A one-of-a-kind Welding Master’s- where industry meets innovation

“The programme combines two qualifications. A Master’s degree in Welding Technology and the International Welding Engineer diploma offered by the Swedish Welding Commission,” explains Professor Paul Kah, Programme Manager at University West and Vice President at the International Institute of Welding (IIW). 

“It means that our students graduate with both theoretical and practical knowledge, and they can quickly be integrated into industry or continue to PhD studies.”

A unique programme with a really strong industry connection

Few programmes globally integrate both a university degree and an internationally recognised professional certification within the same curriculum. According to Professor Paul Kah, “It the only one of its kind in the whole of Sweden and the Nordic countries.”

This distinctive design is the result of years of collaboration between University West and leading industrial partners. Companies such as Volvo Cars, GKN, ESAB, Scania and Siemens have all contributed to shaping the programme’s structure and content.

“We developed the courses together with industry through workshops, discussing which topics are most relevant to them,” says Professor Paul Kah “So, the programme meets both real industrial needs and international standards.”

Hands-on learning that leads to excellent career outcomes

Students gain extensive hands-on experience in labs and study visits, working with state-of-the-art welding technology at the Production Technology Centre (PTC), one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Sweden.

Each course includes guest lecturers from companies, and students share classrooms and group projects with professionals from industry who are upskilling through the same programme.

“It’s a win–win situation,” Paul Kah adds. “Industry personnel learn about new academic and technological trends, and our students gain from their long experience and get valuable contacts in the field.”

The strong connection to industry also provides excellent career outcomes. All graduates so far have found positions in Swedish or international companies, or continued into doctoral research.

“Our students can work in many sectors. Such as automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, shipbuilding, construction and energy. It’s truly a global profession,” he says.

Typical job titles include, but are not limited to, Welding Engineer, Quality Assurance Manager, Welding Coordinator, Design Engineer, Development Engineer, Materials Engineer, Maintenance Associate, researcher, and doctoral researcher. 

A welcoming environment for international students

Professor Paul Kah speaks from his own personal experience when describing Sweden’s openness to international students. Originally from Cameroon, he spent over a decade in Finland before moving to Sweden.

The approachable academic culture also helps students adapt quickly.

“University West a small university. You don’t need to book a meeting to speak with a professor, you can just meet them in the cafeteria,” he says. “That informal relationship makes learning easier and more personal.”

“When you come to a new country, you need support,” says Paul Kah. “We at University West make sure our students feel welcome, find friends, and get the guidance they need to succeed, both academically and personally.”

Building a global future

For Professor Paul Kah, the ultimate goal is to equip engineers with globally recognised skills and a mindset ready for innovation.

“This programme gives students not only a diploma, but also confidence to work anywhere in the world,” he says. “If you want to build a career in advanced manufacturing and welding technology, this is where you start.”

With its unique combination of international standards, hands-on training, and a welcoming environment, the Master in International Welding Engineering at University West is more than a degree. It’s a gateway to a world of opportunities.