Electrical Engineering (180 credits)

Job opportunities and the future

The labour market for Bachelors of Science Engineering within Electrical Engineering is good and spans a wide number of interesting areas; from electrical installations, electrical power networks and energy supply, railway engineering, telecommunications and computer networks and mobile communications to electronics and software for embedded systems found in devices such as mobile phones and medical equipment. Business associations and companies actively participate in the design of this programme. The aim is to prepare students for their future professional careers and for them to create a contact network among companies and working engineers. The industry’s unanimous assessment is that the need for Bachelors of Science in Engineering is extensive.

On graduation students may work with, for example, electronics and embedded systems, telecommunications and computer networks, mobile communications, electrical power engineering and the vehicle and railway engineering of tomorrow. There are many opportunities and knowledge within electrical engineering is necessary within, generally speaking, all technical areas of business/industry.

The programme

Electrical engineering deals with the fact that electricity can be used both as the carrier of energy e.g. to run machines, for lighting and heating or to transfer signals and information, e.g. in computers, mobile phones and computer networks. Electrical engineering is decisive for the future development of business and industry, for an environmentally-sound and sustainable society and for the everyday lives of billions of people. This programme places emphasis on applied technology using laboratory exercises, projects and independent assignments as important elements. The objective is to educate engineers with the independent ability to use and develop advanced technology.

Projects appear every year as a vital element in training  students’ ability to work in groups. The programme provides a broad technical base with considerable opportunities for specialisation and elective courses in later years. In Year 3 students may choose courses within three different application areas. There are opportunities to continue studies at Master’s level after additional credits have been gained.

Year 1

The programme begins with a course in IT and engineering methods that introduces project methods for engineers, group dynamics and presentation techniques as well as an overview of the electrical engineering field.

The basic course in programming and a course in linear algebra and analysis provide students with important tools and methods for problem solution in the technical subjects. The building blocks of digital technology, methods for analysis and construction of digital systems and hardware-descriptive language are taken up in the digital technology course. Microcomputer technology deals with the structure, accessories and programming of microprocessors and embedded computer systems. Electrical theory deals with electrical networks and analysis methods for the calculation of time and frequency dependency, plus passive components such as resistors, condensers, inductors and transformers. Measuring methods and instruments and training in the use of computer tools for simulation and measurement of electrical circuits is also included. Environmental and work science deal with environmental issues, legislation, environmental engineering and the importance of the working environment to the prevention of occupational injuries which are all vital areas for future engineers. Laboratory exercises are important in order to acquire skills and extend understanding of the technical subjects and in the programming course.

The concluding project course brings together the previous courses into a larger-scale, independent assignment within electrical engineering.  In this course students work in a manner that resembles working life. The course also includes an introduction till computer networks and Internet technology.

Year 2

In Year 2 students extend their knowledge of electronics, telecommunications, computer networks, electrical power engineering and mathematics.

Signals, systems and transformers is a course in applied mathematics aimed at analysing and understanding dynamic technical systems within telecommunications and electrical power engineering. The electronics course teaches students about analogue electronic circuits, amplifier circuits and components such as transistors and operational amplifiers. Telecommunications covers basic functions and elements within the fixed and mobile communications systems. Some areas included are analysis of signals on time and frequency planes, moduling methods and transfer systems such as cables, antennae and fibre optics. Electrical power engineering covers the basics on three-phase alternating current, transformers, electrical machines, electrical installations, bodies of regulations etc. all required in order to be able to study Year 3 courses in these fields. Communications networks deals with computer networks (local, city, national and global networks), fixed and wireless communications, functions at datalink level and Internet-based communications. Systems for control and monitoring of real estate property, housing and industrial production are also included. Mathematical statistics contains the basics of probability theory and statistical methods that an electrical engineer is expected to be familiar with. Economics and organisational theory covers business studies, organisation and the commercial context. Business concepts, company cultures, marketing and accounting are other aspects covered.
Year 2 is concluded with a larger-scale project carried out in groups aimed at bringing together the knowledge gained from all previous courses.

Year 3

In Year 3 students choose courses within these operational areas.

Electrical power engineering

Electrical power engineering deals with electrical plant for buildings and industries, electrical networks, electrical energy systems and electrical operating systems this choice includes:

• Two compulsory courses (15 credits) and four elective courses (30 credits) on subjects such as electrical energy systems, electrical plant, bodies of regulations and ordinances, automatic control, effect electronics, electrical machines and drive systems, electrical systems and wind power systems. Elective courses in railway engineering for planning of signal systems, electrical/tele and electrical power systems are offered in conjunction with relevant companies.
• A degree project within electrical power engineering (15 credits)

Telecommunications and computer networks

Courses deal with communications systems, wired and wireless networks. Participation in the Cisco Networking Academy Program, which is part of courses in Years 1 and 2, is extended in Year 3.

In this operational area there are:

• Two compulsory courses (15 credits) and four elective courses (30 credits) on subjects such as communications systems, wireless networks and mobile communication, network security, routing in IP networks, wireless sensor systems and smartphones.
• A degree project within telecom and networks (15 credits)

Embedded systems

Embedded systems is a field in which electronics is combined with program development for various applications such as mobile phones, home and consumer electronics, industrial robots, vehicles and aeroplanes. In this operational area there are:

• Two compulsory courses (15 credits) and four elective courses (30 credits) on subjects such as  embedded system and real time systems, automatic control, wireless networks and mobile communication, embedded wireless sensor systems and construction using VHDL.
• A degree project within embedded systems (15 credits)

Degree project

Educational programmes are concluded with a degree project worth 15 higher education credits (equivalent of approx. 10 weeks of study). Normally degree projects are carried out jointly with another student. The aim is for students to use this opportunity to utilise and demonstrate all the knowledge and skills acquired during their educational programmes. Students must prove they are able to work using good engineering praxis and that they can report on their work in a professional manner. Students are responsible for identifying suitable degree projects. The aim is for them to carry out this work within business/industry or in the public sector. This also provides students with the opportunity to establish a valuable professional contact network in preparation for their future careers. Degree projects are interesting, enjoyable and stimulating and bring many challenges. High levels of demands are imposed on students by both the university and the project principal. Degree projects provide students with good preconditions for success as engineers.

Further studies

A Bachelor of Science in Engineering brings several opportunities for further studies after certain additional credits have been obtained. For example, students may go on to further studies on a one or two-year master’s educational programme. There is a large selection of one and two-year master’s programmes available at KTH. These programmes vary between 60-120 credits and are given in English which means they also attract foreign students. This brings opportunities for exciting international contacts. It is also possible to apply to join the later part of a Master of Science in Engineering programme within the same, or closely connected, fields (although this may require additional maths or science courses, please contact Study Counselling for more information). In most cases these studies encompass 120-150 credits (2-2.5 years of study).

Please note! Certain changes may be made to the range of courses.