MSc Systems, Control and Robotics
The master's programme in Systems, Control and Robotics focuses on the analysis, design and control of robots, autonomous vehicles, and other complex technical systems. It provides broad skills in the field and expertise through specialisations going deeper into areas such as autonomous sensing, AI, machine learning, decision making and control. Graduates face interesting careers, often in the robotics and autonomous vehicles industry, or as PhD students.
Systems, Control and Robotics at KTH
The master's programme in Systems, Control and Robotics equips you with the skills necessary to analyse, design and control complex technical systems such as robots and other systems with significant autonomous capabilities. These systems are essential today and will become even more important as new technology enters our workplaces, homes and shared public spaces. The programme offers two tracks that allow you to specialise in either autonomous systems and robotics or learning, decision and control systems.
Robotics and autonomous systems
This track focuses on autonomous mobile systems operating in dynamic environments, including robots, drones and autonomous vehicles. You study how such systems perceive their surroundings, make decisions and act autonomously based on information from sensors such as cameras and laser scanners. As an example, in the project course, you might be tasked with programming the sensing, actuation and planning modules of a small robot performing a mission in a challenging environment.
Learning, Decision and Control Systems
This track focuses on the analysis and design of decision and control systems, including both model-based approaches, such as classical control theory and AI, and data-driven methods based on machine learning. As above, you study intelligent systems operating in complex environments, but this track has more focus on the control theoretic aspects, and less on sensors. As an example, in the project course, you might be developing real-time controllers for a set of 1:8 scale autonomous cars.
This is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) in English. Graduates are awarded a Master of Science Degree. The programme is given mainly at the KTH Campus in Stockholm by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (at KTH).
Programme structure and progression
During the first year, you build a foundation in systems, control and robotics through mandatory courses in modelling of dynamical systems, control theory, robotics and scientific methodology. You then specialise through mandatory and elective courses within one of two tracks: Robotics and Autonomous Systems or Learning, Decision and Control Systems.
Alongside the track-specific courses, you choose elective courses within areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and control. You also complete a project course and participate in a seminar series addressing the societal context of systems, control and robotics, including topics such as sustainability and ethics.
The programme concludes with a degree project, typically carried out during the second half of the second year, either at a KTH department, or in close collaboration with industry. The project provides an opportunity to deepen your expertise within your chosen area and gain experience in either a research or industrial environment.
Courses in the programme
The courses in the programme cover topics such as robotics, control theory, artificial intelligence, machine learning and dynamical systems.
Courses in the master's programme in Systems, Control and Robotics
Future and career
Systems, control and robotics are enabling technologies in areas such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, industrial automation and intelligent decision-making systems. The programme combines robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and control theory to provide a broad education in the analysis, design and control of such complex systems, combined with a specialization of your choice.
After graduation, you can expect to take on roles such as control and automation specialist, robotic navigation and perception specialist, AI and machine learning specialist or robotics system engineer. Graduates from the programme often work in the robotics and autonomous vehicle industry, for example at ABB and Scania, or continue with doctoral studies at KTH and other universities.
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 Systems, Control and Robotics are:
Good Health and Well-being
Advances in systems, control, and robotics enable technologies such as adaptive robotic assistants for older adults and rehabilitation robots that support physical recovery. Students gain expertise in sensor integration, control algorithms, and human–robot interaction, crucial for designing safe and effective assistive devices. These innovations improve patient care, reduce strain on healthcare professionals, and contribute to safer workplaces and better health outcomes.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Automation and intelligent control systems make industrial production safer and more efficient by reducing hazardous tasks and boosting productivity. The programme trains students to design and optimise such systems, supporting sustainable job creation in high-tech industries. By fostering both safety and efficiency, graduates help industries remain competitive while upholding strong labour standards.
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
From autonomous transportation to AI-driven manufacturing, innovations in robotics are reshaping modern infrastructure. Students learn to design and integrate these complex systems, creating solutions that are scalable, resilient, and sustainable. Their skills strengthen industrial capacity and drive innovation in areas such as autonomous vehicles, smart logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
Faculty and research
The programme in System, Control and Robotics is given by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at KTH. The field of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at KTH is currently ranked 20th in the world by QS. The area of Automation and Control at KTH is ranked 29th in the world by Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Most courses in the programme are taught by the Department of Decision and Control Systems and the Department of Robotics, Perception and Learning (RPL).
Faculty involved in the programme
