Global Development, Population and Economic Change - Master's Programme (Two Years)

The Master’s programme in Global Development, Population and Economic Change gives you the tools to understand how societies transform over time and why these changes matter today. You will explore production and distribution, living standards, institutions, and demographic shifts in a global economic perspective. The programme spans two years, with a possibility to finish after one year, and combines theoretical depth with practical analytical skills.

You choose one of three specialisations:

• Economic Development – analyse growth dynamics and development strategies in emerging economies.
• Population Studies – study demographic change and its impact on labour markets, health, and social systems.
• Economic History – investigate long-term economic trends and use historical insights to address current challenges.

This programme is designed for those who want to understand global change and contribute to solutions for sustainable development. You will join an international learning environment and gain skills that open doors to research and professional careers worldwide.

One year option available

The full programme compromises of two years of full-time studies, but it is possible to leave after one year with a one-year Master's degree (60 ECTS credits).

Information about programme name change

The Master's programme Economic Growth, Population and Development changed name to Global Development, Population and Economic Change. The changes apply for studies starting autumn semester 2025 and onwards.

The programme is organised into three different tracks. When applying for the programme, you also select which track you are specialising in. The different tracks share courses to some extent.

Economic Development Track

Analyse growth dynamics and development strategies in emerging economies.

Economic Development

Population Studies Track

Study demographic change and its impact on labour markets, health, and social systems.

Population Studies

Economic History Track

Investigate long-term economic trends and use historical insights to address current challenges.

Economic History

Your learning experience combines lectures, seminars, and hands-on exercises with independent research. You will write essays, present findings, and engage in discussions based on international research. Assessment methods include written exams, seminar papers, and your Master’s theses, which involves defining a research question, conducting analysis, and defending your work.

Teaching is research-driven: all instructors are active scholars in a strong academic environment at the Department of Economic History, one of the largest in the world. You will learn both qualitative and quantitative methods, including econometrics and demographic analysis, and gain experience with statistical software. Group work and international perspectives are central, preparing you for collaboration across cultures. Tutorials and electives allow you to tailor your studies to your interests, and an optional internship offers real-world experience.

Graduates are highly sought after for roles requiring analytical and critical thinking. You will be prepared for careers in international organisations, government agencies, NGOs, consultancy, and private firms where expertise in global development, demographic trends, and economic analysis is essential. Typical positions include policy analyst, researcher, data specialist, and advisor on social and economic change.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies in economic history, population studies, development economics, and beyond. Your ability to combine historical insight with modern analytical tools will make you competitive in addressing global challenges such as inequality, migration, and sustainable growth. Employers value graduates who can interpret complex data, communicate clearly, and apply knowledge to real-world problems – skills you will develop throughout this programme.

Prerequisites

An undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) with at least 60 credits in economics, economic history, history, statistics or the equivalent. English course 6 (advanced proficiency)

Selection criteria

Based on previous university/college studies and Statement of Purpose.

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

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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