MSc Electromagnetics, Fusion and Space Engineering
The master’s programme in Electromagnetics, Fusion and Space Engineering combines a strong foundation in electrical engineering with advanced studies in electromagnetic fields and their applications. You specialise in Microwave Engineering, Photonics, Plasma or Space, with access to KTH’s research environments, labs and international collaborations. By connecting theory with practical applications and ongoing research, the programme prepares you for careers in a range of industries or academia.
Electromagnetics, Fusion and Space Engineering at KTH
Electromagnetic fields are fundamental to many technologies that shape modern society. They enable wireless and optical communication, radar and sensing, allow us to observe and understand the universe, and play a central role in the development of fusion energy. Building on a common foundation in electromagnetics and plasma theory, you choose one of four specialisations.
Microwave Engineering
In the Microwave Engineering specialisation, you study antennas, microwave and millimetre-wave components, radar systems and high-frequency integrated circuits, combining electromagnetic theory with practical and experimental work. You also explore applications of microwave and antenna technologies, ranging from wireless and ground communications and radio astronomy to rapidly developing areas such as satellite communications, automotive radar, advanced sensing, and security and defence technologies.
Photonics
In the Photonics specialisation, you study the generation, transmission, manipulation and detection of light. The specialisation covers optical fibres, lasers, photonic devices, optical sensing and quantum photonics, with applications in communication systems, measurement technology, quantum technologies and advanced optical systems.
Plasma
In the Plasma specialisation, you study the physics of ionised gases and their applications in energy and industry. The specialisation covers fusion energy, plasma physics and plasma technologies, providing knowledge of both the fundamental processes governing plasmas and their use in areas such as energy production, materials processing and environmental applications.
Space
In the Space specialisation, you study the technologies and physical processes that enable space exploration and space-based systems. The specialisation covers space physics, spacecraft engineering, satellite navigation, astrophysics and space mission design, preparing you to work with the development and operation of future space missions and technologies
Throughout the programme, you have opportunities to connect your studies with ongoing research and technology development at KTH and with national and international partners. Through individual and team projects, some of which can be completed for credits, you can work on real research and engineering challenges in collaboration with industry and international research organisations such as ESA, ESO, CERN and ITER. Previous projects have covered areas such as satellite and ground communications, 5G/6G technologies, automotive radar, radio astronomy and space observation, fusion research and space missions. These experiences allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge, develop practical and teamwork skills, and prepare for your master's degree project and future career.
This is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) in English, set in an international environment, with students from many nationalities. Graduates are awarded the degree of Master of Science. The programme is given mainly at KTH Campus in Stockholm by the Schools of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering Sciences.
Programme structure and progression
During the first semester, you build a common foundation in electromagnetics, plasma physics and numerical modelling through mandatory courses in classical electrodynamics, plasma physics and electromagnetic modelling. You also develop an understanding of scientific methodology and research.
During the second and third semesters, you specialise within your chosen area through mandatory and elective courses in Microwave Engineering, Photonics, Plasma or Space. In parallel, a programme-wide course running throughout the two years explores the societal, ethical and environmental dimensions of electromagnetics, plasma physics and space engineering.
Master's degree project
Industry-based projects provide opportunities to build professional networks and gain experience in research and development, while research-oriented projects may contribute to scientific publications and provide a pathway to doctoral studies at KTH or other universities and research centres. Examples of degree projects by former students include:
- Ka-band 2D Luneburg Lens design with a glide-symmetric metasurface
- Quantum Cascade Lasers for Free Space Optical Communication
- Analysis of the electric and magnetic fields' time variation inside the auroral oval region
- Modelling of collisionless alpha-particle confinement in Tokamaks
Courses in the programme
The courses in the programme cover topics such as electromagnetism, fusion, space engineering, antennas, radar, sensing, microwave devices, THz circuitry, photonics, plasma.
Courses in the master's programme in Electromagnetics, Fusion and Space Engineering
Future and career
Graduates are prepared for careers in telecommunications, microwave and antenna engineering, photonics, radar and sensing, satellite and space technologies, and plasma and fusion engineering. Career opportunities range from established telecommunications and research organisations to rapidly developing sectors such as satellite communications, automotive radar, advanced sensing, and security and defence technologies. Graduates have joined companies such as Ericsson and Saab, as well as smaller technology companies and start-ups, working with antennas, microwave and high-frequency systems, communication technologies and related research and development.
The programme also provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies and research careers. KTH is internationally active in electromagnetics, photonics, plasma and space research, with collaborations involving universities, industry and international research organisations.
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 Electromagnetics, Fusion and Space Engineering are:
Through the programme, you develop knowledge of electromagnetic devices and communication and sensing systems, including how these technologies can be made more energy-efficient. As a graduate, you can apply this knowledge to more sustainable infrastructure and to technologies such as automotive radar and traffic-monitoring systems, which can support more efficient urban transport. Depending on your specialisation, you can also contribute to space-based technologies for monitoring the Earth and its environment or to research into fusion as a potential future low-carbon energy source.
Faculty and research
The programme in Electromagnetics, Fusion and Space Engineering is given by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at KTH. Electrical and Electronic Engineering at KTH is ranked 20th in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Faculty involved in the programme conduct research in electromagnetics, microwave and antenna engineering, photonics, plasma physics, fusion and space physics.
Faculty involved in the programme
Lab facilities
