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.
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.
About the programme
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.
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.
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.
Read more about the scholarships available at the Stockholm Defence University.
Checklist for complete application
- Degree certificate, transcript/grades and supporting documents must be uploaded under your personal account on www.universityadmissions.se with your application. All documents must be in Swedish, English, Danish or Norwegian or translated to any of these languages by an authorised translator. Please note that the original documents should be uploaded as well. If your transcript does not specify that your degree includes a written thesis project including a minimum of 15 credits, or equivalent, please upload documentation to that effect.
- If you do not hold a Bachelor’s Degree when applying, you must provide a signed and stamped document from your home university stating that you are likely to graduate before the semester start at the SEDU. Please read more and use the statement of enrollment status form and upload it on universityadmissions.se . If conditionally admitted you can only register if you submit your degree certificate before the start of term. We do not make any exceptions to the fulfillment of the entry requirements.
- Upload a motivation letter on universityadmissions.se of not more than 500 words in English, describing why you are applying to the programme and your assessment of how your previous education and/or professional experience can contribute to the defence and security sector after graduation. Please note: Selection for the programme is based on your motivation letter and Grade Point Average.
- Upload you Grade point average (GPA) on universityadmissions.se check if your GPA is stated on your degree certificate. If not, you must upload a document showing your GPA. Further instructions on how to calculate your GPA can be found at the bottom of this page.
- Upload your proof of Mathematics on universityadmissions.se
The mathematics requirement (3B or 3C) is based on a certain level of upper secondary Mathematics in Sweden (in Swedish, gymnasiemeriter). The exact corresponding level in a foreign system is hard for us to assess prior to your application. We therefore ask that you upload documents showing your highest level of Math.
The Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) administers a page that shows the equivalent in most countries. This page - so far only in Swedish - can be found here. If you intend to complete the mathematics requirement after February 2 2026 you need to mention this in your motivation letter. You can be admitted with the condition that you need to show proof of mathematics prior to the start of term. - Upload your proof of English eligibility (equivalent to English 6/English B in Sweden) on universityadmissions.se To find out if your upper secondary studies meet the requirements check on universityadmissions.se. Check your specific country's requirements on universityadmissions.se. Please consult universityadmissions.se for rules and regulations regarding Toefl, IELTS or other systems.
- All supporting documents including your motivation letter and GPA must be submitted by February 2, 2026.
- Admission results will be posted on universityadmissions.se on March 26. If you have been conditionally admitted please be advised that we do not make any exceptions to the fulfillment of the entry requirements.
- Accepting your offer. If admitted, we will email you with an offer to confirm or decline your seat. Note that you cannot accept your seat through universityadmissions.se.
Selection of eligible candidates
Selection for the Master’s programme Innovation, Defence and Security is based on your motivation letter and Grade Point Average.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Please upload a separate summary sheet stating your average grade on universityadmissions.se (if your GPA is not stated on your degree certificate). It must contain the following four parts:
Use this file in excel to help you calculate your Grade Point Average, GPA xlsx, 12.1 kB.
1. Calculated average grades
The average grade can be calculated from your grades in your bachelor’s degree with the formula below:
The picture above shows a formula for how to calculate Average grade = (The sum of (course grade x the course credit)) divided by total amount of course credits in your bachelor’s degree.
If your course grades are given as letters, formulate them as numbers. Example: Grade scale A-E, where E is the lowest passing grade: A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1.
2. Minimum passing grade in your local grade system
3. Maximum grade in your local grade system
4. Your signature and statement confirming that the above information given is true and correct as to the best of your knowledge
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
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
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
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How to apply and entry requirements
Here we guide you through the application process, explain the entry requirements, admissions and other important things that you need to know when applying to our programmes and courses.
Education at the Swedish Defence University
Studies at Swedish Defence University - a both civil and military university - offers a completely different experience compared to most other universities.
