Courses for exchange students
KTH offers a large number of courses taught in English, available for exchange students. The majority of the exchange students also studies the Swedish language with good results.
Exchange students should aim to take the majority of their courses within one specific school of the Science and Engineering programmes, provided that they meet the prerequisites specified for each course. Exchange students within the Architecture programme must take all their courses within the School of Architecture.
Courses at KTH consist of lectures, seminars, laboratory work and individual studies. Hands-on experience is regarded as an important element of learning and therefore laboratory sessions may constitute an essential part of the courses.
The selection of courses, listed in a Learning Agreement, must always be approved by the International coordinator at KTH as well as the home university. More information on how to choose courses will be given by the international coordinator after you have been accepted to KTH.
Language of instruction
The main language of instruction at KTH is Swedish. However, a large number of courses are given in English, particularly on the higher levels in specialization courses, i.e. year 4 and 5.
It should also be noted that exchange students may benefit from the fact that a considerable proportion of the regular course literature is in English and that the teaching staff can be expected to have a good command of English.
Swedish language courses
Exchange students are strongly advised to learn Swedish, since it opens up a larger selection of courses. The Swedish language courses also give an introduction to Swedish culture, and by acquainting yourself with the language and culture of Sweden you will easier get to know Swedish society and Swedish people.
The Unit for language and communication at KTH offers exchange students Swedish language courses free of charge. An Intensive Swedish language course, on the elementary level, starts August 2, and part-time courses then run during the terms.
The Swedish courses are divided into four levels, from elementary to advanced Swedish. Students with previous knowledge in Swedish should do a web-based placement test to confirm their level. It is an interactive test which gives the students an immediate result.
The Unit of Language and Communication
Course descriptions
Course descriptions are found in the online database "Course and programme directory". All course descriptions are translated into English and include information on the number of ECTS credits, language of instruction, prerequisites, grading, number of lectures, etc. You can for instance search for "Courses by department" or for course name or code.
Below you can also find a document listing the courses offered in English during the academic year 2011/12. Please note that this list will be updated for next academic year in March. Always check the status of the course in the course database. It is important that exchange students register for their courses at the international coordinator's office. A preliminary selection of courses is made before arrival.
Course and programme directory
Credits and grades
KTH uses a credit system compatible with the ECTS credits (from July 2007), where one week of full time study (40 hours including lectures, individual studies, etc.) is equivalent to 1,5 credit (1,5 ECTS). One academic year equals 60 ECTS, i.e. 30 ECTS per term. It is strongly advised that students make a study plan that conforms to this, KTH cannot guarantee student's attendance to courses exceeding this 30 credits limit.
The grading scale ranges from A (excellent) to F/FX (fail).
A=excellent
B=very good
C=good
D=satisfactory
E=sufficient
A distinction is made between the grades FX and F that are used for unsuccessful students. FX means: “fail- some more work required to pass” and F means: “fail – considerable further work required”.
If you need more information about the credit system, please contact KTH.
Examinations
Courses include written and/or oral examinations. Exercises and laboratory work may also form part of an examination. Most courses require that you sign up for the examination.
Examinations are taken at the end of each study period. If you fail at this time, there will be a second chance at the end of the term, in January or August.
Cheating on exams is strictly forbidden at Swedish universities. Any student, whether Swedish or international, who is caught cheating or disrupting academic activities, will be suspended from lectures and exams for a period of up to six months. Note that cheating is not socially accepted among Swedish students.
