Would you like to find out whether you are eligible to apply for the SSE Nordic Defense MBA? Please fill out the CV review form and upload your CV to see if you qualify.
SSE Nordic Defense MBA
In 2026, SSE launched the SSE Nordic Defense MBA, an Executive MBA designed for senior leaders in the Nordic defense and security sector. The program provides a platform for building a practical, cross-functional, and cross-border Nordic network, sharing strategic knowledge, and addressing common challenges and projects.
Program info
Duration of the program: 14 months
Language of instruction: English
Degree awarded: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Class size: 40 students
Next program start: October 2026
Tuition fees: SEK 700,000
Be part of the SSE Nordic Defense MBA
The SSE Nordic Defense MBA was developed in close collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces. It is connected to SSE’s House of Governance and Public Policy and collaborates with the Center for Security and Resilience, an established arena for strengthening public-private cooperation in support of total defense.
The program is tailored for experienced defense professionals seeking to strengthen their general management skills and deepen their understanding of total defense. Defense, security, and total defense perspectives are integrated across all courses.
The MBA places a strong emphasis on public-private collaboration, supported by field trips and specialized courses in geo-economics, market organization, and global supply networks. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in modern total defense systems.
Program structure
The MBA starts on October 19, 2026, and runs part-time over 14 months, enabling participants to continue working while studying. Participants attend 10 campus weeks, each running Monday-Friday, for a total of 50 days.
Full in-person attendance is required during campus weeks, including evening sessions. Between campus weeks, participants complete self-study, digital learning activities, and examinations. The program is intensive and combines case discussions, interactive lectures, group work, and simulations.
Learn more about the structure, modules, and courses.
Core drivers for this MBA
- Organizational growth. Preparing for and managing the expansion of resources and personnel within total defense.
- NATO integration. Developing organizational structures and knowledge to facilitate effective interoperability and collaboration within the alliance.
- Geopolitical dynamics. Responding strategically to significant shifts in the security landscape.
- Industry collaboration. Strengthening collaboration with the private defense industry across the Nordics.
Learning goals
This MBA integrates practices and efficiencies from the business world into defense planning and operations.
- Resource management. Developing a deeper understanding of market and financial mechanisms, organizational and investment logic, and the efficient use of resources.
- Strategic procurement. Understanding industrial value networks, managing large-scale procurement, and ensuring supply chain resilience.
- Innovation processes. Learning how private companies manage innovation, R&D, and AI/ML transformation.
- Outcome. Developing the business acumen needed to lead modern, complex defense and security organizations, with a focus on total defense.
Check your eligibility
Get in touch with us
If you have specific questions about the SSE Nordic Defense MBA, the different modules, field trips, or the application process, you are welcome to contact our Program Advisor.
Why is the SSE Nordic Defense MBA so relevant?
It is not enough to be strong on the battlefield; we must also be strong in how we lead, organize, and cooperate across society as a whole. This program is an important step in developing the leadership required to integrate military capability with civilian structures and the capacity of the private sector. That is how we build a robust total defense and strengthen our collective resilience in the Nordic region.
Michael Claesson
Chief of Defence of the Swedish Armed Forces
