Implementation of the education

Academic year

Each academic year consists of two semesters which are 20 weeks each, and each semester is further divided into two study periods.

Years 1-3, studies at first cycle

The programme syllabus consists of the compulsory foundation block in the years 1-3 in the first cycle, and also of a Master's programme in the second cycle, years 4 and 5, which concludes with a degree project of 30 credits.

The programme is organised around courses in applied subjects relating to mathematics, engineering science and technology. The teaching and use of professional skills and abilities of great importance to a certified engineer, for example, communication, project work, systems thinking, ethics, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, corporate and societal aspects, are integrated into the courses.

To create a unified whole, the programme emphasises cooperation between different subjects, both within a specific year and between years. This is achieved, inter alia, through the programme-specific courses including project assignments where knowledge gained from other courses is integrated and applied in a product realisation perspective.

Mathematical natural science courses

This block contains basic courses in mathematics and natural science and is chiefly located in year 1 and year 2.

Technology courses

This block includes basic engineering science courses within the field of mechanical engineering, such as solid mechanics, thermodynamics, engineering materials and production. This block is begun in year 1 and concluded in year 3.

The first 3 years conclude with a degree project for a Degree of Bachelor worth 15 credits within a chosen technical field.

Years 4-5 in the second cycle

The Master's programmes consist mainly of advanced courses and a degree project within one and the same engineering science discipline. Students on the Degree Programme in Design and Product Realisation can choose from a wide range of Master's programmes with programme syllabuses established in advance. There is no restriction on the number of places on these Master's programmes for students on the Degree Programme in Design and Product Realisation.

Professional skills and abilities in, for example, entrepreneurship, engineering skills and innovation, are deepened in the engineering courses in years 4 and 5, where labour market links are also of great importance for the final degree project.

The engineer's knowledge of the environment and sustainable development is deepened and concretised through integrating the special aspects of, for example, life-cycle analysis, environmental impact and material selection, which are characteristic of the chosen Master's programmes, in the programme's courses.

Elective Master's programmes that lead to a Degree of Master of Science in Engineering are found under the heading “Scope and content of the programme”.

The programme consists of compulsory, conditionally elective, recommended and optional courses. The compulsory and conditionally elective courses are defined for each year in course lists. The goals, entrance qualifications, content and course requirements for each course can be found in the official course syllabuses.

The forms of teaching and examination vary between courses. These are indicated in each official course syllabus.

The optional courses can be chosen from KTH's range of offered courses. Credits from courses at other universities/higher education institutions can also be transferred if the qualification requirements are met.

The following limitations apply to optional courses:

• Optional courses may not be taken in year 1.

• There is a limit imposed on the number of credits that may be chosen per semester

• An optional course may not correspond to a significant extent to an existing programme course or an already credited course

• Higher education preparatory courses may not be counted as optional courses

• Optional courses may be chosen but should be relevant to the professional role of engineer.

The grading scale is found in the course syllabus

Participation requires admission to courses within the programme and course registration.

For further studies, special admission requirements for the course are to be fulfilled. Special admission requirements are listed in the respective course syllabus.

Choice of Master's programme

Prior to year 4/ Master's programme year 1, second cycle, the student chooses a Master's programme within the framework of their Degree Programme.

Choice of Master's programme is made by the students within the Degree Programme according to instructions from the KTH admissions office.

Admission requirements for Master programmes

In order to be eligible for second cycle studies within KTH:s Master of Science programmes, 165 credits are required from year 1-3,  of which at least 110 credits from year 1 - 2.
A degree project, first cycle, must be completed before the studies on the master's program commence.
Possible additional special admission requirements exist and appear in the respective programme syllabus.

Degree Project, First Cycle
Within the degree programme a degree project, first cycle, which comprises 15 credits, is included. The degree project course can be commenced when the special admission requirements listed in the course syllabus are met.

Degree project, Second Cycle

Within the degree programme a degree project, second cycle, which comprises 30 credits, is included. The degree project course forms the final part of the degree programme. The degree project course can be commenced when the special admission requirements listed in the course syllabus are met.

In order to complete a Degree in Master of Science in Engineering, Degree Program Design and Product Realisation, requires an approved grade in all courses included in the  students study plan based on the degree programme. The study plan shall comprise 300 credits, which includes a degree project, first cycle comprising 15 credits and a degree project, second cycle comprising 30 credits.

Optional introductory courses and preparatory courses cannot be included as part of the degree.

Courses whose content is similar to one or more other courses within the programme cannot be counted as part of the 300 credits that form the basis for the degree.

Optional courses will contribute to the degree programme objectives of Design and Product Realisation and the professional role.

The student has the possibility of applying for the following three degree:

Title of general qualification at first cycle
Bachelor of Science (180 credits)
Teknologie kandidatexamen

Title of professional qualifications at second cycle
Master of Science in Engineering
Civilingenjörsexamen

Title of general qualification at second cycle
Master of Science (120 credits)
Teknologie masterexamen