KTH Royal Institute of Technology

MSc Technology, Work and Health

In this programme, you will learn how to plan, design and analyse work environments from a sustainability and performance perspective. Ergonomics and Work Environment management enable functional and well-designed work systems, organisations and environments. With skills in applying occupational safety and health management, our graduates make vital contributions to a healthy and productive workforce. The programme is IOSH-accredited for delivering the highest standards in occupational safety, health, and technology education.

Technology, Work and Health at KTH

This master's programme provides a deeper understanding of the interplay between humans, technology and organisation, from the perspectives of sustainable work and organisational performance. You will gain knowledge and proficiency in proactive occupational safety and health (OSH) management, as well as in planning, designing and analysing work environments. You will acquire advanced theoretical and applied knowledge of physical, cognitive and organisational ergonomics, which is needed to address issues of worker health and work sustainability in all sectors of society. Programme content can be used to develop organisations and processes, focusing on a more sustainable working life.

The education in the programme is based on blended learning, with both on-campus and distance sessions. Between on-campus meetings, you will study independently or in groups with course projects, as well as join scheduled digital or hybrid learning activities. Students also take the initiative to form links with companies and work sites in the public and private sectors to engage with real-life working conditions.

During the first year, students have the opportunity to specialise in either Work Environment Engineering or Human Factors and Ergonomics.

Work Environment Engineering

The Work Environment Engineering coursework includes both theory and practice. It allows graduates to identify, measure and evaluate physical, chemical, and biological risks in the workplace. It also allows them to develop, implement, and evaluate control measures that make the workplace safer. Furthermore, this specialisation includes coursework in systematic work environment management, leadership, and change management. This enables graduates to communicate risks and motivate improvements when proposing workplace solutions.

After completing your studies, you will have the relevant knowledge and proficiency to work as a Work Environment Engineer (formerly called Safety Engineer). To learn more about Work Environment Engineering as a job role in Sweden, please see the job description listed by SACO, the Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations (In Swedish).

Human Factors and Ergonomics

The Human Factors and Ergonomics specialisation focuses on identifying, measuring, and evaluating musculoskeletal and cognitive loading. You will learn to apply theory, principles, data and methods to design work environments and systems that optimise human well-being and overall system performance. In addition to systematic work environment management, leadership, and change management, this specialisation includes practical skills in planning and designing work environments and intervention evaluation.

After completing your studies, you will have relevant knowledge and proficiency to work as a Human Factors Specialist or Ergonomist. To learn more about Ergonomics and Human Factors professions, please see the professional scope described by IEA, the International Ergonomics Association.

This is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits) in English. Graduates are awarded the degree of Master of Science. The programme is given at KTH Campus and KTH Flemingsberg in Stockholm by the School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (at KTH).

In the final semester, you carry out a degree project in your area of focus. The project may be done individually or in groups of two.

The programme is accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)​​​​​​​, a chartered body for health and safety professionals with over 50,000 members in over 130 countries. They have been active as a global not-for-profit organisation since 1945 to promote a simple vision: “a safe and healthy world of work for everyone”. Accreditation by IOSH signifies that the programme meets the IOSH internationally recognised standards for professional competence in occupational safety and health education.