This English‑taught, multidisciplinary Master's programme at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts prepares you to design and implement embedded systems that drive modern mechatronic solutions. Taught in an international classroom within the dynamic Ruhr Valley high‑tech region, the course combines theoretical foundations with practical projects that connect current research to industry needs. You will gain hands‑on experience through applied coursework, interactive learning, and project work that mirror real‑world engineering challenges.
The curriculum builds broad scientific and technological expertise while enabling deep specialization. Graduates emerge with the capability to research and deliver state‑of‑the‑art solutions across sectors that rely on embedded systems. The programme emphasizes one or more specialist tracks: automotive systems; robotics & computer vision; microelectronics and hardware engineering; and embedded software engineering.
Students benefit from close links to regional and international industry, strong research opportunities, and an inclusive campus community. The programme offers access to the Research Institute for the Digital Transformation (IDiAL), international events and conferences, block courses, semester‑abroad options, and the possibility of a double degree with partner universities (KU Leuven, Belgium and ISEP Porto, Portugal). Graduates find careers in Germany and abroad — employers of alumni include Bosch, Siemens, Volkswagen AG and Daimler. Additional student support includes scholarship opportunities, dormitory access and a student‑centred environment that promotes balanced study, work and family life.
Key facts and requirements (concise)
This international, practice-oriented master’s programme runs over four semesters (including the master's thesis) and carries 120 ECTS (total workload 3,600 hours). Instruction, lab work, documentation and exams are delivered in English; students may submit written coursework and a thesis in German if they prefer. The course combines classroom lectures, hands-on lab work and research activities so graduates leave with both applied engineering capabilities and scientific competence. Thesis topics are drawn from university research or industrial development/research projects and are worth 30 ECTS.
The taught part is organised so the first two semesters each contain five modules (compulsory modules are 6 ECTS each). Core first-semester modules include Mathematics for Signals & Controls, Distributed and Parallel Systems, Embedded Software Engineering, Requirements Engineering, and Scientific & Transversal Skills. Second-semester compulsory topics are Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Microelectronics & HW/SW Co-Design, R&D Project Management and Signals and Control Systems 1, plus one elective. The third semester is devoted to specialisation and a research project (two electives + research project), and the programme concludes with the 30‑ECTS master’s thesis in semester four.
Elective modules (each 6 ECTS) let you specialise in application areas or methods such as Applied Embedded Systems; Smart Home / Smart Building / Smart City; Software Architectures for Embedded and Mechatronic Systems; Signals and Systems for Automated Driving; IoT & Edge Computing; Robotic Vision; Signals & Control Systems 2; Formal Methods; System on Chip Design; Automotive Systems; Hardware Project; Model-Based Systems Engineering; Software for Robots; Embedded Hardware Design & Rapid Prototyping; Trends in Embedded and Mechatronic Systems; Radar Systems; ARV; and a Research Seminar. The teaching model uses lectures (partly online), block-format courses, practical industry-linked projects and scientific training, enabling flexible study—many students combine study and relevant employment, and job-related achievements can be recognised academically. The third semester may also be used for exchange at a partner university, and both the research project and thesis can be conducted jointly with industry or within university research.
Program facts and requirements (concise)
This programme requires a relevant undergraduate degree and subject-specific preparation. Applicants must hold a completed "Diplom" or Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Electrical Engineering or (Technical) Computer Science from a university or a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), or an accredited Bachelor's from a university of cooperative education (Berufsakademie). The degree must have an overall grade of at least “good” (2.5 on the German grading scale).
In addition to the academic qualification, applicants must be able to demonstrate sufficient competences in Embedded Systems and Software Engineering. It must also be clearly documented that the previous degree programme included a written thesis.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers in industry and research across sectors that rely on embedded and mechatronic systems — notably automotive, robotics, microelectronics, IoT, and industrial automation. Typical roles include embedded systems engineer, hardware/software engineer, systems engineer, R&D engineer, and roles in systems integration and safety-critical software development.
The programme's strong ties to regional and international employers (Ruhr Valley companies and major firms such as Bosch, Siemens, Volkswagen and Daimler), combined with research opportunities at IDiAL and double-degree options, also support career paths in applied research, product development and international engineering positions. Students can pursue jobs in Germany and abroad or continue into doctoral studies where applicable.
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