Decision by the Swedish Higher Education Authority paves the way for awarding postgraduate degrees

In a report to the government, the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ) recommends that the Swedish Defence University (SEDU) be granted degree-awarding powers for postgraduate programs in the field of defence, crisis management and security studies.

The UKÄ examines whether education providers meet the prerequisites for achieving the qualitative targets for program degrees. Thus, UKÄ's recommendation is an endorsement of the SEDU's application for degree-awarding powers for third-cycle study programs, which in Sweden consists of two degrees in postgraduate studies: the degree of licentiate and the degree of doctor. The final decision on this matter will be taken by the government.

Dedicated employees

"UKÄ's decision supports our plans for establishing and conducting postgraduate studies at the Swedish Defence University. Thanks to the hard work of many dedicated employees, we have made tremendous progress" said Pro-Vice Chancellor Martin Norsell, who himself has headed the efforts with the application the last six years.

When the Swedish Defence University secures authorization, doctoral studies will initially be offered in the fields of military science and political science with special emphasis on crisis management and security studies, a niche offered nowhere else in Sweden.

"This would greatly strengthen our unique profile. I would like to thank and praise everyone who contributed to this fruitful process," says Vice-Chancellor Romulo Enmark.

Master degrees as well

UKÄ's report is a recommendation to the government, which will ultimately decide whether the university should be granted the right to award postgraduate degrees.

In addition, the UKÄ will also review the part of the application concerning issuing master degrees. The next step in that process will be that the UKA's assessment team will interview representatives of the Swedish Defence University. These interviews will take place on Friday, October 27, 2017.

The government is anticipated to make a final decision by the end of the year regarding the Swedish Defence University's request to issue postgraduate degrees.