For small states, security is not merely a matter of military defence. Dependence on allies, technology and critical infrastructure, as well as information and economic threats, demographic changes and competition amongst the great powers, require the ability to act strategically, swiftly and creatively.
Small states operate in a world where the rules are often dictated by the great powers. They have fewer material and human resources and are more dependent on alliances, international institutions, trade, technology and infrastructure.
However, a small state does not necessarily mean a weak state. The ability to build coalitions, specialise, rapidly adopt innovations, harness technology and build societal resilience can provide small states with strategic advantages. The programme will therefore examine not only the vulnerability of states, but also their ability to adapt, act and build security in a constantly changing international environment.
The programme is taught in English and is designed for those wishing to understand the contemporary security environment and analyse how small states can not only respond to threats but also actively shape their own security, defence and resilience strategies.
New study programme, expected to launch in the 2027/2028 academic year.
Duration: 1.5 years (3 semesters)
Study volume: 90 ECTS credits
Mode of study: full-time
Study language: English
Field of study: Political Science
Degree awarded: Master of Social Sciences
- A clear specialisation in the security studies of small states. The programme focuses on the security challenges facing small states, an area that remains poorly institutionalised within higher education. It is based on the premise that small states are active strategic actors capable of adapting to power asymmetries, exploiting technological opportunities and developing innovative security strategies. This approach allows for the assessment not only of individual threats, but also of their interactions and impact on a state’s resilience.
- A broad and integrated concept of security. The programme analyses security as a complex phenomenon encompassing political, economic, technological, informational, cognitive and social processes. This enables the programme to train specialists capable not only of identifying threats, but also of assessing their interactions and proposing strategically sound solutions to strengthen resilience and robustness.
- Integration of advanced analytical methods. The programme combines classical social science research methods with contemporary analytical practices: strategic foresight, scenario modelling, horizon scanning, identification of weak signals, ‘red team’ exercises, ‘war games’, OSINT and AI-assisted analysis. This provides students with practical tools to work in an uncertain and rapidly changing security environment.
- Learning through problem-solving. The programme is based on case studies, practical assignments and teamwork. Students learn not only to analyse, but also to propose solutions, draft policy recommendations and tackle real-world security challenges.
- An international and comparative perspective. The programme is taught in English and is aimed at an international audience. It analyses the experiences of various small states, whilst the learning process is based on an intercultural academic environment and collaboration with international partners.
- Link to practical security needs. The programme directly addresses the objectives set out in ‘Lithuania 2050’, the National Security Strategy, the Government Programme, and the strategic documents of the EU, NATO and Vilnius University, by training specialists capable of strengthening the resilience of the state and society, analysing new threats and operating in conditions of increasing uncertainty.
- A distinct place within the range of regional and European studies on offer. Compared to other programmes, which typically focus on general security or narrow specialisations, this programme consistently combines the analysis of small states, research into new threats, interdisciplinary approaches and advanced research methods. This enables the programme to occupy a distinct position within the regional and European academic landscape.
Graduates of the Small States Security programme are prepared to work in organisations operating in the fields of international, national and public security. The knowledge and analytical skills they acquire enable them to assess complex security issues, anticipate potential challenges and contribute to the development and implementation of solutions.
Graduates of the programme may take up positions as analysts, experts, consultants, advisers, project managers, programme coordinators, public policy specialists or civil servants. They may also work in national security and defence institutions, in the field of crisis management, or pursue careers in international organisations such as the European Union, NATO or the United Nations.
Given the skills developed, graduates could also find fulfilment in innovative business enterprises. Graduates may work in the fields of security, risk management, technology or strategic analysis, as well as in consultancy firms or project development organisations.
Graduates may also become involved in public life and participate in political processes, pursuing a political career at local, national or international levels.
Upon completion of their studies, graduates may pursue an academic career by undertaking a PhD in the social sciences at Vilnius University, other universities in Lithuania and abroad, or at research centres.
Deadline for Admission:
- May 1st – for applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries.
- July 1st – for applicants who are citizens of EU/EFTA countries
- for non-EU/EFTA applicants with a 90-day visa-free period that has not yet been exceeded
- for citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan
Submit the online application via https://apply.vu.lt/ Create an account to complete the online application. This portal allows you to upload the required documents:
- Graduation documents
- university Bachelor degree certificate and its supplement (or its equivalent). If applicant is currently studying in the final year of high school/secondary school or University and his/her institution can’t issue final graduation diploma before application deadline, he/she should submit recent transcript of academic records and certificate where should be written the date of receiving final diploma.
Note: check specific requirements for the following countries:
Azerbaijan | Bangladesh | Cameroon | China | Denmark | Egypt | Estonia | France | Georgia (Sakartvelo) | Germany | Ghana | India | Ireland | Italy | Kazakhstan | Latvia | Lebanon | Netherlands | Nigeria | Norway | Pakistan | Poland | Russia | South Korea | Spain | Sweden | Turkey | Ukraine | United Kingdom | United States
- Motivation letter
- The applicant is required to submit the motivation letter (1200-4000 characters)
- Language certificates
- English language proficiency – the level not lower than B2 (following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), Internationally recognized certificate (TOEFL score 65+; IELTS score 5.5+) or Skype interview.If you are a native speaker and/or if you have a university degree in English, you will be exempt from providing an English language test score.
- Application fee receipt (100 €)
- Online application will be processed only after application fee is paid. Application fee is nonrefundable. You will receive bank information through online application.The applicants must cover all bank charges. Please indicate your name, surname and payment code in payment details.
- Certified copy of passport or ID card
Requirements for the documents
All documents issued in a language other than English, Lithuanian or Russian should be supplemented with an official translation. Translation is considered to be official when it is bound together with the certified true copy of the original document and is confirmed by the translator’s signature. Documents issued in English, Lithuanian or Russian must be certified true copies and do not require translation.
Academic assessment and recognition
After you have successfully uploaded all necessary documents via our online application system https://apply.vu.lt, your educational documents will be processed for the academic assessement and recognition. International Admissions Office can verify the authenticity and accuracy of the documents you provided. We might contact the document issuing authority and/or Centre for Qualitty Assessment in Higher Education for more information about your qualification. More information on recognition of foreign academic qualifications you can find here. Final admission results will be announced within 30 working days after the submission of the completed application. An application is considered to be completed when all of the documents are submitted and the application is under the status “Submitted”.
Successful applicants will receive acceptance letters.
If you are applying for several programmes at the same time, you can be admitted only for one programme according to your priority list and you receive only one acceptance letter.
Acceptance letters or rejection notifications will be sent via the online application system https://apply.vu.lt.
The selection criterion is based on the weighted average of all grades recorded in the transcript of your academic report and the results of an interview.
Make sure:
- you have entry visa if necessary
- your passport is valid not less than 1 year after the end of your intended study period of Vilnius University
- you have Health Insurance valid in Lithuania
- you sent mentor form to the Student Representation at vu@esnlithuania.lt
- you have a confirmation on accommodation reservation at Student Dormitory. If not, please contact the accommodation officer:
- you have Health Insurance valid in Lithuania
Arrival days
Students are supposed to arrive 1 or 2 days before the beginning of studies. If you come earlier, please check availability of the Student Dormitory with the accommodation officer by e-mail.
Late arrival
If for some reasons you cannot arrive in Vilnius during the above mentioned days, you have to inform programme coordinator Kristina Valente.
Student Card
All international students are supposed to have a Lithuanian Student Card (LSP). You have to apply for it upon arrival at https://lsp.lt/en. If you have any questions regarding the ordering procedure of LSP, do not hesitate to contact lsp@vusa.lt.
Educational Documents
You must bring the original copies of your final diploma with supporting documents when you arrive to study at Vilnius University. Please also note that you may be requested to post the original copies of your final diploma with the supporting documents by regular (air) mail before the final decision on your admission is made. If our admissions advisor indicated to mail the original copies of your documents, please send them to our official address:
Vilnius University
Office of International Admissions
3 Universiteto street
LT-01513 Vilnius
Lithuania
Visa D/Temporary Residence Permit
All international students from non-EU, EEA, EFTA countries coming for studies to Lithuania are required to get a national visa for multiple entries D.
The application documents for the issue of visa D should be submitted to the closest Embassy, Diplomatic mission or Consular post of the Republic of Lithuania before arrival. The decision on the issue of visa D shall be made within 15 days after the receipt of application. Visa D allows students to travel via Schengen area countries 3 months in each period of 6 months. A multiple entry visa (D) may be issued for the period not exceeding one year (12 months)!
More information regarding migration formalities.
Students will apply for temporary residence permit to live in Lithuania after first semester spent at Vilnius University. For more detailed information, please visit the Migration Department website http://www.migracija.lt
Small states security
A Master’s programme taught in English, designed for those wishing to understand the contemporary security environment and analyse how small states can not only respond to threats but also actively shape their own security, defence and resilience strategies.
Eastern European and Russian studies
The Eastern European and Russian Studies at Vilnius University programme is devised to provide with deep and comprehensive knowledge about the region – its political, economic and cultural particularities, and develop your academic and analytical skills that will enable students to analyse, evaluate and assess key political and social processes within this dynamic and exciting region.
“We give our Master students the freedom to explore and create their own personalized path of studies. They can decide to read classical philosophy or analyze the phenomenon of techno-bodies, focus on power and communication or get trained for international negotiations. This freedom goes hand in hand with hard work and responsibility. The result is more than just knowledge; it is students realizing their potential and implementing their ideas. We work in particularly small groups, so students can interact directly with leading researchers and practitioners. Intensive studies based on the analysis of real-life cases allow students to gain hands-on experience that can be put to use examining complex contemporary challenges and offering professional solutions.” – deputy director for studies assoc. prof. dr. Lina Strupinskienė
ARQUS Joint Master’s Programme European Studies
Link for application: https://jointdegree.biobs.com
Application deadline: March 31st, 2026 (23:59 CET)
More information: https://arqus-alliance.eu/master-european-studies/
Europe is facing significant challenges in recent years. Alongside the just-ended global pandemic and the recent biggest military conflict on the subcontinent since World War II, defining a new concept of Europe will be a significant issue.
The Joint Master’s programme in European studies provides the opportunity to find the best solutions through an interdisciplinary approach. This is a great opportunity to study Europe with lecturers from the four forefront European universities (University of Granada, University of Graz, Leipzig University and Vilnius University), and develop soft skills that will flourish in your future career.
