 September 2023. Time: 13.00. Classroom: A13 338 For instructions what you need to do before we meet please see Module 1, 5/9.

Please feel free to contact me via email for questions - Liisa

email: Liisa.uusimaki@gu.se

Syllabus - Link to syllabus in the Student Portal.
Course literature - Link to the bibliography in the Student Portal.
Schedule - Link to schedule in TimeEdit Please note that the schedule is preliminary up to 2 weeks before the start of the course. Link to Course Guide 2023

Important information for fee-paying international students

Please note that the course-administrator will not answer questions regarding tuition-fee, residence permit, bank accounts and other questions unrelated to the course. Useful links with information and contacts are below. The tuition fee must be paid in full before each semester. You will not be able to register on a course if you have not paid. If you have paid but still cannot register or re-register please contact the tuition officers for help:  +46 31 786 4439 tuitionfees@gu.se.
Paying tuition-fee

Scholarships and grants

Bank account
Moving to Sweden
Residence permit for higher education

Course registration

Course registration opens one week before the semester commence and courses start. You must register for courses no later than 28th of August to be able to start your studies and get full access to Canvas.  Registration information Links to an external site.

Contact information.

Course leader:  Liisa Uusimäki, liisa.uusimaki@gu.se
Study administrator: Isa Macao ips.studieadmin@ped.gu.se 
Study counsellor: Helen Ziser, helen.ziser@gu.se

General Information

Special student support

Students with disabilities can receive special educational support. There are several forms of support to help you through your studies, so do not hesitate to contact us. More information and application for special educational support

Student healthcare

As a student at the University of Gothenburg, you have access to support if you are experiencing health issues related to your studies. On this page, you can find the information you need if you are in need of support.

Student health services

The Student Portal and My Studies

The Student Portal contains everything you need for your studies, such as e-services and information about, among other things, degrees and study environment.

At My Studies in the Student Portal, we have collected specific information for our students at the Department of Education and Special Education.

Unsure of Canvas?

Information and tips about Canvas