# Economic History: Swedish Economic Development

**Source**: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/economic-history-swedish-economic-development-SASE10
**Parent**: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/study-opportunities-lund-university/exchange-and-study-abroad/exchange-studies/special-area-study-sas-courses

Course • Bachelor's level • 7.5 credits

Discover how Sweden transformed from an agrarian society into a modern economy. This course offers a long-term perspective on Swedish economic development, exploring key shifts in industry, welfare and global integration.

[Application dates](#nav-event-tab-1)

Start

Spring 2026

Level

Bachelor's

Language

English

Place of study

Lund

Course code

SASE10

[Application dates](#)

- Overview
- Teaching and learning

## Overview

Sweden’s journey from a rural economy to a modern industrial nation is both unique and instructive. In this course, you’ll explore the major phases of Swedish economic development – from the agrarian society of the 1800s to the rise of the welfare state and the globalised economy of today.\
\
You’ll examine how industrialisation unfolded in Sweden, how economic growth was shaped by policy and institutions, and how the “Swedish model” emerged in the post-war period. Special attention is given to structural changes in the economy, the evolving role of women in the labour market, and Sweden’s relationship with the European Union.\
\
The course provides historical insight into the forces that have shaped Sweden’s economy, helping you understand how past decisions and developments continue to influence current challenges. Whether you’re interested in economics, history or public policy, this course offers a solid foundation for further study.\

[How to apply
 ->](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/economic-history-swedish-economic-development-SASE10/how-to-apply)

### Course syllabus

The syllabus contains the formal and legal details of the entire course. It’s a legal document outlining the course structure and requirements, intended mainly for administrative use.

[Syllabus (PDF, New window)](https://kursplaner.lu.se/pdf/kurs/en/SASE10)

## Teaching and learning

Teaching is delivered through lectures, group exercises and project work. You’ll engage with historical data, policy debates and institutional analysis, and present your findings both orally and in writing.\
\
Assessment is based on individual and group performance, including written exams, presentations and other mandatory assignments. You’ll be evaluated on your ability to analyse economic developments and communicate your insights clearly.\
\
The course is taught in English and requires only general eligibility – no prior university studies are needed. It can be taken as part of a programme or as a stand-alone course. If you’re curious about how Sweden’s economy evolved and want to build analytical skills with historical depth, this course is a strong starting point.\

- Dates
- Requirements and selection
- Tuition fees

## Dates

### Applications for this course are currently closed.

You can find information about future application opportunities here.

## Requirements and selection

### Prerequisites

General requirements for university studies in Sweden

### Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.

## Tuition fees

### Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each \
semester.

[Tuition fees, payments and exemptions](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/international-admissions/bachelors-masters-studies/applying-for-studies/tuition-fees)

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 15,000 \
First payment: SEK 15,000

[Convert currency – xe.com](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=15000&From=SEK&To=EUR)

Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

[Application fee](https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/fees-scholarships-residence-permit/pay-your-application-fee)

### No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

## Overview

Sweden’s journey from a rural economy to a modern industrial nation is both unique and instructive. In this course, you’ll explore the major phases of Swedish economic development – from the agrarian society of the 1800s to the rise of the welfare state and the globalised economy of today.\
\
You’ll examine how industrialisation unfolded in Sweden, how economic growth was shaped by policy and institutions, and how the “Swedish model” emerged in the post-war period. Special attention is given to structural changes in the economy, the evolving role of women in the labour market, and Sweden’s relationship with the European Union.\
\
The course provides historical insight into the forces that have shaped Sweden’s economy, helping you understand how past decisions and developments continue to influence current challenges. Whether you’re interested in economics, history or public policy, this course offers a solid foundation for further study.\

[How to apply
 ->](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/economic-history-swedish-economic-development-SASE10/how-to-apply)

## Teaching and learning

Teaching is delivered through lectures, group exercises and project work. You’ll engage with historical data, policy debates and institutional analysis, and present your findings both orally and in writing.\
\
Assessment is based on individual and group performance, including written exams, presentations and other mandatory assignments. You’ll be evaluated on your ability to analyse economic developments and communicate your insights clearly.\
\
The course is taught in English and requires only general eligibility – no prior university studies are needed. It can be taken as part of a programme or as a stand-alone course. If you’re curious about how Sweden’s economy evolved and want to build analytical skills with historical depth, this course is a strong starting point.\

## Dates

### Applications for this course are currently closed.

You can find information about future application opportunities here.

## Requirements and selection

### Prerequisites

General requirements for university studies in Sweden

### Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.

## Tuition fees

### Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each \
semester.

[Tuition fees, payments and exemptions](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/international-admissions/bachelors-masters-studies/applying-for-studies/tuition-fees)

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 15,000 \
First payment: SEK 15,000

[Convert currency – xe.com](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=15000&From=SEK&To=EUR)

Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

[Application fee](https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/fees-scholarships-residence-permit/pay-your-application-fee)

### No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

## Contact us

### Academic advisor

Håkan Lobell

Email:
[studievagledare@ekh.lu.se](mailto:studievagledare@ekh.lu.se)