Luleå University of Technology launches new psychology programme

Luleå University of Technology has now received the green light from the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ) to award a degree in psychology. The first students will be welcomed to the new psychology programme in the autumn of 2025. Interest in becoming a psychologist is high across the country, and the hope is that the programme will help reduce the shortage of psychologists in northern Sweden.

The psychology programme is a five-year professional degree that leads to a psychology qualification. The initiative will offer 35 new study places each autumn.

“We are very pleased to soon be able to educate psychologists at Luleå University of Technology. Mental health issues are a growing societal problem, and the shortage of psychologists exacerbates the situation. We therefore look forward to contributing to strengthening competence both nationally and regionally. In addition, it is positive for the university and our other programmes that we are further broadening our educational offerings,” says Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, Vice-Chancellor of Luleå University of Technology.

The hope is that many trained psychologists will choose to stay in Norrbotten for a long-term solution to the shortage of psychologists in the county.

“Several universities with psychology programmes have seen a positive trend where students remain in the region after graduation, and we hope to see a similar development here,” says Anna Stigsdotter Neely, Professor of Psychology at Luleå University of Technology.

New psychology clinic integrated into the program

As part of the program, Luleå University of Technology will open a psychology clinic where students under the supervision of licensed psychologists and psychotherapists will have the opportunity to practice their skills. The clinic will receive clients with mild to moderate mental illness and will also be used for research. The new psychology program also emphasise digital working methods, such as distance treatment via video and internet platforms. These skills will help to meet the care needs of sparsely populated municipalities.

Through collaboration with Region Norrbotten and local municipalities, high-quality workplace-based education is ensured.

“This means a great deal for healthcare. Now, residents of Norrbotten who wish to become psychologists can finally study locally. Moreover, we will attract students from other parts of the country – students who will hopefully consider working here and becoming Norrbotten residents after completing their education,” says Pia Näsvall, Director of Health and Medical Services at Region Norrbotten.

"Sweden's most modern psychology program"

The programme comprises 300 higher education credits. After completing their studies and one year of practical service as a psychologist, students can apply for licensure with the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare.

“Studying to become a psychologist offers the opportunity to genuinely make the world a little better by helping others. Now we are building Sweden’s most modern psychology programme here in Luleå. We have had fantastic collaboration between various stakeholders in Norrbotten, with short decision-making processes and a positive spirit,” says Jessica Körning-Ljungberg, Professor and Head of the Psychology Subject at Luleå University of Technology.