The two-year master’s programme in Machine Design empowers students with advanced skills in designing, developing, and analysing cutting-edge machines and mechanical systems. The curriculum emphasises innovation, sustainability, and the integration of the latest technologies in the field. You will access world-leading education and research, as KTH is ranked 20 among universities worldwide in Mechanical Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026). The programme will prepare you to:
Throughout the programme, you will apply life-cycle thinking to integrate sustainability into every design decision. A major part of your studies consists of group projects carried out in close collaboration with industry partners and research groups, allowing you to develop both specialist expertise and a holistic perspective on engineering design. Through a dynamic and practical learning experience consisting of lectures, exercises, seminars, assignments, laboratory work, design reviews, and hands-on projects, you also develop skills in problem-solving, project management, and professional communication, preparing you for your future career.
The programme also offers a research track for students who want to develop advanced research skills and gain deeper experience in academic inquiry. This track provides strong and unique preparation for doctoral studies and research-oriented careers. 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 Industrial Engineering and Management, with access to facilities at the Department of Engineering Design and the KTH Prototype Centre. The curriculum is designed, taught, and updated by internationally leading researchers in collaboration with industry
Programme structure and progression
In the first semester, you will build a foundation in mechanics, materials, and engineering design while exploring key aspects of machine design. During the second and third semesters you will learn how to design, select, size, optimise, and verify high-quality, sustainable, and cost-effective technical products using state-of-the-art tools and methods widely applied in industry. You can also choose from a broad range of elective courses to tailor your machine design studies towards industries such as automotive, aerospace, renewable energy, robotics, medical engineering and many more. In the fourth semester, you carry out a degree project at KTH, in industry, or at a university or research institute in Sweden or abroad, allowing you to specialise further within an area of your interest.
Courses in the programme
The programme offers a broad mix of courses covering both the foundations and applications of mechanical design engineering. You will study machine design and components, develop system-level perspectives through systems engineering, and learn to create more sustainable solutions with eco-design. You will also gain specialist knowledge in tribology (the science of friction, wear, and lubrication) and explore how machine learning is increasingly applied in modern mechanical engineering.
Courses in the master's programme in Machine Design
Meet students from the programme
"Student life in Stockholm has surpassed my expectations. Swedes are often perceived as closed off, but I have experienced the opposite! "
Jarne from the Netherlands
"If you're looking for a master's experience that combines academic excellence with practical exp