Development Studies

Development Studies at Lund University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to understand and address complex global development challenges. The programme focuses on issues such as poverty reduction, sustainable development, social justice, and governance, preparing graduates for careers in international organizations, NGOs, government agencies, and the private sector. Students will explore diverse topics including economic development, human rights, environment and sustainability, gender equality, and policy analysis. The curriculum combines core courses, specialized electives, and opportunities for fieldwork or internships, fostering analytical thinking, problem-solving, and intercultural competence. Lectures, seminars, and collaborative projects encourage active participation and critical reflection. Students are also encouraged to engage with development practitioners and researchers through guest lectures and conferences, providing valuable insights into real-world applications. The programme emphasizes a global perspective, but also encourages local engagement and context-specific understanding. Graduates will possess the ability to analyze development processes critically, design effective interventions, and contribute to policy formulation at various levels. Lund University’s strong reputation in social sciences, coupled with its vibrant academic environment, ensures a stimulating learning experience. Upon completing the programme, students will be well-prepared for roles in development cooperation, policy analysis, research, and advocacy, contributing to sustainable and equitable global development.

Detailed Course Facts

• Free
• EUR 10000 Year (Non-EEA)

Please note that the cost of tuition is 90 000 SEK per year, the cost in Euro above is an estimate and not the real cost.

• English

Course Content

The programme is structured so that students get an intro -duction to the subject during year one (consisting of four 15 ECTS courses), acquire a specialisation through depth (30 ECTS in one of the four major disciplines) and width (30
ECTS optional courses) in year two, which can also be spent abroad, and further specialisation and preparation for the
working life (including an opportunity to do an internship or a minor field study) in year three.

The courses within the programme are: Development in a Historical Perspective – Economic, Social and Political Trans -formation (15 ECTS credits), Development Policy in Practice (15 ECTS credits), Development Theories (15 ECTS credits), Theory of Science and Research Methods – An Introduction (15 ECTS credits), selected courses in Lund or elsewhere (in total 60 ECTS), Development Cooperation in Practice (15 ECTS credits), Research Methods in Development Contexts (15 ECTS credits), Field Work, Internship and Re-search Overview (15 ECTS credits), Bachelor’s thesis (15 ECTS credits).

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 575 TOEFL iBT® test : 90

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

General and courses corresponding to the following Swedish Upper Secondary School Programs: History A and Social Studies A or History 1b/1a1+1a2 and Social Studies 1b/1a1+1a2

Completed secondary education and courses corresponding to the following Swedish Upper Secondary School Programs: Mathematics A and Civics A.

English B (advanced) language proficiency shall be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

• IELTS score of 6.5 (with no section less than 5.5)
• TOEFL paper-based score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in written test and a total score of 575; internet- based score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test and a total score of 90
• Cambridge/Oxford Advanced Certificate of Proficiency
• A Bachelors degree from a university where English is the only language of instruction, according to the International Handbook of Universities
• A pass on English course B (Swedish upper secondary school).

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Lund University.

Funding

Lund University Global Scholarship programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA (and Switzerland). You apply for a Lund University Global Scholarship after you have applied for the programme/or free-standing course you wish to study at Lund University.

Programme-specific scholarships

Some programmes may have specific scholarships connected only to the programme or the subject area.

Erasmus Mundus Action 1

Lund University is a partner in several Erasmus Mundus joint programmes (Action 1). As a student on these Master's programmes you can get a scholarship that can cover both tuition fees and living expenses. Details can be found on the Erasmus Mundus programme pages.

Erasmus Mundus Action 2

Lund University is a partner in several Erasmus Mundus Action 2 "lots".If you are from an eligible country you can apply for a scholarship to come to Lund University. Scholarships are available to academic staff, PhD students, Master's students and Bachelor's students and can cover both tuition fees and living expenses.

Swedish Institute scholarships

The Swedish Institute offers several scholarship programmes for international students studying at Bachelor's, Master's, PhD and post-doctoral levels.

Swedish Institute Study Scholarship:

The Swedish Institute Study Scholarships target highly qualified students across two categories:

Category 1: Students from the following 12 developing countries: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Category 2: Students with citizenship from countries on the DAC list (note there are some exceptions).

For full information and details please review the Swedish Institute Study Scholarship webpage.

Other Swedish Institute Scholarships:

• Visby Programme - Swedish Institute Baltic Sea Region
• Swedish Institute Scholarships for East Europe
• Swedish-Turkish Programme

For full information and details please review the Swedish Institute Scholarship information webpage.

US Student Finance

Lund University is a participating institution in the US Government Federal William D. Ford Direct Loan Program for undergraduate, Masters and doctoral programmes. This includes the Stafford Loans and the Graduate Plus Loans. Please note that this loan programme is only available to US citizens or eligible non-citizens. Read more about US student finance and Lund University.

Development Studies at Lund University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of development issues worldwide. The program aims to equip students with analytical skills and practical knowledge to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, sustainable development, and social change. The curriculum combines courses from various disciplines, including political science, economics, human geography, and environmental studies, providing a broad perspective on development theories and practices. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research methodology, and policy analysis, preparing students to analyze development processes and contribute effectively to development initiatives.

Students within the program have opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research projects, collaborate with NGOs and development agencies, and participate in fieldwork during their studies. The curriculum also includes a focus on current global challenges, such as climate change, migration, and urbanization, reflecting the dynamic and interconnected nature of development issues. The program is designed to foster a nuanced understanding of local, national, and international development contexts, encouraging students to think globally while acting locally.

Lund University’s strong links with international organizations and the development sector provide students with access to internships, networking events, and guest lectures by experts. The program offers both a Master’s degree (e.g., Master of Science in Development Studies) and specializations within the field, allowing students to tailor their education to specific areas of interest. Graduates from the program are well prepared for careers in policy analysis, research, development cooperation, and advocacy work, working for governments, NGOs, international agencies, or academic institutions. The university’s vibrant academic environment, combined with its commitment to sustainable development and social justice, makes it an ideal place for students passionate about making a tangible impact on global development challenges.