Human Geography: Geographies of Economies - Transforming Places, People and Production

This advanced course introduces you to key debates and analytical perspectives in economic geography. You study how economic transformations unfold across different spatial and institutional contexts, and why cities, regions and nations develop along different paths. The course examines how globalisation shapes firms, industries and labour markets, and why some regions experience growth while others face restructuring and decline.

You learn how different theoretical approaches in economic geography explain these patterns, from global value chains and agglomeration dynamics to the role of institutions, innovation and policy. The course also strengthens your ability to critically evaluate dominant development models and understand their historical and political roots.

Throughout the course, you analyse contemporary research and classic cases, and engage with debates that influence policy, labour markets and regional development.

The course is taught within the first term of the Master's programme in Human Geography and is also offered as a freestanding course. Teaching is in English and takes place on Lund campus at the Department of Human Geography.

Teaching consists of lectures, seminars and project work. Seminars are designed for reflective discussion, and active participation is expected. You analyse scientific texts, compare theoretical approaches and relate them to real cases of industrial change, regional development or shifts in labour markets. You also practise advanced academic skills such as critical evaluation of sources, analytical writing and proper referencing techniques.

Assessment includes one individual take-home exam and two group seminar activities.

You will study at the Department of Human Geography at Geocentrum I in central Lund – a place that brings together lecturers, researchers and students from all over the world in a stimulating and international study environment.

After completing the course, you have strengthened your ability to assess theoretical approaches, interpret empirical cases and communicate research-based insights.

These skills are valuable for further studies within human geography, regional development, economic geography or related fields. They also build competence relevant to research-oriented work, policy analysis, urban and regional planning, and roles that deal with economic change, labour markets or regional development strategies.

Prerequisites

At least 150 ECTS credits, including a Bachelor thesis in Human Geography (or the equivalent). English course 6/B.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

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 16,875
First payment: SEK 16,875

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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.