MSc Electromagnetics, Fusion and Space Engineering

The master's programme in Electromagnetics, Fusion and Space Engineering combines a strong foundation in electrical engineering with knowledge of electromagnetic fields, how they interact with matter and how to utilise them in technology. Students specialise in Microwave Engineering, Photonics, Plasma or Space. As the programme covers both theoretical and applied aspects of the field, graduates face diverse career opportunities in industry and academia.

Electromagnetics, Fusion and Space Engineering at KTH

Electromagnetic fields are the basis of telecommunications. They are employed, for example, to transmit high-speed data through optic fibres or mobile wireless systems. Additionally, electromagnetic fields are transmitted from objects in the universe, such as stars, providing essential information to help us understand the universe. A fundamental understanding of plasma is needed for controlling and generating fusion energy, the same source that powers the Sun and promises to power the Earth in the near future.

With these objectives in mind, the programme is built around four distinct focus areas. These four areas are defined as four specialisations with a common core of selected courses in plasma and electromagnetic theory.

• Microwave Engineering
• Photonics
• Plasma
• Space

Studies in the master's programme in Electromagnetics, Fusion and Space Engineering are course-based. The academic year is divided into four study periods, and there are typically 2–3 courses running over a 10-week long study period. Mandatory courses are scheduled in the first two study periods of the programme, with the rest of the courses offered as electives from a wide range of topics.

The programme is set in an international environment, with students from an extensive number of nationalities. World-renowned professors teach all the courses in English. The variety of pedagogical methods offers opportunities to develop group communication skills and gain experience working on mixed teams. Research and industrialisation in communications, space and fusion is developed in international environments. KTH internationally leads several projects in space missions within NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), and the fusion reactor at ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor).

Participate in the research

There are plenty of opportunities to participate in the research and project work at the departments hosting the programme (such as space and plasma physics, electromagnetic engineering and fusion plasma physics). For example, these departments have individual project courses corresponding to eight weeks of work in non-scheduled time that can be transferred into conventional course credits.

Master's degree project

The degree project carried out in the final semester can be undertaken at KTH or in industry. In some cases, parts or the whole project can be completed abroad. Industry-oriented projects offer the possibility of joining Swedish or international companies after the master’s thesis. In research-oriented projects, part of the work is often aimed at publication in reputed peer-reviewed journals, providing opportunities to pursue PhD studies at KTH or other top universities or research centres.

Examples of degree projects made ​​by former students:

• Numerical study of spectral densities of fluctuations in thermal plasma
• Graphene growth on SiC under Arambient and H-intercalation
• Efficient computation of the near-field mutual coupling between antennas on vehicles
• Ka-band 2D Luneburg Lens design with a glide-symmetric metasurface
• Analysis of the electric and magnetic fields' time variation inside the auroral oval region
• Modelling of collisionless alpha-particle confinement in Tokamaks

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 Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (at KTH).

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm is one of Europe’s leading technical universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers, and faculty from around the world dedicated to advancing knowledge.

History

KTH is a university with a rich history of pioneering ideas and innovation that dates back to 1827. For nearly 200 years KTH has educated students who have gone on to influence our present and make the technological advances that define modern society. Still today, KTH shapes the talents that will find the solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.

Research

KTH is working with industry and society in the pursuit of sustainable solutions to some of humanity’s most significant challenges: climate change, future energy supply, urbanisation, and quality of life for the rapidly-growing elderly population. We are addressing these with world-leading, high-impact research and education in natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as in architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history, and philosophy. Almost two-thirds of the SEK 4 billion turnovers are related to research.

Basic and applied research is performed side-by-side at KTH and interdisciplinary research is conducted in parallel with work in specific fields.

Career

KTH maintains close relationships with an expanding network of international companies and the industrial community in a number of fields, and working and studying here provides access to this network.

The latest career report shows that 94 percent of those who graduated from KTH 2010-2012 have been employed since they finished their degree and a remaining 6 percent have gone on to Ph.D. studies. Of the international student population, 30 percent go on to Ph.D. studies at KTH or other renowned universities. 32 percent of KTH Alumni leave Sweden for work or studies abroad. 13 percent lead others in their work, and 13 percent have already received their first managerial position.