# Swedish Defence University establishes doctoral programme in Systems Science for Defence and Security

- Source: Nordic Defence Sector (https://nordicdefencesector.com)
- Canonical URL: https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/swedish-defence-university-establishes-doctoral-programme-in-systems-science-for-defence-and
- Published: 2026-11-03
- Type: News · Country: sweden
- Language: en (original)
- Also available in: de (https://nordicdefencesector.com/de/article/swedish-defence-university-establishes-doctoral-programme-in-systems-science-for-defence-and.md), dk (https://nordicdefencesector.com/dk/article/swedish-defence-university-establishes-doctoral-programme-in-systems-science-for-defence-and.md), es (https://nordicdefencesector.com/es/article/swedish-defence-university-establishes-doctoral-programme-in-systems-science-for-defence-and.md), fi (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fi/article/swedish-defence-university-establishes-doctoral-programme-in-systems-science-for-defence-and.md), fr (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fr/article/swedish-defence-university-establishes-doctoral-programme-in-systems-science-for-defence-and.md), it (https://nordicdefencesector.com/it/article/swedish-defence-university-establishes-doctoral-programme-in-systems-science-for-defence-and.md), no (https://nordicdefencesector.com/no/article/swedish-defence-university-establishes-doctoral-programme-in-systems-science-for-defence-and.md), pl (https://nordicdefencesector.com/pl/article/swedish-defence-university-establishes-doctoral-programme-in-systems-science-for-defence-and.md), sv (https://nordicdefencesector.com/sv/article/swedish-defence-university-establishes-doctoral-programme-in-systems-science-for-defence-and.md)
- Primary source: https://www.fhs.se/arkiv/nyhetsarkiv/2026/2026-10-21-forsvarshogskolan-far-egen-forskarutbildning-i-forsvarssystem.html
- Tags: swedish defence university, försvarshögskolan, systems science for defence and security, sweden

> The Swedish Defence University has established its own doctoral programme in Systems Science for Defence and Security, allowing it to independently admit PhD students starting in early 2027. The interdisciplinary field blends social sciences and engineering to tackle complex defence issues, from cyber security and space capabilities to military capability development.

![Swedish Defence University establishes doctoral programme in Systems Science for Defence and Security](https://imagedelivery.net/XO8UY-c6-LfWgEjQsN8IQw/0848c797-4c57-4744-3776-205b477d9600/public)
*Försvarshögskolan*

**The Swedish Defence University (Försvarshögskolan, FHS) has decided to establish a doctoral programme in Systems Science for Defence and Security, enabling the university to admit PhD students directly in the subject. The programme will cover research areas including cyber security, defence innovation, space capabilities and military capability development.**

According to the ⁠[Swedish Defence University](https://www.fhs.se/arkiv/nyhetsarkiv/2026/2026-10-21-forsvarshogskolan-far-egen-forskarutbildning-i-forsvarssystem.html), the decision was taken by its Board on 14 October 2026. The university hopes to admit its first doctoral students during the first half of 2027.

Systems Science for Defence and Security examines the interaction between technology, people and organisations in defence and security. The research combines social sciences and engineering to address questions concerning military capabilities, operational methods and security challenges.

– Systems Science for Defence and Security bridges traditional boundaries between different research disciplines. This enables us to study complex defence and security issues from multiple perspectives, says Hans Liwång, Deputy Head of the Department of Systems Science for Defence and Security, in the university’s statement.

The research field has its roots in military technology and has developed through cooperation with other higher education institutions since 2019.

Just over ten doctoral students are currently affiliated with the university’s research in Systems Science for Defence and Security but are enrolled at other institutions. The new programme will allow the Swedish Defence University to admit doctoral students independently.

Other potential research areas include infrastructure resilience, cyber operations, psychological defence, intelligence and security services, and warfighting capabilities.

## FAQ

**What is the new doctoral programme at the Swedish Defence University about?**

The doctoral programme covers Systems Science for Defence and Security, examining interaction between technology, people and organisations in defence. It combines social sciences and engineering, addressing military capabilities, operational methods and security challenges, as described by Deputy Head Hans Liwång of the relevant department. Last fact-checked: 2026-11-03.

**When did the Swedish Defence University decide to establish this doctoral programme and when will students be admitted?**

The Swedish Defence University's Board decided on 14 October 2026 to establish the programme. The university hopes to admit its first doctoral students during the first half of 2027, allowing it to independently enroll PhD candidates rather than relying on other institutions. Last fact-checked: 2026-11-03.

**Which research areas does Systems Science for Defence and Security cover?**

Research areas include cyber security, defence innovation, space capabilities and military capability development. Other potential areas mentioned are infrastructure resilience, cyber operations, psychological defence, intelligence and security services, and warfighting capabilities, reflecting the field's roots in military technology since 2019. Last fact-checked: 2026-11-03.

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