Ever wondered where Sweden’s first nurse training course was launched? It all began with Marie Cederschiöld University College, originally known as Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College. This institution stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of diaconal work and its impact on Swedish society.
Marie Cederschiöld University College is not just another university. It’s a private Swedish institution dedicated to higher education and research. The college has a rich history rooted in diaconal service. It offers education in nursing, social work, theology, and psychotherapy. Research is conducted in social science, welfare rights, health care science, and ethics. Palliative care, diaconal research, organizational ethics, and psychotherapy research are also key areas of focus.
Founded on January 1, 1998, the university college emerged from the merger of Ersta Society for Diaconal Work and The Stora Sköndal Foundation. In 2010, Bräcke diakoni joined as a co-owner. By 2019, Stockholms Sjukhem also became a co-owner. The institution’s name changed to Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College in 2017. Later, in January 2022, it was renamed Marie Cederschiöld University College. This change honored Maria Cederschiöld, a pioneering deaconess.
The roots of Marie Cederschiöld University College trace back to 1851. Marie Cederschiöld launched the first nurse training course in Sweden. This groundbreaking initiative took place under the auspices of Ersta diakoni. Furthermore, the first socially oriented program began at the Stora Sköndal Foundation around the turn of the last century. It was a diaconal training program at the national level.
Today, Marie Cederschiöld University College operates with a clear vision. It focuses on human health, welfare, and vulnerability. The university college is divided into two campuses. You can find them in Södermalm, Stockholm, and Stora Sköndal, south of Stockholm.
The building itself has a fascinating past. Originally built in 1907, it was designed by architect Georg Ringström. It first housed the Navigationsskolan i Stockholm. Here, naval officers were trained until the school’s closure in 1985. One unique feature is the time ball in the mast on the roof. It was used to mark 12:00 GMT precisely. This was crucial for determining longitude using astronomical observations.
While radio signals made the time ball obsolete, it was decommissioned in 1936. It was brought back into operation in 1987.
Marie Cederschiöld University College stands as a beacon of education. It offers a unique combination of theory and practice. Students engage in research and field studies. Special attention is given to philosophies of life, world views, and societal issues. With its deep-rooted history and commitment to social responsibility, the university college continues to shape future leaders in health care, social work, and theology.