Miljöbild - kadett på Anna Lindh-biblioteket på Försvarshögskolan.

Doctoral studies

The Swedish Defence University has degree-awarding powers to issue doctoral degrees in the field of defence, crisis management, and security. So far, four doctoral programmes have been established in War Studies, Political Science with a specialisation in crisis management and security studies, Military History and Leadership and Command & Control.

Are you curious and interested in immersing yourself in issues related to defence, crisis management, and security? Then doctoral studies at the Swedish Defence University might be something for you. There is a growing need both in the civilian sector and the military for highly educated individuals who are knowledgeable about societal security.

In the field of defence, crisis management, and security, research is conducted into conditions and factors that affect the possibilities of preventing and managing crises, conflicts and wars as well as establishing security. Furthermore, the area comprises broader societal and ethical aspects on defence, crisis management and security, and cuts across a number of related themes; from military tactic, operations and technological use, to military strategy that, in turn, is closely connected to foreign and security policy. The area includes both the military dimension as well as societal crisis management, international law and civil-military collaboration.

Doctoral programmes

The aim of the Swedish Defence University's doctoral education is, among other things, to drive the development of academic knowledge and strengthen the research basis in the Officers' programme.

The doctoral programmes comprises four years of full-time studies, corresponding to 240 higher education credits. It consists of courses and an independent research project that should result in a doctoral dissertation, or a licentiate thesis if you choose to finish after two years.

The education provides broad knowledge and a systematic understanding of the research area as well as deep specialist knowledge. It also provides knowledge of scientific method and develops the ability for analysis, synthesis and critical review, as well as the ability to conduct research independently and creatively.

Read more about our graduate programmes in war studies, political science and military history below:

The Swedish Defence University's ambition is that, over time, more subjects will be established as third-cycle subjects in the field.

Doctoral studies in collaboration with other universities

In addition to the university's own graduate subjects, there are doctoral students in two additional subjects: International and Operational Law and Systems Science for Defence and Security. The doctoral students are then employed by the Swedish Defence University but through agreements enrolled at other institutions: University of Skövde, Jönköping University, Uppsala University etc.