Overview

Background

The following is a general overview of your programme structure. Detailed information about each course can be found in the links below, but be sure to follow any course instructions in Canvas once you're registered to the courses.

Programme structure

The first semester begins with a profile course introducing the students to the main themes and issues of the programme. The profile course is followed by a course in research methods.

• SIMP35: Theories and Issues in Development, 15 credits (first half of the first semester)
• SIMM51: The Social Scientific Research Design and Process, 15 credits (second half of the first semester)

The second semester begins with another profile course directly related to the main theme of the programme. Through the profile course students further increase their understanding and knowledge of global development through a deeper comprehension of theories and current research. The second profile course is followed by a course in theory of science and a course in research methods.

• SIMP36: Historical Aspects of Development, 15 credits (first half of the second semester)
• Courses in the theory of sciences/research methods, 15 credits (second half of the second semester)

The third semester consists of optional courses to be taken at Lund University or any other recognised university in Sweden or abroad. The courses are chosen after approval of the programme coordinator, and enable students to tailor the programme to suit their particular interests. 

• Elective courses and/or studies abroad, and/or internship, 30 credits (the third term)

During the fourth and last semester students complete the programme with a written thesis, which provides the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of theories, methods and argumentation. 

• Master's Thesis in the student´s major social science discipline, 30 credits (the fourth semester)

This is a full-time programme, and the workload is equivalent to about 40 hours a week on average (including lectures and seminars).