Karlstad University

Institution Info

Karlstad University is one of the newer universities in Sweden. As a young and modern university one of our main objectives is to focus on co-operation with organisations and individuals working in business and the public services, as well as maintaining a high standard of higher education and research.

Our ambition is to become one of the most active universities in Europe, as regards co-operation with society as a whole. The university functions as a hub in the development of the region and as a national and international centre for the generation of knowledge. The improvement of collaboration processes and the establishment of an external liaison office have strengthened the university´s contacts with industry and the community.

Karlstad University is keen to contribute to a sustainable society and recognises that this is dependent on the interplay between economic, social and environmental factors.

Our university is characterized by integration and multidisciplinarity. Research and development has grown rapidly in recent years with a consequent increase in funding. Major research areas include services and service quality, working life science, tourism and leisure, forest engineering, education and child care and communication studies. We also have a focus on gender studies and culture.

Karlstad University provides inspiring meeting places. Inova - incubator and science park - helps creating new businesses from innovations where higher education and research meets industry and the public sector.

Karlstad Business School: We think ahead – and offer more

Studying at Karlstad University Business School is an investment for the future.

Research carried out here today is at the international forefront. This means that we have the opportunity to focus on the most interesting research issues and results are disseminated internationally. It also means that Business School students at Karlstad University are guaranteed high-quality education.

Research results need to be accessible to the non-academic world and this is our motivation for cooperating with both industry and public agencies. Only then can research benefit many and contribute to development.

International exchange is promoted at all levels of education and research. At present, we are in the process of consolidating relations with several universities in Europe, USA, Canada, Indonesia, Mexico and Australia. More students at Karlstad University Business School will be able to study one or more terms abroad, and we also design more programmes suitable for international students in Karlstad.

Traditionally, the academia is well-equipped to provide education based on theoretical knowledge. But the rest – learning how to apply it – is less common. We want to change that.

At Karlstad University Business School we create space for professional skills. Transforming theory into practice. Professional skills is an umbrella term for the ability to communicate results orally and in writing, to work in a team, conduct a meeting, develop leadership qualities, manage conflicts and plan a career.

The skills components are developed throughout the programme, not least in actual cooperation with external business partners. This can involve breakfast meetings, mentorship, field trips, guest lectures, internship or working with an authentic problem for a degree project. Knowledge is worth nothing without the skills to use it.