Sociology of Law - Master of Science programme

This programme will increase your knowledge of how the law and legal institutions operate at the national and transnational levels and impact the lives of citizens. You learn to critically examine, analyse and evaluate the interplay between socio-legal theory and practice. Additionally, you explore legal developments and study implementation problems at all levels.

Skills you learn

• Assess processes and methods in social science in general and sociology of law in particular
• Formulate research proposals and research designs
• Collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources
• The ability to discuss, from a perspective of sociology of law, the implications of the preconditions and legal development at the national and international levels
• An understanding of theories related to sociology of law in general and regulation and governance in particular
• How to peer review and discuss academic work verbally and in writing

The Master of Science in Sociology of Law offers an advanced overview of sociology of law with the possibility of specialisation in socio-legal areas, such as:

• Criminal Justice and Criminology
• Legal Cultures and Comparative Law
• Human Rights
• The Legal Profession
• Policy and Regulation at National and International Levels
• Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility
• Law from a Gender Perspective

The programme offers a wide range of alternative courses within the Faculty of Social Science. In addition, there are ample opportunities to study abroad at a university with which we have exchange agreements. 

The skills provided within this programme will enable you to pursue a career in fields that deal with public and private inquiries, project assessments, and policy evaluation. You will also have the profound social scientific understanding needed to do studies at the PhD level.

Furthermore, the programme will provide you with the vital knowledge required to work as a policymaker, instructor or practitioner within legal institutions, the criminal justice system, the EU, and EU regulation, as well as within private businesses and NGOs at national and international levels. 

Prerequisites

A Bachelor’s degree with a major (i.e. at least 90 ECTS credits) in one of the following social sciences disciplines: Sociology of Law, Sociology, Law, Criminology, Political Science, Social Work or equivalent. 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 letter of intent.

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

Convert currency – xe.com

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