Information and Communication Technology (300 credits)

Job opportunities and the future

What would your life be like without Internet or mobile telephones? Would you like to influence future technology? If the answer is yes then the Master of Science in IT programme at KTH is the right choice for you.

IT has a very fundamental effect on us and how we live. It decreases the distance and the gaps in the world by providing new communication opportunities. IT can contribute to the solution of the climate issue and future threats to resources.

Currently IT forms such a natural part of our everyday lives that it is sometimes difficult to define exactly what it is. Somewhat simplified it could be said that IT concerns collaboration between computers, software and data/telecommunications. Internet, mobile telephones, vehicles, energy and medical engineering are all examples of areas that are dependent on IT.

The breadth of this programme opens the door to a number of different working fields. Graduates have every business area everywhere in the world as their labour market. First jobs are often within product development or in the consultancy business.

The programme

The IT programme is based on KTH's eminent research within the field. KTH also runs close cooperation with many of the approximately 500 IT companies located in Kista. This guarantees a modern, relevant range of courses. In addition, students gain the opportunity to create a good network within business/industry before they graduate.

The first three years provides a broad basis within subjects such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Communications and Programming as well as projects and verbal and written communications.

After three years students take out a Bachelor of Science degree. This opens up the opportunity to study courses at advanced level in a foreign KTH partner university .

During their final two years students study a specialisation that is included in one of the KTH Master programmes.

Year 1

After an introductory course in Engineering Methods students take engineering science courses parallel with basic courses in Mathematics. In the Engineering Methods course students apply their school maths to engineering problems, learn to examine the probability of their solution and use Matlab to draw graphs and carry out simpler calculations. In the Digital Design course students gain knowledge on the theoretical foundations of analysis and construction of digital electronics and the different design and construction phases in the construction of simpler combinatorical and sequential digital systems.

The engineering science courses that follow are Object-oriented Programming and Algorithms and Data Structures in which students learn programming and basic concepts within computer science such as data structures, algorithms and simpler calculation models. This field is concluded with Computer Engineering in which students learn how a computer works and is constructed. The course connects computer science and digital electronics. Both processor and memory technologies are covered. The basic principles are illustrated with simple C programs.

Parallel with the engineering courses runs mathematics which are initiated with Algebra and Geometry. These courses introduce basic concepts within linear algebra and geometrical theory. They include calculations with complex numbers, matrix calculations and training in the implementation of mathematical reasoning and in presenting mathematics verbally and in writing. Then come the One-variable and Multiple Variable Analysis courses aimed at making the student familiar with the elementary functions and their characteristics, the important concepts within differential and integral calculus for one and multiple variables and the ability to build up mathematical models of real events in terms of basic concepts, interpreting results and making probability assessments.

Year 2

In Year 2 engineering science is follow up through Network and Communications that focuses on protocols, network equipment and infrastructure for communications systems such as Internet or local networks with elements such as flow control mechanisms and error monitoring. In addition there is a course in Applied Programming that consists of programming in industry-relevant languages such as C/ C++ and an introduction to programming with parallel processes.

Basic science knowledge from Year 1 is followed up in Mathematical Statistics which brings knowledge of probability theory and statistical inference. The course is also aimed to give an understanding of, and skills in, applications used in practical problems. In addition there is a basic course in Discrete Mathematics which reviews concepts such as arithmetic, set theory, Boolean algebra, equivalence relations, modular arithmetic, basic graph theory, elementary group theory, rings, polynoms, error-correcting codes, generating functions and their applications. In addition this course contains an introduction to logic.

In the Electrical Circuit course, which is counted as a physics course on the IT Programme, students learn basic circuit engineering in order to understand how electronic components work in different analogue and digital circuits. This course is followed by Electromagnetism and Wave Theory which provides knowledge on important concepts linked to electrical and magnetic fields and mechanical and electromagnetic waves which is central to all IT communications.

Central components of the course include electrical statics, magnetic fields, Maxwell's equations, basic wave concepts and electromagnetic waves. The spring term is dominated by a project in which the engineering elements come from the engineering science courses Object-oriented Programming, Algorithms and Data Structures, Programming Paradigms and Models, Digital Design and Network and Communications.

For a few intensive weeks students will work full time in groups of 8–10 with their project, supported by flexible project methodology. The objective is that students work with a larger-scale problem in a structured manner and learn to use some of the technical aids available for this purpose.

Year 3

In Year 3 students are offered a great deal of choice as they elect courses from a large portfolio. Courses selected are fairly dependent on the choice of Master programme for the final two years.

On all KTH Master of Science programmes it is possible to take out a Bachelor of Science degree of 180 credits after three years.

Year 4-5

In Years 4 and 5 students follow the Master programme they have selected. Students on the IT programme may select a Master programme from several subject areas:

If students are interested in electronics, communication or radio systems and want to learn how the basic construction blocks of IT work, the following Master programmes could be interesting:
• Integrated Embedded Systems (a part of the Master programme System-on-Chip Design)
• Network Services and Systems
• Wireless systems

If students wish to prepare for future management positions within production development, marketing, project management, research and development etc. in industrial operations based on IT, this is a Master programme for them (programme planned for introduction autumn term 2011).
• Industrial Management

This is a group of Master programmes that all fall within the core area of IT. Within these Master programmes students either extend their knowledge within an area of IT such as programming, communication, security or future services or they learn how to use IT within an area of application. This is knowledge that students can apply within many different areas.
• Computational and Systems Biology
• Computer Science
• Information and Communication Security
• Communications Systems
• Construction and realisation of IT Products and Systems
• Machine learning
• Media technology
• Human-computer Interaction
• Network Services and Systems
• Software techniques for Distributes Systems
• Engineering and Management of Information Systems

Medical engineering is one of many special areas in which IT is used. Medical imaging is one important application of IT that is of decisive importance to many modern medical examination and treatment methods.
• Medical Imaging

Master programmes and the Erasmus Mundus

Degree project

The programme is completed with a degree project. This project works as proof positive that the student has fulfilled the requirements of the Master course. Students will apply all the knowledge they have acquired during their period of study at KTH. The degree project is carried out in connection to the Master Programme, most often during Year 5 and is aimed at providing experience of, under realistic conditions, independently planning, implementation and documentation of a task according to good engineering practice. This project may be carried out at KTH, at a company or abroad. Select your degree project carefully – it may be extremely useful when you are applying for your first job!