Master of Science in Embedded Systems

Why study Embedded Systems at EIT Digital?

Embedded systems are everywhere! More than 98% of the world’s processors are located in embedded systems. Embedded systems focuses on enabling technologies and design methodologies for computing systems which are embedded as integral parts of larger systems. They are designed for specific control functions of devices with various electronic and mechanical components, enabling embedded intelligence of these devices.

Applications include a wide variety of industrial and personal smart systems such as robots, cars, airplanes, satellites, elevators, mobile telephones, washing machines, and health-care equipment just to mention a few. In all these areas, embedded systems confer added value to the products by either extending the range of the delivered functionalities or by enhancing the quality of a “traditional” functionality that is rendered to the user.

The mission of the Embedded Systems (ES) programme is to expose students to cross-disciplinary studying and working environment and give a holistic skillset on embedded intelligent systems, their underlying technologies, their development, and their integration.

Through the combined technical and entrepreneurial education, students get insight into the role of embedded systems in the modern society and ability to develop innovations into business ideas and high tech embedded systems start-ups.

Graduates of the ES programme become world-class specialists and innovators in the field of embedded systems, capable of developing smart embedded solutions for new challenges in the domains of Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) and Internet of Things (IoT). They are also capable of taking on leading management roles in embedded systems and more general ICT companies.

How is the programme structured?

All EIT Digital Master School programmes follow the same scheme:

• Students study one year at an ‘entry’ university and one year at an ‘exit’ university in two of EIT Digital’s hot spots around Europe.
• Upon completion, graduates receive degrees from the two universities and a certificate awarded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
• The first year is similar at all entry points with basic courses to lay the foundation for the chosen technical programme focus. Some elective courses may also be chosen. At the same time, students are introduced to business and management. During the second semester, a design project is combined with business development exercises. These teach how to turn technology into business and how to present a convincing business plan.
• In between the first year and the second year, a summer school addresses business opportunities within a socially relevant theme.
• The second year offers a specialisation and a graduation project. The graduation project includes an internship at a company or a research institute and results in a Master thesis with a strong innovation and entrepreneurship dimension.

What are the career opportunities?

Many European companies are world leading in the field of embedded systems design and have a strong demand for highly skilled, creative engineers, innovators, system architects, and specialists. In this ever-changing world, Europe needs brand new companies that are able to provide innovative embedded solutions to address societal challenges, to improve the quality of life, and to boost the European economy and leadership. Graduates of this programme could be the pioneers to bring about that change.

As a result, ES can lead to a very wide variety of jobs. To name a few:

• Embedded Systems Engineer
• Embedded Solutions Engineer
• Robotic Systems Software Engineer
• Embedded Operating Systems Software Developer
• Hardware Engineer
• Wireless Embedded Software Engineer
• Audio Software Systems Engineer
• Autonomous Vehicle Systems Engineer
• Automotive Systems Engineer
• Internet of Things Solutions Architect
• Software Test Engineer
• Embedded Systems R&D Test Engineer
• Space Vehicle Software Test and Systems Engineer