Innovation, Defence and Security — two-year master's programme

This programme is unique in Europe. It was developed as a response to a demand for a partially new profession that supports communication between developers and users of systems in the defence and security industry. The programme focuses on analyzing complex problems and possibilities from a systems perspective.

If you are looking for an analytical and creative job where you create new, smart solutions, this might be the programme you are looking for. It focuses on development and innovation for a stronger defence and strengthened security.

The programme was developed in close collaboration with government agencies and companies in the defence and security sector and provides an understanding of how technical systems are integrated with people and organisations to work in complex threat environments. The employment rate for recent graduates is high.

Selection for the programme is based on your motivation letter and Grade Point Average, see the checklist below

Degree of Master of Science in Systems Science for Defence and Security

Systems Science for Defence and Security is an interdisciplinary field in the intersection between engineering science and social science. The field has a sociotechnical focus and studies how complex technical systems for defence and security are initiated and designed in an interplay between technology and people.

Innovation, Defence and Security is a two-year international programme that leads to a Degree of Master of Science in Systems Science for Defence and Security. All courses are taught in English.

Checklist for complete application

The programme focuses on understanding systems that contribute to or affect a society’s defence and security, how such systems are developed and used, and how technical and social components interact within these systems.

The main field of study is Systems Science for Defence and Security, an interdisciplinary subject with a sociotechnical perspective that uses systems analysis as its primary problem-solving strategy. Methods and theories from fields such as social science and engineering will also be applied.

You will study the prerequisites for developing, procuring and using technology and material that provide defence and security capabilities. The needs of the nation-state are crucial when making decisions regarding systems and requirement specifications. Additionally, the studies take into consideration the demands of each unique activity – for example, armed conflict and physical environments – but also to traditions, antagonistic threats and international law. The ability to meet these specific needs is often limited by several factors, primarily financial and industrial. You will therefore learn to critically review, evaluate, analyse and communicate needs, requirements and technical solutions pertaining to defence and security capabilities.

Your lecturers conduct active research in defence systems or related fields, and the programme was implemented in close collaboration with the defence and security sector.

The Swedish Defence University has well-established cooperations with the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) and private-sector stakeholders who contribute to the programme.

When you begin your professional career after graduating from the programme, you will most likely have a key role in development projects, and later in your career, you will be suited for leadership roles overseeing your organisation’s programmes and processes.

There are positions in your national government agencies or companies in the defence and security sector, in the crisis preparedness sector on municipal, regional and national levels, or at companies operating in critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, communications and transport.

The programme has a holistic perspective that leads to opportunities outside the sector – there are no limits to where your knowledge and competence can be applied.

Examples of possible professional areas after graduation:

System development
Analysis work for agencies and companies
Capability development
Technology development
Risk management

The programme meets entry requirements for national and international Ph.D. studies.

The master’s programme Innovation, Defence and Security was and is being in collaboration with the following government agencies, companies and organisations:

BAE Systems Hägglunds
Consoden
FMV, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration
The Swedish Armed Forces
Knowit Defence Technology AB
The Swedish Coast Guard
Saab AB
SME-D (Small Medium Enterprises within Defence)
SOFF (Swedish Defence and Security Industry Organization)

Programme outline

The programme combines individual studies, lectures and seminars with exercises and the opportunities for internships. The first year focuses on a solid theoretical base in defence systems, scientific methods and systems development work.

During the second year, you will enjoy being able to choose your own specialisation in elective courses, either at the Swedish Defence University or the higher education institutions we collaborate with.

Development of Systems for Innovation, Defence and Security (7,5 credits)

Introduction to Military Thinking (7.5 credits)

Theory, Systems Science for Security and Defense (15 credits)

Methods in Systems Science for Defence and Security (15 credits)
Strategic Management of Capability Development and Defence Acquisition (7,5 credits)
Usability and Design of Interactive Systems (4.5 credits)
Introduction to International Law, War and Technology (3 credits)

Elective courses, 30 credits in total - see box with examples of elective courses below.

Master’s Thesis, Systems Science for Defence and Security (30 credits)

The fourth semester is reserved for work on your master’s thesis. A master’s thesis gives you the opportunity to conduct an in-depth study of the issues that interest you most and to put your proficiency in scientific methods to the test.

Examples of elective courses:

The range of elective courses will be determined on an annual basis.

Application fee and scholarships

Students coming from a country outside the EU must pay an application fee of 900 Swedish kronor and a tuition fee of 123,500 Swedish kronor per year. However, students from outside the EU may also apply for scholarships to cover the cost of tuition.

Selection of eligible candidates

Selection for the Master’s programme Innovation, Defence and Security is based on your motivation letter and Grade Point Average.

Application code

P2603

Program code

2IFS1

Type

Programme

Starting Term

Autumn Term 2026

Study period

2026-08-31 - 2028-06-04

Level

Second cycle

Scope

120.0 credits

Study pace

100%

Study mode

Campus

Location

Stockholm

Language of instruction

English

Entry requirements

A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 180 credits. The degree should include a documented, graded, written thesis project including a minimum of 15 credits, or equivalent.

The degree should be in either social sciences, engineering science, natural science or other relevant area or subject.

There are additional requirements for proficiency in Mathematics equivalent to Mathematics 3b or 3c, alternative Mathematics C, and English equivalent to English 6/English B.

Certain elective courses have specific entry requirements in order for the student to benefit from the education.

Application opens

2025-10-16

Application closes

2026-01-15

Admissions round

International Master's Programmes Autumn Semester 2026

Programme syllabus

Master´s programme in Innovation, Defence and Security

Elective Courses

In the program there are several elective courses available. A selection is listed in the box "Examples of elective coursers"

Contact

If you have questions about the programme, contact by e-mail: masterprogramme@fhs.se