Embedded Systems Engineering (Master of Science)

Embedded systems are among the key technologies. Whether in medical technology, the automotive industry, in aerospace or in the telecommunications, media and entertainment technology - embedded systems play a central role in the latest technological developments. The systems that "feel" with sensors, "think" through intelligent programming, and "act" on signals and actuators perform a wide variety of tasks.

Connection between engineering and computer science

In the master's program, we provide you with versatile know-how in computer science and engineering. For your future as a research scientist or project leader in a company, you are well equipped to understand and bring together the "language" of both worlds of technology. An extensive selection area allows you to set an individual focus on the following areas:

Circuits and systems
Design and Simulation
Sensors and actuators
Reliable Embedded Systems
Distributed Systems
Robotics and machine vision

Prerequisites

Bachelor's degree in mechatronics, information technology, electronics or electrical engineering, computer science or similar. Previous knowledge in mathematics, computer science, physics and electrical engineering
English language proficiency level C1 (e.g. IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 95)

Facts and Figures

Scope:	120 ECTS credit points
Standard program duration:	4 semesters = 2 years
Language of instruction:	English
Intakes:	winter semester (October) or summer semester (April)

Fees and Cost

German and EU nationals

78 € to support the services offered by Studierendenwerk (SWFR)
70 € administrative fee
7 € to support the student council

Altogether 155 € per semester to be paid to the university.

Non-EU nationals

1500 € tuition fees
78 € to support the services offered by Studierendenwerk (SWFR)
70 € administrative fee
7 € to support the student council

Altogether 1655 € per semester to be paid to the university.

The living cost in Freiburg amounts to approximately 700 - 800 € per month.

Application

Application:	The application period for the winter semester 2019/20 is over. The application period for the summer semester 2020 will start on 29 October. Applications for the summer semester 2020 will be done electronically. Please register in the online application portal, enter your details and upload the following documents: a certified copy of your undergraduate diploma (bachelors or equivalent) or the original document, a certified copy of your undergraduate transcript of records or the original document, showing all courses and credits taken and all grades/marks obtained as well as the final/current overall average grade, a certified copy of your English proficiency test result or the original document (see below), your Curriculum Vitae or résumé, APS certificate (only for applicants who have studied in China, Mongolia or Vietnam). Additional documents that can be useful to submit: letter of motivation letter of recommendation description of those subjects of your bachelor's degree that covered computer science (if your background is in electronics) or that covered electronics (if your background is in computer science) GRE score (all three sections are important) certificate about your class rank certificate about the average grade of your class University entrance exam result from your home country (if applicable) GATE result (India) Undergraduate diploma and transcript of records: If you have completed your studies, but not yet received the bachelors diploma, the transcript of records has to show the total number of credit points, final grade and the remark "degree conferred" or "degree awarded". If not, please submit an additional confirmation letter from the university stating the total number of credit points, the final grade and that the degree has been conferred. If you have not yet completed your undergraduate studies, please submit a letter from the university confirming the expected date of completion. English proficiency test and score reporting: The following English language certificates are accepted: IELTS (Academic), TOEFL (paper-based, computer-based or internet-based, but NOT Institutional TOEFL/ITP), Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English, Pearson PTE Academic, TELC, TOEIC. Only native speakers from the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are exempted from submitting one of these English language certificates. A confirmation that the medium of instruction at your university was English is not sufficient. Please note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Certificates issued in a language other than German or English must be accompanied with a translation by an authorized translator. Application documents will not be returned to you (regardless of whether you are admitted or not).
Admissions:	The admissions committee will verify whether you fulfill the special prerequisites outlined in the admissions regulations. For further information please contact the program coordinator (see contact persons). Please note: University admission requirements may be subject to change prior to the start of the application period.
Application deadlines:	May 15 (non-EU nationals), July 15 (EU nationals) for the winter semester December 15 (non-EU nationals), January 15 (EU nationals) for the summer semester
	FAQs pertaining to the application and admission procedure
Faculty affiliation:	Faculty of Engineering

Curriculum

The curriculum includes courses in the following areas:

Design of microelectronic and micromechanic devices
Software-based components
System integration
System optimization regarding speed, cost and energy efficiency
Safety and reliability

Six different concentration areas are offered:

Circuits and systems
Design and simulation
Sensors and actuators
Reliable embedded systems
Distributed systems
Robotics and computer visions

Learning takes the form of lectures, exercises, lab courses, seminars and project work. The state-of-the art laboratories on the campus of the Faculty of Engineering enable hands-on training in which research and teaching are closely linked.The large elective area in the master's program offers a high level of flexibility and enables students to specialize in a wide range of topics.

Possible occupational fields

Graduates of the Master's program in Embedded Systems Engineering can either apply for a PhD position or work as an engineer in a company. Potential employers are companies from the following fields:

Automotive industry
Bio- and medical engineering (e.g. prosthetics or implants)
Automation
Energy
Communication
Security
Multimedia

Syllabus and Examination Regulations

Please note: Only the latest version is listed here. Older versions can be found in Module Handbooks and Exam Regulations under Studies and Teaching.

Online syllabus in HISinOne (loading might take some time)
Exam and admission regulations (in German)
Exam regulations (unofficial version in English - not binding)

Contact Persons

Do you have any questions concerning the application and admission procedure? Please contact the program coordinator:

	Georges-Köhler-Allee 101 Room 101 02 013a Phone: +49 761 203 8340 E-Mail: admissions@imtek.uni-freiburg.de
Ms. Ursula Epe

For questions pertaining to the curriculum, please contact the academic advisors:

	Georges-Köhler-Allee 101 02 13a Phone: +49 761 203 8169 Georges-Köhler-Allee 102 01 217 Phone: +49 761 203 7496 E-Mail: studienberatung@ese.uni-freiburg.de
Ms. Martina Nopper Dr. Frank Goldschmidtböing

Testimonial

"I have always been fascinated by smart systems. Freiburg University's ESE program, offered by it's Computer Science and Microsystems Engineering departments was the perfect fit for me. It's broad range of modules helped me tailor my specialisation courses to fit my areas of interest. The mentorship and guidance by experts and highly skilled staff greatly enriched my study experience. This program boasts strong ties to industry and research institutes and has highly sought after graduates."

Titus Busulwa

Particularities about this study program

Numerous lab courses

The students can choose from a big variety of lab courses within the concentration areas, thus acquiring important practical skills for their future career.

A Mentor for each Student

Each professor is in charge of a number of students whom s/he mentors. These mentors help you to organize your studies and are ready to answer your questions about studying abroad, finding a job, and more.

Certification of English Medium of Instruction Competencies

The instructors of the MSc. program have been certified for instruction in English.

Smart, Micro, Green – Engineering in Freiburg

Green - Freiburg is renowned worldwide as a Green City. Since 2015, the Faculty of Engineering has had its own Department of Sustainable Systems Engineering. The researchers of this department build systems that hardly need any energy, have a long life cycle, and adapt themselves easily to difficult environmental conditions.

Smart - stands for autonomously acting robots, computers that learn to interpret pictures, or algorithms that become more and more intelligent and fast. In summary: At the Faculty of Engineering, smart stands for computer science.

Micro - Our researchers design tiny technical systems that handle complex tasks needed in medicine or in production plants. Nowadays each of us uses such systems on a daily basis - often without even noticing. Developing microsystems is an exciting and challenging job - not only for students but also for companies. Our study programs are the best preparation for a career in this field.

Studying engineering in Freiburg means that you will benefit from these three research areas, no matter which study field you choose. Smart, micro and green ideas will increasingly be needed. We offer to teach you the skills needed for developing these kinds of systems.