Economy and Society: The Global South - Comparative Economic Development since 1945

This course gives you the tools to analyse economic development in low-income countries after World War II. You’ll explore why development has taken different paths across regions, and why progress remains uneven.

You’ll study key indicators of development – such as income distribution, social transformation and economic growth – and learn how they are used to measure change. The course also introduces major theories of development and shows how they have influenced strategies and policies over time.

By comparing experiences across Africa, Asia and Latin America, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Global South. The course is taught in English and is part of the BSc programme Economy and Society. It is open to students with general eligibility for university studies in Sweden.

You’ll take part in lectures, seminars and group work that help you build a critical and comparative understanding of development. You’ll learn to evaluate data, discuss ideas clearly and reflect on how knowledge is used in society.

Assessment includes written assignments, exams and seminar presentations. You’ll be expected to analyse development trends, apply theoretical frameworks and communicate your findings in both written and oral form.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to explain how economic development has evolved in the Global South since 1945 – and how theory, policy and history interact in shaping today’s development landscape.

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 16,250
First payment: SEK 16,250

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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.