Political Science: International Political Economy and Development
How do power, markets, and global structures shape development? This course introduces you to international political economy and explores the politics of trade, finance, and justice between the Global North and South.
Start
Autumn 2026
Level
Bachelor's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
Course code
STVC05
This course is open to students in the BSc in Development Studies programme (BIDS) majoring in Political Science.
The course introduces the field of International Political Economy (IPE) with a focus on development, global inequality, and the political forces shaping the world economy. You will explore how economic and political processes interact and how different theories explain relations between states, markets, and societies.
The first part of the course examines key theories, perspectives, and debates that inform the study of development and power in the global political economy. The second part focuses on current issues such as finance and crises, trade and fair trade, multinational corporations and corporate responsibility, trade unions and global divisions of labour, and the greening of the economy.
Course literature
The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.
Course literature STVC05 (PDF, New tab)Teaching includes lectures, seminars, and written assignments. Active participation in discussions is central to the learning process. The course concludes with an individual essay that allows you to explore a topic of your own interest.
Course components
- Theories and perspectives in international political economy
- Development and global power relations
- Trade, finance, and economic governance
- Corporations, accountability, and global labour
- Climate, sustainability, and justice in the world economy
After completing the course, you will be able to analyse global development issues from a political and economic perspective and communicate your insights in both academic and applied contexts.
Entry requirements
General and passed at least 45 ECTS credits from the first year of the Bachelor's programme in Development Studies (BIDS).
Selection criteria
Seats are allocated according to: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 20 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 10 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 70 %.
Specific documentsTuition 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 31,250
First payment: SEK 31,250
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
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.
Discover the Paradis area
The Paradis neighbourhood is a green oasis right in the heart of Lund. It features a library, cafés and several study areas.

Contact us
Department of Political Science – Student counselling
Email: studievagledare@svet.lu.se
Department of Political Science: Assistant Head of Department for undergraduate and Master's education | Director of first and second cycle studies
Rikard Bengtsson
Email: rikard.bengtsson@svet.lu.se