Political science is about politics, power, and democracy. When you study political science with a specialisation in crisis, management and security with us, you will learn theories and concepts within political science and security policy – for example, what the differences are between war, crisis, and conflict, or what democracy and justice mean.

Creating security and preventing crises

In Political Science, society’s rules of the game are studied by analysing politics and political systems. A central aspect of Political Science is power – the ability of a group or an individual to govern or influence people and society. The subject is broad and rooted in international relations, public administration, comparative politics, and political theory, but it also draws on research from within and outside the discipline.

In our programmes, you will study, among other things, how security is created and undermined, what or who security is for, and how crises can be prevented and managed in Swedish, European, and global contexts. Examples include the analysis of threats, conflicts, decision-making processes, identities, and ethical dilemmas relating to the state, society, and the individual, both nationally and internationally.

A unique focus on crisis and conflict

Political science is a subject that concerns everyone and is therefore applied in a wide range of contexts. It is used for strategic planning within politics and society, or for analysis in connection with development aid or military operations.

Political science at the Swedish Defence University has a clear focus on crises, war, and conflicts. This is a unique specialisation not offered at any other Swedish university. Put simply, one might say that we study politics when it matters most. Our researchers are experts in crisis management and security policy, which naturally leaves a strong mark on our teaching.

Master’s programme

Within the Master’s programme Politics, Security and Crisis you can take a Master’s degree in political science with a specialisation in crisis management and security. If you wish, you can finish after one year and obtain a one-year Master’s degree. We also offer a few stand-alone courses in English that allow you to work towards a Bachelor’s degree.

Master’s programme Politics, Security and Crisis