GLOBAL BACHELOR S & MASTER S PROGRAMMES IN HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET IS ONE OF THE WORLD S LEADING MEDICAL UNIVERSITIES. THE MISSION IS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF HUMAN HEALTH THROUGH RESEARCH AND EDUCATION. GLOBAL PROGRAMMES, TAUGHT IN ENGLISH WITH AN INTERNATIONAL FOCUS. 1
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WELCOME TO SWEDEN AND KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET 4 MASTER PROGRAMMES Bioentrepreneurship 6 Biomedicine 7 Global Health 8 Health Informatics 9 Public Health Epidemiology 10 Health Economics, Policy and Management 11 Toxicology 12 MolecularTechniques in Life Science 13 BACHELOR S PROGRAMMES BIOMEDICINE 14 HOW TO APPLY 15 3
Welcome to SWEDEN AND KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET Karolinska Institutet is a one-faculty university dedicated solely to the medical and health sciences, with a reputation for top quality research and innovation. We are consistently ranked in the top 50 universities globally and the top 10 medical universities in Europe. MASTER S STUDIES FROM TRUE MASTERS Karolinska Institutet offers six Global Master s Programmes, taught in English and with an international focus. The programmes proactively incorporate an interactive teaching model that emphasises informal and close contact between students and teachers and facilitates the active participation of students. Teachers divide their time between teaching and conducting research which contributes to keeping them informed of and involved in ongoing developments in their respective fields, making the courses current and cutting edge. A master s degree from Karolinska Institutet will give you a competitive advantage on the global labour market and prepare you for further doctoral studies should you wish to pursue an academic career. Find out more about PhD studies at Karolinska Institutet at ki.se/doctoralpositions. THE NOBEL PRIZE Since 1901, the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has selected the Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine. There are regular opportunities for students to hear and see Nobel laureates in action, by attending their lectures or seminars on campus. STOCKHOLM AND SWEDEN Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world and nearly 90% of the population speaks English. Most of Sweden has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The winters can get cold, but the summers equally beautiful and warm. Stockholm, where Karolinska Institutet is located, is the capital of Sweden and offers a rich history, a bustling cultural life and a thriving business sector, surrounded by plenty of green space and blue water. Stockholm is the largest university city in the Nordic countries and the home of approximately 80 000 students, of which 5 000 are international students. TWO CAMPUSES, ONE UNIVERSITY Education and research at Karolinska Institutet is mainly conducted on two campuses: the northern Campus Solna and the southern Campus Huddinge. Karolinska Institutet also has an established cooperation with several hospitals in and around Stockholm city. shuttle bus between the Solna and Huddinge campuses that is free for students and employees and there are bus and metro lines between the campuses and hospitals. A bicycle can also be a good investment. STUDENT LIFE As an addition to the excitements of city life, the student unions at Karolinska Institutet take an active role in the study and leisure environment at the university. As you arrive, orientation activities will help acclimatise you to your new home, and there is a student help desk to further help you throughout the semester. The Student Services staff can support you in the process of finding accommodation. For matters of the body and soul, the Student Health Centre, student gyms and other sport and leisure facilities are open to all students, and there are ecumenical prayer/contemplation rooms on both campuses. Find out more about our student life by visiting ki.se/studentblogs. FUNDING A limited number of scholarships are available to support the tuition fee cost at Karolinska Institutet for international fee-paying students. The application process for the Karolinska Institutet scholarships runs in parallel with the application process for the programmes. The Swedish Institute also offers scholarships. For further information visit ki.se/masterstudies/scholarships. COST OF LIVING IN STOCKHOLM ITEM EXPENDITURE Food 2,200 Accommodation 3,500 7,000 Telephone, Internet, TV 750 Local travel 800 Other (insurance, medical care, 1,500 hygene, clothing, leisure, etc.) Total per month 8,700 12,500 SEK A 15 minute ride with public transport is all it takes to get into the city from either campus. Karolinska Institutet runs its own 4
FACTS ON SWEDEN Population: 9.5 million Average life expectancy: Women 83.7 years, men 79.8 years Languages: Swedish; recognised minority languages: Sami, Finnish, Meänkieli (Tornedalen Finnish), Yiddish, Romani Chib Religion: In practice, Sweden is very secularised. The Church of Sweden is Evangelical Lutheran and co-exists with many other beliefs Currency: One krona equals 100 öre Form of government: Constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy Parliament: The Riksdag, with 349 members in one chamber Published by the Swedish Institute. More facts can be found at www.sweden.se. USEFUL LINKS www.sweden.se www.scholarshipportal.eu www.studyinstockholm.se 5
BIOENTREPRENEURSHIP A new discipline in demand Bioentrepreneurship is a field of study which combines social sciences, biomedicine, natural sciences and technology with innovation processes. The programme focuses on strategic and operative issues in the life science industry, and will give you a deeper understanding of the processes and strategies needed to lead a successful project or company in this knowledge-intensive sector. A key concept within this programme is the application of knowledge in a business setting. Therefore, the courses use authentic cases to learn from and many of the lecturers are experienced business leaders who share their knowledge and expertise with their students. The programme also includes two internship periods that will give you valuable practical knowledge and insights as well as a professional network that will provide a head start in your future career. YI ZENG, CURRENT STUDENT FROM CHINA I like the design of the MBE program, which prepares me for the practical experience in the life science industry. Specific entry requirements A bachelor s degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish bachelor s degree of at least 180 credits in medicine, health care, biomedicine, biotechnology, biology, chemistry or technology. Proficiency in the English language (equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school) should be documented by an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the equivalent. Semester 1 Entrepreneurship in the life sciences Industrial management Project management: Leadership and control Behavioural management and control Practical placement 1 Elective courses Semester 3 Business development Scientific methods Practical placement 2 Semester 4 Degree project Programme contact Director of Studies Madelen Lek, madelen.lek@ki.se For questions regarding admission please contact admissions@ki.se Semester 2 Development of products in the biomedical industry Market analysis 6
BIOMEDICINE Study in the midst of top research OLIVIA MIOSSEC, CURRENT STUDENT FROM FRANCE/USA Karolinska Institutet, a leading medical university dedicating its research to the improvement of health, corresponds well to my personal goals of contributing to neurogenerative disease research The programme will give you extensive contemporary knowledge of and a strong foundation for independent work within molecular medicine. A large focus lies on developing skills in scientific communication. You will be trained to address questions on mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, and develop an understanding of leading methodologies for studying common diseases such as infections, cancer and metabolic and neurological disorders. You have the opportunity to conduct three separate projects in three different laboratories, which will give you valuable insights into research work. It is significant for applicants to be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of human physiology/pathophysiology and biostatistics. The programme is developed by experienced scientists, and is based on work conducted in research laboratories at Karolinska Institutet, one of the world s leading universities in the biomedical field. Many master s students continue their studies in these laboratories. As a matter of fact, up to 70% of Karolinska Institutet s biomedicine master s students continue on to doctoral studies after graduation. Specific entry requirements A bachelor s degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish bachelor s degree of at least 180 credits in biomedicine, biotechnology, cellular and molecular biology or medicine. Proficiency in the English language (equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school) should be documented by an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the equivalent. Year 1 Applied communication in biomedicine 1 including philosophy of science and bioethics Frontiers in translational medicine Applied communication in biomedicine 2 Laboratory animal science Biostatistics Bioinformatics Elective course or project Year 2 Elective courses: Frontiers in biomedicine Research project Applied communication in biomedicine 3 and 4 Degree project Programme contact Director of Studies Rachel Fisher, rachel.fisher@ki.se For questions regarding admission please contact admissions@ki.se 7
GLOBAL HEALTH Health challenges have no borders Global health combines knowledge and expertise from various disciplines including public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, sociology, anthropology, and environmental and political sciences. The subject area provides a platform for research, education and information about the health challenges the world is facing, particularly population groups burdened by poverty. The programme at Karolinska Institutet follows this approach and focuses on how research can contribute to meet these challenges. As the requirement for knowledge on global health has increased in many working environments, this master s programme will not only help graduates to open doors internationally, it will also provide them with the skills needed to work at local level. DAVID HUMPHREYS, GRADUATE 2015 FROM AUSTRALIA. Why not study global public health in an environment where it is practiced domestically so well? Global health is a strong research field at Karolinska Institutet, and students in the programme will early on be involved and collaborating face-to-face with researchers from various research groups. Although students may come from a variety of countries and professional backgrounds, they all have one thing in common: a drive and passion for the subject area of study and the motivation to work towards making a difference in reducing the global burden of diseases, injuries, and illhealth. Graduates can expect careers in both the public and private sectors, as well as in non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. Specific entry requirements A bachelor s degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish bachelor s degree of at least 180 credits. Proficiency in the English language (equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school) should be documented by an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the equivalent. Semester 1 Global health Research methodology Health policy, management and economics Infectious diseases - a challenge to global health Semester 2 Maternal and child health in a global perspective Non-communicable diseases, injuries, natural emergencies and conflicts in a global health perspective Degree project Programme contact Director of Studies Joel Monárrez-Espino, joel.monarrez-espino@ki.se For questions regarding admission please contact admissions@ki.se 8
HEALTH INFORMATICS Improve modern healthcare Joint programme between Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University SIMON YESHO, CURRENT STUDENT FROM UGANDA The Health Informatics programme will suit you if you have a keen interest in information technology (IT) and want to apply this to the medical or healthcare fields. You will learn methods to make healthcare safer, more efficient and of higher quality through computer based information and knowledge management, and as a graduate you will help create new solutions to increase patient safety and satisfaction, and ensure that healthcare support systems run as smoothly as possible. We welcome students with both technical and medical backgrounds, and you can expect to create synergy by working together and learning from each other s disciplines. You will get an early exposure to your future workplaces through practical case studies, study visits to companies and clinical guest lecturers as well as a proximity to leading research in the field. A health informatician s unique interdisciplinary expertise will make you particularly suited to assume a coordinating and bridging role between healthcare and IT. Depending on your previous background, you can expect a career as a project manager, IT manager, clinical informatician, system developer or researcher after graduation. The programme is structured in a very interactive mode with experts in different fields of medical care, technology and policy facilitating the lectures, this puts an aura of practicability in the programme. Specific entry requirements A bachelor s degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish bachelor s degree of at least 180 credits in healthcare, biomedicine, medical technology, computer and systems sciences, informatics or equivalent field. Proficiency in the English language (equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school) should be documented by an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the equivalent. Year 1 Health informatics Computer and systems sciences or healthcare manage ment and organisation and basic medical science Computer applications in health care and biomedicine User needs and requirements engineering Standardisation in health informatics Evaluation methods Project and case studies Project and information management for health informatics Year 2 Modelling, simulation and visualisation Clinical decision support Elective courses Master thesis Programme contact Director of Studies Maria Hägglund, maria.hagglund@ki.se For questions regarding admission please contact admissions@ki.se 9
PUBLIC HEALTH EPIDEMIOLOGY Analytic tools for a global context The Epidemiology track within the Public Health Sciences programme at Karolinska Institutet will suit you if you have a great interest in using quantitative methods to improve human health. The highly accessible Swedish health registers provide valuable data for students and researchers in the epidemiology field and the use of these is integrated in the coursework. MAIKE WINTERS, CURRENT STUDENT FROM HOLLAND. Studying here also broadens my network and gives me new valuable insights in public health issues in other parts of the world. Key features of the Public Health - Epidemiology track include the focus on disease prevention and non-clinical populations. You will during your study time learn to apply sociodemographic, behavioral and risk factors as well as scientific principles to enable surveillance and outcome evaluation. The focus on prevention and evaluation is particularly strong in the track compared to other equivalent programmes internationally today. The Epidemiology track aims to provide you with analytic tools suitable for a global context. You will have a variety of career opportunities after graduation and the track will act as a stepping stone into the public or private health sectors, preparing you for a role as an epidemiologist, health administrator, researcher or manager. Specific entry requirements A bachelor s degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish bachelor s degree of at least 180 credits in public health sciences, healthcare or other relevant social sciences subject area. Proficiency in the English language (equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school) should be documented by an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the equivalent. Year 1 Public health science Epidemiological methods for studies of the distribution and determinants of health Collecting and organising data Biostatistics Qualitative methods Applied epidemiology 1: distribution of health Year 2 Applied epidemiology 2: determinants of health Epidemiological methods for outcome evaluation Science theory, practice and ethics Degree project Programme contact Director of Studies Jette Möller, jette.moller@ki.se For questions regarding admission please contact admissions@ki.se 10
HEALTH ECONOMICS, POLICY AND MANAGEMENT Managing the health care sector The field of public health sciences gives students an insight into both local and global public health challenges, with the overall aim of helping to improve the health of the world s populations. Health Economics, Policy and Management, one of two tracks within this field at Karolinska Institutet, provides an opportunity to develop theoretical and practical skills for analysing health and health care issues on an organisational and policy level. The objectives of this track is to give you a solid base for a career in the healthcare and pharmaceutical fields, enhance your existing set of health economics, management and policy skills, and help you gain theoretical and conceptual understanding of the function of the health sector. The acquired tools will enable you to successfully work within one of the fastest growing fields in the world. You will have a variety of career opportunities after graduation, the track acting as a stepping stone into the public and private health sectors and preparing you for a role as a health economist, manager or researcher. BEFIKADU WUBISHET, CURRENT STUDENT FROM ETHIOPIA In my first course alone, I had a chance to be taught by more than 20 KI and guest instructors, it was far beyond my expectation! Specific entry requirements A bachelor s degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish bachelor s degree of at least 180 credits in public health science, healthcare or other relevant social sciences subject area. Proficiency in the English language (equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school) should be documented by an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the equivalent. Year 1 Introduction to public health sciences Health economics Health systems and policy Planning for health Basic epidemiology and statistics I Health outcomes measurement Economic evaluation of health care programmes Health and medical care management Year 2 Statistics II Advanced course in Health systems and policy Advanced course in Health economics Advanced course in Health and medical care management Science theory, practice and ethics Degree project Programme contact Director of Studies Niklas Zethraeus, niklas.zethraeus@ki.se For questions regarding admission please contact admissions@ki.se 11
TOXICOLOGY A unique cohesive focus The Master s Programme in Toxicology at the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM) within Karolinska Institutet, has evolved since 1976, when it was one of the first toxicology programmes to be offered in the world. The programme is unique in its cohesive focus on toxicology and health. Studying toxicology is a way of learning how to understand various mechanisms of toxicity and how to assess health risks associated with the use of chemicals in our daily life. Knowledge and training in toxicology will give you the opportunity to contribute to a future promoting safe and sustainable chemical, pesticide and drug use. The programme has an emphasis on toxicological testing and research, modes of action, and health risk/safety assessment using problem-based learning and real-life cases. The programme utilises its close connection with high-quality research and risk assessment work, and collaborates with the private sector, national authorities, as well as with scientists at departments within and outside Karolinska Institutet. RADOSLAV GÓRA, CURRENT STUDENT FROM POLAND Like detectives, we have to find a clue and solve the mystery behind certain medical problems. This method gives us an outline of how real work in the medical company looks like. Specific entry requirements A bachelor s degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish bachelor s degree of at least 180 credits in biomedicine, biology, cellular and molecular biology, pharmaceutics, chemistry, medicine, nutrition or biotechnology. Proficiency in the English language (equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school) should be documented by an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the equivalent. Year 1 Principles of toxicology Toxicokinetics Target organ toxicology Histopathology and clinical pathology Laboratory animal science Applications of methods in toxicological research Health risk assessment Year 2 Global toxicology in a sustainable society Regulatory toxicity testing Elective courses Degree project in toxicology or Project work or elective courses Degree project in toxicology Programme contact Director of Studies Annika Hanberg, annika.hanberg@ki.se For questions regarding admission please contact admissions@ki.se 12
MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES IN LIFE SCIENCE research career in this area to advance the fundamental understanding of the human body and its diseases on a molecular level, or use the knowledge to develop novel diagnostic tools and treatments. Joint programme between Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm University and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Our understanding of the human body on a molecular level has in recent years advanced dramatically, and has led to the development of a number of new therapies and diagnostic tools for the effective treatment of diseases. The mission of the Master s programme in Molecular Techniques in Life Science is to prepare students for a professional The programme is a unique collaboration between Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University, in the environment of Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm. The students will receive a comprehensive education in life science emphasising cutting-edge methods in bioinformatic analysis of big data, combined with state-of-theart techniques used in modern high throughput molecular biology and how to translate biological findings into diagnostic tools and novel treatments. Learn more about the programme at kth.se/molecular-techniques 13
Bachelor s Programme in BIOMEDICINE TINA SAYARI, CURRENT STUDENT FROM SWEDEN KI being so far ahead in research today reflects on the quality of our studies during the years and how well prepared we are to do great things after our studies. The Bachelor s programme in Biomedicine gives you extensive knowledge of the biology and pathology of the human body, with understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying major global diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, allergies, infections and dementia, as well as knowledge of their diagnosis and treatment. You will be trained in an active research environment and have contact with the front-line of biomedical and clinically oriented research through lectures, seminars, laboratory practices and projects. As biomedicine is an international subject and has an international work arena, students are encouraged to study part of the programme at one of our international partner universities. Many Bachelor s students, with their solid base in biomedicine, continue into our Master s programmes in Biomedicine, Toxicology or Bioentrepreneurship, from which they carry on into research careers within academia or the private sector or into management positions in the life science industry. Specific entry requirements General requirements for university studies in Sweden (completed post-16 upper secondary/high school education) Proficiency in English (equivalent to Swedish course English 6). Course prerequisites in biology, physics, chemistry and mathematics (equivalent to Swedish courses Biology 2, Physics 2, Chemistry 2 and Mathematics 4). Please see ki.se/application and universityadmissions.se for further information about entry requirements and key dates for applying. Year 1 Introduction to biomedical science General and organic chemistry Medical biochemistry Cell biology and genetics Year 2 Infection and immunity Integrative physiology Neuroscience Tissue biology Pharmacology with toxicology Biostatistics Year 3 Molecular oncology and biostatistics Molecular medicine Degree project Programme contact Director of Studies Jonas Sundbäck, jonas.sundback@ki.se For questions regarding admission please contact admissions@ki.se 14
HOW TO APPLY STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE 1. Find a Global Master s Programme of your choice! 2. Check that you meet the specific entry requirements outlined by each programme in this folder or on their programme details pages at ki.se/masterstudies. 3. Read the detailed instructions on the selection procedure and find key dates at ki.se/application. 4. Apply online at universtityadmissions.se (the Swedish national application website) and read the instructions on how to certify your documents. 5. Pay the application fee of 900 SEK (if this applies to you) 6. Submit your application package to University Admissions in Sweden. It must arrive before the application deadline! 7. Follow your application online by logging in to your account at universityadmissions.se. The selection results will also be published there. PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH Please submit a language proficiency test such as TOEFL or an IELTS test, to certify that you meet the requirements. The minimum test results required are: TOEFL Internet based test (ibt): A total score of 90 and 20 on written test (TWE). TOEFL Paper based test (PBT):A total score of 575 and 4,5 on written test (TWE). TOEFL examinee score records are not accepted. IELTS (Academic modules): An overall mark of 6,5 and no band less than 5,5. Exemptions: English proficiency tests are not required from all applicants. Please see ki.se/application for further information. For complete instructions we advise you to read the information at ki.se/application and the application website universityadmissions.se. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Before you apply you should make sure that you meet both the general and specific requirements. You need a bachelor s degree or a professional degree from an internationally recognised university, equivalent to a Swedish bachelor s degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS). You also need to meet the specific entry requirements for the programme of your choice. The specific entry requirements vary depending on the field of study and specific prior knowledge required. You can find the specific requirements under each programme s description in this folder. APPLICANTS FROM CHINA You need a 4-year bachelor s degree. You must submit a bachelor s degree certificate, a certificate of graduation, and transcripts (for each year of study). All documents should be in Chinese and in officially certified translations. APPLICANTS FROM INDIA You need a 4-year bachelor s degree. If you have a degree in medicine, pharmacy, science, engineering, computer science, or technology, you are exempt from submitting an English language proficiency test. Please note that college-issued mark sheets/transcripts will not be accepted unless they are from an autonomous Indian college. APPLICANTS FROM USA You need a bachelor s degree from a regionally accredited US college or university. Official transcripts of academic record must be sent directly from your university to University Admissions in Sweden. If you have a bachelor s degree from the US, you don t need to submit a English language proficiency test. 15
The Nobel Foundation. JOIN THE TRADITION OF FUTURE BREAKTHROUGHS As you enter the campuses at Karolinska Institutet, you are putting your feet on historic ground. Karolinska Institutet is a place of scientific breakthroughs and Nobel Prize laureates, yet a dynamic institution setting itself up for the methodology needed for future success. Possibly with you as part of the team. Originally created for training army field surgeons 200 years ago, Karolinska Institutet now serves as a first-class greenhouse for a new type of force, the brightest and most creative group of medical entrepreneurs, doctors and scientists around. A force to be reckoned with. Since the beginning of the 1900s, Karolinska Institutet has been assigned to elect the laureates of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Even though this task is hugely important, electing new talent to train with us is equally thrilling. Honestly it is the not-yet discovered solutions that make us tick, and we hope the same goes for you. So, how does it sound to be present as the focus of medical research shifts from curing to preventing? From treatment to completely ending illness and disease? Our aim is to train students who are inquisitive. Because even though we recently celebrated our 200 year anniversary, the aim is at the centuries to come. Well grounded in a long tradition of scientific trail-blazing, Karolinska Institutet will always be about what you achieve tomorrow. Maybe this is why we rank among the best. The research landscape is being redrawn. Wouldn t it be nice to hold the pen? For further information visit ki.se/masterstudies Contact the Admissions Office at admissions@ki.se if you have questions about entry requirements or application procedures. 16