Master in Innovation, Defence and Security

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 analysing complex problems and possibilities from a systems perspective.

Note that Innovation, Defence and Security is the new name of the Master's Programme formerly named Defence and Security Systems Development.

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.

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.

Collaborations

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)

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 and provide opportunities for internships at relevant workplaces.

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.

Semester 1

Leadership in the Officers’ Profession (7.5 ECTS credits)

Introduction to military thinking (7.5 ECTS credits)

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

Semester 2

Methods in Systems Science for Defence and Security (15 ECTS credits)

Strategic Management of Capability Development and Defence Acquisition (7.5 ECTS credits)

Elective course (7.5 ECTS credits)

Semester 3 and 4

Usability and Design of Interactive Systems (4.5 ECTS credits)

Introduction to International Law, War and Technology (3 ECTS credits)

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

Elective courses (3x7.5 ECTS credits)

Examples of elective courses:

• Cyber operations in an antagonistic environment (7.5 ECTS credits)
• System perspectives on total defence (4.5 ECTS credits)
• Threat and risk analysis (7.5 ECTS credits)
• Critical security studies and technology (7.5 ECTS credits)
• Logistics for defence systems (7.5 ECTS credits)
• Tactical and ethical aspects of autonomous systems (7.5 ECTS credits)
• Internship (12 or 15 ECTS credits)

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

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.