MASTER’S STUDIES University of Borås Sweden
Welcome to the University of Borås The University of Borås is an innovative and dynamic university that provides excellent educational opportunities and facilities for students from all over the world. We believe that internationalisation and exchange of students and staff with universities in other countries is important for maintaining and improving the high quality in the research and education that we offer.
When they leave the University they will be well prepared to start their own businesses and they will be attractive to employers. The University of Borås invites you to a friendly and inspirational atmosphere, where you will be able to choose from many different courses as an international student. You will also learn more about Sweden and, perhaps most importantly, about yourself. We hope to see you here soon.
High quality is also ensured through the University’s unique profile. Education and research are conducted in close cooperation with business and the public sector. This means that, among other things, students will attain skills that are relevant to the needs of their future workplaces.
Björn Brorström Vice-Chancellor
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Contents
Welcome to the University of Borås
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The City of Borås
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Swedish Centre for Resource Recovery The Swedish School of Textiles The Swedish School of Library and Information Science Business and IT
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International Student Support International Office The Student Support Functions
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Useful Links
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Practical Information and Student Support Service 20 Accommodation 20 Insurance 20 Residence Permit 20 Cost of Living 20
Master’s Degree Programmes in English 12 Textile and Fashion 12 Library and Information Science 12 Resource Recovery 12 Informatics 12 Studies at the University of Borås 14 Admissions Process 14 Tuition Fee Waivers (Scholarships) 14 Academic Calendar 14 Schedule 15 The Grading System 15 English Proficiency and Other Prerequisites 15 Swedish Language Courses 15 Application 15
Looking forward to seeing you Orientation Days Introduction – Social Activities
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Meet Our Students
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Univerity of Borås 24
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Swedish Centre for Resource Recovery Biotechnology The close collaboration between different disciplines here at the University of Borüs is a unique opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research. The research team in biotechnology have taken advantage of this opportunity in the form of several research and development projects. The group’s ambition is to use biotechnology as a tool for solving environmental problems and to develop sustainable processes in the field of energy and materials.
Swedish Centre for Resource Recovery has a research profile focusing on the sustainable energy recovery of waste (combustion, bioethanol, biogas) and the use of biobased raw material for energy production or new products like biopolymers (especially biological super absorbent). The environmental impact of large-scale energy systems is also studied. Within the profile, there is a strong collaboration between researchers from different fields like biotechnology, energy, and material science.
Combustion and thermal processes The research group in Combustion and thermal processes has previously been devoted to research and development within combustion of different materials, mostly waste and biomass. Many of the projects are in collaboration with industry and are based on experiments and measurements in full scale (commercial) equipment. The goals are to optimise the efficiency and economy of heat and power plants and at the same
There are four tightly collaborating research groups within the area: biotechnology, combustion and thermal processes, polymer technology and simulation and modeling. One goal is to develop new materials and functional polymers from surplus material and waste. Another goal is thermochemical conversion of biomass and waste-derived fuels for the production of heat, power, and fuels.
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Explicit profile The University of BorĂĽs is the only educational institution that has a clear and explicit profile within resource recovery.
Computational modelling Computational modelling has developed, and will continue to develop, into an extremely important research method. This is due to the rapid improvement in computer power and computer programs that allows for the modelling of complex scientific and engineering systems, as well as the ability of computational techniques to study systems that are too small or hazardous for controlled experimental investigations.
time minimise the usage of natural resources and the environmental impact. We also have experience in gasification of different materials, especially biomass and black liquor and this is the area where we expand our research efforts. Polymer Technology The Polymer Technology group has conducted a wide range of innovative and challenging research projects in polymer chemistry and polymer technology that aim to develop environmentally sustainable plastics, textile fibre, and fibre composites.
The computational modelling group develops and implements computer programmes to study scientific and engineering problems. These range from molecular scale studies of environmental chemistry to large (macroscopic) scale investigations of engineering materials such as polymer nanocomposites. This work complements experimental research in gaining a deeper understanding of the chemistry and physics that govern material properties and chemical processes. This molecular-to-macroscopic understanding is needed for knowledge-based (deterministic) improvement of existing materials and processes, as well as the development of novel materials with unique and desired properties.
The research investigated and developed new polymeric materials that can be used to manufacture plastic products, technical textiles and composites. The projects used both bio-based polymers such as polylactic acid or cellulose and synthetic functional polymers. These are processed via various techniques and then characterised according to the relevant chemical, physical and mechanical properties. Manufacturing methods were also developed. The projects have been performed in mainly five areas: Dental and medical composites, Functional textile materials, Bio-based plastics and composites, Nanocomposites – modelling and simulation, and Recycling of plastics and composites.
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The Swedish School of Textiles The Swedish School of Textiles has an overall strategy to strengthen the three areas of design, technology, and management.
In connection to this, The Swedish School of Textiles has an overall strategy to strengthen the three areas of design, technology and management.
Textile and fashion is one of the areas where University of BorĂĽs carries a national responsibility. The area focuses on subjects such as textile material technology and textile management. This research area is mainly developed through the investment in Smart Textiles and F3 - Fashion, Function, Futures
Textile Technology Textile technology includes several kinds of technology with applications in textile materials and processes. Textile material technology is about developing the technology for incoming processes from fibre to final product and utilisation of waste materials and products. The main focus of the scientific effort is on polymer technology and chemical technology connected to the textile processes, in particular natural and synthetic polymer materials, primarily in the form of fibres and porous materials, and on development, production, properties, process steps, and recycling of such materials. In the doctoral education programme, textile material technology is a subject within the specialisation in textile and fashion.
The strategic research idea behind Smart Textiles is to develop the programme into a driving and gathering force between business-led development projects and experimental research at the University of BorĂĽs. The investment in F3 is a way to strengthen research in textile management and its applications in and development of the textile and fashion sector, through the value chain from idea to customer.
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The Textile Capital Borås is often referred to as the textile capital of Sweden. The city became the centre of Sweden’s textile industry several hundred years ago. These days, however, most manufacturing has moved abroad, but Borås remains the centre for textile design in Sweden.
Management Despite their many positive aspects, the businesses in the fashion industry also cause ethical and environmental problems, in Sweden and globally. A number of reports show miserable working conditions in the production process; environmental damage; and the exploitation of people, animals, and nature. Consumption also causes environmental damage when we wash clothes and mountains of rubbish emerge as we do not recycle clothes to the same degree as we recycle e.g. packaging. The interest in sustainable fashion has no doubt grown and management research at the Swedish School of Textiles aims to present alternative business models to achieve sustainable fashion, e.g. redesign of existing clothes and locally produced fashion and methods for making sustainability one part of fashion brands. Projects on the topics of sustainable trade and distribution with safe and effective systems for textile value chains and product flows make contributions toward improving the environmental aspects of the fashion market. Innovation is a keyword for change and the research intend to contribute to the innovation potential of fashion businesses and their preparedness for change.
Textile engineering is a specialisation in textile technology focusing on manufacturing methods and production processes for textile materials and products. It also includes e.g. spinning in the production of fibres and yarns, weaving, knitting, braiding, dyeing and printing to modify and functionalise textile surfaces. At the University of Borås, the primary focus of research in textile technology is on the production and function of three-dimensional textile structures, creation of textiles with conductive properties, and development of the functions of textile surfaces through digital methods. Current research questions also involve coatings and interfaces toward e.g. sensors and electronics and the modification of properties through e.g. nanotechnology, catalysts and piezoelectric effects. The topic of one research specialisation is using biotechnology in textile processes to achieve a reduction in environmental influence and to increase process efficiency. Resource management and resource recovery are essential in creating a sustainable society and have become an area of central interest to the textile sector. Research in textile technology also aims to create conditions for material recycling and an improved use of resources.
Design Research within the artistic area has been built up in close connection with research within the area of textile technology management in practical design research, design theory and design criticism. The Swedish School of Textiles has an internationally unique experimental environment gathering both advanced studies and doctoral studies into a practice based development of the artistic.
The research profile Smart Textiles is a driving and unifying force for the development of textiles with high knowledge content through structured interaction between company-driven development projects and experimental research.There are four tightly collaborating research groups within the area: biotechnology, combustion and thermal processes, polymer technology, and simulation and modeling. One goal is to develop new materials and functional polymers from surplus material and waste. Another goal is thermochemical conversion of biomass and waste-derived fuels for the production of heat, power, and fuels.
Research Programmes Artistic research is divided in two programmes; Smart Textiles Design and Fashion Design Methodology.
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The Swedish School of Library and Information Science This research area deals figuratively with the sense-making of information and in a concrete way with how it may be organised, made searchable, accessible and mediated through different techniques and information services.
and this includes aspects of cultural policy and/or informational policy. Three main areas Three main areas for research are: - information use/information behaviour - digitalisation and digital libraries - libraries, cultural policy and information policy Library and information science takes its departure point in issues concerning information and/or culture that is stored in some form of document. Within the discipline, processes are studied which, depending on objectives and content, can be described as information provision or the mediation of culture and includes the study of libraries and other institutions with similar functions that participate in these processes. The discipline is related to a range of other disciplines within the social sciences, humanities, and technology. (Swedish Research Council’s subject description, 1989).
The research emphasises conditions and methods for individuals and organisations to get hold of desired/ relevant information for different activities, education, training and experiences. Studies on micro and macro levels Library and information science also focuses on library and information services and how individuals or organisations search, use, and get access to information. Conditions are studied on the micro and macro levels
Largest within its discipline The area Library and Information Science in BorĂĽs is the largest within its discipline in Sweden, with six Professors, 12 Senior Lecturers and more than 20 Lecturers. At present, there are about 20 doctoral candidates in our research programme.
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Business and IT This research area integrates business administration and IT based on disciplines such as accounting, computer science, entrepreneurship, informatics, management, and marketing. Successful business and service innovation requires socio-technical and socio-cultural solutions that span the boundaries of knowledge domains.
accounting, entrepreneurship, marketing, and management. Social and environmental dimensions of organisations are studied in accounting. Entrepreneurship involves activities transforming business ideas into practice. In marketing consumer behaviour, retailing, services, design, and the construction of markets also including networks are studied. In management leadership and organisation of work are characterised by producer as well as consumer perspectives. They co-exist in a variety of markets, both traditional and digital, and in a network of interactions and interrelations. Customer orientation is a prerequisite for satisfied customers and successful business processes. A societal perspective is considered crucial in that the
The university has a long tradition of close colaboration with organisations and institutes in the private as well as public sectors. Business Research in business administration encompasses
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research seeks to address the ecological, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability.
computer science research has a particular focus on the development and assessment of algorithms for advanced information management. This research area deals figuratively with the sense-making of information and in a concrete way with how it may be organised, made searchable, accessible and mediated through different techniques and information services.
Informatics and computer science IT research comprises both informatics and computer science. Informatics conveys the idea that IT systems require both the design of a technology component and action that embeds the system in the conditions of use. Informatics is expected to advance involved actors’ knowledge of how the mutual shaping of IT and organisation may resolve actual business problems. Design of innovative IT systems and services capable of addressing real world problems requires that organisational as well as technical dimensions are carefully considered. The university’s
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Master’s programmes Master’s programmes offered in 2016 are presented here. For information about programmes offered in 2017, please check the webpage: hb.se/en/International-student/
Library and Information Science • Master’s programme in Library and Information Science, Digital Library and Information Services, 120 credits
Textile and Fashion • Fashion Marketing and Management, 120 credits • Textile Management, 60 credits • Textile Engineering, 120 credits • Textile Engineering, 60 credits • Fashion and Textile Design, Specialisation in Fashion Design, 120 credits • Fashion and Textile Design, Specialisation in Textile Design, 120 credits • Textile Value Chain Management, 120 credits
Resource Recovery • Master’s Programme in Resource Recovery, 120 credits Informatics • Master’s Programme (one Year) in Informatics, 60 credits • Master’s programme in Informatics, 120 credits
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Studies at the University of Borås Admission’s Process The website universityadmissions.se is the official website for applying to higher education in Sweden. It is responsible for coordinating the admission process for most Swedish universities. Please note that if you are not an EU/EEA citzen you have to pay an application fee of SEK 900 before your application becomes valid. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Scholarships (Tuition Fee Waivers) Tuition fee waivers offered by the University of Borås are intended to partly or fully cover the tuition fee; they are not designed to cover living costs. The payment is not made in monetary terms; instead the tuition fee will be reduced by the amount of the tuition fee waiver.
Once you have completed your online application, you should submit supporting documents such as copies of your passport, high school/university diplomas, transcripts, and English language certificates. You can upload your documents on the website universityadmissions.se. You can also submit yout documents via regular mail or delivery service. Students who have been admitted to the University of Borås will receive an offer. If you choose to accept the offer, you must reply to your offer and confirm your acceptance on your pages on: universityadmissions.se Read the complete guide of the admission process on our webpage: hb.se/Admission-Process
Tuition fee waivers are offered to highly qualified students required to pay tuition fees. The tuition fee waivers are intended to partly or fully cover the tuition fee, they are not designed to cover living costs. The university’s criteria in awarding tuition fee waivers are good study records as well as qualifications that the university assesses to be in line with the university’s prioritised educational or research areas. More about the tuition fee waivers on our website: hb.se/waivers Academic Calendar The academic year consists of 40 weeks divided into two semesters. Each of these two semesters is divided into two periods. Full-time studies correspond to 15 credits per period, 30 credits per semester and 60 credits per academic year. One academic credit equals
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Application Applications are made online at the official website for applying to higher education in Sweden www.universityadmissions.se, which is managed by the Swedish Council for Higher Education in cooperation with the Sweden’s universities and university colleges. International students have two different admission rounds to apply for each semester: the January and April rounds for the autumn semester and the August and October rounds for the spring semester.
Contact University Admissions in Sweden: Monday to Friday, 09:00–16:00 CET at +46 771 550 720 University Admissions in Sweden FE 20102 SE–839 87 Östersund SWEDEN
1 ECTS credit (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). A course is usually worth 7.5 or 15 academic credits. Furthermore, full-time studies require about 40 hours of work per week.
equivalent to English studies at upper secondary (high school) level in Sweden, called English 6/English Course B. For further information about English language proficiency, please view: hb.se/Admission-Process
Schedule The academic year runs from September to June with no break. At Swedish universities, students usually study according to consecutive scheduling instead of parallel scheduling. This means that they are enrolled in only one or two courses at a time, and each course is followed by an exam.
Swedish Language Courses All International students have the opportunity to apply a Swedish language course for beginners (7.5 ECTS) and, depending on the availability, also a continuation course (7.5 ECTS). The courses are only available to foreign students enrolled in another course/ programme at the University of Borås.
The Grading System The grading system at the University of Borås follows the ECTS grading system.
You apply for the language courses through the webpage: universityadmissions.se. The University of Borås does not offer language courses in any other languages.
English Proficiency and Other Prerequisites As the language of instruction and course literature for international students is English, student must have sufficient English skills. The faculties require students to submit documents proving proficiency in English
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The City of Borås Borås is, according to Swedish standards, a mid-sized city. But from an international aspect, it is a fairly small city with a population of around 100,000. It is located in southwest Sweden, approximately 60 kilometers east of Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city, and only 40 kilometers away from Gothenburg’s main international airport. Public transportation is both safe and reliable and as a result, many commute between the two cities. The city centre has plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants. Everything you need is within walking distance and the university is located right in the city centre. The countryside is, however, never far away.
There are forests, lakes, and large areas of farmland just a short bus or cycle ride from the city centre. In recent years, Borås has also earned a reputation as the sculpture capital of Sweden. There are sculptures by renowned Swedish and international artists placed all over the city. Borås is also known for its zoo, outlet shopping, cheap food prices, large recreational swimming pool located in the city centre, as well as “Summer Thursdays” when the citizens of Borås gather at the main square for free concerts and evening shopping.
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International Student Support
Useful Links University of Borås hb.se/en The official Facebook page of the University of Borås facebook.com/universityofboras
International Office International students have both a programme coordinator within his or her programme as well as an International coordinator placed centrally to turn to with questions or for support.
Swedish language courses hb.se/swedishforstudents International Coordinator and Student Services hb.se/international-coordinator
Contact an International Coordinator E-mail: internationalstudent@hb.se Phone: +46 (0) 33 435 44 88
Information on practical matters for newly admitted exchange students (important dates, accommodation, insurance, residence permit, arrival information etc.) hb.se/admittedstudent
Student Support Functions Student Support Functions offer individual assistance as well as courses, seminars, group activities, or workshops during the academic year. Examples can be writing assignments, giving oral presentations, or maths support. Students with disabilities can receive special pedagogical support.
hb.se/Admission-Process
More information on the webpage: hb.se/en/International-student/
Student Union in Borås studentkareniboras.se
Information about the admission process
Website for application to degree studies in Sweden universityadmissions.se
Study in Sweden studyinsweden.se Borås’s official tourist website boras.com The official website of Borås municipality boras.se The official gateway to Sweden sweden.se The Swedish Council for Higher Education uhr.se/sv/Information-in-English/ Swedish Migration Board swedishmigrationboard.se
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Practical Information and Student Support Services Sweden. The application for the permit is submitted to a Swedish embassy or consulate in the student’s home country. Citizens of some countries can apply online at the website of the Swedish Migration Board, but still need to visit the embassy or consulate to submit fingerprints and have their photo taken for the residence permit card.
Accommodation The University of Borås does not have a campus with its own student accommodation, but the university cooperates closely with Borås’ largest student accommodation agency. International students are not guaranteed accommodation, but fee-paying students are given the chance to book a student room before other students when their tution fee has been paid. The university will assist international students in finding accommodation, but students should also understand that it is their own responsibility to find a place to live.
Students are required to have the permit and the residence permit card before they move to Sweden. We urge you to apply for a residence permit as soon as you are admitted. The procedure can take two months or more. The university has no mandate to speed up the process.
Insurance All incoming students to the University of Borås are covered by health insurance either through the University of Borås or through European social insurance.
EU/EEA citizens have the right of residence in Sweden and thus are allowed to study in Borås without a residence permit.
Students from the EU/EEA should order a European Health Insurance Card from their national social insurance agency. Fee paying students, or students with a tution fee waiver, are covered by a group insurance called FAS+. This insurance includes medical care, emergency dental care (max SEK 3000/year), and property coverage. Residence Permit Students from outside the EU/EEA need to apply for a residence permit (visa) in order to be able to study in
Cost of Living The cost of living in Sweden for a student is estimated by the Swedish Migration Board to be approximately SEK 8,000/month. If you are required to have a residence permit before moving to Sweden, you need to show that you have this amount of money for each month you plan on studying in Sweden. The costs of living depend on where in Sweden you live. The living costs in Borås can, in many areas, be lower than in several other cities in Sweden, for example Stockholm.
Detailed information our webpage See more detailed information about preparation and arrival on the webpage: hb.se/en/International-student/
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Looking forward to seeing you Orientation Days Every semester we have compulsory Orientation Days just before the official start of the semester. Students at the University of Borås are offered introduction sessions before the courses for international students start. All incoming students are then given the opportunity to receive information about living and studying in Sweden and Borås, as well as assistance in registering for their courses. They also receive a computer account and an access/library tag and a welcome package including, among other things, a SIM card for their mobile phones. The Student Union arranges social activities for all new students at the beginning of each semester. If you arrive during the designated arrival days, you are guaranteed a welcome service.
Introduction – Social Activities The Student Union has different event associations that organise parties, games and other events for students. All members of the Student Union are welcome to join these activities. During the introduction period, all new students are welcome to attend. Borås also has a local section of the Erasmus Student Network which organises social activities for all international students as well as domestic students.
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Meet our Students Why Sweden and Borås? “The reason I ended up in Borås is that I always wanted to go to Sweden. I have always heard wonderful things about this country. So this was a good way of combining my master’s with visiting Sweden. The master’s programme at the Swedish School of Textiles was also most compatible with my wishes.” Robin Temmink, Netherlands Master’s programme in Textile Engineering
What expectations did you have? “I expected the courses to be more theoretical, like in the Master’s programmes in Iran. But here we had a lot of practice in the lab, which was very educational. The laboratories are very good.” Abas Mohsenzadeh, Iran Master’s programme in Resource Recovery
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University of Borås The University of Borås is a modern university located in the centre of the city. We have more than 13,000 students and 700 employees. Several of our study programmes can only be found here, which attracts students from all over Sweden. The university also has an extensive experience in international colaboration in both education and research. The University of Borås is organised into three faculties: • Faculty of Textiles, Engineering and Business • Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare • Faculty of Librarianship, Information, Education and IT The campus is made up of modern buildings with a large award-winning library, modern laboratories with all the latest equipment, plenty of computer rooms, computer labs, and free Wi-Fi for all students. Striving for a sustainable society – ecologically, socially, and economically – is part of the strategic profile of the University of Borås. The university is committed to sustainable development according to a policy aiming to integrate sustainable development into all activities of the organisation. In the academic year 2015-2016 the university had more than 300 international students from more than 30 countries.
Postal address: SE-501 90 Borås, Sweden E-mail: registrator@hb.se Webpage: hb.se/en