Social Sciences: Theories and Issues in Development

This course is about development and sustainability in times of poverty, inequality and climate change. You will learn why development is a complex process and why it often fails to reduce injustice. We explore key global challenges such as climate change, food systems, global health, work, democracy and power structures related to age, class, gender, ethnicity and geography. 

You will also be introduced to theories of development. What does development mean, and who defines progress? With the help of theory and history, you will analyse both current issues and long-term debates.  

Course syllabus

The syllabus contains the formal and legal details of the entire course. It’s a legal document outlining the course structure and requirements, intended mainly for administrative use.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

The course is interdisciplinary and brings together students and teachers from different academic backgrounds. Teaching is based on discussions, independent work and critical reflection, always linking theory to real-world examples. 

This course prepares you for research and for work in government, NGOs, international organisations, or the private sector. A critical social science approach equips you to contribute to sustainable development – as a researcher, policymaker, practitioner or trainer. 

Prerequisites

To be admitted to the course, students must have completed 150 credits including a Bachelor’s degree project in Development Studies, Gender Studies, Human Geography, Media and Communication Studies, Political Science, Social Anthropology, Social Work, Sociology, and Sociology of Law, or the equivalent. Oral and written proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B (advanced) from Swedish upper secondary school is a requirement. International qualifications will be assessed in accordance with national guidelines.

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 31,250
First payment: SEK 31,250

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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.