Development Studies - Master of Science programme
Master's programme · 2 years · 120 credits
Description
Are you interested in working with development related issues, with a focus on human development, poverty reduction and sustainability?
What will I study?
This interdisciplinary master's programme in social sciences deals with key issues in development as well as different theoretical perspectives to increase your understanding of the preconditions for and content of development. The objective of the programme is to provide you with the background knowledge and concrete skills to understand, assess and work in development-related fields, whether in direct poverty reduction or in other aspects of social and institutional development.
The medium of instruction is English. This means that lectures and seminars will be given in English and that examinations (including the master's thesis) will be in English.
Programme structure
In the first year of the programme (terms 1 and 2), you will take courses that introduce the main themes of the programme, along with training in research methods. In the second year (terms 3 and 4), you will have the opportunity to tailor your education: in term 3, through an internship, exchange studies, or elective courses; and in term 4, by writing your master’s thesis in your major.
Term 1
- Theories and Issues in Development, 15 credits
- Designing Research in Social Sciences, 7.5 credits
- Methods in Development Studies, 7.5 credits
Term 2
- Historical Aspects of Development, 15 credits
- Elective courses in research methods and/or theory of science, 15 credits
Term 3
Elective courses, internship or exchange studies, 30 credits
Term 4
Master's thesis in the student's major, 30 credits
For further information on these courses, please visit our course catalogue.
What happens after the programme?
After completing the Master of Science Programme in Development Studies, you will acquire a degree of Master of Science in Development Studies (120 credits), with a major in one of the following disciplines: Gender Studies, Development Studies, Human Geography, Political Science, Social Work, Social Anthropology, Sociology, or Sociology of Law. The major corresponds to the major in your Bachelor's degree.
The programme in development studies will prepare you for PhD studies as well as for a career in a role as policy maker, trainer or practitioner, in government agencies, private firms and NGOs. You will be given ample opportunities for developing your intellectual capacities, expanding your skills and competencies, building up your network, as well as preparing for your life after your master's studies.
For further information, please refer to our website or send us an email at master [at] sam [dot] lu [dot] se (master[at]sam[dot]lu[dot]se).
Programme sheets
Applications will open on the
2025-10-16
When to apply
Learn more about our application periods and when to apply for studies at Lund University.
Contact
Program coordinator
Email: master [at] sam [dot] lu [dot] se
Requirements and selection
Entry requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree with a major (i.e. at least 90 ECTS credits) in one of the following social sciences disciplines: Development studies, Gender Studies, Human Geography, Political Science, Social Work, Social Anthropology, Sociology, Sociology of Law or equivalent.
- English course 6 (advanced proficiency).
Selection criteria
English language requirements
Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the document deadline, in order to be considered for admission.
How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements
Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:
Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
Apply
Start Autumn Semester 2026
Day-time Lund, full time 100%
In English
Study period
28 August 2026 - 4 June 2028
Application
Will open for applications 2025-10-16
How to apply
Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.
Step 1: Apply online
- Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
- Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website - Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.
Step 2: Submit documents
- Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
- Get all your documents ready:
- official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
- official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
- passport/ID (all applicants) and
- proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
- Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
- Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.
* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below.
* Svensk student?
Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se
Programme-specific documents
In addition to the documents mentioned under Step 2, you must also submit an application form including:
- a list of courses in your qualifying major
- GPA
- a statement of purpose
You’ll find the application form and further instructions on the following page:
How to apply for our master's programme in Development Studies – graduateschool.sam.lu.se
Tuition fees
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 270 000
First payment: SEK 67 500
Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Application fee
If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.
- Paying your application fee – universityadmissions.se
- Exemptions from paying the application fee – universityadmissions.se
- Convert currency – xe.com
*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.
Scholarships & funding
Lund University Global Scholarship programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarships
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University.
External scholarships
Testimonials
"The programme gives you all the skills you will need"
Zenat from Ghana
"The programme went beyond my expectations"
Bénédicte's from Mauritius
"The programme helps me get ready for the labour market"
Michal from Poland