From autumn 2027, Chalmers University of technology will offer a new portfolio of master’s programmes. Through an extensive development effort, new programmes have been designed in a unified format to increase flexibility in the education offering and to meet society’s need for technical expertise, both now and in the future.
In short, the initiative will give Chalmers improved conditions to rapidly adapt its education to new societal challenges, while enabling students to make informed and future-proof choices in their studies. As educational pathways become clearer, it also becomes easier for prospective employers to understand the competencies that Chalmers graduates bring with them into working life. These drivers are behind the current redesign of the programme portfolio.
“As the pace of technological development continues to accelerate, expectations of Chalmers education – both our own and those of the wider world – are changing,” says Mattias Bingerud, Advisor in the President’s Office. “Our current model for master’s education has served us well for many years, but it is no longer sufficiently adaptable for us to respond quickly to new and evolving needs.”
A flexible and competitive education offering
“A degree from Chalmers is a hallmark of quality and must provide students with the knowledge and perspectives needed to develop technology and solutions for an innovative and sustainable society,” says Jörgen Blennow, Vice President for Education. “By renewing the master’s programmes, we ensure that this continues to be the case. At the same time, this is an important step in the further development of Chalmers’ education offering and strengthens the university’s international competitiveness.”
The new master’s programmes will welcome their first students in autumn 2027. For some programmes, the introduction will take place a year later, in autumn 2028.
“Master’s programmes are a key component of our education offering, but Chalmers’ bachelor-level programmes are also reviewed regularly to respond to new needs and conditions,” says Jörgen Blennow. “The guiding principle is that each programme should have a clear and distinctive profile, firmly grounded in the research conducted at Chalmers.”
How the new master’s programmes were developed
The development work began in autumn 2024. Since then, the new structure and programme portfolio have taken shape through an open process with broad participation from Chalmers faculty and the education organisation. The student union, central support functions, and representatives from industry and society have also played important roles in the process.
In April 2026, the President of Chalmers took the formal decision establishing the basic framework for the future programmes. The restructuring affects almost all master’s programmes, with the total number reduced from around 40 today to approximately 35.
Work is now continuing to finalise the remaining details and to develop courses for the new master’s programmes.
The new portfolio of master’s programmes will be presented on chalmers.se from summer 2026. The external application period will run from October 2026 to January 2027. Current Chalmers students will be able to apply to the new master’s programmes through the local Chalmers application round in early April 2027.
A glimpse of what’s new in Chalmers’ master’s programmes
Elective specialisations will form an intermediate level between courses and programmes, offering in-depth study within each master’s programme. The range of specialisations will be able to evolve rapidly over time, in line with technological developments and labour market needs. The specialisations have their own learning goals, which are displayed on students’ degree certificates.
All master’s programmes will include a shared flexibility window with no compulsory elements during the autumn semester of the second year. During this period, students can choose to deepen their expertise within their main subject or broaden their skills, either at Chalmers or through studies abroad.
Minors are course packages that all master’s students can choose during the flexibility window, regardless of programme. The format is similar to that used at many international universities. By completing a minor, students can broaden their education and develop expertise in an area that complements their main subject, such as entrepreneurship or leadership.
Space engineering with a focus on NewSpace is a subject area that is now being introduced as a dedicated programme. Chalmers has strong research in the field on which the new master’s programme will be built.
Contact person
- Advisor, University Executive Office, Chalmers Operations Support