From domestic devices like washing machines to complex space technology like satellites, most products require integrated digital control and software.

These components have great impact on functionality and performance. With more than 16 billion devices embedded systems are everywhere. As "hidden systems" the embedded systems determine innovations in industrial equipment, medical devices and scientific instruments. Since many products without embedded systems cannot compete on the market, specially trained personnel are demanded by the industry worldwide.

The University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven recognized these demands at an early stage and started a master study program "Embedded Systems Design" (ESD) in summer 2011. As embedded systems we consider mechanical or electromechanical apparatuses whose essential function is to control processes with electronics and software. Courses like system identification, mechatronics, discrete control systems and system-on-chip design or modelbased real-time software qualify the students to design future embedded systems in industrial, medical, or scientific applications (ISM market). The graduate students will meet the challenge to design modern, safe and reliable embedded products.

Applicants should be interested in control engineering, mechanics, digital systems and software development. Basic knowledge in these areas as well as sound engineering principles of a preceding technical bachelor are requirements for admission to the ESD master program.

Degree: Master of Science (M. Sc.)
Duration and mode of study: 1,5 years (3 semester) full study program
Starting term: Summer semester (March)
Language: English (all courses and documents)

Subject Areas

• Digital systems (user logic, processing systems),
• Control engineering
• Modeling/identification/simulation
• Real-time software
• Safety and reliability
• Industrial/scientific/medical applications

Program Overview

The master study program "Embedded Systems Design" consists of theoretical modules in the first semester term. This will enable the students to design modern and innovative embedded systems for industrial, scientific, or medical applications. Application specific courses are given in the second semester term.

Courses (module descriptions)

1st semester

Methods/theory

1.1   SY-MEC - Mechatronics (5 credits)
1.2   AU-DCS Discrete Control Systems (5 Credits)
1.3   IT-MBS Model-Based SW-Development/ Real-Time Software (5 Credits)
1.4   ET-DTV - Digital Systems / VHDL (5 credits)
1.5   SY-SOC - System-on-Chip Design (5 credits)
1.6   ES-SAR Safety and Reliabilty (3 credits)

2nd semester

Methods

2.1   ES-REQ Requirements Engineering (3 Credits)
2.2   ES-IND - Industrial Systems (5 credits)
2.3   ES-MED - Medical Systems (5 credits)
2.4   ES-MAR - Maritime Scientific Systems (5 credits)
2.5   ES-PRO - Embedded Systems Project (14 Credits)

3rd semester

Theory/application

3.1   MA-ESD - ESD Master Thesis (30 credits)

Entry RequirementsApplicants must have completed a technical bachelor program with 210 Credits (equivalent to 7 semester terms) or a technical bachelor program with 180 Credits (equivalent to 6 semester terms) plus additional requirements. For more information: Administration regulations download (in German)In the proceeding bachelor program, applicants must have acquired knowledge on digital systems similar to the following bachelor module.Information about the possibility of special admission conditions can be obtained from the Registration and Examination Office.

Application

The study program begins in the summer semester. Applications must be sent directly to the University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven by January, 15.

Applicants from non-European countries must submit their certificates to the ASSIST examination centre: uni-assist. The deadline for these applications is November, 30. Further information can be found here (Registration and Examination Office).