Frequently Asked Questions about the Master's Programmes in Development Studies, Gender Studies and Global Studies.

Pre-requisites

Am I eligible for these programmes?
Admission to the master's degree programmes requires a Bachelor's Degree (180 ECTS) in Social Sciences, including three semesters (1-90 credits) of studies in one of the following disciplines: Communication Studies, Development Studies, Education, Gender Studies, Human Geography, Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, Social Anthropology, Social Work, Sociology, Sociology of Law, or equivalent.

If I hold a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Psychology, am I eligible?
We do not offer the master's programmes in development, gender and global studies for students with a major in psychology from the autumn 2009.

Do I need TOEFL or IELTS?
If English is one of the official languages in your country or if you received your Bachelor’s degree from a university where English is the language of instruction or if you are a Nordic applicant you do not need a proficiency test. All other applicants need TOEFL with a minimum of 550 p (paper based test), 213 p (computer based test) or 79 p (internet based) or IELTS with a minimum of 6.0 (none of the sections under 5.0). TOEFL results must be less than two years old and sent directly by ETS to Lunds university.

Application and admission

When is the last date for application?
For internationational students, the last date for application is January 15.

Swedish students may apply in the application session that ends April 15 (but can also apply in the first application session).

How do I apply?
You apply at www.studera.nu . You can also find more information about the application procedure for the Master's Programmes in Development Studies, Gender Studies and Global Studies at Application procedure .

When will I know if I have been accepted?
Those who apply before January 15, will be notified in early May.

Those (swedish students) who apply by April 15, will be notified in July.

Are there any tuition fees?
No, higher education in Sweden is free of charge.

When do the programmes start?
The programmes start in the end of August/beginning of September every year. The duration of the programmes are 2 years.

Can I apply for a scholarship?
Lund University does not have any scholarships to offer. The Swedish Institute (SI) offers a limited number of scholarships every year, but competition is very tough. Students from all countries, except for the Nordic, can apply for the scholarships. To be able to apply for the scholarships, you need to apply to the masters programmes before January 15. Information about the Swedish Institute Scholarship Programs - Eligible Master's programmes - will be available from 15 December 2008.

More information about SI scholarships.

Study

How much workload do the programmes involve?
The programmes are full time programmes, and you should expect to put in at least 40 hours a week. This includes lectures and seminars.

Where can I find more information about the programmes, course literature etc?

More information about the Master's Programme in Development Studies 
More information about the Master's Programme in Gender Studies 
More information about the Master's Programme in Global Studies 

To find out about the course literature, you click on the page of each course that is involved in the programme. On the course page you will find the course syllabus.

Practical matters for international students

How can I arrange my residence permit?
If you come from a country outside the EU/EEA you need to apply for a residence permit. You apply for your residence permit as soon as you have received your letter of acceptance. The application process can take quite some time, so it is important that you start as early as possible. You apply for the permit through the Swedish Embassy/Consulate in your home country. Detailed information about visa and residence permits are provided on the following webpage:

The Swedish Migration Board 

What is the living cost in Sweden?
An estimated cost of living in Sweden could be:
Food, SEK 2300
Accomodation, SEK 2500-3300
Course literature, SEK 400-1000
Other: Clothing, telephone, leisure etc, SEK 1500
Amount: SEK 7400 +/- SEK 700

More information about the living cost in Sweden 

If you are a non-Nordic, non-EU/EEA citizen, you must provide a documentation showing that you have enough money to support yourself in order to get a residence permit for studies. This means having at least SEK 7300 per month at your disposal for the duration of the studies.

Am I allowed to get a part-time job in Sweden?
Yes, your residence permit allows you to work during your studies in Lund. According to the experience there is little time left for work beside the studies so you can not rely on a job as your financial support. Also, it may be quite difficult to find a part-time job in Lund, especially if you do not speak Swedish.

How can I find accommodation in Lund?
The housing situation in Lund is quite difficult. The International Housing Office at Lund University helps international studentes with housing.

More information about how to find somewhere to live 

Further questions

If you have further questions, please contact the programme Administrator at the Faculty Office.
Email: master@sam.lu.se
Phone: +46-(0)46-2223309.
Address: Programme Administrator, Faculty Office, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lund Unviersity, Box 117, 221 00 Lund, Sweden.

Back