Media Technology (300 credits)

Job opportunities and the future

Masters of Science in Media Technology are problem solvers and enjoy a varied labour market. They are attractive to both traditional and new media industries, and also to all companies and organisations working with information and communication. For example they may find employment in the newspaper and publishing industries, in companies concerned with film production, graphics, TV and radio. They may also work with purchasing, development and operation of technical solutions, production systems or information management systems for music, film, audio and video. Many media technology engineers work as consultants or start their own businesses. There is also a considerable demand for media technology engineers in the areas of teaching and research.

The programme

The Media Technology programme offers a broad, interdisciplinary education. In the first two years, all students take common compulsory basic subjects such as Mathematics, Technology and the Information and Media Technology subjects. Year 3 is devoted to the specialisation selected. Consequently even students who choose to terminate their studies after the Bachelor of Science degree will have done some special studies. The Master programme is studied in Years 4 and 5. Students who choose the Master of Science programme in Media Technology study a number of advanced level courses and also choose a further specialisation in the field of Media Technology.

Year 1

In Year 1 a mix of media technology subjects, information technology and basic subjects in Mathematics, Physics and Technology is studied.

This course provides a description of the media technology area and maps out a path for further study. Among other things, an introduction to the following is given: the subject/subjects, the media and communication landscape (media supply, technology, trends in development), labour market (industries and professional roles), and the remaining parts of the programme.

This is a basic programming course with a web programming orientation. It provides computer skills, the ability to write well-structured programmes and some knowledge of basic computer technology.

This course provides basic knowledge of printing techniques, text presentation, image processing, colour production and the design of printed materials. It also looks at published communication materials, particularly paper and printers' ink.

This course aims to provide basic insights into different forms and genres of human communication. It also provides an introduction to studies in communication and media and also interdisciplinary theories in this area.

Mathematics consists of two courses. The first course deals with differential calculus in one variable with applications and integral calculus in one variable. The second course deals with linear algebra.

This course deals with the basic concepts of mechanical and electro-magnetic waves, knowledge of theories and models that describe wave propagation and also knowledge of the limitations of the models. Training is also given in analysing, formulating and solving simple problems. In addition, students learn physical measuring methods and instruments and there is practice in evaluation and accounting for physical measurements.

This course provides knowledge in basic circuit theory and electronics for users of electrical systems. Among other things, orientation is given in current technology in the areas of analogue electronics, measurement technology, measuring transducer, digital technology and microcomputer technology.

This course continues for three academic years and its aim is, just as the name suggests, to integrate the programme. Activities are included that are suitable for the year in question and also certain elements that are common to all years. It begins with an introduction to further studies and also later deals with engineering work and prerequisites for lifelong learning. Included in this is reflection on the individual's learning and responsibility for the learning process.

Year 2

This course deals with the human sense of hearing and provides a basic understanding of how technical sound presentation and sound transmission should be formed/designed as concerns human hearing ability.

This course provides advanced knowledge of photography, processing of stills and colour reproduction. Moving pictures in the form of film and video are also covered.

This course provides insight into how the configuration and design of a message are part of the communication.

This course gives the opportunity to apply the new knowledge to practical project tasks. At the same time instruction is given in structuring project work and working in groups, which gives new insights.

This course provides basic knowledge of algorithms and computer structure and also increases students' skills in programme development.

This course gives knowledge of concepts and methods in the area of Database Technology and also models for representing information.

The course provides an introduction to basic Business Studies for the analysis and management of industrial activities, mainly oriented towards media companies.

One of the following courses is studied: Numerical Methods, the Theory of Probability and Statistics, Spectral Transformers or Discrete Mathematics. The choice is based on interest or course/specialisation requirements.

Year 3

This is an introductory course in Human-Computer Interaction, where different sciences that deal with human thinking (cognitive sciences) are presented. The course focuses on cognitive psychology, behavioural science method and the relationship between human thought and interactive computer systems.

One specialisation course is to be chosen from the recommended block for advanced studies. There are three courses in a block. It is also possible for students to propose an individual specialisation.

The course is designed as a study or development project where a practical task is performed independently and a report is written.

All the KTH Master of Science engineering programmes allow students to take out a Bachelor of Science degree 180 credits after three years of study. This is especially important for those who wish to apply for employment in the business sector, to continue their studies at a different university or to study on a one or two-year Master course at KTH.

Years 4-5

In Years 4 and 5 the selected Master programme is followed.

This programme is built on an engineering science foundation. Media Technology, however, is focussed on services and products aimed primarily at a consumer market and therefore the programme also offers students the relevant social and behavioural science knowledge and also insights into media content and design.

The programme consists of four course blocks which are studied parallel for two years: (i) compulsory courses that are common to all students following the programme (approx. 40 credits), (ii) an elective specialisation track with 3–4 compulsory courses that provide more in-depth knowledge in one of the central areas of media technology (a little over 20 credits), (iii) elective courses in the subject area (around 30 credits), (iv) a degree project of 30 credits that is the final element in the programme. The programme begins in the autumn term of 2010.

The aim of this programme is primarily to train students to work, nationally and internationally, in the roles of multimodal interaction technicians, interaction designers and visualisation technicians. The programme provides a solid theoretical foundation in human perception, communication and human-computer interaction in order to promote efficient, useful and intuitive interfaces.

The first term consists of compulsory courses. One of three tracks is followed during terms two and three: multimodal interaction technology, interaction design or visualisation. A degree project comprising 30 credits is carried out during the fourth term and this is the final element in the programme. The programme begins in the autumn term of 2010.

In addition to the above it is also possible to choose the Master programme:
• Media Management

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!