Master's programme in Engineering Physics
The master's programme in Engineering Physics prepares students for advanced industrial research and development, and further doctoral studies in physics and related subjects. Solving complex, sometimes interdisciplinary problems, is a central part of the education, requiring a profound knowledge and understanding of physics, as well as experience with analytical and computational tools.
Engineering Physics at KTH
The master’s programme in Engineering Physics is supported by a faculty with about 50 professors and associate professors working actively in a large number of fields of engineering physics ranging from experimental biophysics and nanophysics to theoretical particle physics. Their activities touch upon a large number of fields within modern physics.
The programme is organised into five tracks: Theoretical Physics, Subatomic and Astrophysics, Optical Physics, Nano Physics, and Biomedical Physics. Each track has compulsory, conditionally elective and elective courses. The elective courses are an important part of the programme and comprise about 40 ECTS credits in each track, which give the students great freedom to tailor their own learning profile within physics.
The Biomedical Physics track aims to develop the ability of physicists to interact with the life science disciplines, and offers suitable combinations of subjects, both for a career in industry as well as for continued studies leading to a PhD degree. In this specialisation, knowledge and skills in physics are developed towards applications and research in the life sciences, including biology, chemistry and medicine. Interdisciplinary activities have become increasingly important for the development of new medical diagnostic methods and treatments. Biomedical physics is at the centre of these activities. The need for improvements in the medical field is practically infinite. Through the choice of courses students can focus on experimental as well as theoretical approaches to biomedical physics, used on different spatial scales, from the molecular and cellular level up to the organ(ism) and population level.
The Nano Physics track offers knowledge and skills that is of fundamental importance in a broad spectrum of technological applications. In this specialisation, a number of highly interesting current fields are treated, such as nano structures, nano magnetism and spin electronics, superconductivity and other phenomena with very special properties. Students will receive a good basic education suitable for a career in high-technology industry, as well as for continued studies leading to a PhD degree.
The Optical Physics track covers a subject which is important in basic and applied research, as well as in industrial applications. Students with a good knowledge of this field are much sought after as PhD students, as well as for positions in industry and consulting. The compulsory courses will provide a sound knowledge of optics and laser physics, thereby providing a solid foundation for many of the other courses. Many courses provide skills in practical problem solving, which prepares the students for independent research and development work.
The Subatomic and Astrophysics track covers a selection of basic science topics at the front-line of contemporary physics. Both the experimental and theoretical aspects of atomic, nuclear and particle physics with applications to astrophysics, are included. The application of basic science to real-life problems is illustrated through medical imaging and treatment techniques. The aim of the specialisation is to prepare students for careers at international research facilities, university-based research groups or high-technology industry. The compulsory courses provide a broad orientation in the concepts of subatomic physics, and an advanced discussion of quantum mechanics. The conditionally elective courses allow students to study several fields in more detail, and explore the resulting synergy necessary for a fundamental description of the universe. The elective courses allow students to further focus their studies on a particular research field, broaden their studies within the specialisation, or further explore applications within basic science, industry and society.
The Theoretical Physics track provides the students with a broad education in fundamental theoretical physics, preparing them for a future as problem solvers or researchers in industry, or for continued PhD studies. The compulsory courses in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics provide basic theoretical tools that are needed for the more specialised courses. The conditionally elective courses provide specialisations in particle physics, mathematical physics, condensed matter physics and theoretical biological physics. Suitable elective courses can then provide even deeper knowledge concerning theoretical and mathematical physics, or experimental physics.
The final term degree project may be carried out in an academic or industrial environment in Sweden or abroad, and suitable project topics may be obtained from the staff at the two physics departments. Students are also encouraged to seek other contacts in the academic field or within the industry, so as to help them identify their specific project aims.
Courses
Career
Graduates of this programme can look forward to ample job opportunities, both in industry and academic research. Graduates are well prepared for a career as problem solvers or researchers in a wide range of industrial companies. Examples of such industries include the fields of biotechnology, medicine, optics, electronics, nano-tools and many more. Students from all specialisations are also well prepared to continue studying at doctoral level.
Students
Find out what students from the programme think about their time at KTH.
Faculty and research
The Master’s programme in Engineering Physics is a joint programme supported by two departments at KTH, the Department of Physics and the Department of Applied Physics. Our research is divided into more than 20 different research groups, covering many fields of modern physics. The departments are mainly located at the Albanova University Centre, which is a hub for physics research within the Stockholm area. More information about our research activities can be found through the following links.
Theoretical physics:
Subatomic & astrophysics:
Optical physics:
Nanophysics:
Biomedical physics:
- Biomedical & X-ray Physics, Cellular Biophysics, Experimental Biomolecular Physics
- Physics of medical imaging
Other master's programmes within engineering physics and mathematics
Changes in the programme may occur.
