Economic History

Studies in economic history help prepare you to understand and to be able to analyse today's economic and social problems and questions by learning about social and economic developments in the past. One such problem is how information technology affects working life and the labour market. Economic crises and fluctuations, which can have far-reaching consequences both for the economy in general and for the individual, are another area of interest. Has something like this happened before? Have we learned something from this? What are the factors that cause such crises? Other questions that the economic historian asks are: Why does the pace of economic development vary during different periods in different parts of the world? How have resources been allocated, and how has this affected people's living conditions and environment? How have economic ideas and theories affected society?

The study of economic history is often global in character. During the present period of great change in the Swedish, as well as the European, economy and politics, we ask whether our historical experiences can provide guidance for the future. It is possible to pursue this international connection through studies at different European universities within the Erasmus exchange program.

Economic history can be included in a Degree of Bachelor of Arts and in a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics, as well as in a Bachelor of Education for the Compulsory School and a Master of Education for Upper Secondary School Teaching. Economic history is included in the Degree Programmes for History and for the Social Sciences. You can take a Master Degree in Economic History as part of the Master Programme for the Social Sciences.

A degree in economic history is useful in many areas. In addition to continuing on at the university as graduate students, researchers and teachers, our former students work as research analysts, consultants, teachers and journalists, fields in which they have good use of the knowledge and skills they have attained from their studies in economic history.

Our students appreciate the broad perspectives within the subject. Many feel that an economic-historical perspective provides them with a better understanding of contemporary society and of their other fields of study in business, economics and political science. Many also appreciate the analytical skills they acquire through writing academic essays in economic history. We have also received positive evaluations in the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education's general evaluation of undergraduate education.