Program Overview

Program Details

The course provides a comparative perspective on Nordic religions, from the Viking Age to the present. Focus is on Old Norse religion around year 1000 and Sami religion in the 17th and 18th centuries. The introduction and history of Christianity in Sweden is outlined as well. Topics that are given attention are: sources and source criticism; myth and rite; the cultural and societal context for the different religious traditions; and the indigenous Nordic religions' encounters with Christianity. Further, the different views, interpretations and uses of these religious traditions in the history of research and in popular culture are problematized.

Course Information

• Type: Course, first cycle
• Study pace: Half speed
• Study location: Umeå
• Type of studies: On campus
• Language: English
• Number of credits: 7.5 credits
• Teaching hours: Daytime
• Application code:
  • UMU-F1210 (International admissions round)
  • UMU-12117 (Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens)

Eligibility and Selection

• General entry requirements
• Selection: Results-National university aptitude test-Academic credits

Application and Tuition Fees

• Application fee: SEK 900
• Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 12,075
• Total fee: SEK 12,075

Important Dates

• Starts: 24 March 2026
• Ends: 7 June 2026
• Application deadline:
  • 15 August 2025 (International admissions round)
  • 15 October 2025 (Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens)

Course Provider

The course is given by the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies.