Modern society depends on large-scale digital infrastructure. Cloud platforms, AI services, data centres and communication networks process vast amounts of data every second and must remain reliable, secure and efficient as they grow in scale and complexity.
The master's programme in Scalable Computing Systems focuses on the design, deployment and operation of these systems. Rather than focusing on AI algorithms themselves, the programme explores the computing platforms, distributed systems, and network infrastructures that enable large-scale AI and digital services. You will develop the knowledge needed to design systems that can support millions of users, large-scale data processing and increasingly demanding AI workloads.
The programme combines foundations in distributed systems, scalable computing and networked infrastructures with opportunities to specialise in areas shaping the future of digital society. You will study how modern computing systems are built, operated and optimised, from cloud and edge platforms to AI infrastructure and next-generation communication networks.
This is a new master's programme starting in August 2027. Building on KTH's strengths in distributed systems, networking and scalable software systems, it brings together areas previously covered by several master's programmes while introducing a stronger focus on the infrastructure that underpins modern AI and digital services. The programme is developed within a research environment that includes leading researchers in scalable computing and distributed systems, including work led by Paris Carbone, co-creator of Apache Flink, one of the world's most widely used frameworks for large-scale stream processing.
The programme offers three tracks:
AI Computing Systems • Trustworthy Systems • Networked Systems
The AI Computing Systems track focuses on the principles of designing and building computing infrastructure for demanding AI workloads. You will study GPU programming, scalable machine learning, data-intensive computing, distributed training and high-performance computing, gaining hands-on insight into how large-scale AI systems are deployed and operated in practice.
The Trustworthy Systems track focuses on the principles of making large-scale systems reliable, secure and resilient. Through fault tolerance, software testing, DevOps, security, verification and system architecture, you will develop the skills needed to build dependable computing platforms and services.
The Networked Systems track focuses on distributed computing and communication infrastructures. You will study cloud and edge computing, intelligent networking, distributed systems and emerging technologies such as non-terrestrial networks and LEO satellite constellations that will support future digital services. Shared with the master's programme in Information and Communication Engineering, the track brings together perspectives from both communication technologies and scalable computing systems.
Throughout the programme, you will work with technologies that form the foundation of modern digital infrastructure while developing the ability to analyse complex systems and address challenges related to scalability, performance, reliability, security and sustainability.
The programme is closely connected to KTH's internationally recognised research in distributed systems, scalable computing, networked systems and communication technologies. Students benefit from an active research environment spanning cloud and edge computing, AI infrastructure, formal methods, software systems, cybersecurity and next-generation networks. Located in one of Europe's leading hubs for digitalisation and communication technologies, the programme also benefits from KTH's long-standing collaborations with industry, providing valuable insight into current technological developments and future challenges.
This is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) given in English. Graduates are awarded the degree