Studying remotely

As a distance student, you have a lot of control over where and when you study. This entails a great deal of freedom but at the same time requires that you have good study discipline and take great personal responsibility. We have gathered some tips and advice for you on what you need to think about.

The content of the education is the same whether you study it online or on campus. The workload is therefore at least as large as if you were studying on campus. It will not be visible on your degree certificate that you have taken the course online just the University that you have studied at.

Distance education can have different approaches

Some distance education programmes are completely online and others have a few on-campus meetings. At campus meetings, you as a student are responsible for travel expenses and possibly accommodation.

Read about the set-up of your courses and study programmes External link.

Cooperation and study tools

Virtual learning environment Canvas

The instruction takes place in the Canvas learning environment, which is an educational tool. There you will submit your study assignments and keep in contact with teachers and other students.

About the video tool Zoom

You will participate in live-streamed lectures and various group activities through Zoom, the video conferencing tool.

More about cooperation and study tools on the IT page for you as a student.

Requirements for technical equipment

To be able to study remotely, you must have a certain type of equipment at home. You will need to have:

• Computer (Office package 365 cannot be downloaded to a Chromebook)
• Webcam
• Headset with microphone
• Internet connection of broadband type.

Examinations

In some programmes, examinations are part of your education. If you are studying a course or programme remotely, you may be allowed to sit an exam at a different exam location. The exam must be written simultaneously as the regular exam and under the same conditions as during the examination at MDU, which is a calm environment free from disturbances and with sufficient supervision to prevent cheating.

Examination sessions conducted as on-campus examinations are only held at MDU's campus locations in Eskilstuna or Västerås. The campus location is according to the exam booking on the online schedule.

To be able to sit the exam at a different location, you must submit an application for it at least three weeks before the exam date. It is your responsibility to make contact at the location where you want to sit the exam. The Dean of School or another responsible person will decide whether your request is approved.

Application for written examinations at another location Pdf, 151.7 kB.

Local study centre - support in your place of residence

In many locations in Sweden, there are local study centres. This is where you as a distance student can turn if, for example, you need a place where you can concentrate on your studies. There may also be access to certain technical equipment, such as video conferencing equipment, to participate in lectures. The offered support varies, so please contact the relevant local study centre for detailed information. Find your local study centre.

Find your nearest local study centre on the NItus website External link.

University Library Services

As a distance student, you have the same access to the University Library's services as on-campus students. If you don’t live in the Eskilstuna or Västerås municipalities we will send your books home to you without charge that you have reserved.

How to get a book sent home to you by the University Library External link.

Studying with a disability

There are various types of support and adaptations available if you have a permanent disability or another type of disability while you are studying remotely.

Studying with disabilities

Support during your studies

When you are a student with us, there is a lot of support and help available to you to make your study time as good as possible. Much of the support is available digitally for those who are not on campus.

Guidance and support during your studies