Social Studies of Gender - Master of Science programme
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
The Master of Science in Social Studies of Gender is an interdisciplinary programme that helps you understand how gender, class, ethnicity, and sexuality shape our society. You will learn about modern feminist theories and how they connect with other fields of study.
The programme teaches you to think critically, ask questions, and link theory with real-life issues. You will explore how gender works in organisations and learn how to review policies from a gender perspective. You will also learn to suggest ways to improve equality in areas like politics, education, and health. The programme helps you follow new research and improve your skills in academic communication.
This is an international programme and all lectures and seminars will be given in English. This also means that you will complete examinations and the master's thesis in English.
Degree
After completing the programme, you will acquire a Degree of Master (120 credits) of Science in Social Studies of Gender, with a major in one of the following:
- Gender Studies
- Development Studies
- Human Geography
- Political Science
- Social Work
- Social Anthropology
- Sociology
- Sociology of Law
The major corresponds to the major in your Bachelor's degree.
Career
You will acquire a critical social science approach which will prepare you for PhD studies as well as for professional work in a variety of fields: health, organisational management, development, communication and social policy among others.
Prerequisites
A Bachelor’s degree with a major (i.e. at least 90 ECTS credits) in one of the following social sciences disciplines: Development Studies, Gender Studies, Human Geography, Political Science, Social Work, Social Anthropology, Sociology, Sociology of Law or equivalent. English course 6 (advanced proficiency).
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), proficiency in English and a statement of purpose.Since this a multidisciplinary programme it is essential to attain an even distribution among different majors within the group. The number of admitted applicants from one major shall not exceed 30 % of all students admitted to the programme. Hence the applicant’s major will be used as a selection criterion in case of many applicants from one major. The following main fields of study are eligible as majors: Gender Studies, Development Studies, Human Geography, Political Science, Social Work, Social Anthropology, Sociology and Sociology of Law.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.