MSc Molecular Science and Engineering
The master's programme in Molecular Science and Engineering combines advanced theoretical studies in chemistry with hands-on laboratory work using experimental techniques and instrumentation. Emphasis is placed on the design, synthesis, characterisation and applications of molecules and materials. The programme also relates to sustainability, emphasising energy and the environment, safety and innovation. Graduates are well prepared for careers in industry or doctoral studies.
Molecular Science and Engineering at KTH
The two-year master's programme in Molecular Science and Engineering provides a broad and advanced understanding of chemistry, and specialised knowledge and skills in areas that match your interests and career goals. The programme covers a wide range of topics, including synthetic chemistry (organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry), materials chemistry, analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, computational chemistry, radiation chemistry, food chemistry, as well as surface, corrosion, and colloid chemistry.
Laboratory and project-based work run throughout the programme. In the laboratory, you gain hands-on experience of modern experimental methods, advanced analytical techniques and scientific instrumentation. You learn to plan and carry out experiments, interpret and evaluate data, and connect theoretical concepts with practical chemical problems, while projects develop your problem-solving, collaboration and written and oral scientific communication skills.
The extensive selection of courses provides considerable flexibility and the opportunity to create personalised curricula tailored to your interests. Examples of profiles include:
- Organic chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Materials chemistry
- Analytical chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Computational chemistry
- Surface, corrosion and colloid chemistry
- Radiation chemistry
- Food chemistry
The programme offers excellent opportunities to study abroad, either by taking courses at a partner university or by completing your degree project, and there are many universities worldwide from which to choose, including ETH Zürich in Switzerland and TU Munich in Germany. The programme is closely linked to research at the School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, particularly at the Department of Chemistry. Through courses, laboratory work, projects and your degree project, you will come into direct contact with active research environments. Throughout the programme, you will also engage with real-world challenges related to sustainability, energy and the environment, and explore how chemistry can contribute to the development of more sustainable technologies and solutions.
This is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) in English. Graduates are awarded the degree of Master of Science. The programme is mainly offered at the KTH Campus in Stockholm by the School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Health.
Programme structure and progression
During the first year, you take a mandatory course that introduces scientific theory and methodology, research ethics, and sustainable development in the chemical sciences. Alongside this common foundation, you tailor your studies through a broad selection of conditionally elective, recommended and elective courses. Depending on your interests, you can build a profile in areas, such as organic chemistry, spectroscopy, analytical chemistry, materials chemistry, radiation chemistry, or surface and colloid chemistry.
In the second year, you continue to tailor your individual study profile through a wide range of courses. This allows you to deepen your knowledge within selected areas of chemistry or broadening your expertise through courses in complementary fields. The programme culminates in a degree project during the final semester, where you apply and integrate the knowledge and skills developed throughout your studies. The degree project can be carried out at KTH or, in many cases, at a research institute, company, or university in Sweden or abroad.
Courses in the programme
The programme courses cover topics such as synthetic chemistry (organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry), materials chemistry, analytical chemistry, advanced spectroscopy, chemical sensing, computational chemistry, radiation chemistry, food chemistry, electrochemistry, and surface, corrosion, and colloid chemistry.
Courses in the master's programme in Molecular Science and Engineering
Future and career
The programme gives you expertise in both fundamental and applied chemistry, including organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, advanced spectroscopy and materials chemistry. This broad scientific foundation enables you to contribute to health and well-being through work in areas such as drug development, biocompatible materials, biosensors and advanced medical instruments, as well as to the development of more sustainable chemical products and processes.
Graduates have career opportunities across a wide range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, life sciences, biotechnology, medical technology, environmental technology, fine chemicals, consumer products, cosmetics, polymers, pulp and paper, food and agriculture, energy, mining and advanced materials. Chemistry expertise is also relevant to quality assurance, intellectual property, scientific communication, consulting, innovation and roles in government agencies and other public organisations. The programme also provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies and a research career. Graduates have, for example, gone on to positions as research scientists, PhD students, product managers, quality assurance specialists, consultants and technical sales professionals at organisations such as AstraZeneca, Outokumpu, RISE and Boston Consulting Group. They also work at start-ups, both as founders and employees.
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 (SDGs) addressed by the master's programme in Molecular Science and Engineering are:
The programme gives you knowledge and skills relevant to the development of more sustainable energy technologies and chemical processes. By understanding chemical and materials-related processes at the molecular level, you can contribute to the development and optimisation of technologies, such as solar cells, hydrogen and fuel-cell systems, batteries, and materials used in renewable energy applications.
Sustainability is also addressed through the design of materials and chemical processes with reduced environmental impact. Through courses in areas, such as sustainable chemistry, materials science and life-cycle analysis, you learn how resource efficiency, safety, recyclability and waste minimisation can be integrated into the development of chemical products and processes. These perspectives prepare you to contribute to the transition towards more sustainable production and a circular economy.
Faculty and research
The programme is closely connected to the broad research environment at KTH's School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health . Research spans a wide range of areas such as sustainable energy, advanced materials, corrosion and surface science, molecular design, chemical analysis and environmental chemistry. Examples include the development of solar fuels and fuel cells, safe management of nuclear materials, novel polymers, corrosion protection, sustainable materials and studies of molecular processes at surfaces and interfaces.
At the Department of Chemistry research and teaching share a molecular perspective and address challenges related to energy, materials, the environment and health. The department conducts both fundamental and applied research, often through interdisciplinary collaborations. Major research themes include Energy and Environment, Functional Materials and Surfaces, and Bioactive Molecules.
As a student, you may also gain access to advanced research infrastructure and modern analytical instrumentation through laboratory work, projects and your degree project. This may include 2MILab (Molecules and Materials at Interfaces), an open research facility at KTH with instrumentation for characterising materials, surfaces and interfaces. Available techniques include electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman and infrared microscopy, electrochemical methods, ellipsometry and particle characterisation.
Faculty involved in the programme
