Program Overview

MSc Naval Architecture

The master's programme in Naval Architecture provides a strong foundation in Naval Architecture while delivering in-depth skills through specialisations in Lightweight Structures, Fluid Mechanics and Management. You will explore the complete processes of designing, modelling, constructing and operating boats, ships, marine installations and systems. Graduates face careers in the maritime sector, related fields or academia.

Programme Overview

The programme consists of a core track of studies and three optional tracks. In the core, you develop your general knowledge and skills in ship design, systems engineering, and a theoretical foundation in ship hydrostatics and stability, resistance and propulsion, waves, seakeeping, manoeuvring and ship structures. By choosing one of the tracks, you have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding and skills in lightweight structures, fluid dynamics and management.

Tracks

• Lightweight Structures: Combine fundamental principles of naval architecture with knowledge about modern composite materials and sandwich structures and related design principles and manufacturing methods.
• Fluid Mechanics: Develop your fundamental understanding and working skills in incompressible fluid mechanics, which is the basis for the flow around ships, boats and marine installations.
• Management: Complement your technical skills with knowledge of financial, organisational and managerial aspects and develop your understanding of the concepts of sustainable development from environmental, social and economic viewpoints.

Courses

The courses in the programme cover topics such as:

• Ocean waves
• Ship stability
• Propulsion
• Seakeeping
• Manoeuvring
• Ship structures
• Systems engineering
• Ship design
• Small craft design
• Underwater technology

Programme Structure

The programme 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 (at KTH).

Application Deadlines

For studies starting August 2026:

• 16 October (2025): Application opens
• 15 January: Last day to apply
• 2 February: Submit documents and, if required, pay application fee
• 26 March: Admission results announced

Future and Career

The multi-disciplinary character of naval architecture, and the structure and curriculum of the programme, make the education relevant for careers in the maritime sector as well as in other fields. In the maritime sector, Swedish companies are leaders in several areas, such as ship design, ship operation, propulsion systems and design and construction of high-technology ships, submarines and small craft.

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 Naval Architecture are:

• Reducing the environmental impact of maritime activity
• Analyzing the operational aspects of shipping and how social conditions for maritime activity are affected by design

Faculty and Research

The research related to marine technology at KTH regards emission-free shipping, high-speed craft dynamics and structure design, ship safety and risk management, ship dynamic stability, various aspects of inland waterways and waterborne public transportation, advanced composite materials and structures, life and operations below water, underwater technology, and maritime robotics. The main responsibility for this research area is on the KTH Centre for Naval Architecture at the Department of Aeronautical and Vehicle Engineering.