Economics: Development Economics

In this course, you will be introduced to key issues in development. Why do some countries remain poor while others grow? What factors drive long-term improvements in living standards? We examine how economists approach these questions, focusing on theory, empirical data and real-world applications.

Core topics include economic growth, poverty, inequality, health, education, gender and environmental sustainability. A recurring theme is how individual decisions – shaped by institutions, constraints and expectations – aggregate into broader development outcomes. We also explore the role of coordination failures, public goods and market imperfections in shaping development trajectories. 

You will learn how to interpret empirical evidence, including experimental and quasi-experimental studies. We emphasise economic reasoning, critical thinking and real-world relevance. At the end of the course, you will be able to assess policy trade-offs, understand key debates in development economics and apply tools from other economics courses in a new context.

The course is taught through a combination of lectures and a few applied tutorials. Lectures introduce key economic concepts and theoretical frameworks, but also include time for in-class discussion of examples and current policy debates.

In addition, you participate in lab-based tutorials where you work hands-on with real-world development datasets to apply course concepts and develop empirical skills. These sessions complement the lectures and help you translate theory into practical analysis.

Active participation in all parts of the course is expected and encouraged.

You are assessment through a final exam and multiple assignments submitted throughout the course. The final exam tests your conceptual understanding, economic reasoning and your ability to apply the content learned throughout the course. The assignments include short problem sets, data exercises, or short written reflections. They are designed to help you reinforce key topics, give feedback during the course, and allow you to engage actively with the material. 

Prerequisites

General and at least 20 ECTS basic economics, of which at least 7.5 ECTS basic microeconomics. A course in basic international economics is recommended.

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 the application deadline (up to 165): 32 %.

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

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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.