Micro- and Nanoelectronics

Overview

This English-taught master’s program is aimed at physics and electrical engineering graduates who want to build careers in the semiconductor sector or in research. It assumes a Bachelor’s background that includes solid-state physics and/or electronics, and it deepens your understanding of semiconductor physics, device technology, and component design while broadening skills in integrated circuit design across multiple technologies.

Study content and research opportunities

The curriculum covers semiconductor physics and technology, components and integrated-circuit design, assembly and integration methods, and application areas such as communications, radar, and sensor systems. The programme combines specialist theoretical foundations with practical and application-oriented elements, and offers direct links to major German research centres. Teaching and supervision are supported by leading institutes — the Leibniz Institute for Innovative Microelectronics (IHP), the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik (FBH), the Fraunhofer Institute for Microintegration and Reliability (FhG-IZM), and the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (FhG-IMPS) — where students can also complete a research module or their Master’s thesis.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in semiconductor research and development or in the design of innovative integrated circuits, with a robust foundation in both semiconductor physics and electronics and exposure to real-world application scenarios. The programme’s industry and institute connections can help with networking, practical project experience, and thesis collaborations that strengthen employability in both industry and academia.

Admission requirements (concise)

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
• Prior undergraduate coursework in solid-state physics and/or electronics
• Proficiency in English (program taught in English)
• Eligibility may include additional university-specific checks or documentation (see programme webpage)

More information: https://www.b-tu.de/en/micro-nano-electronics-ms/

Curriculum overview

The Master’s programme runs over four semesters and awards 120 credit points (ECTS). The first semester is designed to harmonize different undergraduate backgrounds: physicists are brought up to speed in electronics, while students with an electrical engineering background cover essential solid-state physics and quantum mechanics. After this foundation phase, the curriculum is organised into three thematic areas — Technology and Devices, Circuit Design, and Applications — from which students tailor their studies via elective choices.

Students pick compulsory elective modules to structure their specialisation: two compulsory electives must be chosen from each of the three subject areas, and an additional five compulsory electives let you define a deeper focus within the programme. The course also includes an interdisciplinary general studies module and a substantial research component that spans a research project and culminates in a Master’s thesis during the final semester.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Foundational modules ensure all students attain a common technical baseline (electronics for physicists; solid-state physics and quantum mechanics for electrical engineers).
• The three core subject areas (Technology & Devices, Circuit Design, Applications) provide breadth across micro- and nanoelectronics, allowing you to gain both device-level and system-level perspectives.
• Elective structure gives flexibility to specialise: by choosing two electives per area plus five additional electives, you can prioritise device fabrication, analog/digital circuit design, or application-driven system integration.
• The interdisciplinary general studies module and the research project develop transferable skills (scientific communication, interdisciplinary thinking) and hands-on research abilities, preparing you to carry out and defend an independent Master’s thesis.

Requirements at a glance

• Programme length: 4 semesters (full-time)
• Total credits: 120 credit points (ECTS)
• First semester: introductory modules to align prior knowledge (electronics for physicists; solid-state physics and quantum mechanics for electrical engineers)
• Three subject areas: Technology and Devices; Circuit Design; Applications
• Electives: choose 2 compulsory elective modules from each subject area
• Specialisation: select 5 additional compulsory elective modules to determine programme focus
• Includes an interdisciplinary general studies module
• Research project and Master’s thesis in the final semester

More information: https://www.b-tu.de/en/micro-nano-electronics-ms/

Graduates are prepared for careers in the semiconductor industry and research, particularly in R&D of innovative semiconductor technologies and components or in the design of advanced integrated circuits. The programme’s technical depth in device physics, circuit design and integration equips students for roles in device development, process engineering, IC design, testing and system integration across sectors such as communications, radar, sensors and photonics.

Strong links with national research institutes also facilitate transitions to academic and applied research positions, as well as opportunities in specialised engineering roles at semiconductor companies, research centres, and high-tech start-ups working on micro- and nanoelectronic solutions.