Master of Science Programme (One Year) in Societal Resilience and Comprehensive Defence

The programme provides you with a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of how societies can prevent, withstand and respond to crises and other severe disruptions.

You will study how changing security conditions affect societies, where the boundaries between peace, crisis and war are becoming increasingly blurred. The programme addresses governance, coordination and organisation from a multi-level perspective – from the local level to the European Union and NATO.

A key focus is also placed on dependencies and vulnerabilities in a globalised world, including issues related to critical infrastructure and supply chains.

During the programme, you develop advanced knowledge in societal resilience and preparedness studies, along with methodological skills and the ability to analyse and manage complex issues. You also strengthen your ability to communicate results, make well-informed assessments, and take responsibility for your continued learning.

The programme is taught in English.

The first semester begins with an introductory course on comprehensive defence and societal resilience. The course includes current developments, research perspectives, historical context and legal aspects.

This is followed by three thematic courses focusing on:

• communication, disinformation and psychological defence

• international and transnational security governance, including the EU and NATO

• the relationship between politics and economics in a globalised world, with a focus on (inter)dependencies and vulnerabilities

In the second semester, you first study a course in innovation and technological development from a security policy perspective, followed by a methodology course. The programme concludes with a degree project involving an independent analysis of a research question.

Throughout the programme, emphasis is placed on developing advanced analytical skills and the ability to communicate results clearly.

The programme has close links to the Lund University Centre for Preparedness and Resilience (LUPREP), an interdisciplinary research and collaboration environment.

Campus Helsingborg: a modern study environment close to the sea

Campus Helsingborg is located in central Helsingborg, just a few minutes from the train station and the sea. The campus area is located in a former factory building from 1891, which once belonged to Tretorn. The building has retained its industrial character, which has been integrated with modern premises adapted for lectures, group work, and a quiet study environment.

On campus, you will find a library, plenty of study spaces, and several places to have lunch or a coffee break. The building has several student kitchens where you can heat up your lunch box and eat together with others. The building also houses study and career guidance services and other student support functions.

Campus Helsingborg is part of Lund University but has its own campus life and its own student unions and associations. Different faculties and programmes come together under one roof here. You will have close contact with both teachers and fellow students, while also being close to city life in Helsingborg. 

After graduation, you can work in both the public and private sectors, for example in government agencies, companies, civil society organisations or international organisations. 

Career opportunities exist at multiple levels – from local to international – in the public as well as private sector within fields related to security, crisis preparedness and societal resilience.

Lund University Global Scholarship Programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship

Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities. 

ARUA Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden. 

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website 

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries. 

External scholarships