Exploratory approaches in Swedish preschool: history, theory and practice

The course provides an insight into the emergence of the Swedish preschool and its tradition of ideas when it comes to exploratory approaches and connections to play and care. The course offers an introduction to pedagogical environments and its exploratory approaches in the Swedish preschool. The course also contains study visits to preschools or other relevant institutions.

Naturvetenskap i förskolan, små barn undersöker blommor utomhus.

Naturvetenskpa i förskolan. Foto: Therese Boman, Mostphotos.

The course is offered for international exchange students and for students who have applied for the course as a free-standing (single subject) course.

Teaching Format

Instruction is given in the form of lectures, seminars, workshops and study visits.
Specific teaching sessions are mandatory. Absence must be compensated for as described in the study guide.

Study Guide

The Study Guide for the course will be published at the latest one month prior to the course start.

Study Guide Spring semester 2026 pdf, 170.1 kB.

Assessment

The course is examined on the basis of an individual written paper, grading scale A-F.

In order to pass the course, students must at least receive grade E or G on all examinations, complete all assignments as per the course description and complete all obligatory attendance.

For details and deadlines regarding examinations please see the study guide for the relevant semester.

Next opportunity for re-examination:

Please see information in the study guide.

Note that students enrolled previous semesters need to contact the course administrator according to the deadline in the study guide to sign up for re-examination.

Examiner

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.

Combine courses to study a full semester: 30 ECTS

Please note that it is possible to combine this course with the three following courses in order to study a full semester (30 ECTS) focusing on science, technology, education for sustainable development, mathematics and explorative learning in the context of early childhood education.

Early Childhood Education Focusing on Science and Education for Sustainability, 12 credits (ECTS)

Participation and influence in children´s exploratory activities, 3 credits (ECTS)

Early Childhood Education Focusing on Mathematics and Technology, 12 credits (ECTS)

Combine courses to study half a semester: 15 ECTS

You can also combine this course with the course Early Childhood Education Focusing on Science and Education for Sustainability 12 credits if you would like to study 15 credits in the first half of the semester period 1 (period A + B).

Early Childhood Education Focusing on Science and Education for Sustainability, 12 credits (ECTS)

How to apply

Application - a Step by Step Guide

It is important that you document your eligibility and language proficiency in your application. You can find more information at universityadmissions.se:

Documenting eligibility

Documenting English proficiency

Exchange students

Please note that exchange students apply according to a separate routine.

Studying at Stockholm University

New student at Stockholm University

Welcome activities for new students

Academic writing service

Stockholm University Library

Guidelines for study groups

Directions

See directions to the Department of Child and Youth Studies.

If you have questions regarding the content of the course, please contact the teacher responsible for the course.

Course leader and examiner: Emilie Moberg, email: emilie.moberg@buv.su.se

If you have administrative questions regarding admissions, registration, registration of grades, the learning and collaboration platform Athena etc. please contact the course administrator.

Course administrator: Malin Håkansson, e-mail: malin.hakansson@buv.su.se