Economics - Master's Programme (Two Years)
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
The Master’s programme in Economics offers an in-depth exploration of contemporary economic theories, concepts, and methodologies, equipping you with advanced skills for economic analysis, application and research. Through rigorous and research-driven instruction, you'll master modern economic theory and cutting-edge tools for analysing data, allowing you to conduct sophisticated economic analysis and econometric studies.
A key advantage of the programme, setting it apart from similar programmes at other universities, is that you will have the opportunity to specialise in any of the major fields of economics. The programme offers a wide range of elective courses (60 credits in total), allowing you to tailor your education to your own field of interest. You will further write not just one, but two Master’s theses, giving you the chance to explore different topics and research techniques, while benefitting from extensive supervision from dedicated teachers.
In total, the programme offers a comprehensive package of knowledge, skills and research tools crucial for understanding and analysing the key economic issues of today and tomorrow.
The programme offers a generous course package, allowing you to tailor it to your individual interests. Unlike most comparable programmes, you will be able to specialise in all major fields of economics:
- Econometrics
- Financial Economics
- International and Development Economics
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Public Economics with Health and Labour Economics
In addition to the unique offer of elective courses, your ability to tailor the programme to your own interests is further reinforced by the fact that you will write two separate Master’s theses: one at the end of year one, and another at the end of year two. This means that you can take on different research questions, methodologies and fields, allowing you to demonstrate a variety of skills and specialist knowledge to a future employer.
Compared to Bachelor’s studies in economics, the pace is higher, and the material more advanced. This means that students must be prepared to work hard. On the other hand, the rewards are also greater, and especially after the demanding first semester of mandatory core courses, most students will notice that their skills and knowledge have increased dramatically. In a typical day, you may attend a lecture, work with fellow students on a group assignment, present a short paper at a seminar, and end the day by having fika with your fellow students.
There is a broad and extensive labour market for economists both nationally and internationally. The demand for the competence of economists with a Master’s degree is relatively constant over time or even growing. You will be qualified for advanced positions within both the private and public sectors.
Graduates find employment in government authorities and public institutions, in large companies, in the financial sector, in private research centres, in the health sector and in many international institutions such as central banks, government departments, the OECD, the EU, the World Bank, development agencies, economic consultancies, financial organisations and international corporations. The programme also provides excellent preparation for doctoral studies.
Prerequisites
A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts Degree (or equivalent) and at least 60 credits in economics. These must include courses in intermediate microeconomics and econometrics (quantitative methods), or equivalent knowledge obtained through other courses. English course 6 (advanced proficiency)
GMAT and GRE aptitude tests
We do not require a GMAT or GRE score but a well-balanced score may strengthen your application to this particular programme.
GMAT code: School of Economics and Management, Lund University: 8VR-PL-07. Lund University does not have a GRE code, but you are welcome to scan and upload officially issued documentation of your test result directly to University Admissions in Sweden.
Selection criteria
Selection is based on academic merits from university studies. In the assessment, special weight will be given to grades on courses that prepare students for the curriculum of this study programme.
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 300,000
First payment: SEK 75,000
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
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.
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.
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.