The challenges of our time are complex and unpredictable, requiring new skills and strategic thinking. The new Master's Programme in Comprehensive Defence and Civil Preparedness is part of the University's efforts to meet the growing demand for education in the field of total defence, which has been brought to the fore by the changed security policy situation.
The one-year programme takes an interdisciplinary perspective on societal resilience, i.e. how society organises itself to withstand and manage crises and disruptions. The students gain knowledge about how total defence is structured, how responsibilities are distributed and how preparedness work can be carried out, led and practiced. The programme also develops analytical and strategic skills in issues relating to total defence, societal resilience and civil preparedness, as well as practical skills to be able to participate in and lead work on preparedness and crisis management.
The programme will have 30 places and will be open to applicants with a bachelor's degree regardless of academic background. The language of instruction is Swedish.
"This is an important investment to strengthen society's resilience. By bringing together expertise from several faculties, we create an education that gives students both breadth and depth in total defence issues," says Björn Badersten, Vice-Dean with responsibility for education at the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Increased investment in societal resilience and preparedness
In addition to the new Swedish Master's programme, an international sister programme is planned at Campus Helsingborg, the Master's Programme in Societal Resilience and Comprehensive Defence. The ambition is for the education to start in the autumn of 2027.
Both programmes are part of a cross-faculty initiative at Campus Helsingborg, where the Faculty of Social Sciences already has educational activities. They are also both closely linked to Lund University's Centre for Preparedness and Resilience (LUPREP), which was established earlier this year to promote research and collaboration in the field of total defence. Through LUPREP, a robust interdisciplinary environment is created that the education can benefit from in teaching.