Global Studies - Master of Science programme
Master's programme · 2 years · 120 credits
Description
Are you interested in issues regarding globalisation, conflict and social change?
What will I study?
This interdisciplinary master's programme in social sciences will give you a knowledge of globalisation, conflict and social change. You will gain an understanding of theories connected to processes of globalisation and transformation, which are analysed through various disciplinary frameworks. The programme presents major cultural, economic, political and socio-psychological theories and concepts which will make you able to make informed and comparative analyses of how globalisation is connected to conflict and social change.
The medium of instruction is English. This means that lectures and seminars will be given in English and that examinations (including the master's thesis) will be in English.
Programme structure
In the first year of the programme (terms 1 and 2), you will take courses that introduce the main themes of the programme, along with training in research methods. In the second year (terms 3 and 4), you will have the opportunity to tailor your education: in term 3, through an internship, exchange studies, or elective courses; and in term 4, by writing your master’s thesis in your major.
Term 1
- Introduction to Global Studies, 15 credits
- Designing Research in Social Sciences, 7.5 credits
- Research in Global Studies, 7.5 credits
Term 2
- Globalisation, Conflict, Security and the State, 15 credits
- Elective courses in research methods and/or theory of science, 15 credits
Term 3
Elective courses, internship or exchange studies, 30 credits
Term 4
Master's thesis in the student's major, 30 credits
For further information on these courses, please visit our .
What happens after the programme?
After completing the Master of Science Programme in Global Studies, you will acquire a degree of Master of Science in Global Studies (120 credits), with a major in one of the following disciplines: Gender Studies, Development Studies, Human Geography, Political Science, Social Work, Social Anthropology, Sociology, or Sociology of Law. The major corresponds to the major in the Bachelor's degree.
This programme prepares you for a career as policy maker, trainer and practitioner working with global issues in government agencies, private companies or NGOs. It also prepares you for PhD studies. You will be given ample opportunities for developing your intellectual capacities, expanding your skills and competencies, building up your network, as well as preparing for your life after your master's studies.
For further information, please refer to our or send us an email at master [at] sam [dot] lu [dot] se (master[at]sam[dot]lu[dot]se).
Programme sheets
Applications will open on the
2025-10-16
Will open for applications
Learn more about our application periods and when to apply for studies at 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ.
Contact
Program coordinator
Email: master [at] sam [dot] lu [dot] se
Requirements and selection
Entry requirements
- 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 6 (advanced) proficiency.
Selection criteria
English language requirements
Most of 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the document deadline, in order to be considered for admission.
Country-specific requirements
Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:
Apply
Start Autumn Semester 2026
Day-time Lund, full time 100%
In English
Study period
28 August 2026 - 4 June 2028
Application
Will open for applications 2025-10-16
How to apply
51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.
Step 1: Apply online
- Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
- Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
- Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.
Step 2: Submit documents
- Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
- Get all your documents ready:
- official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
- official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
- passport/ID (all applicants) and
- proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
- Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
- Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.
* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below.
* Svensk student?
Programme-specific documents
ll applicants for the Master of Science programme in Global Studies must submit a statement of purpose, written in English. It should not exceed 3,500 characters including spaces. This corresponds to approximately one page. Be sure that your full name and the name of the Master's programme are included in the document.
What to include in your statement of purpose when applying for the Master of Science programme in Global Studies:
- What are your reasons for applying for this programme? In what ways do you expect to contribute to the programme?
- Critically assess the contention that we are experiencing a time of deglobalisation.
Tuition fees
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 270 000
First payment: SEK 67 500
Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Application fee
If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.
*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.
Scholarships & funding
51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ Global Scholarship programme
The 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Within the framework of the 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ 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 Scholarships
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ 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 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ.
External scholarships
Testimonials about the Master's in Global Studies
Meet our student ambassador Louise
Read her testimonial and chat with her via Unibuddy.
"Very diverse and offers modern perspectives"
Shaya from Iran and Turkey
"The diversity of the classroom expands my knowledge"
Raden from Indonesia
"Oriented towards developing complex critical thinking"
Pasko from Peru