Master in War and Defence

This Master’s Programme is a unique two-year programme in War Studies that gives students an advanced, broad and deep understanding of matters relating to war, security and defence. The various modules explain how different modes of warfare are conducted, how modern defence systems are built and organised, and how security policies are designed and the impact they have on the world around us.

The programme provides both advanced training in critical thinking, independent judgement, and tools to help you analyse complex processes, at the same time giving you deeper insight into how war, peace and security policies come to be shaped by different actors. This programme will boost your theoretical knowledge and provide training in both advanced scientific methods and analytical skills.

The programme also gives you the opportunity to take part in international student exchanges at highly reputed universities in Europe via the Erasmus programme, and you will also be able to enter the internship programme which provides relevant practical experience at public agencies, international organisations and private sector security companies.

This course leads to a Master’s Degree in War Studies: a degree course that is the only one of its kind available in Sweden.

About the Swedish Defence University

The Swedish Defence University (SEDU) contributes to national and international security through research and education. We are a highly specialized university focusing on defense, crisis management and security.

Founded as an institution for higher military education within the Swedish Armed Forces, the SEDU today is an independent higher education institution that offers education at all academic levels - bachelor, master, and doctoral.- for civilian students as well as military officers.

A unique academic environment

The Swedish Defence University aims to be an instrument for change in the fields of Defence and Security Policy. Through the development of new knowledge and by offering education and training, we make an active contribution to shape the future of defense.

The Swedish Defence University is Sweden's leading resource in, and the first choice for, education, training, and research in the management of crisis, war, and periods of tension in the leadership of both civil and military agencies. We are an accredited institution for academic education for military and civilian students and researchers where different experiences, approaches, and traditions come together.

Our international master programmes

• Defence and Security Systems Development, two-year Master's Programme
• International Operational Law, one-year Master's Programme
• Politics, Security and War, two-year Master's Programme

Our research

Research at the Swedish Defence University concentrates on specially selected subject areas.

• International and Operational Law
• Leadership and Command and Control
• Military History
• Political Science
• Systems Science for Defence and Security
• War Studies

All research projects are closely linked to the education and training at the university and look into areas which are not the subject of research at other colleges, universities and research institutions in Sweden.