MSc Architecture
The master's programme in Architecture offers a studio-based learning environment with extensive opportunities to shape your studies according to your interests. You combine studio projects with orientation and seminar courses and explore different approaches to architecture across a broad range of contemporary themes. The programme integrates artistic and design-led practice with technological, theoretical and research-based perspectives.
Architecture at KTH
Architecture at KTH combines artistic and design-led approaches with technological, theoretical and practical perspectives. The programme develops your ability to address the built environment in relation to design, technology, aesthetics, social conditions and long-term sustainability. You study in an international academic environment that brings together architectural education, practice and research.
This master's programme corresponds to the advanced level of the five-year degree programme in Architecture (300 ECTS credits) . The programme is structured to ensure individual progression and deepening of competence and judgment within architecture and related knowledge areas. The master’s programme leads to a professional degree, enabling you to work as an architect in Sweden. The title of architect is legally protected in many countries, and the requirements for registering as an architect vary. If you plan to work as an architect in a specific country after graduation, we advise you to check with the national regulator there to ensure that a Swedish master’s degree is approved.
This is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) given in English. Graduates are awarded the degree of Master of Science. The programme is given mainly at KTH Campus in Stockholm by the School of Architecture and Built Environment.
Programme structure and progression
The programme consists of studio-based teaching, orientation courses, seminar courses and a final independent degree project. Throughout the programme, you will complete six studio projects (two per semester), each offering opportunities to apply and develop skills across different areas of learning. Approximately 10 studios are available each year, and you can express your preferences through the studio selection process. Most studios can accommodate 25–30 students. Studio projects include both individual and collaborative work.
The final semester degree project is an assignment that you will complete independently. You will formulate a thesis question, prepare a pre-project in a thesis booklet and develop your degree project addressing issues using architectural tools and terminology. The degree project provides an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and judgement developed throughout the programme. It is presented during public examination days, with an external jury participating in the assessment.
Courses in the programme
Courses and studios in the programme
Future and career
Graduates of the programme pursue careers in architectural practice, the public sector and other areas related to architecture, planning and the development of the built environment. The broad range of studio environments and courses allows you to develop an individual profile and prepare for different forms of architectural practice.
Contemporary architectural practice addresses complex challenges related to climate transition, urban development, changing social conditions, new technologies and the transformation of existing built environments. The programme prepares you to approach these challenges critically and creatively through architectural design.
Sustainable development
Graduates from KTH have the knowledge and tools for moving society in a more sustainable direction, as sustainable development is an integral part of all programmes. The three key sustainable development goals addressed by the master's programme in Architecture are:
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
At KTH, students are investigating new models of planning and designing to develop new types of architectural responses to industrial production and innovative building methods.
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Students at KTH develop projects that propose new ways of designing sustainable communities. Architecture is an important tool for participating in sustainable urban development.
Responsible Consumption and Production
The building sector has a significant impact on resource and energy use. Architectural research and practice can contribute to a more sustainable future through strategies for reducing resource consumption and enabling reuse, adaptation and circular approaches to the built environment.
Faculty and research
Research at KTH Architecture is organised around three broad and overlapping areas: Architecture, Technique and Theory; Architecture, Culture and Environment; and Architecture, Landscapes and Cities. These areas connect architectural design with research into the history, development and future of the built environment, addressing questions related to technology, culture, criticism and aesthetics.
KTH also participates in ResArc, resarc.se , the Swedish research school in architecture, a collaboration between the schools of architecture at KTH, Chalmers University of Technology, Lund University and Umeå University that strengthens architectural research education and exchange at national and international levels.
