Cultural Criminology - Master of Science programme

Cultural criminology understands crime and control as embedded in society, not separate from it.

This two-year Master’s programme gives you the tools to understand crime, deviance and social control from a cultural perspective. You study how norms, emotions and power shape behaviour and how societies define what is “normal” or “deviant”.

Combining sociology, social anthropology and critical criminology, the programme examines how crime is experienced by those involved, how media portray criminality, and how institutions such as courts, prisons and law enforcement respond.

Rather than focusing on statistics, you analyse the meanings behind actions – from graffiti and corruption to online harassment – and how these are shaped by culture. Traditional criminology tends to see crime as something individual and separate from society. Cultural criminology understands crime and control as part of broader cultural structures and societal order. Actions that appear pointless or destructive can have deep meaning for those involved. This is a central insight in the department’s research and an important part of the teaching.

The programme prepares you for academic work or professional roles where cultural understanding is essential. It is the only programme of its kind in Europe, grounded in research in criminology, social anthropology and cultural sociology at the Department of Sociology.

The Department of Sociology

The course is offered by the Department of Sociology in the picturesque Paradiset campus area in Lund. The building combines modern lecture halls, group rooms, and study spaces – just a short walk from the Social Sciences Library (Sambib) and the University Library (UB), several popular cafés and the city centre.

The programme is taught on campus in Lund and delivered entirely in English. Your learning will take place through a mix of lectures, seminars, group work and field‑based methods such as interviews and participant observation.

Throughout the programme, you will work with qualitative data including texts, images and online material. The study environment encourages both critical thinking and creativity, and you will develop strong methodological skills while learning to communicate your findings clearly to different audiences.

In the third semester, you can choose elective courses, complete an internship or study abroad. The final semester is devoted to your Master’s thesis.

This programme prepares you for work in crime prevention, law enforcement, policy development, media, and research.
You will gain a deep understanding of how cultural factors influence crime and control, which is valuable in roles that require analytical thinking and cultural awareness.

Graduates may also continue to doctoral studies or pursue careers in academia, public service or NGOs. The programme does not train you for specific professions, but equips you with transferable skills in research, analysis and communication.

Prerequisites

A Bachelor’s degree with a major (i.e. at least 90 ECTS credits) in one of the following social sciences disciplines: Sociology, Social Anthropology or equivalent. English course 6 (advanced proficiency).

Selection criteria

The applicants 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 Bachelor’s degree essay), proficiency in English and letter of intent.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 270,000
First payment: SEK 67,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

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

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) 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 Scholarship: Global professionals

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden. 

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. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries. 

External scholarships