Laia
Laia is from Barcelona, Spain, and is studying her MSc in Electromagnetics, Fusion, and Space Engineering. She previously completed bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Telecommunications Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring nature. She is also a “castellera” in Stockholm, where she practices the traditional Catalan human tower building.
Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?
I chose this master’s programme because it felt like a perfect match for my background in aerospace and telecommunications engineering. Through my previous experience in the antenna field, I realised that most of my knowledge was very practical, and I wanted to strengthen my theoretical foundation in physics and electromagnetics. I felt this would help me develop more innovative solutions instead of only applying engineering methods in a predefined way. KTH also stood out to me because of its strong international reputation and close connection to industry. Stockholm has a very dynamic technology environment, and I felt that studying here would allow me to connect with both academia and the professional world. So far, the experience has completely matched my expectations and has already been very valuable for my career.
What are the best aspects of your programme?
I would say the best aspect of the programme is the wide range of course options. There are fundamental courses that build a solid theoretical foundation, more specialised courses within each track, and project-based courses where you work on real-world problems with support from a teaching assistant. This combination gives a well-rounded perspective from different angles. Another strong point is the small class sizes in many of the advanced courses. This allows for closer interaction with teachers and more direct support when needed. There is also a good degree of flexibility. It is possible to take elective courses from other tracks, which makes it easier to explore specific interests beyond your focus.
Have you chosen a specialisation track within the programme? Which track and why?
I have chosen the microwave track because I want to build deeper knowledge in the antenna field, which is also what I currently work with. The track is well structured, with courses that gradually build on each other until you can handle more advanced topics on your own. I also like that it is closely connected to the industry. Microwave engineering is used in many different areas, which makes it a very versatile field. It ranges from mobile communications to satellites and aerospace applications, and even defence. This wide range opens up a lot of different possibilities for the future.
How do studies at KTH differ from your previous studies?
The study system at KTH is quite different from what I was used to. The academic year is divided into four study periods of about two months, and during each period you usually take only two courses. It is quite intensive, but it allows you to focus deeply on each subject. Another difference is flexibility in the weekly schedule. There is no fixed routine, so each week can look different. Even within a course, the format can vary a lot.
There are also many guest lectures from other universities and from industry. These speakers often bring very specialised knowledge, which gives a good insight into niche topics that are not always covered in depth in regular lectures.
How would you describe your time at KTH so far?
My time at KTH so far has felt a bit like a roller coaster. When I first arrived, there was the international reception period, with activities happening almost every day for several weeks. It was exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. There were so many student associations, clubs, and events that it honestly felt impossible to try everything.
As the semester goes on, reality slowly kicks in, and exams start approaching. At that point, you realise you should probably have focused a bit earlier. But at the same time, the structure of the studies means you are learning continuously without always noticing it, so a lot of the work is already done along the way. The student community is very active, especially through the chapters, where there is always something going on, from events to parties and social activities. It really feels like there is always something happening, and you could easily stay busy every day without running out of things to do. Overall, time at KTH tends to go very fast. It is a mix of challenging studies and an incredibly active student life, where boredom is simply not an option.
What do you want to do after graduating?
After graduating, I would like to pursue a PhD. Which is a bit funny, since at one point I was not even sure I wanted to start a master’s degree at all. After two bachelor’s degrees, I thought I had probably spent enough time in university classrooms. But my time at KTH has changed that view. I feel like I have reconnected with a more curious side of myself, the one that enjoys exploring unfamiliar topics instead of just following a clear path. I also feel like I have recovered a sense of creativity that I thought I had lost. Most importantly, I have strengthened my “thinking out of the box” approach. I now enjoy finding solutions that are not always obvious or standard. Because of that, continuing with a PhD feels like a very natural next step.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?
I would say: don’t be scared, just go for it. Especially as an international student, moving to a new country, culture, and study system can feel a bit overwhelming at first. But it also gives you a lot of perspective. You meet people from all over the world, and that alone is one of the most enriching parts of the experience. There is a strong international community, and you quickly realise you are not alone in figuring things out. KTH also has a strong reputation for a reason. The beginning can feel like a bit of a shock, but you adjust quickly. In the end, it really helps you become more confident, more resilient, and better prepared for what comes after your studies.