Márcio
Márcio is 22 years old and originally from Vila Real, Portugal. He holds a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Aveiro and is pursuing a master's degree in the same field at KTH. Alongside his studies, he is an active member of ÆSIR, the Association of Engineering Students in Rocketry. In his free time, he enjoys working out and going for walks in nature.
Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?
KTH has always had a strong reputation for its engineering programs, and the Aerospace Master's stood out to me in particular. Having completed a primarily theory-focused bachelor's degree, I was looking for a programme that would complement and build on that foundation with a stronger practical component, and that's exactly what KTH offers. The high practical content, the close ties with industry, and the wide range of opportunities available to students upon graduation all made it a clear choice. It felt like the natural next step.
Have you chosen a specialization track within the programme? Which track and why?
Within the Aerospace master's programme, I chose the Aeronautics track. Aviation has always fascinated me, from the way aeroplanes operate to how every single component is designed and engineered to work together. The Aeronautics track felt like the perfect place to go deeper into that. I also have a particular interest in high-speed flight and the physics behind it, where compressible flow effects make everything far more complex and, honestly, far more interesting. Combining that passion with the technical depth this track offers made it an obvious choice for me.
What are some of your favorite courses so far?
Compressible Flow is demanding, but in the best way possible. It covers the physics behind what happens when a flow reaches speeds high enough for density changes to become significant, something that matters even in subsonic flight. Going through subsonic, transonic, and supersonic regimes gives you a solid foundation that I think is essential for anyone working in high-speed aerodynamics.
The other one is Human Spaceflight, which sits slightly outside the Aeronautics track but is absolutely worth taking for anyone with an interest in spaceflight. It covers everything from the history of human space exploration to the organisation and operation of the ISS, as well as the physiological effects of living in space. The highlight, without a doubt, is having Christer Fuglesang, the first Swedish astronaut, teach the course and share his firsthand experience of spaceflight.
How would you describe your time at KTH so far?
My time at KTH has been really enjoyable so far. The main campus is beautiful, and if you get the chance to see it covered in snow during winter, it is something else entirely. The facilities are well-maintained and easy to navigate, which makes day-to-day life as a student straightforward. Every professor I have had has been professional and genuinely good at what they do, which makes a real difference. The way the schedule is structured also gives students enough breathing room to actually enjoy living in Stockholm, not just study in it. Overall, coming to KTH has been one of the best decisions I have made.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?
If you are considering a master's degree at KTH, go for it. KTH is one of Europe's leading universities for engineering and technology and offers a learning environment that genuinely prepares you for the industry. The programs are rigorous but rewarding, and the connections you build with professors, fellow students, and industry partners are something you will carry well beyond graduation. On top of that, Stockholm is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and being a student here means you will have plenty of chances to explore it. You will not regret it.