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Global Studies - Master of Science programme

Master's programme • 2 years • 120 credits

Are you interested in globalisation, conflict, and social change? The Master's programme in Global Studies at Lund University offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding some of the most pressing global challenges of our time.
Application dates
A group of students with a teacher.

Start

Autumn 2026

Duration

2 years

Level

Master's

Language

English

Place of study

Lund

Application dates

Throughout the programme, you will explore key cultural, economic, political, and socio-psychological theories that help explain processes of globalisation and transformation. You will learn how globalisation shapes conflict and drives social change, while developing strong analytical and research skills. 

What you will gain from the programme: 

  • You will learn about theories of globalisation and transformation.  
  • You will develop analytical skills to examine globalisation's connection to conflict and social change.  
  • You will learn research methods and the theory of science for social sciences.  
  • You will be able to develop intellectually and build a network of contacts. 

Global studies is an international programme. This means that lectures, seminars and exams will be in English. Lectures and seminars provides a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application. As a student you will engage in discussions, group work, and presentations to help you learn, understand, and communicate better. 

Campus Paradis: a central study environment in Lund

Campus Paradis is where most of Lund University's social science programmes are taught. The campus is centrally located in Lund, in a historic neighborhood. Many of the buildings here were formerly hospitals, which is why they have been given names such as Gamla kirurgen (Old Surgery) and Gamla barnsjukhuset (Old Children's Hospital). The buildings were constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries and are valuable from a cultural and historical perspective, giving the area a unique character.  

Another thing that distinguishes Campus Paradis from other parts of Lund University is the proximity between different study environments, libraries, and cafés, all surrounded by lush greenery and pleasant outdoor areas. In the area, you will find the Social Sciences Library (Sambib) and the University Library (UB), where you can borrow course literature and find a quiet place to study. Next to Sambib is Micrologen, where you can easily heat up your own lunch box. On campus, you will also find Samvetet, where the student union for social scientists is located. There are two cafés here: Café Eden and Karnas café. Here you can have a coffee, eat lunch, or take a break between lectures. Since Campus Paradis is centrally located in Lund, you are also close to restaurants, other cafés, and the central station.

The programme provide you with knowledge vital to policy makers, trainers and practitioners who work with global issues in government agencies, private firms and non-governmental organisations. The programme also sets a strong foundation for PhD studies if you wish to stay in academia.

Degree  

After completing the programme you get your degree in Master of Science in Global Studies (120 credits), with a major in:  

  • Gender Studies 
  • Development Studies 
  • Human Geography 
  • Political Science 
  • Social Work 
  • Social Anthropology 
  • Sociology 
  • Sociology of Law 

The major corresponds to the major in your Bachelor's degree. 

Autumn Semester 2026

This application round is recommended for international applicants.

Start

28 August 2026

28 Aug 2026

End

4 June 2028

4 Jun 2028

Form

Normal learning

Pace

Full time

Language

English

City

Lund

Good to know about applying for international Master's programmes

Most international Master's programmes require you to submit programme-specific documents as part of your application. Make sure to check the requirements carefully.

Prerequisites

A Bachelor’s degree with a major (i.e. at least 90 ECTS credits) in one of the following social sciences disciplines: Development studies, Gender Studies, Human Geography, Political Science, Social Work, Social Anthropology, Sociology, Sociology of Law or equivalent. English 6 (advanced) proficiency.

Selection criteria

The applicant’s estimated capacity to complete the programme is the primary criterion for selection. Students are selected on the basis of their previous study results (grades on courses and thesis in the Bachelor’s degree), proficiency in English and a statement of purpose.Since this a multidisciplinary programme it is essential to attain an even distribution among different majors within the group. The number of admitted applicants from one major shall not exceed 30 % of all students admitted to the programme. Hence the applicant’s major will be used as a selection criterion in case of many applicants from one major. The following main fields of study are eligible as majors: Gender Studies, Development Studies, Human Geography, Political Science, Social Work, Social Anthropology, Sociology and Sociology of Law.

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 270,000
First payment: SEK 67,500

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.

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

Contact us

Administration

Graduate school

Email: master@sam.lu.se