Area studies
Degree programmes taught in English
Lund University offers four Master's programmes in area studies – also known as regional studies – taught in English. All programmes are interdisciplinary and taught at specialised centres and departments at different faculties.
Find out more about our programmes and studying area studies at Lund University below. Use the links to go to the programme pages for details on entry requirements, application procedures, tuition fees and more.
Bachelor's programmes in this subject area
We don't currently offer any Bachelor's programmes in area studies taught in English.
Master's programmes in this subject area
We offer the following Master's programmes in area studies.
- Asian Studies
- European Studies
- Politics and Society of the Contemporary Middle East (previously Middle Eastern Studies)
- East- and Central European Studies*
*This programme is offered every other year – applications will be accepted in autumn 2025 for 2026. The programme page will be available then.
Programmes in other subject areas
You may also be interested in the related degree programme(s) below.
Related Bachelor's programmes
Related Master's programmes
The links below take you to the programme webpages:
- Climate Change and Society
- Development Studies, Master's
- Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaption
- Environmental Management and Policy
- Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
- Global Studies
- Human Ecology – Culture, Power and Sustainability
- Human Geography – Urban, Economy, Ecology and Landscape
- International Development and Management
- Public Health
- Religious Roots of Europe – Nordic joint programme
Some of our Master's programmes have a unique interdisciplinary approach and accept students from a range of academic backgrounds.
You can also take a look at our full range of degree programmes.
Admissions FAQs
Quick answers to your questions about application and admissions.
Studying area studies
Programmes in area studies focus on specific geographical areas, exploring their social, political, historical and cultural dynamics. Drawing on interdisciplinary approaches from the humanities and social sciences, you will study regions such as Europe, Asia or the Middle East. You will gain broad insights tailored to your academic background and interests.
Through both theoretical and practical learning, you will be well prepared for a global career in research, government, NGOs and the private sector.
Get a glimpse of the subject area, programmes and student life below.
The Master's programmes in
- Asian Studies
- East- and Central European Studies and
- European Studies
are connected to two centres at the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology – the Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies and the Centre for Languages and Literature, respectively.
The Master's programme in Politics and Society of the Contemporary Middle East is offered by Graduate School, which is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies focuses on interdisciplinary education and research on the region, covering topics such as international relations, economic development and political issues.
It serves as a hub for students and researchers and is integrated into a large network of scholars and institutions in Asia and beyond. The centre also hosts a range of academic and public events, including seminars, conferences and exhibitions.
In addition to the programmes in European and East- and Central European Studies, the Centre for Languages and Literature offers programmes in:
- classical and modern languages
- linguistics
- literature
- film.
It also offers a wide range of stand-alone courses.
With hundreds of researchers and other staff and around 3,000 students, the Centre for Languages and Literature is a hub for dynamic, interdisciplinary learning and research in the heart of Lund.
Graduate School at the Faculty of Social Sciences offers interdisciplinary Master's programmes and stand-alone courses, drawing on expertise from across the University. The diverse student body, representing a range of social science backgrounds, creates a dynamic learning environment.
The first year focuses on profile and methods courses, while the second year allows you to tailor your studies through electives and other options, such as internships or study abroad. Thesis work is supervised by experts in the relevant departments, providing specialist guidance.
Chat with students in this subject area
You can chat with our student ambassadors on the Unibuddy app to get answers to your questions and find out more about student life.
If you have any questions for our current students or alumni in this subject area, see below. Not all degree programmes have ambassadors available for chat. However, you will probably be able to contact someone in a related subject.