MSc Molecular Science and Engineering
The master's programme in Molecular Science and Engineering provides in-depth knowledge and training in advanced chemistry techniques. 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 can pursue careers in industry or academia.
Molecular Science and Engineering at KTH
The two-year master's programme in Molecular Science and Engineering provides a broad understanding of chemistry and specialised knowledge and skills in some chosen areas. A wide range of topics is covered, including synthetic chemistry (organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry), materials chemistry, analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, chemical sensing, computational chemistry, radiation chemistry, food chemistry, as well as surface, corrosion and colloid chemistry. During your studies, you will become acquainted with several advanced analytical techniques. You will also work on projects and practice your written and oral communication.
The extensive selection of courses provides excellent flexibility and opportunities to create personalised curricula tailored to each student’s interests, leading to a specialised degree. Examples of specialisations include the following profiles:
- Organic chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Materials chemistry
- Analytical chemistry, chemical sensing, and spectroscopy
- Computational chemistry
- Surface, corrosion and colloid chemistry
- Radiation chemistry
- Food chemistry
According to guidelines and recommendations for course combinations, other specialisations may be designed. In the final semester of the programme, you will complete a degree project.
The opportunities to do coursework or complete the degree project abroad are good, and there are many universities worldwide from which to choose, including ETH Zürich in Switzerland and TU Munich in Germany. The programme is strongly linked to the research at the School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, and especially the Department of Chemistry, with which you will come into direct contact. The programme deals with real-world challenges like sustainability, energy, and the environment.
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.
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 programme Molecular Science and Engineering
Future and career
The programme provides expertise in both fundamental and applied aspects of chemistry, including organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, advanced spectroscopy, and materials chemistry. These skills enable you to contribute to good health and well-being through careers in drug development, biocompatible materials, biosensors, advanced medical instruments, and sustainable chemistry.
Specialists in all aspects of chemistry are always in demand, and career prospects are strong. It is a very wide field, with areas including pharmaceuticals, life sciences, medical engineering, biotechnology, environmental technology, forensics, fine chemicals, consumer products, cosmetics, polymers, pulp and paper, food and agriculture, petroleum, mining and materials, microfabrication, and energy. There is also an increased need for consultants with specialist knowledge of patenting, scientific writing, venture capital and marketing, expertise for governmental bodies and authorities, as well as for doctoral students within the area. Graduates from the programme have, for example, gone on to positions as research scientists, PhD students, product managers, quality assurance officers, and sales representatives at workplaces such as AstraZeneca, Outokumpu, RISE, and Boston Consulting Group. Programme graduates are also found at numerous startup companies, both as owners 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:
You will gain essential knowledge and skills in renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources, opening career paths in developing, optimising, and producing components for sustainable energy systems. These components include solar cells, hydrogen fuel cells, and batteries, as well as materials for energy generation in wind farms. Understanding the fundamental processes involved at a molecular level facilitates this.
The programme also equips you with the expertise to design and develop materials and chemical processes with minimal environmental impact, promoting efficient use of resources and reducing waste. Through courses in sustainable chemistry, materials science, and life-cycle thinking, you learn to create products and processes that are safe, efficient, and recyclable, supporting the transition to a circular economy.
Faculty and research
The research at the School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health spans a wide range of topics, such as the development of solar fuels, fuel cells, and other environmentally friendly energy sources, how to store nuclear waste in a safe way, the design of novel polymers for industrial use, how to protect metal surfaces against corrosion, the use of sustainable materials in new products, and how friction can be explained on a molecular level.
The Department of Chemistry carries out fundamental and industrially related research and many projects are of interdisciplinary character. Three significant research areas at the department are Energy and Environment, Functional Materials and Surfaces, and Bioactive Molecules.
Faculty involved in the programme
