Economic Change, Labour Market and the Population

How has Sweden’s labour market evolved in the post-war era? What explains the high participation of women in the workforce, and why do young people and immigrants face challenges in employment today? This course helps you understand the long-term changes in Sweden’s economy, labour market and population.

You’ll study key developments since the 1970s, including shifts in welfare systems, education and employment structures. Special focus is placed on groups most affected by these changes – women, immigrants and youth. The course also compares Swedish experiences with those in other European and North American countries, offering a broader international perspective.

By combining historical analysis with current relevance, the course equips you to critically assess labour market trends and demographic shifts. It’s ideal for students interested in economics, social policy or history, and provides a strong foundation for further studies.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, exercises and project work. You’ll engage with historical data and policy debates, and present your findings in both written and oral formats.

Assessment is based on written exams and other mandatory activities, both individual and group-based. You’ll be evaluated on your ability to analyse labour market developments and demographic changes, and to communicate your insights clearly.

The course is taught in English and requires only general eligibility – no prior university studies are needed. It can be taken as part of a programme or as a stand-alone course. If you’re curious about how economic change affects society and want to build analytical skills with historical depth, this course is a valuable starting point.

Prerequisites

General requirements for university studies in Sweden

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.

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 15,000
First payment: SEK 15,000

Convert currency – xe.com

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.