Embedded Systems Design

Embedded systems are a foundational technology behind a vast range of products — from everyday appliances to advanced space equipment. With over 16 billion devices deployed worldwide, these “hidden” systems provide the electronics, control and software that determine a product’s function and performance. Because embedded functionality is often essential for market competitiveness, there is strong global demand for engineers who can develop safe, reliable and innovative embedded products for industrial, medical and scientific applications.

Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences offers a Master’s programme that trains students to design such systems. In this programme an embedded system is defined as a (mechano-)electrical system whose core functionality is provided by electronics, control and software. The curriculum covers topics such as system identification, mechatronics and discrete control systems and places special emphasis on system-on-chip (SoC) approaches using programmable digital devices (e.g., FPGAs). Requirements engineering is taught as an integral part of the course, preparing graduates to meet real-world specification and safety needs.

This English-language programme is aimed at students who want to work on embedded solutions across the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) markets. Successful graduates will be equipped to develop modern, dependable embedded products and to address challenges in control, mechanics, programmable logic and software integration — skills that are in high demand internationally.

Entry requirements (concise)

• Completed technical Bachelor’s degree with solid engineering fundamentals
• Basic knowledge in control engineering, mechanics, programmable logic systems (FPGAs) and software development
• Interest in control systems, mechatronics, programmable digital devices and embedded software
• Programme language: English

This program builds a strong methodological foundation in embedded systems engineering during the first semester. Core modules include Mechatronics, Discrete Control Systems, Digital Systems / VHDL, System-on-Chip Design, Model‑based Real‑time Software Development, and Safety and Reliability Engineering. These courses aim to equip you with both theoretical knowledge and practical design skills for hardware/software integration, real‑time software modelling, digital circuit design, and engineering for safety-critical applications.

The second semester shifts focus to application domains and systems engineering practice. You will study Industrial Systems, Medical Systems, Maritime Scientific Instruments, Requirements Engineering and complete an Embedded Systems Design Project. Course units combine lectures with laboratory work, with lab time rising progressively from about 25% to roughly 75% of contact hours so you can translate theory into hands‑on experience and project outcomes. The final, third semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis and the defence colloquium; thesis topics may come from university research or industrial development/research collaborations, providing pathways into R&D or industry roles.

All teaching, lab work, documentation and examinations are delivered in English, making the programme accessible to international students and facilitating participation in international research or industry projects. Part‑time study is possible under the part‑time study regulations of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences; part‑time enrollment must be justified and approved (commonly used by students who are simultaneously employed in embedded systems work).

Key facts / requirements

• Core first‑semester modules: Mechatronics; Discrete Control Systems; Digital Systems / VHDL; System‑on‑Chip Design; Model‑based Real‑time Software Development; Safety & Reliability Engineering.
• Second‑semester modules: Industrial Systems; Medical Systems; Maritime Scientific Instruments; Requirements Engineering; Embedded Systems Design Project.
• Modules include both lectures and labs; lab share increases from ~25% to ~75% over the programme to emphasise practical skills.
• Third semester reserved for the Master’s thesis and defence colloquium; thesis topics may be university research projects or industrial development/research.
• All courses, labs, materials and exams are in English.
• Part‑time study possible subject to the part‑time study regulations of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences; approval required and typically used by students working in the field.

Graduates are prepared for engineering roles that design and develop embedded hardware and software across industrial, medical and scientific markets. Typical positions include embedded systems engineer, FPGA/SoC designer, control systems engineer, and R&D developer in companies producing instrumentation, medical devices, maritime electronics or industrial automation.

The programme's mix of requirements engineering, safety/reliability, real-time software and hands-on lab experience also equips alumni for roles in product development teams, technical consulting, and continued research at master/PhD level.