New master's programmes proposed

Need for greater flexibility in the programme portfolio

The main reason why the master’s programmes need to be reshaped is that the structure has become too static and the programme offering too rigid. This has limited the university’s ability to quickly adapt its education to society’s changing competence needs.

“We have realised that we need an intermediate level between courses and programmes – that is how we can achieve greater flexibility in the programme portfolio,” says Mattias Bingerud, advisor to the Vice President for Education. 

The response to this need is the elective specialisations that we are now introducing, which provide in-depth studies within each master’s programme. The range of specialisations will change over time in line with technological developments and the needs of the labour market.

“For students, the choices within the programmes will feel more secure when they can opt for a well-composed package of courses leading to a clearly defined competence, rather than having to choose course by course on their own. At the same time, within many programmes it will still be possible to make individual choices for those who prefer that,” Mattias Bingerud adds.

Better opportunities for exchange studies

Going forward, all master’s programmes will include a common mobility window in the second year. The mobility window will contain no compulsory elements, which gives students great freedom in how they choose to use this period. For example, they can go on an exchange and take elective courses, unlike in other semesters when courses must match compulsory elements at the home university. 

”This allows students either to broaden their knowledge or to acquire a unique cutting-edge competence that is not available at Chalmers. At the same time, they gain the opportunity to strengthen their global skills and build an international network,” says Mikael Enelund, Dean of Education.

Minors will be introduced for all master's programmes

Another option is to use the mobility window to pursue a so-called minor at Chalmers. They consist of course packages that can be chosen by all master’s students, regardless of programme. The format is similar to what is offered at many internationally renowned universities. The aim is to offer an opportunity to broaden one’s education and develop skills in an area that complements the main field of study, for example entrepreneurship, the role of technology in society or advanced sustainability.

“We aim to offer attractive opportunities for students, whether they pursue a five-year Master of Science in Engineering degree with deep expertise in their technical field, or choose the path of a three-year bachelor's degree (BSc) followed by a two-year master's degree (MSc) in a different or related subject. Going forward, we need to communicate more clearly to students: in terms of career prospects, the most important factor is having a degree from Chalmers," says Jörgen Blennow, Vice President of Education.

Master's programmes get new competitive names

“The name plays a significant role in how attractive the education appears to both students and employers, and it is not necessarily the case that the name of an established research field always sends the right signals to the younger generation when they are searching for interesting programmes,” says Cecilia Hillman, Head of Student and Alumni Relations. The final programme names are expected to be decided in the spring.

Three of the current Master's programmes will not be affected

These are Maritime Management, Entrepreneurship and Business Design, and Learning and Leadership, as their structures differ significantly from the rest of the master's level education.

A completely new programme being introduced is Space Systems Engineering, a field in which Chalmers has strong research to connect education to.

Remaining steps in the process

• Consultation round closes and feedback is processed, 15 December 2025.
• The Vice President for Education takes a position on the final programme proposals, including the naming of the programmes, 28 February 2026.
• The new master’s programmes are decided by Chalmers’ President, April 2026.
• The first students start, autumn 2027.

No changes for ongoing studies

If you have already started your master’s studies, you will be able to complete your education as planned. 

Read more

Plans for future Master's programmes take shape
Chalmers Master's programme adapts and becomes more flexible