Dr. Stefan Gelfgren

Associate Professor

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Biography

Stefan Gelfgren is an Associate Professor at Umeå University in the Department of Religious Studies and Theology. His academic background includes a PhD in History of Ideas from Umeå University, an MPhil in History of Christianity from Birmingham University, UK, and a BA in construction engineering. Gelfgren's primary research interests focus on the relationships between social, technical, and religious transformations throughout history. His PhD thesis investigated the Swedish confessional revivalist movement known as Evangeliska Fosterlands-Stiftelsen from 1856 to 1910, exploring the tensions between revivalism, modernity, and secularization. He has led several research projects, including the Nordic Places Worship (NordPoW) Map, aiming to study the religious geography of Nordic countries. His previous research includes the effects of digital media within Christian churches, the experiences of disabled individuals in digital spaces, and the role of virtual worlds in religious life. Gelfgren has also contributed to various teaching initiatives in Church History, Digital Humanities, and Religious Studies and is actively involved in several academic committees and boards.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

— Present

Umeå University • Umeå, Sweden

Teaches and conducts research in Religious Studies and Theology.

Director

2015-01-01 — 2020-01-01

Humlab, Umeå University • Umeå, Sweden

Led research infrastructure unit within the field of Digital Humanities.

Chair

— Present

Swedish Association Sociology Religion • Umeå, Sweden

Chairs the national association focusing on sociology of religion.

Requirements for Umeå University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:2.5
IELTS
Listening
Required:5.5
Reading
Required:5.5
Writing
Required:5.5
Speaking
Required:5.5
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Writing
Required:20
Total
Required:90
PTE
Overall
Required:62
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) in relevant field At least 90 ECTS in the main subject area
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree certificate
  • Transcripts of records
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Copy of passport
  • Letter of Motivation (certain programs)
  • CV (certain programs)
Specialization Notes

Requirements are standard for Master's programs across Social Sciences and Humanities at Umeå. English 6 proficiency is the general rule.