Two new programmes prepare students for an uncertain future

This autumn, two brand new programmes will start at the School of Education and Communication (HLK) at Jönköping University (JU): the bachelor's programme in Society and Security (SOS) and the master's programme in Conflict, Risk and International Security (CRIS). Both programmes focus on the increasing challenges facing society – from climate change and the threat of war to threats to democracy – and aim to educate the analysts of the future in security and social development.

Marco Nilsson, Assistant Professor of Political Science and main responsible of both programmes, has extensive experience studying various types of security risks and threats. He is often interviewed in the media about his research, which focuses on violent conflicts around the world. He is currently researching protective factors against radicalization

“Society is changing rapidly and new threats are emerging. We need people who can understand and deal with these complex issues from a social science perspective,” says Marco Nilsson.

The background – a conversation about future threats

The idea for the programmes emerged just over a year and a half ago in a conversation between Marco Nilsson and his colleagues, one of whom was Thomas Winman, Managing Director and Dean at HLK. They discussed the rapid change in Europe's security situation and how Sweden needs to prepare itself for new types of threats to society.

They realised that HLK already had the expertise, research and experience to create programmes that meet these needs. The result was two programmes that together span a range of topics from national security to international conflict analysis.

“We saw that there was a gap between technically oriented safety training and broader social science perspectives. This is where HLK can really contribute,” says Marco Nilsson.

Society and security – a broad perspective on safety

The three-year bachelor’s programme in Society and Security (180 credits) is aimed at students who want to understand how various threats affect society – political, ecological, economic and social.

The programme combines theory and practical experience, and teaching is conducted in both Swedish and English. Students take courses in subjects such as security studies, information security, migration and integration, terrorism, criminology, and climate and the environment. During the fourth semester, there is an opportunity for exchange studies, and in the final year, students can choose between internship and advanced courses. The programme concludes with a security analysis of a current social problem.

After graduation, students can work in areas such as emergency preparedness, security and social development in the public sector, business and civil society.

“This programme gives students the tools to understand and collaborate on complex social issues. We want to educate people who can contribute to a safer and more resilient society,” says Thomas Winman, Managing Director and Dean at HLK.

CRIS – international focus on conflict and risk

The master’s programme in Conflict, Risk and International Security (CRIS) is taught entirely in English and welcomes both Swedish and international students. The programme delves into armed conflicts, international security and risk management, and provides insights into how actors such as the UN, the EU and NATO work with peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Students can choose between a one-year and a two-year option.

“Together, the programmes form a whole: SOS provides a broad introduction to security issues, both nationally and globally, while CRIS provides a greater analytical focus on violent conflicts such as war and terrorism,” says Marco Nilsson.