KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Overview

The PhD programme in History of Science, Technology and Environment at KTH Royal Institute of Technology delves into the intricate ways scientific and technological advancements have influenced landscapes, societies, and environments throughout history. This interdisciplinary programme offers students the opportunity to conduct research in areas such as Industrial Heritage, the History of Science, and Environmental History, utilizing spatial and material methodologies to understand historical transformations.

What you'll study

The doctoral programme is structured to combine comprehensive coursework with independent research, culminating in a doctoral thesis. The curriculum is designed to enhance research design, academic writing, and communication skills, along with specialized subject knowledge.

• Core doctoral skills include: The Research Process; Research Communication; Theory and Method in History.
• Subject-focused courses may cover: Perspectives on Science, Technology and Landscape in Time and Space; Environmental Humanities; Political Ecology; Energy and Geopolitics.
• Research work involves: Ongoing supervision, literature reviews, research design, data and archival work, and thesis writing.
• Thesis requirement: Completion of a doctoral thesis based on original research, adhering to KTH's doctoral regulations for format and assessment.
• Academic participation includes: Seminars, research group activities, and presentations to refine scholarly communication skills.

Note: The specific courses and their sequence may vary based on individual research topics, prior academic backgrounds, and recommendations from supervisors.

Entry requirements

Admission to the PhD programme is governed by KTH's general doctoral entry criteria and an evaluation of your academic background and alignment with the research focus of the programme.

Academic requirements

• A second-cycle qualification (Master’s level), or
• Completion of courses totaling at least 240 credits, with a minimum of 60 credits at the second-cycle level, or
• Equivalent knowledge acquired through other means.

English requirements

• IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5.
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum overall score of 90.
• PTE Academic: Minimum overall score of 62.

Other requirements

• GRE/GMAT: No specific GRE/GMAT or GPA score requirements are stipulated.
• Application documents typically include: Academic transcripts, CV, proof of degrees, English test results (if applicable), and a research proposal or statement of purpose that aligns with the programme’s research themes.
• Selection criteria: Based on academic merits, the fit for doctoral-level research, and the relevance of your proposed research topic.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme in History of Science, Technology and Environment will be well-equipped for a range of career paths. Potential opportunities include academic positions in universities, research roles in governmental and non-governmental organizations, and consultancy positions in heritage management and environmental policy. The programme fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to discussions surrounding science, technology, and the environment in various professional contexts.