# Economic History: Population Aging and the Welfare State
**Source**: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/economic-history-population-aging-and-the-welfare-state-SASE13
**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
How does an aging population affect the economy and the welfare state? This course explores demographic change, economic challenges and policy responses in Sweden and beyond.
[Application dates](#nav-event-tab-1)
Start
Autumn 2026
Level
Bachelor's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
Course code
SASE13
[Application dates](#)
- Overview
- Teaching and learning
## Overview
As populations age and birth rates decline, societies face new economic and social challenges. This course examines the long-term relationship between demographic structure and macroeconomic development, with a focus on the implications for welfare systems.
You’ll explore how aging affects labour markets, savings, investment and economic growth. The course also investigates how different welfare models have evolved, and how they respond to demographic pressures. Key questions include: Can immigration offset aging? How can welfare be financed sustainably? What are the consequences for net consumers in society?
Through historical and contemporary perspectives, you’ll gain insight into fertility, mortality, migration and their impact on population structure. The course introduces key theories and empirical research, helping you understand the roots of today’s policy debates and explore potential solutions for the future.\
[How to apply
->](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/economic-history-population-aging-and-the-welfare-state-SASE13/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/SASE13)
## Teaching and learning
Teaching includes lectures, seminars and independent study. Group work may also be part of the course. You’ll engage with demographic data, policy analysis and economic theory, and present your findings both individually and in teams.
Assessment is based on seminar participation, written assignments and other mandatory activities. You’ll be evaluated on your ability to analyse demographic and economic trends, and to 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 interested in population studies, welfare economics or public policy, this course offers a strong foundation for further study.\
- Dates
- Requirements and selection
- Tuition fees
## Dates
### Autumn Semester 2026
Apply via Antagning.se (in Swedish) by 15 April.
#### Lund - Full time 100%
[Apply now](https://www.antagning.se/se/addtobasket?id=LU-20211&period=HT_2026)
Start
31 August 2026
31 Aug 2026
End
29 September 2026
29 Sep 2026
Form
Normal learning
Pace
Full time
Language
English
City
Lund
[Apply now](https://www.antagning.se/se/addtobasket?id=LU-20211&period=HT_2026)
## 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 16,250 \
First payment: SEK 16,250
[Convert currency – xe.com](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=16250&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
As populations age and birth rates decline, societies face new economic and social challenges. This course examines the long-term relationship between demographic structure and macroeconomic development, with a focus on the implications for welfare systems.
You’ll explore how aging affects labour markets, savings, investment and economic growth. The course also investigates how different welfare models have evolved, and how they respond to demographic pressures. Key questions include: Can immigration offset aging? How can welfare be financed sustainably? What are the consequences for net consumers in society?
Through historical and contemporary perspectives, you’ll gain insight into fertility, mortality, migration and their impact on population structure. The course introduces key theories and empirical research, helping you understand the roots of today’s policy debates and explore potential solutions for the future.\
[How to apply
->](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/economic-history-population-aging-and-the-welfare-state-SASE13/how-to-apply)
## Teaching and learning
Teaching includes lectures, seminars and independent study. Group work may also be part of the course. You’ll engage with demographic data, policy analysis and economic theory, and present your findings both individually and in teams.
Assessment is based on seminar participation, written assignments and other mandatory activities. You’ll be evaluated on your ability to analyse demographic and economic trends, and to 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 interested in population studies, welfare economics or public policy, this course offers a strong foundation for further study.\
## Dates
### Autumn Semester 2026
Apply via Antagning.se (in Swedish) by 15 April.
#### Lund - Full time 100%
[Apply now](https://www.antagning.se/se/addtobasket?id=LU-20211&period=HT_2026)
Start
31 August 2026
31 Aug 2026
End
29 September 2026
29 Sep 2026
Form
Normal learning
Pace
Full time
Language
English
City
Lund
[Apply now](https://www.antagning.se/se/addtobasket?id=LU-20211&period=HT_2026)
## 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 16,250 \
First payment: SEK 16,250
[Convert currency – xe.com](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=16250&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)