Economic History: Institutions, Economic Growth and Equity

Education facts

Code: EKHM84

<p>What role do institutions play in shaping economies—and who benefits? This course helps you understand how legal systems, property rights and inequality influence long-term growth across countries and regions.</p><p>Institutions, Economic Growth and Equity explores how the structure and quality of institutions—such as legal systems, property rights, and civil liberties—affect economic development. You’ll study how inequality and access to resources shape both institutional change and growth outcomes.</p><p>The course uses historical examples to show how institutions evolve and why they matter. You’ll examine how different countries have developed public institutions in areas like education, healthcare and social security—and how these relate to broader patterns of growth and equity.</p><p>Four key themes guide the course: differences in institutional arrangements, the process of institutional development, the link between resource distribution and growth, and reform efforts in developing and emerging economies.</p><p>Whether you’re interested in development, policy or history, this course gives you the tools to understand how institutions shape economic possibilities—and how equity plays a role in that process.<br/></p>

Entry requirements

Students accepted for the following master’s programmes are qualified for this course: EAETU Economic Growth, Population, and Development, EAEUT Economic Growth and Development, EAISD Innovation and Spatial Dynamics EAGCH International Economics with a Focus on China. Other students applying for this course should have at least 60 credit points in either economic history, economics, history, economic and social geography, sociology or the equivalent knowledge.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Economic History: Institutions, Economic Growth and Equity

  Lund University

  Lund

  Start date: 19 January 2026

  End date: 22 March 2026

  Pace of study: 50 %