PhD in War Studies with Specialisation in Gender, Peace and Security at Swedish Defence University Swedish Defence University in Sweden

The Swedish Defence University is advertising fully funded PhD positions in War Studies, including one position with a specialisation in Gender, Peace and Security. This track is framed as feminist security studies and may cover topics such as gender and military organisations, war preparedness, warfighting, peace processes, and the role of gender norms, ideas, and structures in shaping understandings of war, defence, and security.

The Department of War Studies at the Swedish Defence University (Försvarshögskolan) offers doctoral education in a social-science environment focused on war, military capability, conflict, crisis, and security. The advertised positions are paid jobs and are located at the Department of War Studies (IKV). The programme is four years of full-time study, with a doctoral thesis plus coursework. Teaching and other departmental duties may be included up to 20%, which can extend the employment period to a maximum of five years.

Applicants for the gender, peace, and security position should clearly indicate that specialisation in their application. The post also mentions other PhD openings in War Studies, including specialisations in Russian Warfare and Logistics, plus positions without specialisation. For the Russian warfare track, reading proficiency in Russian is required. For the logistics track, projects should focus on civil defence, military defence, and supply chains, including data collection from the war in Ukraine and peace-time civil defence activities in the Nordic countries.

Eligibility includes a Master’s degree or equivalent, at least 240 ECTS credits with at least 60 ECTS at second-cycle level, plus specific eligibility of 90 ECTS in the social sciences and at least 30 ECTS in War Studies or a closely related subject such as International Relations, Peace and Conflict Research, Security Studies, or Political Science. Applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency in speech and writing. Selection is based on the quality of previous academic work and the project plan, prior postgraduate education, relevance of the thesis topic, and other qualifications. Independently authored academic theses are required, and professional military education is a merit.

Funding includes a starting salary of SEK 32,600/month for civilian doctoral students, with salary progression under a local collective agreement. Professional officers are paid according to their existing basic salary arrangements. In addition, doctoral students receive up to SEK 30,000 per year for travel, literature, and other programme-related expenses.

The application deadline is 24 August 2026. Applications must be submitted through the Swedish Defence University recruitment system using reference number Ö 308/2026. Applicants should complete the online application carefully and ensure all required documents are included. The university notes that interviews may take place in autumn 2026, with decisions intended before spring semester 2027.