Choosing a master’s programme is a big decision: one that can shape your academic journey and future career. In this post, we’re sharing three personal stories from current students who reflect on how they chose their programmes, what guided their decisions, and what they’ve learned along the way.
Alex – A Creative and Purpose-Driven Journey
For me, choosing a programme wasn’t too difficult. I already knew I wanted to study at KTH, so the first step was simply scrolling through the list of programmes and seeing what caught my attention. I also had a general idea of what I wanted: something that allowed me to work creatively, involve some coding (but not too much), and focus on how technology can be applied in meaningful, practical ways to benefit society. So while going through the options, I kept these things in mind.
I spent quite some time reading about the different programmes, checking the requirements, seeing how many mandatory courses there were, how flexible each programme seemed, and how “hands-on” the courses sounded. I had a few goals in mind, so I was looking for something that would let me explore different areas while still feeling creative and applied. When I came across Interactive Media Technology at KTH, it just clicked. It felt like exactly what I was looking for (almost too good to be true). I also reached out to current students and read their experiences online, which helped me set realistic expectations and get a better sense of what studying in the programme would be like. Now that I’m here, I’m really happy with my choice and grateful to be studying in such an international and inspiring environment.
Of course, I also had a few backup options. I looked at other programmes that aligned with my interests: some a bit more focused on sustainability, others more on the business side, and I felt confident that I would have been happy with those too. All of them seemed exciting and I knew that they would help me grow in different ways.
One of the things I’ve appreciated most about KTH is the flexibility. Even within my programme, I’ve been able to take courses from other fields and shape my studies based on my interests. It’s given me the chance to grow not only academically but also personally, developing both technical and soft skills along the way. That’s really what makes KTH special for me.
Ruban – Getting It Wrong to Get It Right
When I first began my master’s journey at KTH, I chose a programme that, in hindsight, didn’t truly align with who I was or what I wanted to create. I rushed into the decision without taking enough time to explore the curriculum or understand how the courses connected to my personal and professional interests. It didn’t take long before I realised something wasn’t quite right.
That moment was tough. It felt like standing at a crossroads, questioning my choices and the direction I was heading. But it also became one of the most important lessons I’ve learned during my time at KTH.
Throughout that year, I started talking to students from other programmes, especially the one I had always been curious about. Hearing their experiences and learning more about KTH’s academic culture gave me a new sense of clarity and direction. The openness of the campus, the collaborative projects, and the professors’ passion for teaching confirmed that this was where I truly belonged.
If you’re about to choose your master’s programme at KTH, my advice is simple: take your time to explore before you decide. Read the course curriculum carefully, reach out to current students, and try to understand what excites you the most. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; most students are happy to share their experiences.
And above all, believe in yourself and follow your passion. Choosing the right programme isn’t just about picking a degree: it’s about finding an environment that helps you grow, create, and thrive.
Let my journey be a small reminder: thoughtful choices today can shape an inspiring path tomorrow.
Annysia – Choosing with Intention, and a Plan
I remember how overwhelming it felt when I was deciding on my master’s programme. There were so many exciting fields and career possibilities to choose from! Although I only applied to programmes in Sweden, I was torn between different universities and options when it came time to rank my preferences. More than a year later, after meeting professors, students, and professionals in the field, I’m really happy with my choice and would recommend my programme to anyone interested in distributed systems.
To figure out which programme was right for me, I had to ask myself: “How do my previous experiences connect with this programme?”
On the professional side, I looked at the roles I had taken on and what I had accomplished. It was important to understand how a master’s in this field could help me grow—whether in a corporate career or in academia.
On the academic side, I reflected on the organisations and hackathons I had joined, and the projects I had worked on. This helped me assess whether I had the coding and theoretical background needed to succeed.
When applying, I reviewed each programme’s curriculum, requirements, and even the faculty in detail. By the time I submitted my application, I had practically mapped out the courses I wanted to take (yes, that thoroughly!). Asking what seemed like a simple question gave me a lot of clarity about what suited me best. It not only helped me choose the right programme at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, but also made my application stronger 🥳
Final Thoughts
Each student’s journey to choosing their master’s programme is unique. Whether it’s a clear path from the start, a lesson learned through change, or a deep dive into self-reflection, these stories show that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What matters most is finding a programme -and a place – that helps you grow, explore, and thrive.
And with more than 60 master’s programmes, spanning engineering, computer science, architecture, chemistry, biotechnology, and more, we hope you can find precisely that at KTH Royal Institute of Technology! Whether you’re looking for something hands-on, research-oriented, or interdisciplinary, there’s likely a programme that fits your interests and ambitions.
If you’re still deciding, here are some helpful tips to guide you:
- Read the programme description pages carefully. They include everything from curriculum details and career prospects to sustainability focus and student testimonials.
- Reach out to our student ambassadors. They’re current KTH students who can answer your questions about student life, courses, and the application process.
- Join our webinars and events to hear directly from professors, students, and admissions staff. These sessions offer insights into programmes and tips for applying.
- Get insider tips from students on how to prepare your application. This blog post offers 5 tips to hack your application, helping you feel confident and ready.
At KTH, we’re here to support you every step of the way. 💙🍀
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