How does the learning environment look like? And what about teaching style? Here you can find out about teaching and learning at Linköping University.

Photo credit Anna Nilsen

What does it take to make it at LiU?

“Come with an open mind, be curious about new issues, be prepared for an interdisciplinary approach and for working as a team. And most importantly, remember that your own level of ambition will determine your result, as there is high proportion of independent work. That’s my best advice for anyone applying to our international master’s programmes, whatever their academic background“, says Tina Simone Neset, senior lecture at the Department of Thematic Studies – Environmental Change.

In other words, completing a master’s at Linkoping University with good grades requires serious commitment – to say that it’s fulltime studies is not an exaggeration. The interaction with fellow students is also significant for studies at LiU.

Group work

“We work a lot in project groups, where the students get together to address a challenge or an issue from the industry. To work in a group, you have to plan your time well, and be able to cooperate with others. This method is new to many of our students, but it also develops skills that are valued by potential employers“, says Mikael Segersäll, who teaches in the master’s programme Mechanical Engineering. 

Of course the teaching staff, including the professors, are present and very much available throughout the process, both as support and as a sounding board, but it’s the students themselves who ensure that progress is made. Therefore, success relies on being able to communicate well within the group, as well as on the ability to immerse oneself in new fields and to solve problems. This problem-solving ability is one of the traits that has brought LiU alumni success and a good reputation worldwide.

Challenging established ways of thinking to address global challenges requires a strong focus and plenty of ambition.

Many of the master’s programmes relate to current and important issues – such as Science for Sustainable Development. It includes subjects like global resource use, climate science and policy, and other issues that span over social and natural science. And it requires an interdisciplinary approach – again, a LiU hallmark. Most teachers at LiU are active researchers involved in national or international research projects, which means current issues in research are addressed in courses and often picked up in master’s thesis.

Student-centred education

“All of my colleagues are very involved in the student’s successes, while also managing their own research projects. This means that we give our students the tools to succeed with their studies, as well as the knowledge that’s relevant right now, and in your life after graduation. But it’s important that you have a strong first degree when you come here“, says Mikael Segersäll.

Yes, it’s a tough, but an incredibly fun and rewarding time, many alumni report. Tina Simone Neset concludes:

“For your master’s, choose a topic that you’re genuinely interested in, add some hard work and you’ll do fine.“

Find your programme

Further information about studying at LiU