Education
Humanities is a broad field of knowledge that studies the human being and human culture. The development from prehistoric times to the present, texts and objects that convey thoughts and ideas from other times and other cultures, modern media that consciously or unconsciously influence us - all this and much more is addressed in the humanities.
Photo: Lena Katarina Johansson
Why study humanities
The humanities are said to have three main 'pillars' - culture, aesthetics and language. Within this framework, your options are almost endless. At the Faculty of Humanities, you can study programmes or freestanding courses in around 50 subject areas. Among these are archaeology, ethnology, philosophy and history, and aesthetic disciplines such as film, art, literature, fashion and theater. If you are interested in the role of the media in society, there are courses and programmes in journalism, media and communication.
In an increasingly globalized world, language skills are of great value. At Stockholm University you can study a wide range of languages. The study of languages also includes the study of both the cultures and the societies in which the languages are spoken.
Humanities studies give you many skills such as analytical ability, critical thinking and cultural understanding.
Our courses and programmes
Humanities education is offered at both undergraduate and graduate level and can be studied within programmes and as stand-alone courses. The wide range of courses makes it possible to combine different subjects to customize your education. In this way, your education can be adapted both to your interests and to the demands of the labor market.
There are two ways to obtain a bachelor's degree. Either you apply to one of our Bachelor's programmes or you choose to take freestanding courses.
Courses and programmes
You can also use the search engine to find courses and programmes by keyword and filter them using your preferred criteria.
Sustainable development – more than natural science
Photo: Ingmarie Andersson
Are you interested in the humanities – but also in climate, the environment and sustainability? The humanities and human sciences have an important role to play in the pursuit and study of sustainable development. The Faculty of Humanities offers a wide range of courses and programmes in the field.
Below you will find a list of the sustainable development studies offered by the departments at the Faculty of Humanities. The courses focus on social, economic, political and environmental sustainability.
Doctoral studies
Are you interested in a doctoral education within the humanities?
Find out more about PhD studies at Stockholm University
Postgraduate education provides competence to independently conduct research, a deep understanding of the subject area, and skills in communicating knowledge and creating conditions for others to learn.
Find the Faculty of Humanities' doctoral programmes
The project Forum for Doctoral Students provides additional support for PhD students in the human sciences. The purpose is to provide additional guidance so that more PhD students finish on time and feel good a long the way.
Doctoral School in the Humanities
Photo: Niklas Björling
The Doctoral School in the Humanities offers free-standing courses on PhD-level. The courses are mainly meant for the PhD-students at the Faculty, but the courses are also open for PhD-students at other faculties and universities in Sweden and abroad. The courses therefore welcome all who are enrolled in third cycle studies, regardless of their home faculty or university. The courses are offered free of charge.
Last updated: 2025-10-28
Source: Communications Office