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 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, corporate and societal aspects, communication and sustainable development, 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.

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 Studies at 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 Mechanical Engineering Programme can choose from a range of Master's programmes* with programme syllabuses established in advance.

* Information about Master's programmes that lead to a Degree of Master of Science in Engineering, are found under the heading “Extent 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.

• The number of credits that may be chosen per semester is limited to 35.

• 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

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.

Choosing an international profile
During the spring term in year 1, choices are made for an international profile, ie of the languages French, Spanish or German

Special admission requirements for  international profile

For studies in year 2

• at least 45 credits according to the course list of the programme syllabus from year 1. This is to be achieved by the end of the re-examination period in August.
• proficient in either Spanish, German or French equivalent to level A1 and demonstrated through a compulsory placement test taken prior to the choice of courses.

For studies in year 3

• at least 90 credits according to the course list of the programme syllabus from year 1 and 2. This is to be achieved by the end of the re-examination period in August.
• the student must be proficient in either Spanish, German or French equivalent to level B1.
• fulfill any requirements of the host university and be formally accepted as an exchange student there.

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 in mechanical engineering. The degree project course can be commenced when the special admission requirements listed in the course syllabus are met.

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

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

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.