Sociology: International Migration and Development

This course introduces the relationship between international migration and development and gives insight into the causes of migration. How does migration affect both sending and receiving countries, and how do global inequalities influence people’s movements? This course offers insight into how the social, political, and economic dimensions of migration influence our world.

You will study migration from multiple perspectives: sometimes a move is a personal choice, sometimes a family strategy. Many migrants send money home – but what does this mean for their communities? We also look at how social networks connect sending and receiving countries and how governments shape migration flows. By the end of the course, you will understand the main causes of migration and its impact on societies.

Please note: This is a theme course, which means it does not qualify you for higher-level sociology courses. It is also an introductory course in sociology and can be studied without previous university merits. If you’re unsure what this means for your studies, please contact our Study Advisers at studievagledare [at] soc [dot] lu [dot] se.

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.

Sociology helps us understand how societies function and change. Migration sociology focuses on why people move, how migration affects individuals and communities, and how political decisions shape these movements. It is a field that offers insights into some of the most pressing issues of our time.

This course consists of two modules:

Introduction to Migration Studies (7.5 credits)
An overview of migration studies within the social sciences. We introduce key theories from sociology, economics, and political science, examine why people migrate, and explore major global patterns, including migration to Western Europe.

Migration Policies (7.5 credits)
How states design and change migration policies over time. We analyse why policies shift—sometimes allowing immigration, sometimes restricting it—and how these changes affect flows. The module also covers integration, citizenship rules, and policy models.

At the Department of Sociology in Lund, you will meet dedicated teachers who are also active researchers in the field, giving you valuable insights into the latest research. The course is taught in English. It combines lectures with interactive seminars where your active participation is essential. You will engage in both individual and group work, with continuous assessment through oral and written assignments. The course concludes with a final exam.

This course provides a foundational understanding of migration and development from a sociological perspective. It can complement further studies in the social sciences or be relevant for work related to global development, integration, or international relations.

Please note: This is a theme course, which means it does not qualify you for higher-level sociology courses.

Entry requirements

General requirements and studies equivalent to Swedish Upper Secondary School course Social Studies 1b or 1a1+1a2/Social Studies level 1b or level 1a2

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.

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.