Berghs School of Communication
At Berghs, we love all forms of communication and are compelled onwards by people fulfilling their potential. Our goal is to keep educating the top communicators of tomorrow, something we've been busy doing since 1941.
Berghs is a world-leading school in communication, known for consistently maintaining a high creative standard and strong innovative power. We have been named "School of the Year" seven times in the international Future Lions competition in Cannes and have, on average, ranked fourth out of one hundred in the global school ranking by One Show over the past eight years. This highlights our students' ability to continuously explore and their creative potential.
Every award and achievement reflects our commitment to maintaining a high standard over time. We strive to create a culture that values creative problem-solving together. Our students are highly sought after, as they quickly translate their knowledge into action, and the vast majority secure jobs within six months of completing their education.
Berghs' pedagogical approach is dynamic and constantly evolving with our teachers and course leaders. We continuously test new tools and methods and have successfully developed a teaching model built on the following key components:
Action-Based Learning
Action-based learning is hands-on learning. We learn through doing, not just theory—such as working with real client cases. This approach gives participants insight into practical knowledge application, collaboration, and group dynamics. It follows the principle that adults learn best through experience. By engaging in practical work—individually or in teams—participants strengthen their ability to make informed decisions. We view the learning process as iterative, encouraging testing, evaluation, and improvement. Mistakes become lessons, and reflection completes the learning journey.
Perspective
Embracing different perspectives means fostering inclusion and diversity. By involving a wide range of instructors who bring unique viewpoints and bringing together students with different professional backgrounds and experiences, we enhance creativity and understanding.
Empathy and respect are crucial in challenging students' thought patterns, promoting critical thinking and deeper discussions. Inclusion ensures that every individual feels seen and heard, strengthening self-confidence and motivation to participate actively.
Andragogy
Andragogy refers to learning principles and methods tailored for adults, as opposed to pedagogy, which applies to children. It emphasizes adults' needs, experiences, and motivational factors, creating more relevant and engaging learning experiences.
Our Course Leaders
We strive to be at the forefront of education and pedagogy. All course leaders undergo a pedagogical onboarding program, “LAB” (Learning According to Berghs), which is based on the following principles:
- Applied learning, reflection, and feedback are central to our approach.
- We evaluate theories and models pragmatically—based on how well they work in practice.
- We use assignments, workshops, and group case studies to share experiences.
- We have no exams and minimal theory. Instead, we focus on real, case-based challenges where discussion and collaboration take center stage.
Communication is a central part of our lives. We explore, expand, and educate all aspects of communication here at Berghs. A place for learning, collaboration, and development. The conditions for communication, sometimes called the terms of communication, change as society evolves, primarily through technological innovation. Berghs has always strived to be at the forefront of meeting these changes and influencing and steering their effects. This shapes how we choose to view AI.
Artificial intelligence is transforming large parts of our society. Ethical, philosophical, and even existential questions will be brought to the forefront. We know that our employees, participants, students, and clients will be deeply engaged in these conversations and likely hold various viewpoints. At Berghs, we choose to focus on the opportunities and responsibilities that come with different types of AI tools linked to our core competencies in communication, creativity, leadership, urban development, and innovation.
Here, we aim to be the best. Continuous development is the only constant in a time of change. Curiosity about possibilities combined with respect for the essential drives our approach to AI, as with previous and future technological shifts. Always with human beings at the forefront.
Our 4 guidelines:
- See opportunities. We value allowing everyone to discover and learn to use AI tools in their professional roles.
- Understand obligations. Using AI tools means seizing opportunities and understanding the obligations to consider relevant laws, regulations, and policies.
- Stimulate learning. Berghs is a place for learning. Solving tasks with the help of AI tools is still learning and developing. Delegating the entire solution to artificial intelligence is entirely different; it is to avoid learning and eventually become obsolete.
- Build trust. Communication, both as a product and a profession, is about trust. The responsibility for completed work, whether strategic, creative, or both, lies with us as individuals. Artificial intelligence can never be held responsible for its mistakes and shortcomings.
Berghs is a values-driven company. We care about the society that we work in and keep ourselves continuously updated on challenges and solutions that are connected to both our environment and people. We work in an inclusive way and want to contribute to solving real problems. Two of our core values are development and inclusion, which means that we are open to change and finding creative ways of working.
Core values
At Berghs, we believe in integration – among students, programs, disciplines, subjects, the industry, agencies, entrepreneurs, and organizations. No silos.
We stand up for people’s equal worth and are convinced that diversity and inclusion create the optimal circumstances for learning and creativity.
Together, we create a safe environment where creativity can thrive and we dare to test new ideas.
We believe in the positive effects of a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and different ways of thinking and solving problems.
Berghs is a values-driven company that cares about the society we operate in. We stay informed about challenges and solutions concerning both the environment and people. We work inclusively and strive to contribute to solving real-world problems. Our two guiding principles are to develop and include, meaning we embrace change and constantly seek creative ways to work.
Our values apply to everyone—students, teachers, and employees at Berghs:
- We stand up for the equal value of all people and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion create the best conditions for learning and creativity.
- Together, we create a safe environment where creativity thrives, and we dare to test new ideas.
- We believe in the positive impact of diverse skills, experiences, and different ways of thinking and solving problems.
- We uphold an equal and inclusive culture, demonstrating through words and actions that we support one another.
- We harness the power of creative problem-solving and teamwork.
- We care about the well-being, engagement, and responsibility of all employees in the workplace.
- How we treat each other matters—we share knowledge, collaborate, and support one another.
- We value our relationships with students, course participants, and lecturers, ensuring they have a positive experience with us.
- We focus on delivering education of the highest quality so that everyone can fully benefit from what we teach.
When evaluating potential projects or partnerships, we ask two key questions:
- Does the company/organization/brand have an inclusive business model?
- If not, can Berghs influence their core values in a positive way?
If the answer to both questions is no, there is no foundation for collaboration.
Every contribution shapes Berghs, and everyone's actions matter—everything communicates!
Quality is at the core of everything we do, as excellence in delivery and content is essential for the growth and success of our institution.
- Every course and program has a designated course or program manager available to participants.
- Our courses are built on up-to-date, industry-relevant content.
- Participants have the opportunity to learn directly from professionals working in the industry.
- All lessons are led by a responsible teacher or instructor.
- If participants need to share feedback or report quality concerns during their studies, they can do so directly to the Course Manager or through the Education Coordinator.
- Our facilities and digital platforms are designed to provide optimal learning conditions.
- Course plans and learning objectives are fully transparent to all participants.
Berghs is a member of Almega Utbildningsföretagen and has a quality assurance system that meets their strict standards. We uphold high requirements in terms of labor market relevance, organization, learning, competence, structure, method development, performance tracking, and quality assurance. In our latest review, our commitment to continuously adapting courses to the evolving needs of the industry was highlighted. Our work with "The Inner Development Goals" and our focus on AI in education demonstrate Berghs' position at the forefront of educational methodology.
The majority of our full-time programs in Swedish meet the strict requirements set by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (Yrkeshögskolan). These programs are designed to fulfill real workforce needs, ensuring that all education within this framework leads to employment or entrepreneurship, with active industry involvement in both design and execution.
Financially, Berghs has maintained stability over the years, resulting in a strong credit rating. Our company holds a credit class 5 rating, the highest classification, as verified by Syna (experts in credit information and market analysis). Achieving this requires a long-term, transparent, and stable approach.
Berghs is part of AcadeMedia, the leading education provider in Scandinavia. AcadeMedia operates across the entire education spectrum, and we are part of its adult education sector, with a vision to lead the development of future education.
Learn more about AcadeMedia’s quality assurance here: https://academedia.se/hallbarhet/kvalitet/
Berghs School of Communication is an authorised training provider through Almega Utbildningsföretagen. The authorisation is a mark of quality that demonstrates that our operations and quality assurance processes have been reviewed and approved according to the industry's high standards.
The authorisation covers, among other areas, quality in pedagogy, method development, labor market relevance, results monitoring, and systematic quality assurance. For us, it is a confirmation of our long-term commitment to developing educational programs that meet the needs of both individuals and the industry.
We see learning as something that must always be relevant, challenging, and closely connected to real-world practice - and this authorisation strengthens our ongoing efforts to maintain a high standard in everything we do.
Berghs was founded in 1941 by Gösta and Irma Bergh. The school was originally named Reklamtekniska skolan (School of Advertising Design) and focused on subjects such as decoration, illustration, and advertisement design. The school quickly began awarding diplomas to both advertising and marketing consultants, addressing the needs of both agencies and companies. In the 1970s, Berghs started offering both day and evening courses, expanded to distance learning in the 1980s, and introduced customized training programs in the early 1990s.
On July 1, 2000, we became Berghs School of Communication and over the years, have grown a strong international reputation. Throughout the years, Berghs has maintained a high level of quality and the ability to develop new, relevant courses that future-proof skills.
Management & Advisory Boards
Berghs is an independent school of communication that offers education in strategy, creation, and innovation.
- Arman Teimouri Embracer
- Clara Uddman, Save-our-Souls
- Filippa Orback, Teliacompany
- Iman Hazheer, Empire
- Isabella Rönnmark, Apotek hjärtat
- Johan Helander – Familjen
- Katinka Hollenberg, Fotografiska
- Lydia Wålsten, Skattebetalarna
- Magnus Norlander, Bold Scandinavia
- Magnus Norman, NoA
- Mandarva Stenborg, Abby World
- Marcus Berggren, Redbull
- Maria Lashari, 1000WORLDS
- Olle Jansson, Redgert Comms
- Paul Morel, Vattenfall
- Paul Morell, PostNord
- Rasmus Keger, Navisalma design
- Rickard Beskow, Åkestam Holst
- Silla Levin, Creative leadership
- Sofia Syren, NordicFeel Group
- Viktor Einarsson, Uncommon studio
- Åsa Kellner, Sveriges Radio
The Advisory Board is led by Camilla Wallander (CEO) with the participation of the school’s management and program directors.
- Andreas Conradi, Senior Business Manager, Service Design, TCS Pace Port Amsterdam
- Michael Aneto, Chief Design Officer, SAI, Amsterdam
- Patrik Hamilton Walsh, CEO Glotal, Stockholm
- Erika Lauro, Product Designer Babbel, Berlin
- Chris Lawrence, SVP Marketing, Einride, Stockholm
- Tobias Lindborg, Associate Creative Director, TBWA \ Media Arts Lab, Los Angeles - New York
- Christine Rainford, Business Lead Advertising, Brand & Content, Ogilvy, Zürich
- Jane Ruffino, Founder and Content Designer, Character, Stockholm
Berghs International Advisory Board is led by Marie Alani from Berghs.
Berghs Advisory Board on Diversity Equity Inclusion Belonging has been established as part of Berghs' effort to accelerate the inclusion work. The mission of the Advisory Board is to work to concretize activities that make a difference, contribute to expanding the networking, and develop concepts and tools that lead to the communications industry being represented by more people with diverse perspectives.
- Binette Seck, Changer's Tech, and more
- Christina Knight, Mad Woman Academy, and more
- Helena Westin, board member & activist
- Jibriil Hassan, Creed Media
- Roshanak Fatahian, Forsman & Bodenfors, All Of Us
- Sami Ibrahim, Universal Music Group
- Shilan Shewki, INGO
The Board is led by Marie Alani, Executive Dean.
Authorised Education Provider
Berghs School of Communication is an authorised education provider through Almega Utbildningsföretagen. This authorisation is a mark of quality that demonstrates that our operations and quality assurance processes have been reviewed and approved according to the industry's high standards.
The authorisation confirms that our organisation and quality assurance work have been assessed and approved in accordance with the stringent criteria set by the education and training industry.
