Ersta Sköndal University College is dedicated to studies in the fields of social work, nursing and health care, theology, church music with an explicit ethical and diaconal orientation. The University College was founded in 1998 through the merger of the undergraduate, post-graduate and research programmes of the Ersta Society for Diaconal Work and The Stora Sköndal Foundation. A distinguishing characteristic of the University College is that it offers courses in which theory is combined with practice, research with studies in the field, and that special attention is given to questions within philosophies of life and world views, professionalization and societal issues. The University College has two campuses, one at Ersta, the other at Stora Sköndal, with a total of approximately 1000 students. Both campuses offer a unique study environment with a combination of old tradition and new interdisciplinary collaboration as well as opportunities for personal development. Ersta Sköndal University College consists of the following departments: Department of Church Music, Department of Diaconal Studies and Theology, Department of Health Care Sciences, Department of Social Work. The University College also includes Institute for Commissioned Education and University College Libraries. Vision Ersta Sköndal University College shall offer a creative educational and research environment, marked by courage and curiosity enabling mankind’s development of knowledge and ability to work for happiness, quality of life, and the right to a life of dignity. Concept Ersta Sköndal University College means to provide an open and attractive academic meeting place for education and research within the fields of diaconal studies, ethics, church music, social work, theology and health care science. Ersta Sköndal University College means to be associated with fresh ideas, the critical search for knowledge, ethical awareness, artistic creativity and the endeavour for existential depth. Staff Concept Ersta Sköndal University College endeavours to ensure that all members of staff gain satisfaction from their work and are proud of their workplace. Members of staff are to be actively supported in their professional and personal development.