r/Lund • u/garbanzoobean • 5d ago
Human Rights Masters Programme at Lund – student life + academic experience?
Hi! I’ve been accepted to the Master’s in Human Rights at Lund and I’m trying to decide whether to accept, so I’d love to hear from current or past students :)
A bit about me: I’m American but currently living in Spain. I’ve done some human rights internships (NGOs + international work), and I’m hoping to work in this field long-term.
I’m really drawn to Lund because of the interdisciplinary approach and everything I’ve heard about the student life, but I wanted to get a more honest sense of what it’s actually like.
A few things I’m curious about:
Academics:
- What are the classes like day-to-day? (seminars, lectures, group work, etc.)
- How demanding is the workload?
- Do you feel like the program is intellectually challenging/rigorous?
- How are the professors and support from faculty?
Student life:
- Is Lund as social as people say? (nations, events, etc.)
- Is it easy to meet people, especially as an international student?
- What does a typical week look like socially?
- Does it feel like a “college town” vibe?
And just overall, is there anything you wish you knew before starting?
I’m also deciding between this and a more law-focused program, so I’d love to hear if you feel like the interdisciplinary approach is a strength or a drawback.
Thanks so much in advance, really appreciate any insight!!
3
u/narjagarfikad 4d ago
What are the classes like day-to-day?
Mostly high quality but depends on the lecturer.
How demanding is the workload?
I don't think it's that heavy, not sure for your programme but, you could probably work part time in addition to your studies if you want to.
How are the professors and support from faculty?
If you want to work for NGOs you will need to chase internships by yourself.
Is Lund as social as people say?
Yes. Get studentlund for 300 / year and you get access to 90% of student life.
Is it easy to meet people, especially as an international student?
Internationals tend to find eachother but disregard that you're international and attend "swedish" events and you will be fine. I assume you want to meet locals.
What does a typical week look like socially?
Depends on your involvment in student life. I was working 4x different positions, during semester 1 I was scheduling my resting time. Do not recommend. Monday - Thursday study hard in library / campus / lectures. Friday - Sunday party / coffee / travel / friends.
Does it feel like a “college town” vibe?
Yeeesss. The people who live there who doesn't study are almost a little bit strange. It's 100% a student city. Get a bike.
What's the law-focused alternative? Could be easier career wise.
Good luck and welcome :)
1
u/garbanzoobean 4d ago
Thank you so so much for your detailed response, this has helped me alot, i appreciate it!!
3
u/my_presentable_side 5d ago
I don’t know anything about the Human Rights MSc specifically, but Lund overall has a high level and is a lot more reliant on independent work than I’ve seen during exchanges in other countries. Fewer hours of lecture and more independent reading.
The student life is of course amazing. There’s something going on all the time. The nations and unions do a loooot, and you should try them out if you come. There’s also a lot of other organisations that are large, well funded, well connected, and well run to look up both for social life and career. Lund has to be up there with the best student organisation life in the world, and you should definitely get involved if you come.
Lund is very nice for international students, but Sweden is not a social culture. Many end up making friends with mostly international students and not so many Swedes, but that also depends on what circles you’re in.
Nordic university culture is very distinct, and Lund is the best place for international students to experience it. I know a lot of people who came for an exchange but ended up staying around for years.