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Development Studies: Development Theories

Course · 15 credits

Description

The course is a compulsory component of the Bachelor of Science programme in Development Studies, 180 credits.

The course consists of two main parts. Part one consist of a general presentation of the main theories of economic and socio-political development applied in the social sciences since the 1950s. These classical theories are placed in a historical context to highlight the issues they addressed. Special emphasis is placed on the theories that explicitly ask why certain countries develop while others do not. Political processes and theories of democratisation and social change are highlighted. Special emphasis is also placed on theories that try to explain why the income gaps between and within countries remain and their impact on development in a time of increased global integration.

The second part of the course consists of specialised study of how present-day development issues are addressed theoretically by key researchers. The main elements of this part of the course include the role of agriculture, the link between growth, poverty, equality and gender equality, the role of public institutions, international trade, foreign aid, and issues concerning health and the environment. Major emphasis is placed on the change over time with regard to perceived obstacles, opportunities and results of development, and om how theories of development have adapted to altered circumstances.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to apply theoretical insights and perspectives on contemporary development trends and events. The relationship between theoretical perspectives and empirical observations is discussed and analysed critically during seminars.

Closed for applications

Application opportunities

Contact

Department of Political Science

Visiting address
Eden, Allhelgona kyrkogata 14, Lund

Postal address
Box 52, 221 00 Lund

https://www.svet.lu.se/en

Daniel Alfons

Study advisor

+46 46 222 89 50

daniel [dot] alfons [at] svet [dot] lu [dot] se

Mats Janér

Study advisor

+46 46 222 80 48

mats [dot] janer [at] svet [dot] lu [dot] se

Requirements and selection

Entry requirements

General requirements and studies equivalent of courses Civics 1b or 1a1+1a2 and English 6 from Swedish Upper Secondary School.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.

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 Spring Semester 2024

Day-time Lund, full time 100%

In English

Study period

15 January 2024 - 19 March 2024

Application

You can only apply for this course in the 'Swedish student' application round. Find out more: Applying for studies – when to apply

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

Tuition fees

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 25 000

First payment: SEK 25 000

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

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

Information about scholarships from external organisations