A Lesson in History
To know where you are going, you need to know where you have been. This is especially true if you want to contribute to the development of Africa, where a historical understanding of the cultural, economic, geo-political and religious aspects of society can help you navigate the vast opportunities and challenges facing that continent.
International Expertise in Dalarna, Sweden
Each year, some 20 guest lecturers come to Dalarna as part of international collaboration with the Master Programme in African Studies. This is just one feature of the programme that will enable you to deepen your understanding of the modern history and current realities of African society. Together with your classmates from around the world, you will take such courses as Religion and Politics in African Societies, Human Rights in Sub-Saharan Africa, Urban Policies in Africa, and Economic Development in Africa. You will also complete a thesis project on a subject of your choice related to African Studies.
How To Apply
Please note that it is not possible to apply to the African Studies programme. However you can apply to individual courses in the subject area or a semester long "course-package" that includes courses which are a part of the programme. You can see what courses are available here.
Entry Requirements
Specific Entry Requirements
Please check the course syllabi for specific entry requirements. Since courses are taught at the Master's level you will need at least a completed bachelor's degree in Humanities or Social Science comprising at least 180 credits. You may also apply if you are completing the final year of your degree.
English Language Proficiency
The most common tests and important scores that are accepted are:
- IELTS (academic training), 6.5 (with no part of the test below 5.5)
- TOEFL (Internet based): 90 (with a minimum of 20 on the written part)
- TOEFL (paper based): 575 (with a minimum of 4.5 on the written part)
Please check the University Admissions information on English Language Proficiency to see if you are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS result.
Programme Overview
The first semester of the programme is taught entirely at Dalarna University's Falun campus. Courses that you take in the second semester may be taught online or on campus. Dalarna University is a leader in implementing technology to provide an interactive web-based platform that allows for engaging discussions with teachers and students regardless of physical location.
Mandatory Courses
- The Dynamics of African Societies
- Religion and Politics in African Societies
- Education and Change in African Societies
- Thesis
Elective Courses (Subject to Availability)
- Literature and Politics in contemporary Africa
- Economic Development in Africa: An Introduction
- Human Rights in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Islam and Islamic Societies in Africa
- Urban Spaces and Urban Policies in Africa South of the Sahara
Further Studies and International Fieldwork
Dalarna University has many international partnerships, which means you will have excellent opportunities to engage in further studies or fieldwork outside of Sweden.
Specifically, you can obtain a second master's degree in
- Conflict and Security Studies (University of Perugia for Foreigners (Perugia Stranieri), Italy)
- African History (University of Bologna, Italy)
- Social Human Studies (University of Perugia for Foreigners (Perugia Stranieri), Italy)
- Education and Globalization (Oulu University, Finland)
You will also have the opportunity to enroll in Africa-related PhD studies at these or other universities in Europe.
Study Environment
Dalarna University is a small university, which will allow you to develop personal relationships with your classmates and teachers. You will study at Campus Falun, which is located next to the Lugnet recreation area, where you can access a wide-range of sporting facilities. Just a 10-minute walk from campus, the picturesque town of Falun has a movie theatre, cafés, restaurants and pubs, as well as many local and national retail shops.
Normally only a small number of students enroll in the courses needed to complete the Master's Programme in African Studies, so you will easily get to know your classmates and be involved with activities in and around Dalarna and Sweden with new-found friends.
Career Opportunities
Studying these courses are ideal if you want to gain a foundation for work either in Africa or in fields related to Africa as project managers, coordinators, administrators or evaluators. If you have a passion for Africa, if you have previously completed a bachelor degree in the Social Sciences or Humanities, and if you have documented English language skills, then you are strongly encouraged to apply to this unique programme.
International Work
The African Studies Programme is ideal for those looking to make the world a better place through real-world work opportunities. Upon completion of the African Studies Programme, you can join our alumni who are currently working on creating long-term social change and a fairer, more sustainable world. Sound research skills, which you will develop throughout the programme, will give you the critical-thinking and assessment skills that are greatly sought after by employers.
When you take a programme that has its foundation in the Social Sciences and Humanities, many career paths become available. Our graduates work as educators, project managers, programme officers, NGO founders, consultants and researchers. The majority go on to work for organisations based in Africa or to work with individual countries or regions in Africa. The programme content is also applicable to many positions that have no direct correlation with Africa.
International Internship Opportunities
Dalarna University offers you financial support to complete an Erasmus+ internship of up to 12 months. You may also choose to focus on an internationally based research project for your thesis work. Dalarna University has a limited number of travel scholarships to help finance your travel costs should you choose to complete your thesis work overseas.