Ordinance on supplementary teacher education that leads to a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education for people with a third-cycle qualification (2016:705)

Ministry/Agency: Ministry of Education and Research, Sweden
Issued 9 June 2016.

This translation is for information purposes only and has no legal force. In the event of discrepancies, the Swedish-language version takes precedence.

Introductory provisions 

Section 1  

/Ceases to apply: 1 July 2024/
This ordinance contains provisions on first and second-cycle higher education programmes. These programmes are intended to supplement previously acquired subject knowledge in teaching subjects other than vocational subjects so that students can be awarded the Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education (ämneslärarexamen) as laid down in Annex 2 to the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). At least one of the teaching subjects included in the degree must be a subject in which there is a lack of applicants for programmes leading to a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education.

The programme is intended for people who have a third-cycle qualification.

Section 1  

/Enters into effect: 1 July 2024/
This ordinance contains provisions on first and second-cycle higher education programmes. These programmes are intended to supplement previously acquired subject knowledge in teaching subjects other than vocational subjects so that students can be awarded the Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education (ämneslärarexamen) as laid down in Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). At least one of the teaching subjects included in the degree must be a subject in which there is a lack of applicants for programmes leading to a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education.

The programme is intended for people who have a third-cycle qualification.

Here, teaching subject has the same meaning as in Chapter 1, Section 4 of the Ordinance (2021:1335) on teacher and pre-school teacher education. Ordinance (2024:168).

Relationship to other legislation

Section 1a

The first and second paragraphs of Section 4 in Chapter 6 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) state that the only higher education qualifications that may be awarded are those listed in Annex 2 to the ordinance (System of Qualifications), and that the System of Qualifications stipulates the level at which a particular qualification must be awarded and the requirements that must be fulfilled to be awarded a particular qualification (qualification descriptors).

The third paragraph in Section 4 of Chapter 6 in the same ordinance states that the ordinance contains divergent provisions on the requirements that must be fulfilled for a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education and the level at which such a qualification must be awarded. Ordinance (2021:1343).

Section 1b

/Ceases to apply: 1 July 2024/
Chapter 6, Section 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) states that the Ordinance (2021:1335) on teacher and pre-school teacher education contains provisions on requirements for the programme that will lead to a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education. The second paragraph of Section 1 and the third paragraph of Section 4 in Chapter 1 of the latter ordinance state that, under that ordinance, teacher education includes education under this ordinance and that this ordinance contains provisions on divergent requirements for this programme.

The qualification descriptors for the Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education in Annex 2 to the Higher Education Ordinance state that there are two specialisations for the Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education.

The Ordinance (2011:326) on qualification and certification for teachers and pre-school teachers includes provisions on which qualifying education is required to teach various subjects and subject areas. Ordinance (2021:1343).

Section 1b

/Enters into effect: 1 July 2024/
Chapter 6, Section 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) states that the Ordinance (2021:1335) on teacher and pre-school teacher education contains provisions on requirements for the programme that will lead to a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education. The second paragraph of Section 1 and the third paragraph of Section 5 in Chapter 1 of the latter ordinance state that, under that ordinance, teacher education includes education under this ordinance and that this ordinance contains provisions on divergent requirements for this programme.

The qualification descriptors for the Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education in Annex 2 to the Higher Education Ordinance state that there are two specialisations for the Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education. Ordinance (2024:168).

Section 1c

/Enters into effect: 1 July 2024/
Chapter 2, Sections 13-19 of the Education Act (2010:800) and the Ordinance (2011:326) on qualification and certification for teachers and pre-school teachers set out the requirements for teaching in the school system.
Chapter 2, Section 22a of the Ordinance (2011:326) on qualification and certification for teachers and pre-school teachers states which upper secondary school subjects correspond to the teaching subjects specified in Chapter 4, Section 4 of the Ordinance on Teacher and Preschool Teacher Education. Section 4 of the Ordinance (2021:1335) on teacher and pre-school teacher education. Ordinance (2024:168).

Educational specialisations and intended qualification for teaching

Section 2  

Under this ordinance, programmes that lead to a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education may be given with a specialisation in secondary education or upper secondary education.
The programme is intended, in the manner stated in Sections 15-18, to lead to a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education that provides eligibility to teach in one, two or three teaching subjects. Ordinance (2021:1343).

Where the programme is offered

Section 2a

The programme must be offered by the public sector higher education institutions that are covered by the Higher Education Act (1992:1434) and as the government decides.

In this ordinance, higher education institution means both universities and university colleges.
Ordinance (2021:1343).

Content of the programme

Section 3  

Under Chapter 2 of the Ordinance (2021:1335) on teacher and pre-school teacher education, but with an exception from Chapters 3 and 4 of that ordinance, programmes leading to the award of a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education cover 90 credits as follows

• 60 credits of studies in core educational sciences, and
• 30 credits for a placement

Ordinance (2021:1343).

Entry to the programme

Exception from the Higher Education Ordinance for specific entry requirements

Section 4  

For specific entry requirements for the programme, Sections 5-8 apply instead of the provisions on specific entry requirements in Sections 8-11 and 25 in Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100).

The provisions on waiving one or more of the entry requirements in Section 3 of Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance also apply to the entry requirements laid down in this ordinance. Ordinance (2021:1343).

Specific entry requirements for the programme

Section 5

Specific entry requirements for this programme are fulfilled by someone who has

1. a third-cycle qualification or the equivalent foreign qualification, and
2. the subject knowledge required under Section 6 or 7.

Ordinance (2021:1343).

Section 6  

If the programme leads to a Degree of Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education, knowledge of a teaching subject in secondary education equivalent to subject studies of at least 90 credits is necessary.

As part of the university’s assignment to offer the programme, it may decide which teaching subject pursuant to the first paragraph shall apply. Ordinance (2021:1343).

Section 7  

If the programme leads to a Degree of Master of Arts/Science in Upper Secondary Education, knowledge of a teaching subject in secondary education equivalent to subject studies of at least 120 credits is necessary.

As part of the university’s assignment to offer the programme, it may decide which teaching subject pursuant to the first paragraph shall apply. However, the subject may not be a vocational subject.
Ordinance (2021:1343).

Section 8  

Specific entry requirements for the programme under Section 6 or 7 are also fulfilled by someone who has

• has subject knowledge in a teaching subject in secondary education or upper secondary education that is relevant to the teaching subject under Section 6 or 7 such that is can be considered equivalent to the credits required there, or
• by virtue of education in Sweden or abroad, practical experience or some other circumstance has the potential to benefit from the programme. Ordinance (2021:1343).

Selection

Section 9   

During selection for the programme, Section 10 applies instead of the provisions on selection in Sections 12-19, 23, 26 and 27 of Chapter 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993: 100). Ordinance (2021:1343).

Section 10  

During selection, the applicant’s qualifications and capacity to benefit from a programme must be considered.

If the applicant’s third-cycle qualification or equivalent foreign qualification is in subject didactics or a subject that entirely or primarily relates to the teaching subject that the applicant’s subject knowledge must include to fulfil the specific entry requirements pursuant to Section 6 or 7, they must be given priority in admission to the programme.

The higher education institution may issue regulations on which additional selection criteria are to apply. Ordinance (2021:1343).

Section 11  

Ceased to apply through Ordinance (2021:1343).

Section 12  

Ceased to apply through Ordinance (2021:1343).

Programme format

Section 13  

Each programme must be offered at a higher rate of study for twelve consecutive months. Ordinance (2023:149).

Section 14  

The programme syllabus must, in addition to that stated in the Higher Education Act (1993:100), state how much of the programme the student must have completed after six months of study.

Specific qualification requirements and degree level

Section 15  

After completing a programme under this ordinance, the applicable requirements for a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education are as stated in Section 15 a and

• Section 16 if the degree will include one teaching subject,
• Section 17 if the degree will include two teaching subjects, and
• Section 18 if the degree will include three teaching subjects.

A degree is awarded at the level stated in the third paragraph of Section 16, the second paragraph of Section 17, or the second paragraph of Section 18. Ordinance (2021:1343).

Core qualification requirements

Section 15a

Under this ordinance, for a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education the student must have completed 90 credits of supplementary teacher education in accordance with Section 3, in addition to their previous subject studies. Ordinance (2021:1343).

Further qualification requirements and degree levels when the degree includes one teaching subject

Section 16  

A Degree of Bachelor of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education that is intended to provide qualification for teaching one subject is achieved if the total credits for the supplementary teacher education and previous subject studies are

• 180 credits, if the degree is awarded with a specialisation in Secondary Education, or
• 210 credits, if the degree is awarded with a specialisation in Upper Secondary Education.

The required credits in the first paragraph must also be considered fulfilled if the student, in addition to that stated in Section 15 a, was admitted with the support of Section 8.

A degree under the first or second paragraph is awarded at first-cycle level. Ordinance (2021:1343).

Further qualification requirements and degree levels when the degree includes two teaching subjects

Section 17  

A Degree of Master of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education that is intended to provide qualification for teaching two subjects is achieved if the total credits for the supplementary teacher education and previous subject studies are those stated in Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), which is the case if

1. The previous subject studies are of the scope stated in Chapter 3 Section 7 or 8 of the Ordinance (2021:1335) on teacher and pre-school teacher education, or
2. The student, in addition to that stated in Section 15 a, was admitted with the support of Section 8.

A degree under the first paragraph is awarded at second-cycle level.
Ordinance (2021:1343).

Further qualification requirements and degree levels when the degree includes three teaching subjects

Section 18  

A Degree of Master of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education that is intended to provide qualification for teaching three subjects is achieved if the total credits for the supplementary teacher education and previous subject studies are those stated in Annex 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), which is the case if

1. The previous subject studies are of the scope stated in Chapter 3 Section 7 of the Ordinance (2021:1335) on teacher and pre-school teacher education, or
2. The student, in addition to that stated in Section 15 a, was admitted with the support of Section 8.

A degree under the first paragraph is awarded at second-cycle level.
Ordinance (2021:1343).

Section 19  

Ceased to apply through Ordinance (2021:1343).

Section 20 

Ceased to apply through Ordinance (2021:1343).

Transitional provisions

Ordinance 2016:705

1. This ordinance comes into effect on 15 July 2016.
2. This ordinance ceases to apply on 15 July 2021.
3. A student who has completed a programme pursuant to this ordinance and who fulfils the requirements for a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary Education/Upper Secondary Education pursuant to Sections 15-20 is entitled to be awarded such a degree until 31 December 2031. Ordinance 2021:282

Ordinance 2017:896

1. This ordinance comes into effect on 2 July 2018.
2. Persons who started a Degree of Bachelor/Master of Arts/Science in Secondary/Upper Secondary Education before 2 July 2018 pursuant to the older provisions and persons who have previously been admitted to such a programme but have received a respite until a time after this for which to start the programme, are entitled to complete the programme to receive a qualification according to the older provisions, however this is only applicable until the end of December 2024. 

Ordinance 2021:1343

Sections 4-10 of this ordinance enter into effect on 1 February 2022 and the remainder on 1 July 2022.