Bachelor in Information and Communication Technology

Today’s society is highly dependent on Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This programme aims to meet society’s demands for ICT solutions and prepare a generation of highly skilled specialists in the field. The developments in this area create opportunities for you to utilise the knowledge gained in the programme for either an international career or further master's level studies.

Information and Communication Technology at KTH

ICT is an ever-expanding field and the basis for digitalising human communication. Since the conception of the first personal computer in 1950s and the invention of the World Wide Web in the 1980s, ICT has come to affect human life at its core and all industries and sectors. Today, new systems and services continually evolve as people and products become increasingly connected. At the same time, concepts like AI and quantum computing promise to speed up this development even more. While technology can improve people's quality of life and contribute to the green transition, development requires constantly enhanced security. This evolution creates a demand for ICT experts who strengthen the protection against industrial espionage, fake news and cyber warfare and develop reliable AI, e-health and digital design. As a student in the bachelor’s programme in Information and Communication Technology, you find yourself in the centre of this exciting field.

The programme teaches you about electronics, software, computer science and communications technology. It also integrates technology with economics, leadership and sustainable development – giving you a broad perspective on technological development. The programme has a large proportion of elective courses that allow you to tailor your education.

All teaching is conducted in English in a combination of lectures, laboratory work and practice. You will benefit from the extensive group work that you can do both at future employers and in research environments. The programme is based on the latest research that KTH conducts in collaboration with companies and your teachers are prominent professors from all over the world. Through guest lectures and projects you will meet companies and gain a sounder understanding of your future profession.

The programme is offered at KTH's campus in Kista, one of Europe's leading ICT clusters with around 1,000 companies. Your fellow students come from both Sweden and other countries such as Germany, France, Spain, England and South Korea. Collaborating in intercultural groups is a valuable experience that can lay the foundations for your own international network.

This is a three year programme (180 ECTS credits) given in English. Graduates are awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science. The programme is given by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (at KTH).

Year 1

The first year of the programme will give you basic knowledge in electronics and computer engineering, software engineering, computer science and mathematics. These fields create a strong foundation for the rest of the programme which is based mainly on these fields. The first year will also give you an insight into your future profession.

Mandatory courses

• Programming I (ID1018) 7.5 credits

• Digital Design (IE1204) 7.5 credits

• Embedded Electronics (IE1206) 7.5 credits

• Introduction to IT (II1306) 1.5 credits

• Computer Hardware Engineering (IS1200) 7.5 credits

• Discrete Mathematics (SF1610) 7.5 credits

• Algebra and Geometry (SF1684) 7.5 credits

• Calculus in One Variable (SF1685) 7.5 credits

• Basic Course in Mathematics (SF1690) 6.0 credits

Year 2

During the second year you will deepen and broaden your knowledge. You will reach an understanding in how products and services within information technology functions, and also gain ability to develop these systems yourself. The knowledge acquired in the first two years is then applied in a project where you choose to either develop a software system or to build an autonomous robot.

Mandatory courses

• Programming II (ID1019) 7.5 credits
• Algorithms and Data Structures (ID1021) 7.5 credits
• Project in Information and Communication Technology (II1305) 7.5 credits
• Networks and Communication (IK1203) 7.5 credits
• Calculus in Several Variable (SF1686) 7.5 credits
• Electromagnetism and Waves (SK1118) 7.5 credits

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 bachelor's programme in Information and Communication Technology are:

• 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
• 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

The programme teaches you to understand and develop sustainable solutions for the global sustainability goals of Energy for All and Sustainable Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. ICT's main contribution to sustainability is to be an enabler for other industries to become more energy-efficient and reduce their carbon footprint. Emissions from the transport and industry sectors can be greatly reduced if new energy-efficient technology can be used.

The IT industry also has a major impact on personal integrity, digital monitoring and democracy. There are major issues to engage in here for those who want to become involved and influence development. Another important aspect is that the technology that enables us to be connected is dependent on electricity. In order for the digital services we use to be environmentally friendly, it is important to create an energy-efficient infrastructure.

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 bachelor's programme in Information and Communication Technology are:

• 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
• 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

The programme teaches you to understand and develop sustainable solutions for the global sustainability goals of Energy for All and Sustainable Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. ICT's main contribution to sustainability is to be an enabler for other industries to become more energy-efficient and reduce their carbon footprint. Emissions from the transport and industry sectors can be greatly reduced if new energy-efficient technology can be used.

The IT industry also has a major impact on personal integrity, digital monitoring and democracy. There are major issues to engage in here for those who want to become involved and influence development. Another important aspect is that the technology that enables us to be connected is dependent on electricity. In order for the digital services we use to be environmentally friendly, it is important to create an energy-efficient infrastructure.

After graduation, creative jobs await in a labour market that exists both in Sweden and internationally. The programme opens up opportunities in global and regional IT companies, consultancy firms, most companies’ IT departments and in international institutions. There is also a great need for ICT skills in the automotive industry and medical technology.

You can evolve into a software engineer, consultant, systems specialist and much more. You might have a new idea during the programme and go on to become an entrepreneur or apply to the many startup companies in the field. Even though more and more people are training in ICT around the world, the need for ICT competence is expected to be high for a long time to come. The prospect of finding exciting tasks and occupations is very good.

After graduation

Software Developer, Systems Specialist, and Consultant.