As a postgraduate student immersed in the Sustainable Energy Systems programme, the unique nature of our curriculum unfolds through an engaging duality between KTH Royal Institute of Technology and UPC, Barcelona. In our first year, we are required to participate in courses offered by both universities. The location determines the mode of participation – courses assigned to KTH are attended in person, while those designated to UPC are taken virtually.

However, this structure does not mean that virtual courses result in virtual exams. Instead, it reflects the adaptable and hands-on approach adopted in crafting the system. Throughout each semester, we are tasked with accumulating 30 credits, resulting in a total of ten distinct courses by year-end, equating to an overall provision of 60 credits.

The examination format, like the course delivery, varies between the two universities, and the exam model depends on the professor in charge of the course. At KTH, the examination format is notably contingent upon the professor directing the course and is bound to be held at the midpoint of every semester, which is called an ‘end of a period’ in Sweden. It entails different formats such as written exams, take-home exams, and group projects. While the UPC exam model demands mostly group projects and written exams.