Programme syllabus Master's Programme in War and Defence Studies
Swedish name: Masterprogram i krig och försvar
Scope:
120.0 credits
Program code:
2MKF1
Valid from semester:
Autumn Term 2023
Education cycle:
Second cycle
Department:
Department of War Studies and Military History
Decided by:
Forsknings- och utbildningsnämnden (FoUN) vid Försvarshögskolan
Decision date:
2022-09-07
The main content and format of the programme
The Master's Programme in War and Defense Studies (120 credits) is an international master's programme.
The programme is given in the main field of study, War Studies.
The general aim of the programme is that the students acquire the knowledge and skills within the main field of study in order to be able to – on a scientific basis – critically scrutinize, evaluate and analyse phenomena related to the spheres of the military and security policy. The student acquires knowledge and skills that enable him/her to build independent and critical judgment, to independently solve problems, and to follow the development at the research front in the field of war studies.
Students will be given the opportunity to continuously develop their knowledge of research methodology and apply a scientific, research-based approach. Students are expected to take an increasing amount of responsibility for their own learning as the course progresses, gradually accumulating professional and research-based knowledge and skills. Students are encouraged to create and develop both a network of both national and international contacts. Knowledge is transmitted and acquired through lectures, self-study, practical exercises, seminars, and the independent writing of a Master’s thesis. The master's programme affords students the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge and skills training through internships and work placement. Throughout the course, emphasis is systematically placed on written and oral presentations. Academic progression on the programme should lead to a higher degree of intellectual maturity and deeper insight into the complexity of the subject. These attributes are demonstrated in a final thesis, along with the ability to integrate knowledge and skills and independently formulate and solve problems.
The programme addresses central issues and perspectives in relation to war, defense, security, and societal protection. This includes the study of the conditions and factors that may impact the possibilities to create and organize military force and military defense; the conduct of war; the prevention and management of crises, conflicts and war; the ability to establish security and to successfully manage crises, conflicts and war. Important ethical issues will naturally arise during analysis and evaluation of these factors and will be addressed on several of the courses. A wide range of theoretical perspectives will also be introduced to the student in order to gain a more thorough understanding of the phenomena under study.
The programme reflects existing research at the Swedish Defence University (SEDU) and has strong links to research and specific defence-oriented professions. The teachers are active researcehrs within war studies and the programme is run with a strong connection to the practical military profession. After completing a degree the student is eligible to apply for Ph.D. programmes in political science and war studies.
Teaching is conducted in close cooperation with stakeholders and community involvement. It takes place at the Swedish Defence University (SEDU), a unique meeting point for scholars and students, military and civilian professionals, who have an interest in war, defense, crisis management and security issues. The university has a well-established tradition of institutional cooperation with other actors in the sector, not least with two central authorities, the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency. This encourages students on the programme to consider and speculate on how knowledge may be applied in practice and enhances the potential for internship opportunities and suitable work placements.
The programme is given in the main field of study, War Studies.
The general aim of the programme is that the students acquire the knowledge and skills within the main field of study in order to be able to – on a scientific basis – critically scrutinize, evaluate and analyse phenomena related to the spheres of the military and security policy. The student acquires knowledge and skills that enable him/her to build independent and critical judgment, to independently solve problems, and to follow the development at the research front in the field of war studies.
Students will be given the opportunity to continuously develop their knowledge of research methodology and apply a scientific, research-based approach. Students are expected to take an increasing amount of responsibility for their own learning as the course progresses, gradually accumulating professional and research-based knowledge and skills. Students are encouraged to create and develop both a network of both national and international contacts. Knowledge is transmitted and acquired through lectures, self-study, practical exercises, seminars, and the independent writing of a Master’s thesis. The master's programme affords students the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge and skills training through internships and work placement. Throughout the course, emphasis is systematically placed on written and oral presentations. Academic progression on the programme should lead to a higher degree of intellectual maturity and deeper insight into the complexity of the subject. These attributes are demonstrated in a final thesis, along with the ability to integrate knowledge and skills and independently formulate and solve problems.
The programme addresses central issues and perspectives in relation to war, defense, security, and societal protection. This includes the study of the conditions and factors that may impact the possibilities to create and organize military force and military defense; the conduct of war; the prevention and management of crises, conflicts and war; the ability to establish security and to successfully manage crises, conflicts and war. Important ethical issues will naturally arise during analysis and evaluation of these factors and will be addressed on several of the courses. A wide range of theoretical perspectives will also be introduced to the student in order to gain a more thorough understanding of the phenomena under study.
The programme reflects existing research at the Swedish Defence University (SEDU) and has strong links to research and specific defence-oriented professions. The teachers are active researcehrs within war studies and the programme is run with a strong connection to the practical military profession. After completing a degree the student is eligible to apply for Ph.D. programmes in political science and war studies.
Teaching is conducted in close cooperation with stakeholders and community involvement. It takes place at the Swedish Defence University (SEDU), a unique meeting point for scholars and students, military and civilian professionals, who have an interest in war, defense, crisis management and security issues. The university has a well-established tradition of institutional cooperation with other actors in the sector, not least with two central authorities, the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency. This encourages students on the programme to consider and speculate on how knowledge may be applied in practice and enhances the potential for internship opportunities and suitable work placements.
Courses
The first semester provides students with an advanced grounding in both war studies theory and research methodology. The second semester consists of a number of advanced, elective courses. The third semester is devoted entirely to the Master's thesis. In the fourth semester, students have considerable freedom to choose from courses offered by the Swedish Defence University (SEDU) as well as other universities, including an internship. The fourth semester also provides the opportunity to conduct an internship.
Courses
Both compulsory and elective courses within the programme are offered once a year. The range of elective courses may vary from year to year. The range of elective courses is established one semester in advance, after which the students are informed of the selection and the date of the selection process.
Compulsory courses
The Study of War and Conflict (15 credits) (semester 1)
Methods (15 credits) (semester 1)
Master's Thesis (30 credits) (semester 3)
Elective courses, corresponding to 30 credits/semester, during semester 2 and 4
Elective courses in blocks of 7,5 credits. (semester 2 or 4)
Internship (30 credits) (semester 4)
Courses
Both compulsory and elective courses within the programme are offered once a year. The range of elective courses may vary from year to year. The range of elective courses is established one semester in advance, after which the students are informed of the selection and the date of the selection process.
Compulsory courses
The Study of War and Conflict (15 credits) (semester 1)
Methods (15 credits) (semester 1)
Master's Thesis (30 credits) (semester 3)
Elective courses, corresponding to 30 credits/semester, during semester 2 and 4
Elective courses in blocks of 7,5 credits. (semester 2 or 4)
Internship (30 credits) (semester 4)
Objectives
To be awarded a Master’s degree, the student shall:
Knowledge and understanding
show knowledge and understanding within the field of War Studies - including both an overview of the field and specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.
Competence and skills
demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information, demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate problems autonomously as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames, and additional evaluate his/her own work, demonstrate the ability to in speech and writing report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or employment in some other qualified capacity.
Judgement and approach
demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.
Independent research project - Master's thesis
The programme requires students to complete an independent research project, (Master’s Thesis) of 30 credits in the main field of study, War Studies.
Knowledge and understanding
show knowledge and understanding within the field of War Studies - including both an overview of the field and specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.
Competence and skills
demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information, demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate problems autonomously as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames, and additional evaluate his/her own work, demonstrate the ability to in speech and writing report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or employment in some other qualified capacity.
Judgement and approach
demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.
Independent research project - Master's thesis
The programme requires students to complete an independent research project, (Master’s Thesis) of 30 credits in the main field of study, War Studies.
Entry requirements
Officers’ Programme degree or a Bachelor's degree corresponding to 180 credits, of which 90 credits must be in War Studies or another relevant subject such as International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Security Studies, or Political Science.
A graded independent research project (BA thesis) or the equivalent (for applicants with foreign academic qualifications).
In addition, a level of proficiency in the English language, corresponding to English 6/English B is required.
Students with a Swedish Bachelor's degree meet this language requirement.
Certain elective courses may have additional entry requirements in order to ensure students can properly benefit from the course.
A graded independent research project (BA thesis) or the equivalent (for applicants with foreign academic qualifications).
In addition, a level of proficiency in the English language, corresponding to English 6/English B is required.
Students with a Swedish Bachelor's degree meet this language requirement.
Certain elective courses may have additional entry requirements in order to ensure students can properly benefit from the course.
Degree
The programme leads to a Master's degree in or War Studies.
The Master's Degree titles awarded are as follows:
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in War Studies.
The Master's Degree titles awarded are as follows:
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) in War Studies.
Other regulations
Interim regulations
In the event that this programme is no longer available or the content of the programme has changed significantly, the student is entitled to be examined on courses within the programme once per semester over a period of six semesters. During this period the restrictions specified in the individual course syllabi apply.
Eligibility for courses for students admitted to the programme
In order for the student to be admitted to some courses during the latter part of the programme, certain qualifications are required in addition to being admitted to the programme. Students must have a certain number of approved higher education credits from certain specified courses during the previous part of the programme. Exact provisions can be found in the relevant syllabus.
This syllabus replaces the syllabus for 2PSK1 Master's Programme in Politics, Security and War, 120 credits, track: War Studies (established 2021-09-09), as the name of the Master's programme will change from HT2023.
In the event that this programme is no longer available or the content of the programme has changed significantly, the student is entitled to be examined on courses within the programme once per semester over a period of six semesters. During this period the restrictions specified in the individual course syllabi apply.
Eligibility for courses for students admitted to the programme
In order for the student to be admitted to some courses during the latter part of the programme, certain qualifications are required in addition to being admitted to the programme. Students must have a certain number of approved higher education credits from certain specified courses during the previous part of the programme. Exact provisions can be found in the relevant syllabus.
This syllabus replaces the syllabus for 2PSK1 Master's Programme in Politics, Security and War, 120 credits, track: War Studies (established 2021-09-09), as the name of the Master's programme will change from HT2023.