Psychology - Master of Science programme

The programme is based on a scientific approach and current research in psychology. You will develop your ability to understand and analyse how people think, feel, develop and interact in different contexts.

The programme is suitable for those who want to contribute to knowledge development in psychology and deepen their understanding of how psychological research can illuminate and explain human and social phenomena. You will acquire tools to analyse complex problems and develop solutions based on scientific knowledge and current research. 

During the programme, you will have the opportunity to delve deeper into several areas of psychology, including cognitive neuroscience and developmental, social, personality, and work and organisational psychology. You will be taught by active researchers, which gives the programme a strong research connection and foundation in current science. The department's research environment is characterised by broad methodological expertise with access to modern research infrastructure. Here, we conduct studies using methods ranging from neurophysiological measurements to advanced computational methods and modelling, behavioural studies, surveys and field studies. This breadth creates good conditions for collaboration and is an opportunity to immerse yourself in different areas of psychology.

Teaching consists of lectures, seminars, group work and independent projects. The programme is research-oriented and based on current theories and empirical evidence. You will receive guidance from teachers and researchers at the department and study in a stimulating and international environment that encourages independent and critical thinking. The studies are conducted in a collaborative environment where you are inspired to exchange ideas and perspectives with both students and researchers.  

During the first semester, the focus is on scientific theory and research methods. You then choose advanced courses in some of the core areas of psychology. While studying these courses, you will continue to develop your skills in methodology and analysis in order to strengthen your ability to investigate complex research questions and translate theoretical knowledge into practical research work.  

The programme concludes with an independent degree project in which you plan, conduct and present your own research study in the form of a Master's thesis. The Master's thesis leads to a Master of Science degree in psychology. 

The language of instruction is English. 

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 provides you with a strong academic foundation and in-depth knowledge of psychology, with a clear focus on research and scientific thinking. The programme prepares you for postgraduate studies where you can contribute to new insights into how people think, feel, develop and interact – and help shape the future of psychological research.  

At the same time, the programme prepares you for skilled professional roles outside academia. Your ability to understand human behaviour through scientific analysis and methodology is sought after and valued in many sectors, including government agencies, business and non-profit organisations.

Possible career paths include areas such as education, health, social innovation, HR, communication, policy development and change management. There is also a growing demand for psychological expertise in technology and IT, for example in user experience (UX), AI development and digital ethics. You will develop skills that are relevant in a rapidly changing world – critical and research-based thinking and the ability to understand societal change.  

Please note that the Master's programme in Psychology does not lead to a psychologist's licence. 

Prerequisites

A Bachelor’s degree with a major (i.e. at least 90 ECTS credits) in Psychology or equivalent, including at least 15 ECTS in psychological research methods and statistics. English course 6 (advanced proficiency).

Selection criteria

The applicants 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 Bachelor’s degree essay), proficiency in English 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 270,000
First payment: SEK 67,500

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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