Development Studies

Courses in development studies are suitable for students interested in international issues, sustainable global development, and aid. An education in development studies will increase the understanding of political, economic, and social development from a global perspective. Development studies at Uppsala University are inspired by the interdisciplinary character of the subject, but at the same time, it has a clear political science profile, with a focus on political development and policy analysis.

In this way, development studies at Uppsala University address the increasing demand for political science competence in the international labour market. The UN Sustainable Development Goals emphasise the importance of developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels as well as responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making. It is also noted that it is of particular importance that national institutions in developing countries are strengthened through international cooperation and that the participation of these countries is broadened and strengthened in the institutions of global governance.

Development studies bring up questions about international development goals and their relationship to theory and research, democracy promotion, sustainable development, human rights, poverty and gender equality. We focus on the challenges of democracy in different parts of the world and students get an introduction to practical research and methodological choices. At the Bachelor's level, there is a thesis as well as an orientation in research methods.