Sharanya

Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?  

I've been deeply fascinated with creative problem-solving since high school, which led me to pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering. During my undergraduate studies, I was exposed to a wide range of fascinating areas, including signalling systems, which are particularly relevant to the railway industry. While deciding on a master's degree, my study led me to a unique opportunity at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, a programme specialised just to Railway Engineering. This programme drew my attention, and following a closer examination of its curriculum, I discovered that it was provided in partnership with the prestigious University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). The combination of these two prominent universities and the programme's strong emphasis on multidisciplinary studies made it a simple decision for me to enrol at KTH.

What are the best aspects of your programme?

One of the programme's most appealing features is its extensive discussion of railway engineering, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering aspects. This comprehensive approach guarantees that you gain a comprehensive grasp of all relevant disciplines, from fundamental concepts to sophisticated design approaches. Furthermore, the programme provides a one-of-a-kind chance for partnership and knowledge exchange with the University of Illinois. In addition to academic benefits, the programme promotes tight relationships with the industry, allowing participation in real-world initiatives. You are also welcomed to attend conferences to learn about upcoming projects and also get a fair idea about ongoing research in this field in Sweden and Europe.

Have you chosen a specialisation track within the programme? If Yes, which track and why?  While my programme track is still being decided on, I greatly desire to go more into signalling systems or electric traction. My final decision will be based on my exposure to appropriate courses, which will confirm and refine my interests. Nonetheless, I am open to investigating various paths, especially as several courses in the mechanical area have sparked my interest. My main goal is to apply the knowledge I gained during my bachelor's studies and my current educational study at KTH. Finally, I plan to use what I've learned by doing research or writing my thesis in the fields of electrical engineering and railway systems.

How do studies at KTH differ from your previous studies?

The split of a semester into two different study periods is one distinguishing feature of the academic organisation at KTH that distinguishes it from my former university. In contrast to the intense model I was used to, this unique approach allows students to spread their study throughout the semester. As a result, this style encourages a deeper and more complete comprehension of the subjects covered. Furthermore, several courses at KTH are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis. These courses emphasise hands-on learning and coursework more than standard theory-based assessments. It's an excellent opportunity to put what you've studied into practice and gain practical knowledge of the content. It makes learning at KTH more exciting and dynamic.

How would you describe your time at KTH so far?

I truly loved my time here at KTH during reception week. Meeting people from different nations and academic backgrounds was an excellent chance. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting like-minded people with a shared interest in learning and adventure. When courses started, I was pleasantly impressed by the dynamic and welcoming environment established by my classmates. This collaborative mindset really improved our learning environment. Furthermore, the faculty members have been quite helpful in adapting their advice to individual learning styles. This adaptability enables students to tailor their course frameworks to their unique interests and objectives. The well-organised structure of the programme even allows us some extra time on weekends, allowing for pleasant experiences touring the city and seeing numerous sights in and around Stockholm. So far, it's been an enriching and enjoyable time!