MSc in Economic Development and Growth

Programme overview

The Master’s in Economic Development and Growth trains the next generation of analysts, researchers and professionals in the field of development and growth. The programme combines the expertise of three highly ranked European universities into a common platform with leading scholars in economics, economic history and demography.

In this double degree programme, you spend the first year studying development and international economics, statistics and long-run development at either Universidad Carlos III de Madrid or the University of Groningen. The second year, you specialise in development and growth, related to issues such as comprehensiveness and equality, sustainability and energy, innovation and human capital, at Lund University.

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid combines high-level economics, economic history and economic development and has a special focus on Latin America. The University of Groningen is a top-class institution at international level in the field of economics, econometrics, development economics and economic history, and hosts the Groningen Growth and Development Centre, a research institute that is famous for its study on long-term economic growth and productivity analysis worldwide. Lund University is specialised in economic growth and development in the long run with a focus on Asia, Africa and Latin America, besides Europe.

A hallmark of the Master’s in Economic Development and Growth is the emphasis on the personal contact between professors and students, achieved by small classes. You will, in close supervision of a highly qualified faculty member, complete two independent research projects (theses) both at the end of year 1 and year 2 of the programme. In the process, you will be able to develop your ability to organise and express your own ideas and research in written form, while you will also have the opportunity to improve your presentational skills in workshops with other students and faculty members.

Lund University – Sweden's Top-Ranked University

Lund University was founded in 1666 and has 40 000 students and 8 000 employees. It offers more than 130 Master’s programmes and 10 Bachelor’s programmes taught in English .

Lund is Sweden’s most attractive study destination. The University offers one of the broadest ranges of programmes and courses in Scandinavia, based on cross-disciplinary and cutting-edge research. A degree from Lund University is a hallmark of quality both in Sweden and abroad.

Subject areas

Our nine faculties and many specialised research centres offer education in the following subject areas:

• Architecture & Design
• Area Studies
• Business, Economics & Management
• Engineering & Technology
• Environment & Sustainability
• Fine & Performing Arts
• Humanities & Languages
• Law
• Medicine & Health
• Science
• Service Management
• Social Sciences

Research

Lund is home to over 30 world-leading research environments and is home to two of Europe's largest materials research facilities: MAX IV (inaugurated in 2016) and ESS (to open in 2023). Lund University is also a member of the prestigious research-intensive university networks Universitas 21 (U21) , the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and the European University Alliance for Global Health (EUGLOH).

Teaching style

Critical thinking and freedom of mind are the cornerstones of academic life at Lund University. A focus on group work in more informal, open class environments facilitates learning, creates a dialogue and helps generate new ideas.

Lund is an international meeting place for students and researchers alike. This creates global class environments where students gain new cultural perspectives and can develop their international networks, which are highly valued by employers worldwide.

Students in Lund are given excellent opportunities for business interaction . The city of Lund has a unique, world-class environment for technology, knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship and hosts an impressive breadth of international companies.

Student Life

Lund is the #1 choice for international students coming to Sweden and is considered the best student city in Sweden, with its unique combination of large social clubs (the historic 'nations'), student unions and the Academic Society creating a vibrant and active student life.

City of Lund

Located in southern Sweden, the city of Lund is just 10 minutes by train to Sweden’s third largest city, Malmö, and only 35 minutes by train to Copenhagen Airport in Denmark.

As one of the oldest cities in Sweden, dating back to 990, Lund is a city of contrasts where over 1 000 years of history blend with modern knowledge and ideas. In Lund, you find the charm of a small, picturesque, cobble-stoned city, side-by-side with big city attractions such as services, shopping, restaurants and cultural events. Lund is also home to major international companies such as Sony Mobile, Tetra Pak, Ericsson, Alfa Laval and Gambro.

English is widely spoken in Sweden and Lund (90% of Swedes are fluent) , meaning that you can experience a unique European culture without experiencing a language barrier.

Learn more about Lund University

For more information, please visit www.lunduniversity.lu.se

For more information, please visit You can also ask questions via our web form at lunduniversity.lu.se/degree-studies or find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. You can also listen to Lund University International Podcast!