International Development and Management - Master of Science programme

This interdisciplinary Master’s programme in International Development and Management provides advanced knowledge, and explores how global processes shape societies, economies and environments. You will gain a solid understanding of how development cooperation works in theory and practice – and how sustainable change can be achieved. 

The programme is designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds who want to work with international cooperation, global justice and sustainable development. It builds on your previous studies and experience, combining research-based teaching with applied training and critical reflection.

Throughout your studies, you will develop an analytical and reflective mindset that helps you understand complex global issues and navigate ethical and practical challenges in development management – understanding not only how change happens, but also how it can be led effectively and ethically. 

Language of instruction is English, and you study at the Department of Human Geography, in the city of Lund. The programme attracts students from all over the world, creating an open, international and collaborative learning environment. 

Teaching combines theoretical knowledge, applied research methods, and management tools and skills developed through lectures, seminars, workshops and group projects. You learn from researchers and practitioners who work with real-world development and management issues, and you apply your knowledge in case studies, simulations and fieldwork. 

In the first year, you are introduced to key concepts, methods and debates in international development and management. You deepen your knowledge of global health, environment and livelihoods, urbanisation and development practice. You also train your research and analytical skills through coursework in theory of science and research methodology. 

In the second year, you move from theory to practice. You carry out a field-based internship or project placement, often in collaboration with international organisations, NGOs or research institutes. It is up to you to find a company or organisation where you would like to do an internship. This is an opportunity to find a workplace that matches your interests and career goals.

The programme is examined with a Master’s thesis where you, based on your own interest, analyse a current development issue using theoretical and empirical tools. 

You will be equipped to analyse, evaluate and influence development processes – contributing to sustainable and equitable change in an increasingly interconnected world. 

The programme will prepare you for advanced professional roles in international development, sustainability, humanitarian work, management work and research.  

Your skills and knowledge will be useful within international organisations, government agencies, NGOs, private companies or academic institutions. It also provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies in development studies and related fields.

Prerequisites

A Bachelor’s degree equivalent to 180 credits. English course 6 (advanced proficiency)

Academic grades

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), relevant work experience, and a 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 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