MSc Architecture
The master's programme in Architecture offers a unique learning environment with remarkable possibilities for students to tailor their degree. Apart from orientation courses that explore the fundamentals of architecture, students freely choose studio courses from a wide range of themes that address current architectural topics. Graduates reach leading positions both in private architectural firms and the public sector.
Architecture at KTH
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 preference for them in the annual selection process. Most of the studios can accommodate around 25–30 students. Studio projects can include both individual work and teamwork.
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 is an opportunity to demonstrate you have obtained the academic and professional skills of an architect. You will present your degree project on public examination days, to an external jury who will assess it.
KTH leads in architectural education and research by combining artistic, design-led, technological and practical aspects of the field. We aim to educate qualified consultants and leaders with the capacity to develop the built environment in respect to design, technology, economics, quality, aesthetics and long-term sustainability. We also constitute a large international study environment recognised for coaching students at an advanced level of studies.
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 architect title is legally protected in many countries, and the requirements to register as an architect differ. If you have made plans to work as an architect in a specific country after graduation, we advise you to check with the national regulator in that country to make sure 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.
Courses in the programme
Courses and studios in the programme
Future and career
Most architects who graduate from KTH find roles in private architectural firms, though many also work in the public sector. Our additional mission to prepare you to take on greater legal and financial responsibilities in your various roles related to architecture and planning is a significant asset in terms of career prospects.
Addressing the challenges related to sustainable development while developing urban landscapes and buildings that offer a high quality of life and rich business opportunities calls for innovative architectural strategies, new technologies, and economic and social policy initiatives. Graduates will leave the programme well-equipped with various skills to succeed in their careers.
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 industry currently accounts for one-third of total energy consumption. Architectural research can substantially contribute to a more sustainable future by helping to reduce, recycle, and reuse.
Faculty and research
Research at KTH Architecture is currently divided into five domains of specialisation led by researchers and faculty members: Architectural Design - Professor Ulrika Karlsson and Professor Thordis Arrhenius; Architectural History - Professor Helena Mattsson, Associate Professors Anders Bergström and Jennifer Mack; Architectural Technology - N.N., Professor Ann Legeby, Associate Professors Catharina Gabrielsson and Meike Schalk and Daniel Koch.
The Swedish research school ResArc ( resarc.se ) is a collaboration between the schools of architecture at KTH, Chalmers University of Technology, Lund University, and Umeå University to strengthen architectural research, education and collaborative projects at national and international levels. Through this collaboration, KTH is actively involved in two strong research environments[A1] : Architecture in Effect, directed by KTH Associate Professor Meike Schalk ( architectureinthemaking.se ).
Researchers at the School of Architecture are further involved in several ongoing research projects funded with competitive grants.
