Why study an interdisciplinary programme at Graduate School?

Interdisciplinarity is at the core of what we do.

Graduate School has adopted an interdisciplinary approach in its programmes to better serve the interests of students and prepare them for critical thinking and understanding the complexities of the ever-changing world around us. 

One of the benefits of studying at Graduate School is that you can tailor your education to suit your personal learning goals. You will keep your major from your Bachelor’s degree in your Master’s degree, giving you the opportunity to become more specialized within your discipline while gaining a broader perspective through placing it within debates and current research in the interdisciplinary fields of Development Studies, Global studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Social Scientific Data Analysis, and Social Studies of Gender.

All profile courses (the major theory courses in our disciplines) within the programmes are made up of teaching teams from different disciplines, enabling different perspectives on a shared topic. Most of our students experience this as a challenge, but find it highly rewarding. You will be exposed to methods and theories outside your discipline which you are encouraged to incorporate into your final thesis, thereby contributing to the breadth and depth of the social sciences. Our programmes also prepare you for pursuing a PhD.

What will I study?

As a programme student, you will be exposed to classic, modern and current social science theories and methods that help understand the themes or the programmes, Development Studies, Global Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Social Scientific Data Analysis, and Social Studies of Gender. Many of our teachers are involved in exciting research fields and bring their experiences and enthusiasm into the classroom.

From the first semester of your studies you will be encouraged to begin thinking about what you would like to focus on in your thesis. You will be able to take elective courses, attend guest lectures and seminars, conduct field visits, do an internship, study abroad, build up a network, attend career development events, and get involved with the student union, in addition to the many other opportunities that are offered during your studies both here in Lund and elsewhere. These are all chances to expose yourself to ideas and approaches, help you decide on a subject for your thesis, and gain the skills that you will need for the career path that you envision for yourself.

Tailor your education

During the third term you are free to choose to do an internship, exchange studies, or take an elective course at Lund or elsewhere. You will be given ample opportunities for developing your intellectual capacities, expanding your skills and competencies, building up your network, and preparing for your life after your Masters, whether your goal is to stay in academia or to find work outside. At the same time, it is up to you to take advantage of these opportunities and integrate them into your own learning goals. While we will support you with the resources, in the end it is you who is responsible for your own education.