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.
You will gain knowledge about the design of microelectronic, micro-mechanic and software-based components as well as their integration into complete systems. An extensive selection of courses allows you to set an individual focus or specialize in one of the following areas:
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Artificial Intelligence
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Cyber-Physical Systems
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Circuits and Systems
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Materials and Fabrication
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Biomedical Engineering
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Photonics
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 (to find out which language certificates are excepted, please go to Application / English language proficiency).
Facts and Figures
| Scope: | 120 ECTS credit points |
| Standard program duration: | 4 semesters = 2 years |
| Language of instruction: | English |
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Intakes: |
winter semester (October) or summer semester (April) |
Fees and Cost
German and EU nationals
Altogether 161 € per semester to be paid to the university. |
Non-EU nationals
Altogether 1661 € per semester to be paid to the university. |
| The living cost in Freiburg amounts to approximately 800 - 900 € per month. | |
Application
| Application: |
Applications will be done electronically. These are the documents needed:
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. English language proficiency: 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. Due to the fact that applications of various programs are administered through the HISinOne online application portal, it does not always indicate the specifics of the application for this specific program. Therefore, if you are unsure, you can follow the instructions for the online application. |
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Admissions:
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The admissions committee will verify whether you fulfill the special prerequisites outlined in the admissions regulations. This is a courtesy translation of the admission regulations. |
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Application deadlines: |
NEW! Applications for the summer semester 2023 will begin on October 17, 2022. May 15 (non-EU nationals), July 15 (EU nationals) for the winter semester |
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Faculty affiliation: |
Curriculum
Students can compile their own personal skill profile by either selecting a wide range of different courses from either Computer Science or Microsystems Engineering to broaden their expertise. Or they can choose to focus on a specialization in either one of the Computer Science areas (Artificial Intelligence or Cyber-Physical Systems) or one of the MSE concentrations (Circuits and Systems, Materials and Fabrication, Biomedical Engineering and Photonics).
The course structure is quite versatile and the exam regulations only provide the framework, which students fill with individually chosen lectures, seminars and other courses.
There are 4 compulsory areas where students are expected to complete courses with at least 18 ECTS credits in each area:
2 areas cover essential courses for the topic of Embedded Systems divided in Computer Science respectively Microsystems Engineering; 2 more areas contain specialization and concentration courses in both the Elective area of Computer Science as well as MSE concentration areas. The remaining 18 ECTS credits can be divided up as the students wish, by either adding more courses in one of the 4 areas mentioned above or completing some courses in the Customized Course Selection. The program concludes with a master's thesis.
The following graphic summarizes the structure:
Organizational note for students of the previous exam regulations (PO 2012):
In the winter semester 2021/22, a new examination regulation will be introduced and all students who do not explicitly object by September 15, 2021 (legally latest deadline: October 31, 2021) will automatically be transferred to this new examination regulation PO 2021. Students enrolled in the M.Sc. ESE in the summer semester 2021 have been informed about this change via e-mail on July 19 and 20, 2021 and have received the corresponding objection form as an e-mail attachment as well as information material comparing the examination regulations (document updated on April 12, 2022 with further explanations regarding Customized Course Selection).
The changes have different implications for individual students. If you have any questions, please contact the academic advisor.
Students of the PO 2012 version can complete their studies until 30 September 2024 (cut-off date) at the latest. The model study plan / curriculum for the PO 2012 exam regulations can be found on the overview page Module Handbooks and Exam Regulations.
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.
- The online version of the module handbook in HISinOne is currently being created together with the curriculum; it will be available at the beginning of SS 2022.
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Detailed PDF version of the module handbook (as of April 2021)
(there may be minor discrepancies in individual module elements between the online version and the PDF version, which is updated only once a semester; in this case, the online version applies) - Exam and admission regulations (in German)
The web pages of the legal department contain all statutes (admission and examination regulations). The latest version applies to you, i.e. the one without further explanation/restriction in brackets.
Students who started their studies before WS 2021/22 can find the respective information under Module Handbooks and Exam Regulations under Studies and Teaching - Exam regulations (unofficial version in English - not binding)
Currently also to be handled as "draft version".
Please check out our dates and deadlines for course registration or exam registration.
Contact Persons
Do you have any questions concerning the application and admission procedure? Please contact the program coordinator:
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Georges-Köhler-Allee 101 |
| Ms. Ursula Epe |
For questions pertaining to the curriculum, please contact the academic advisors:
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E-Mail: studienberatung@ese.uni-freiburg.de Further contact information (telephone number, consulting hours, address) at |
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Ms. Martina Nopper |
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Georges-Köhler-Allee 102 01 217 Phone: +49 761 203 7496 E-Mail: studienberatung@ese.uni-freiburg.de |
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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 MSE Concentration areas or in the Customized Course Selection (in the area of Computer Science), 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.
