Microelectronics and Microsystems

Microelectronics has driven the huge advances in information and communication technologies and is increasingly important across many other fields. Techniques developed for microelectronics are now used to create miniaturised systems for electromechanical, electro‑optical, analytical and biomedical applications — a convergence known as microsystem technology. Ongoing progress is expected to bring ever closer integration between microsystem components and microelectronic devices.

This Master’s programme brings those two areas together in a single, interdisciplinary curriculum taught in English. In addition to in‑depth technical training, the course includes a required set of non‑technical elective modules covering business and management topics, soft skills and humanities to respond to the demands of a globalised job market. For students wanting an even stronger managerial profile, the programme can be combined with a part‑time MBA in Technology Management at the NIT Northern Institute of Technology Management, enabling you to earn two Master’s degrees concurrently and broaden your career options.

What this means for you as an international student:

• Solid grounding in both microelectronics and microsystem technology, with attention to interdisciplinary application areas (electromechanical, electro‑optical, analytical, biomedical)
• Integrated non‑technical coursework to develop business, management and communication skills valued by employers
• Option to pursue a double degree by combining the programme with the part‑time MBA at NIT, meeting industry demand for engineers with business qualifications
• Programme language: English

Programme expectations / requirements (summary)

• A strong undergraduate background in engineering, electrical engineering or a closely related technical discipline
• Interest in both microelectronics and microsystems and their cross‑disciplinary applications
• Willingness to complete compulsory non‑technical elective modules (business, management, soft skills, humanities)
• For the double‑degree option: enrolment in the part‑time MBA at the NIT Northern Institute of Technology Management (concurrent study)

This program emphasizes teaching the methodology and logic of engineering—essentially "learning to think" like an engineer—so students build a durable theoretical foundation that enables them to keep pace with rapid technological change. That theory is balanced by hands-on experience: practical application is woven into the curriculum through internships, laboratory work, project work and the final thesis. The university encourages independent learning and decision-making while also preparing students to collaborate in multicultural, international teams. Interdisciplinary research, teaching and learning are actively promoted, and students are brought into research and development projects early to ease the transition into professional roles.

Structurally, the program is designed to be completed in two years. In the first year you focus on lectures, exercises and laboratory courses that establish core microelectronics and microsystems skills. The third semester centers on a larger project together with either a subject-specific seminar or a process design course, giving you substantial applied experience and teamwork opportunities. The fourth semester is devoted to a six-month Master's thesis, which provides a focused research or development experience and solidifies your readiness for industry or further academic work.

Key modules

• Foundational lectures, problem-solving exercises and hands-on laboratory courses (first year)
• Project work and a subject-specific seminar or a process design course (third semester)
• Six-month Master's thesis (fourth semester)
• Practical components such as internships and applied projects integrated throughout

Learning outcomes

• Develop rigorous engineering reasoning and the ability to "learn to think" in technical contexts
• Apply theoretical knowledge through laboratory work, projects and internships
• Work independently, make informed engineering decisions, and manage a substantial thesis project
• Collaborate effectively in international, interdisciplinary teams and participate in early-stage R&D
• Be prepared for a smooth transition into professional or research careers following graduation

Program requirements and core components

• Standard duration: two years (four semesters)
• Year 1: lectures, exercises and laboratory work
• Semester 3: project plus a subject-specific seminar or a process design course
• Semester 4: six-month Master's thesis
• Ongoing emphasis on practical application via internships, projects and thesis work
• Early integration into research and development activities and interdisciplinary teamwork

Graduates are prepared for technical roles across microelectronics and microsystems industries, including electromechanical, electro‑optical, analytical and biomedical application areas. Typical positions include R&D engineer, design and process engineer, systems integrator, product development and manufacturing roles, as well as quality and test engineering in companies producing microelectronic devices and miniaturised systems.

The programme’s emphasis on business/management electives and the optional double degree MBA widens career paths toward technical management, product management or technology consulting. Early involvement in research projects and the project/thesis structure also provide a solid foundation for pursuing a PhD or research-oriented careers in industry and academia.