The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Global Studies - Master of Science programme

Master's programme · 2 years · 120 credits

Two students working on an assignment together, writing and smiling

Description

Are you interested in issues regarding globalisation, conflict and social change?

What will I study?

This programme is an interdisciplinary social science master's programme which will give you a knowledge of globalisation, conflict and social change. You will gain an understanding of theories connected to processes of globalisation and transformation, which are analysed through various disciplinary frameworks. The programme presents major cultural, economic, political and socio-psychological theories and concepts which will make you able to make informed and comparative analyses of how globalisation is connected to conflict and social change.

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.

During the third term (third semester) you are free to choose to do an internship, exchange studies, or take elective courses. 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 masters, whether your goal is to stay in academia or find work in NGO's, private sector or public sector.

What happens after the programme?

The programme in global studies prepares you for a career as policy maker, trainer and practitioner working with global issues in government agencies, private companies or NGOs. It also prepares you for PhD studies.

After completing the Master of Science Programme in Global Studies, you will acquire a degree of Master of Science in Global 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 the Bachelor's degree.

For further information, please refer to our website http://graduateschool.sam.lu.se or send us an email: master [at] sam [dot] lu [dot] se.

Open for applications

Application opportunities

This programme is open for applications from 15 October 2024 to 15 January 2025.

Contact

Program coordinator

Email: master [at] sam [dot] lu [dot] se

Requirements and selection

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the programme the applicant must have the equivalent of a Swedish 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 B/6 (advanced) proficiency.

Selection criteria

The applicant’s estimated capacity to complete the programme is the primary criterion for selection. Students are selected on the basis of their previous study results (grades on courses and thesis in the Bachelor’s degree), proficiency in English and a statement of purpose.Since this a multidisciplinary programme it is essential to attain an even distribution among different majors within the group. The number of admitted applicants from one major shall not exceed 30 % of all students admitted to the programme. Hence the applicant’s major will be used as a selection criterion in case of many applicants from one major. The following main fields of study are eligible as majors: Gender Studies, Development Studies, Human Geography, Political Science, Social Work, Social Anthropology, Sociology and Sociology of Law.

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 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 2025

Day-time Lund, full time 100%

In English

Study period

29 August 2025 - 6 June 2027

Application

Last application date 2025-01-15

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.

When to apply for studies

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

ll applicants for the Master of Science programme in Global Studies must submit a statement of purpose, written in English. It should not exceed 3,500 characters including spaces. This corresponds to approximately one page. Be sure that your full name and the name of the Master's programme are included in the document.

What to include in your statement of purpose when applying for the Master of Science programme in Global Studies:

  • What are your reasons for applying for this programme? In what ways do you expect to contribute to the programme?
  • Critically assess the contention that we are experiencing a time of deglobalisation.

Watch on YouTube: How to apply for a Master's programme

Tuition fees

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 250 000

First payment: SEK 62 500

Convert currency – xe.com

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.


*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.

ARUA Scholarship

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.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

Information about scholarships from external organisations

Testimonials about the Master's in Global Studies