The Swedish Defence University (SEDU) is accepting applications for a fully funded PhD position in War Studies with a specialisation in Gender, Peace and Security. The application deadline is 24 August 2026. This full-time doctoral position is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and employment starts in January 2027.
The programme runs for four years full time and leads to 240 ECTS credits. In addition, civilian doctoral students receive a starting salary of SEK 32,600 per month. They may also receive up to SEK 30,000 per year for travel, literature, and other expenses.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: 24 August 2026 (midnight CET/CEST)
Eligible Countries: Sweden, International
Program Duration: Four years full-time doctoral programme (240 ECTS credits: 180 ECTS thesis, 60 ECTS coursework). Positions may include duties up to 20% FTE; employment period extended accordingly to a maximum of five years.
Program Location: Department of War Studies, Swedish Defence University, Stockholm, Sweden. Employment to be filled from January 2027.
Funding/Benefits: Starting salary SEK 32,600/month. Funding for travel, literature and other expenses up to SEK 30,000 per year.
Award Provider: Swedish Defence University (SEDU)
About this Program
This opportunity is a doctoral position in War Studies at the Department of War Studies, Swedish Defence University. The position focuses on Gender, Peace and Security. It is a full-time, fully funded PhD employment.
The doctoral programme includes 180 ECTS for the thesis and 60 ECTS of coursework. In some cases, the position may include teaching or other departmental duties of up to 20% of full-time work. If that happens, the employment period may be extended to a maximum of five years.
Level of Study: Doctoral
Number of Awards: One (position with specialisation in Gender, Peace and Security)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet both the general and specific entry requirements for doctoral studies.
- General eligibility: Master’s degree or equivalent (240 ECTS with at least 60 ECTS at postgraduate level)
- Specific eligibility: 90 ECTS credits in the social sciences (or equivalent) 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 master English in speech and writing
- Applicants may be subject to security clearance under the Security Protection Act (2018:55)
What Fellows Receive: Fully funded PhD position for the standard four-year programme; starting salary for civilian doctoral students SEK 32,600/month; funding for travel, literature and other expenses up to SEK 30,000 per year; possible teaching/departmental duties up to 20% FTE with corresponding extension of employment to a maximum of five years; employment regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance; international applicants welcome.
Program Components
- Write a doctoral thesis in War Studies (180 ECTS) under supervision
- Complete coursework (60 ECTS) as part of the doctoral programme
- Possible teaching and other departmental duties up to 20% of full time
How to Apply
Applicants should submit their application through the university’s application system. The application materials should include the required academic and supporting documents.
- Project plan. Applicants must clearly state which position they apply for
- One or more independently authored academic thesis or equivalent used as a basis for assessment
- Documentation proving completion of a Master’s degree or equivalent meeting entry requirements
- Documentation of required ECTS or course credits in social sciences and War Studies or related subjects
- Evidence of English proficiency in oral and written communication
- Documents in languages other than English, Swedish, Danish, or Norwegian must include an authorised translation
You can review the full requirements and submit your application through the official vacancy page.
👉 Visit the Application Webpage for Details
