Master's Thesis in Economic History 15 credits

About the course

The course consists of an independently written Master's thesis in Economic History. Within the course, students undertake an original scholarly study based on a clearly formulated research problem, an appropriate research design, engagement with relevant theory and previous research, and rigorous analysis of historical empirical material.

The thesis shall demonstrate the student's ability to independently and critically analyse economic and social processes in historical perspective. Particular attention is given to the formulation of theoretically and historically informed explanations, the critical examination of assumptions and competing interpretations, and the relationship between empirical evidence and scholarly argument.

The thesis is situated within the broader profile of Critical Perspectives on the Economy. Research may therefore engage with questions concerning inequality, sustainability, crisis, power, institutions, economic change, and their historical development. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the ecological consequences of industrialisation; colonialism and resource extraction; the historical development of economic and social inequalities; labour markets, labour rights and welfare institutions; financial and economic crises; and conflicts and transformations within capitalist economies.

The thesis must be positioned in relation to relevant national and international research and make a clearly articulated scholarly contribution appropriate to the scope of a Master's thesis.

The course also includes the critical examination of another student's thesis (opposition) and the oral defence of the student's own thesis.

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This course is part of a programme

This course contains occasions that are included in a degree programme at Umeå university and applies only to those of you who are admitted to the programme. You will receive information about application times and what applies to you from your institution.

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Spring 2027
- Master's Thesis in Economic History
  
  Offered as a part of a Degree programme
  
  VT27 / Varied / English / Web-based (online)
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Starts
  25 March 2027
  
  Ends
  6 June 2027
  
  Number of credits
  15 credits
  
  Type of studies
  Web-based (online)
  
  Mandatory meetings on campus
  0
  
  Mandatory remote sessions
  0
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Varied
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-2E00A
  
  Eligibility
  
  To be admitted to this course, students must be enrolled in the “Master’s Program in Critical Perspectives on Economics: Environment, Inequality, and Crises” and have successfully completed the following courses:
  -Research Design in Social Science, 7.5 credits
  -Quantitative Methods: Socioeconomic Inequalities and Population Studies, 7.5 credits
  -Qualitative Methods in Social Science, 7.5 credits
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 October 2026. The application period is closed.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 24,150
  
  Total fee: SEK 24,150
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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