Ergonomics and Work Environment management enable functional and well-designed work systems, organisations and environments. In this programme, you will learn how to plan, design and analyse work environments from a sustainability and performance perspective.

With skills in applying occupational safety and health management, our graduates make vital contributions to a healthy and productive workforce.

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 improving work for 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 scheduled digital or hybridlearning activities. Our ongoing research collaborations with multiple local partners allow you to engage with actual worksites during field trips and project work. 

During the first year, students have the opportunity to specialise in:

• Work Environment Engineering: The Work Environment Engineering coursework includes both theory and practice that allows graduates to identify, measure and evaluate physical, chemical, and biological risks in the workplace, as well as to develop, implement, and evaluate control measures that make the workplace safer. This specialisation also includes coursework in systematic work environment management, leadership, and change management that enables graduates to communicate risks and motivate improvements when proposing workplace solutions.
• 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 works systems that optimise both human well-being and overall system performance. In addition to systematic work environment management, leadership, and change management, this specialisation includes practical skills in product development, planning and design of 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) given 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 last semester, you carry out a degree project in your area of focus. The project may be done individually or in groups of two. 

Career:

As a graduate of this programme, you will have vast career opportunities and good employment prospects. Saco, the Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations, reports a high demand for work environment engineers with low competition for job postings, even for new graduates.

Employers of Work Environment Engineers and Human Factors Specialists can be found nationally and globally in the public, municipal, and private sectors. According to Saco, the Swedish Work Environment Authority has an expansion goal of having 300 inspectors employed by 2030 and is currently recruiting.

A master's degree in Technology, Work and Health gives you: 

• the capacity to actively influence and manage change and development projects within the field of technical work environments. 
• knowledge of and competence in risk assessment methods, safety strategies and project management within production development.
• an entrée into a dynamic, high-demand career.
• the ability to make a difference in the health and economic productivity of people, companies, and society. 

We designed the programme to support professional careers as specialists within public authorities and administrations in municipal or private OSH organisations or consultancies. Graduates are well-prepared to work with investigations, risk assessments, change management, planning and design of products, work environments, and work organisations. Upon completing this programme, it is possible to pursue an academic research career and apply for additional studies leading to a PhD at KTH or other universities.