Conflict, Risk and International Security
Interstate wars, civil wars, terrorism, and hybrid threats profoundly affect societies both nationally and internationally. To understand and address these challenges, you need knowledge of the underlying causes as well as the ability to analyse security risks, political processes, and societal dynamics from multiple perspectives.
CRIS is a social science-based master’s degree rooted in security studies. You will learn to analyse armed conflicts and risks at several levels - from global politics to local security. You will also gain insights into how organisations such as the UN, NATO, and the EU work with peacekeeping operations, conflict resolution, and post-war reconstruction.
Building expertise in conflict, risk and security
The first semester provides a theoretical and methodological foundation in the field of security studies. You will explore areas such as theories of international security, war and terrorism, and risk management in conflict environments.
In the second semester, you continue with advanced research methods. If you choose the one-year track, your studies conclude with a 15-credit master’s thesis. Students in the two-year track expand their expertise in areas such as peacebuilding in post-conflict societies and international law and organisations.
The third semester of the two-year track offers the opportunity to take electives, go on exchange at a partner university, or complete an internship in a relevant organisation. Studies conclude with a 30-credit master’s thesis, where you independently analyse a current security-related issue.
The programme is offered as both a one-year (60 ECTS) and a two-year (120 ECTS) degree.
The applicant must hold the minimum of a bachelor’s degree (i.e. the equivalent of 180 ECTS credits at an accredited university) with at least 90 credits in social science including independent work, i.e., a thesis or the equivalent.
*Social sciences include areas such as: social and behavioural sciences, psychology, sociology, ethnology and human geography, political science, economics and economic history, journalism and information, media and communication studies, library and documentation science, business, commerce and administration, purchasing, sales and distribution, marketing, banking, insurance and finance, accounting and taxation, management and administration, clerical and secretarial services, law and jurisprudence, criminology, anthropology, peace and development studies, human rights, disability science, gender science, etc.
After graduation, you will be well-equipped for qualified roles in security, conflict analysis, and risk management, both in Sweden and internationally. Possible career paths include analyst in international security or crisis preparedness, advisor in peacebuilding or conflict resolution, security strategist, risk analyst in international relations, or project manager in peace and development work.
The programme also provides eligibility for doctoral studies in fields such as international relations, security studies, peace and conflict studies, or global development.
