Students on our MPhys courses (including courses with a minor) have the opportunity, providing that they have maintained a good academic record, to participate in a well-established exchange scheme with the University of Uppsala in Sweden. Physics majors may spend six months of their Year 3 (January to June) in Sweden. There they have a range of term eight options, which includes geophysics, solar physics modules and some other modules not currently available at Sussex.
The Swedish students who come to study at Sussex come from the universities of Uppsala, Stockholm and Umea. There are also exchanges of faculty between Sussex and Sweden, and several Sussex students who have visited Uppsala as undergraduates have returned there to pursue postgraduate studies towards a PhD. The scheme provides an excellent opportunity for Sussex students to experience a different culture in an atmosphere of warm hospitality. Staff at Uppsala and Sussex give special attention to the welfare and academic progress of exchange students. Uppsala University is the oldest in Scandinavia and was founded in 1477. The city has many beautiful medieval buildings including a cathedral, and is only 45 minutes away from Stockholm by an excellent train service. You will find that there is an active social, intellectual and cultural life.
You can read about the experiences of some students who have studied at Student perspectives on Sweden.
Modules
Students can chose to take modules which are comparable in content to those offered at Sussex, or modules that are not currently available at Sussex. Uppsala University has an excellent geophysics department, and many Sussex students choose to take geophysics modules whilst in Sweden. Further information about the physics department in Uppsala can be found on their Department website.
Assessment
The modules in Sweden and your project will be assessed there before you return to England, and are not re-examined in Finals. You will find that there are some differences; for example, in Swedish exams you are allowed much longer to complete the paper. The different approach to teaching and assessment is refreshing, and provides a useful change of pace.
Language
Teaching is in English. You will find that most Swedes speak very good English, so language is not a problem. Although you do not need to speak Swedish at all, you will probably find that you learn some, and you have the opportunity to make a start before you go, using the Sussex Centre for Language Studies. In Sweden there are lots of television programmes in English and other European languages, all with Swedish subtitles. Cinemas often show British and American films, again with subtitles.
Finance
The exchange scheme is supported by the EU (SOCRATES) and provides topping up to allow for the higher cost of living in Sweden, maintenance in September, and fares to and from Sweden. Accommodation of a very high standard is provided in Swedish student halls of residence.