Design and Product Realisation (300 credits)

Job opportunities and the future

Masters of Science in Engineering in Design and Product development work with the development of new products adapted to technology, human beings and the market. This engineering task is to monitor the product as a whole from management and environmental aspects to production and service. Such jobs contain a considerable element of creativity and require the ability to think outside the box in order to see new opportunities. The broad technical and design knowledge gained gives students preconditions for finding work within the entire product development process. Professional areas include design, concept development, construction, environmental aspects, scientific computing, project management, production and manufacture. Students may choose to work as researchers within the field, as an employee in a large or small company, as a consultant or they may realise their own visions by opening their own companies.

The programme

This programme provides students with knowledge on the entire product development process, from concept to finished product. Studies contain both theoretical and practical elements. In Years 1-3 students take a number of courses in design and product development, one course each term. Here students learn how a design process works, how to work in a user-centred manner, how to visualise and communicate ideas and how to apply knowledge from other theoretical courses in a product development perspective. These courses are most often project-based where design, construction and production are integrated. The five-year Master of Science in Engineering programme consists of a three-year first level education block and a two-year Master’s programme.

Year 1

In Year 1 students take basic courses in mathematics, physics and engineering. Courses in design and product development contain an introduction to industrial design and product development.

Design and product development, Introduction course, 10.5 credits

In this course students are given an introduction to academic studies, at the same time as they gain an understanding of what is included in the subject area. Students also learn the basics of both the creative elements in design work as well as the analytical parts of construction activities.

Design and product development, modelling and simulation, 9 credits

This course is aimed at further development of product development skills through the application of mathematics, mechanics and numerical methods. This course is based on a product development project with elements of modelling and simulation.

Mathematics, 22.5 credits

Mathematics is a vital tool in the work of an engineer, and in their first mathematics courses students learn linear algebra plus differential and integral calculus.

Mechanics I, 9 credits

This course provides knowledge on the laws of nature governing time, space, matter and movement and how these are applied to solve practical problems.

Numerical methods and basic programming, 9credits

Here students gain knowledge of using mathematical software to solve technical-mathematical problems, of making numerical experiments and of presenting solutions. Programming is carried out in MATLAB, a modern program language for scientific computing.

Year 2

In Year 2 students continue with courses from the basic block with a focus on technical engineering subjects. Courses in design and product development include industrial design, machine construction and industrial production.

Design and product development, form and function, 6 credits

In this course students learn about how products’ form and function are adapted to different users. Students hear about user-centred product development, the design process and how to visualise and communicate ideas. This course includes a design project within sustainable development together with a company or organisation.

Design and product development, components, 6 credits

This course provides more knowledge about complex products. Students will study the connections between a product’s function and its structure. Students learn how to generate solutions based on known component principles and also to determine component size and form using calculations.

Design and product development, manufacturing techniques, 6 credits

Students will, in this course, gain knowledge on the cutting, forming and joining manufacturing processes, surface treatments, numerically controlled tools and workshop measurement techniques for calculations.

Solid mechanics, 12 credits

This course provides knowledge of the basic concepts and principles of solid mechanics, the mechanical characteristics of different materials, methods for solving problems within mechanics and the ability to apply this knowledge in an independent fashion.

Mechanics II, 6 credits

This more advanced course gives students increased familiarity with the basic laws of classical mechanics. Students learn to apply these laws to practical mechanical problems.

Applied thermodynamics, 9 credits

Students learn the basic laws and processes governing energy transformation plus fluid mechanics and heat transfer. They also gain a good understanding of the physics behind the phenomena covered. Students train their abilities in problem formulation, modelling and problem solution.

Mathematics, 6 credits

Differential equations describe how quantities change in time and space. This plays a decisive role in technical applications. This course includes solution methods and applications, as well as transform methods.

Electrical engineering, 9 credits

On completion of this course, students possess enough knowledge to construct simpler control systems and set the dimensions for the operations of an electric motor. In this course students are permitted to study some areas in depth, areas such as digital and microcomputer engineering plus electric motor operations.

Year 3

In Year 3 students study three compulsory courses:

• Design and product development, methodology
• Construction materials
• Industrial economics
  
  and at least one of
   
• Sound and vibration theory
• Visual input physics

Students also study two or three courses to prepare them for their planned Master’s programme as well as a number of totally elective credits. Year 3 is concluded by a Bachelor degree project worth 15 credits within the selected field. In these projects students are expected make critical assessments and independently separate out, formulate and solve problems. The selection of Master’s programme takes place in Year 3.

Bachelor of Science Degree

When 180 credits have been earned, students may apply to be awarded a Bachelor’s degree. Master of Science in Engineering studies then continue via a two-year Master’s programme until graduation with 300 credits.

Year 4-5

In Years 4 and 5 students follow the Master programme they have chosen.

Integrated Product Design

This programme focuses on processes and methods of product development aimed at the development of innovative, competitive products and services. Students gain competence in several, related disciplines such as product innovation, group dynamics, communication of design proposals and prototype manufacture.

Engineering Design

In this programme students create innovative products with the support of efficient tools and methods. The three tracks – Machine Construction, Mechatronics and Combustion Engine Technology focus on components and systems, machines in which electronics and software are vital  components, and piston engines with interior combustion.

Production Engineering and Management

Students gain knowledge and skills in the structure, development and operations of flexible industrial production and IT systems for the manufacture of competitive products in a resource-efficient manner. Central concepts include quality, “lean”, processes, logistics, PDM/PLM and digital factories.

Aerospace Engineering

The Aerospace Master’s programme offers an international, creative and challenging learning environment with its focus on personal development and the students’ ability to cooperate with others. Students build up broad, technical leading edge competence within the fields of aero engineering, space engineering, systems technology or light constructions. 

Vehicle Engineering

A Master’s programme focussed on vehicles with two primary specialisations, road or rail-bound vehicles. After introductory vehicle type courses, there are four thematic profiles to select from: Structural Design, Functional Design, Control and Management  plus Transport Systems.

Sustainable Energy Engineering

Energy engineering encompasses the transformation and transfer of energy in various apparatus, facilities and societies. This programme covers, in addition to basic energy engineering, applied areas such as power production and energy utilisation that fulfil societal needs as concerns efficiency and sustainability.

Industrial Management

This Master’s programme provides students with knowledge of the management and strategies for innovation, production and marketing in both established and growing industries. Together with the students’ technical background, the programme prepares them well for future management positions in different technology-intensive operations

Naval Architecture

Naval Architecture prepares students for work within the marine sector which includes vessels, yacht design, offshore, wave power, submarine engineering, marine wind power etc. The programme both examines various theories in-depth and maintains a system focus for the broad skill sets the labour market expects of its graduates.

Engineering Mechanics

In this programme, students are provided with in-depth knowledge within the broad field of engineering mechanics as well as learning the formulation, modelling and solution of engineering problems with the help of modern, computer-based experimental methods. There are three tracks in the programme: Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics and Sound and Vibration Science.

Read more about the KTH Master programmes and the Erasmus Mundus Programme

Master programmes and the Erasmus Mundus

Degree project

Educational programmes are concluded with a degree project.  This degree project could be said to act as proof positive of the success of the educational programme. This is an opportunity for students to utilise all the knowledge they have acquired during their studies at KTH. Degree projects are carried out as a conclusion to the relevant one-year Master’s programme. Degree projects are intended to provide students with experience of, under realistic conditions, independently planning, implementing and documenting a project using good engineering praxis. The degree project may be carried out at KTH or at a company.

Degree

When 300 credits have been earned, students may apply for a Master of Science in Engineering degree and a Master’s degree.

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