MSc Nuclear Energy Engineering
The master’s programme in Nuclear Energy Engineering covers the physics, technology and safety of nuclear reactors and power plants. closely linked to the Division of Nuclear Science and Engineering, it combines teaching, with research, simulation and laboratory work in reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, fuel materials and nuclear safety. You gain specialist knowledge in reactor design, radiation protection, nuclear fuels and advanced systems, including Generation IV and small modular reactors.
Nuclear Energy Engineering at KTH
The master's programme in Nuclear Energy Engineering addresses the growing demand for skilled nuclear engineers and researchers in the nuclear industry, who can contribute to maintaining and upgrading existing nuclear power plants, while also developing next-generation reactor technologies.
The programme is closely connected to research at KTH and to the wider nuclear industry in Sweden and abroad. All academic staff are involved in research projects with international collaborations, and students can complete degree projects with companies such as Westinghouse, Studsvik, Vattenfall, OKG, Forsmark and Vysus Group. This gives you a programme that combines technical depth with direct contact with current research and professional practice.
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 Engineering Sciences.
Programme structure and progression
During the first year, you build a strong foundation in nuclear engineering through mandatory courses covering reactor physics, radiation protection and dosimetry, thermal-hydraulics, nuclear safety, and reactor technology. During the first and second year, you deepen your knowledge through elective courses that allow you to specialise in different areas of nuclear engineering, including next-generation reactor technologies, the nuclear fuel cycle, reactor simulations, numerical methods, radiation damage in materials, and the chemistry and physics of nuclear fuels. The programme concludes with a degree project carried out at KTH or in collaboration with industry.
Courses in the programme
The courses in the programme cover topics such as the physics and technology of nuclear reactors and power plants, radiation protection, safety of nuclear power plants, Generation IV reactors, small reactors, energy transformations, materials in nuclear engineering, the nuclear fuel cycle, and simulations of nuclear reactors and power plants.
Courses in the master's programme in Nuclear Energy Engineering
Future and career
Graduates work in reactor design, safety, operation, regulation, fuel technology and research, with employers such as ABB, Vattenfall Nuclear, E.ON, Westinghouse, Forsmark Kraftgrupp, Ringhals, OKG, the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, SKB, Studsvik and Kiwa Inspecta Nuclear AB. The programme also prepares you for doctoral studies at KTH and other universities. The programme addresses SDG 7 and SDG 9 by preparing you to contribute to safe, low-carbon energy systems, improved reactor performance and the development of new nuclear technologies.
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 Nuclear Energy Engineering are:
The programme contributes directly to the development of technologies and infrastructure to provide affordable and clean energy. Nuclear power is an on-demand and CO2-free energy source, contributing to climate change mitigation compared to other energy conversion methods that produce significant CO2 emissions.
Faculty and research
Most courses are taught by the Division of Nuclear Science and Engineering, where research focuses on improving the performance and safety of current and future nuclear power plants. Students benefit from access to computational methods and research facilities such as a 1 MW high-pressure heated-water loop for studying two-phase flow and dry-out conditions, as well as a nuclear fuel fabrication laboratory for producing and characterising advanced fuels.
Faculty involved in the programme
