Introduction
Advanced knowledge and skills in the design and development of production systems are needed in order to address emerging challenges. The master’s programme in Sustainable Production Development fosters knowledge and skills of graduates that contribute to a renewal of industrial production. Through strong industrial interaction and holistic perspectives, the programme provides a basis for interesting and important roles in industry, consultancy and research studies.
Sustainable Production Development at KTH
Rational and cost-effective production systems have been key to industrialisation and wealth for decades. However, the area is experiencing change and pressure in different dimensions, which are altering the role of production systems. Requirements of more renewable energy use and circular material flow, increased digitalisation and automation, new manufacturing technologies, as well as service integration and the emergence of new business models are among the phenomena shaping production system development and change. Based on a systemic understanding and courses run in close collaboration with manufacturing companies, programme graduates will be prepared for leading the development and design of production systems, as a part of the solution towards a sustainable society, attractive workplaces and competitive industries.
The programme is run within KTH’s research and education environment for Sustainable Production Development, with courses targeting the environment’s three specific profile areas: production management, production logistics and industrial dependability.
The course content in the programme is based on the close relationship between the development and operation of production systems in the context of digitalisation and sustainability. Different teaching methodologies that place student-centred learning at the core are applied to the programme. Industrial participation is a key component of this programme and is based on proximity to the world-leading manufacturing facilities of Scania CV and AstraZeneca in Södertälje, as well as several SMEs and the infrastructure of Södertälje Science Park. Guest lecturers from industry combined with real-life problems allow students to learn from proven practices.
As the programme is run within the expanding research environment at the Department for Sustainable Production Development, the programme closely interacts with industrial-academic research projects and research labs. Students are also encouraged to take elective courses both with KTH and externally to enhance their knowledge and skills in their areas of interest. Methodological teaching and project work also prepares students for academic and research careers, for those interested in such pursuits.
This is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) given in English. It contains 99 credits of mandatory courses and 21 credits of elective courses. Graduates are awarded the degree of Master of Science. The programme is given mainly at KTH Södertälje by the School of Industrial Engineering and Management (at KTH). Elective courses are also given at KTH Campus Stockholm.
Topics covered
Sustainable manufacturing, production development, production systems, production management, production logistics, industrial dependability, sustainability, digitalisation.
Career
The master’s programme in Sustainable Production Development has a strong focus on systems thinking and the underlying need to be proactive in creating production systems with minimal impact on the climate and people while keeping businesses profitable. The close interaction with world-class industries and an active research environment ensures an up-to-date and relevant education. Therefore, students who complete their studies in the programme will be ready to take up a wide range of industrial positions as well as an academic career. The issues discussed and the knowledge and skills in focus are required by industrial production systems in most (if not all) parts of the world and provide a very attractive graduate profile. Regardless of sector, companies with production management and change activities are potential employers. Automotive and electrical equipment manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, logistics and other service providers are among typical recruiters of production management graduate profiles. The programme also prepares students who are interested in pursuing advanced research in the subject area.
After graduation
Manufacturing Developer, Technology Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, Environmental Specialist, Policy Maker, Management Consultant or Researcher.
"The fact that the faculty is very approachable to students makes KTH stand out. The atmosphere is very friendly and the pattern of study at KTH also provides the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real industrial projects."
Bharat from India
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 Sustainable Production Development are:
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
12 Responsible Consumption and Production
13 Climate Action
The programme is anchored in addressing the three dimensions of sustainability in the context of industrial production system development and change. As such, it focuses directly on fostering the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDG) 9, 12 and 13, with secondary effects visible in SDG 6 and 8. The industrial infrastructure is part of the bigger system of infrastructure that is shared in society. Changes made in the way production systems are developed and organised has an impact on, and are impacted by, changes occurring in adjacent or connected infrastructure (transport, for example). Innovative solutions in production systems can significantly promote opportunities for reduced impact of industrial activities on the planet and society. This is also directly related to actions for combating climate change as small systematic reductions in the climate impact from manufacturing and production has considerable bearing globally. All in all, the essence of sustainable production system development is enhancing behaviour aimed at responsible production and consumption of industrial inputs and outputs.
Faculty and research
The master’s programme in Sustainable Production Development is given at the campus in Södertälje, about an hour away from central Stockholm with public transport. At this new campus, inaugurated in January 2018, KTH has set an ambitious plan to develop research and education for sustainable industries of the future. A new faculty has been recruited with three new professor chairs and several researchers and PhD students. The master’s programme is an important element in this initiative and will be run in close interaction with the research staff at the department. The three new professors work in the fields of Production Management, Production Logistics and Industrial Dependability.
Research group on production management
Research group on production logistics
Research group on industrial dependability
The facility comprises a spacious new building in central Södertälje with new labs, office spaces and innovative education infrastructure. It is co-located with Södertälje Science Park and is near the head office and manufacturing plant of Astra Zeneca, and close to the head office and major manufacturing sites of Scania CV. Södertälje is one of the key manufacturing nodes in Sweden with more than 20,000 employees in world-class manufacturing companies.
The new campus also encompasses KTH’s Leancentrum with its lean training centre, offering skills development programmes and knowledge networks for industrial participants. The proximity and intense collaboration with industry is a major feature of this new campus and its research and education activities. The research projects run at the department concern the three focus areas of Production Management, Production Logistics and Industrial Dependability, as well as the renewal of industrial production practice set by digitisation initiatives and sustainability requirements. The establishment of digital and physical labs for future production and logistics is a key function in this initiative. You are most welcome to vibrant research and education environment for sustainable industrial production for the future.
Admission requirements
To be eligible for the programme, you must have been awarded a bachelor's degree, be proficient in English, and meet the programme-specific requirements.
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish bachelor's degree, or equivalent academic qualifications from an internationally recognised university, is required. Students who are following longer technical programmes, and have completed courses equivalent to a bachelor's degree, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Students in their final year of undergraduate studies may apply and, if qualified, will receive a conditional acceptance. These applicants must include a written statement according to the instructions given by University Admissions. Students in the final year of undergraduate studies at a Swedish university do not have to provide a written statement in order, if qualified, to receive a conditional acceptance. They must, however, have completed 150 ECTS credits in the bachelor’s programme by 1 February.
English proficiency
English language proficiency equivalent to (the Swedish upper secondary school) English course B/6 is required. The requirement can be satisfied through a result equal to, or higher than, those stated in the following internationally recognized English tests:
TOEFL Paper-based: Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in written test, a total score of 575.
TOEFL ITP is not accepted.
TOEFL iBT internet-based: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test, a total score of 90
IELTS Academic/IELTS UKVI: A minimum overall mark of 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5
Cambridge ESOL: Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) Certificate in Advanced English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) (Certificate of Proficiency in English)
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): Minimum score of 90
The University of Michigan, ECPE (Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English)
Pearson PTE Academic: Score of 62 (writing 61)
The language requirement can also be fulfilled through previous university and upper secondary school studies. More information on recognized English tests, previous studies, and required documents is provided by University Admissions.
Specific requirements for the master's programme in Sustainable Production Development
A bachelor of Science in Engineering, corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits, or equivalent degree, with a specialisation in one of the following fields: mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, supply chain management, industrial management, design and product development, vehicle engineering, sustainable development, information and communication technology, computer science and engineering or corresponding field.
A basic course in industrial or production engineering including systems engineering, production systems and operations management, is required to fulfil the specific requirements.
Application documents
Your application is not complete without the required supporting documentation. The following general and programme-specific documents must therefore be included in the application in the specified order:
General documents
Certificates and diplomas from previous university studies
Transcript of completed courses and grades included in your degree
Proof of English proficiency
A copy of your passport including personal data and photograph, or other identification documents
Specific documents for the master's programme in Sustainable Production Development
CV (2 pages maximum) outlining relevant education and work experience
2 letters of recommendation, at least one of them an academic reference
Letter of motivation (2 pages maximum)
Summary sheet
In order for your application to be considered complete, you need to fill out the online summary sheet. If you do not include a summary sheet, this may negatively affect your evaluation score. Be sure to fill out all of the required information before you submit the form.
If you have questions regarding the summary sheet please contact the programme directly.
