The master's programme in Aerospace Engineering fosters skilled engineers for careers in the international aerospace sector and related fields.

The programme offers specialisation in Aeronautics, Space, Lightweight Structures and Systems Engineering. Graduates have a solid theoretical foundation in aerospace modelling, analysis and design, as well as teamworking skills and a general ability to approach and solve complex engineering tasks.

Aerospace Engineering at KTH:

The master's programme in Aerospace Engineering offers you a broad, challenging and internationally acknowledged education. It provides skills in aerospace modelling and design, solving complex engineering tasks, collaboration with others in project work, and communicating results and findings professionally. The programme at KTH is highly international, with contacts and students from all over the world. The astronaut and KTH alumnus Christer Fuglesang is the chairman of the Progamme's Advisory Board.

The master's programme in Aerospace Engineering 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. 

• Aeronautics: The track focuses on modelling, analysis and design of aircraft. You will learn how to estimate the performance of an aircraft, compute its aerodynamic properties, simulate its motion in flight, and analyse how the aerodynamic and structural properties influence stability and control. The track is characterised by a strong interaction between theory and practice. You will, for example, plan, perform and evaluate a wind tunnel test during your studies.
• Lightweight Structures: The Lightweight Structures track focuses on the analysis and development of lightweight materials and structures for more efficient mechanical solutions and products. Functionality per weight is a simple but highly relevant measure of efficiency since reduced weight can enable improved performance, more cost-effective production and reduce material consumption and environmental impact. The track mainly emphasises fibre composites, including non-metallic materials and sandwich structures, since such materials are often used in applications with extreme requirements. You will develop knowledge and skills in analysis, design, optimisation, materials, manufacturing and testing of lightweight materials and structures.
• Space: Space technology plays a crucial role in modern society, enabling telecommunication and navigation services, weather forecasting, Earth observation and much more. The space track focuses on applications related to rocket and satellite technology, with particular emphasis on propulsion, trajectory analysis, spacecraft dynamics and systems perspective. The space environment and its impact on the design and instrumentation of satellites is another central theme in the education. Courses in human spacecraft, space research and space application provide a broader perspective of the field.
• Systems Engineering: Aircraft, trains and satellites are examples of complex systems that have to be designed with reliable control systems and efficient maintenance plans to be competitive in today's global market. Upon graduation, you will be able to develop mathematical models of systems to analyse and optimise their performance. Control theory has a crucial role in the design of space missions and the robustness and performance of modern aircraft.

Career:

The employment market for aerospace engineers in Europe is strong and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. Airbus is the leading European aerospace company with more than 130,000 employees, but a large share of the work is performed by various subcontractors all over Europe and worldwide. Students taking the Aeronautics track are particularly attractive to companies working in aerodynamics and aeronautics.

The space sector is dynamic and evolving, with major projects such as navigation satellite systems and challenging scientific missions. The European space industry employs about 40,000 people. As a space engineer, you can, for example, work with developing, testing and operating satellites, launchers, sounding rockets or other space systems.

Students taking the Lightweight Structures track become well prepared for a future in developing new products or applications where more sustainable air transportation likely will be a key societal issue for the coming decades. There is a constant need for skilled structural engineers within aerospace, naval and automotive engineering and in other businesses working with more niched manufacturing or innovative design solutions, making the employment market huge.

Today, Systems Engineering is increasingly important in areas like the aerospace sector, the automotive industry and communications systems. A systems engineer could work with the design of the control of the damping in an aircraft’s landing gear, how to find the least costly spare parts management system for an air fleet, or in analysing the reliability of a radar system. A systems engineer is attractive to a large number of industries in various fields.

A master’s degree in the aerospace field from KTH is a mark of quality and opens a wide range of career opportunities in industry and research, as well as within areas outside the aerospace sector.