Embedded Computing Systems (ESY)

This two-year (four-semester) Master of Science program gives a thorough, engineering-focused education in embedded computing systems by combining hardware and software perspectives. You will learn processor and system architectures, system-level modelling and design techniques, testing and verification, and gain domain knowledge needed to tailor embedded solutions to specific application areas. The curriculum balances lectures with practical lab work—courses include processor architecture and labs, embedded systems laboratory, real-time systems and operating systems, microelectronic circuit and system design, synthesis and optimisation, and a verification course with hands-on components—so you graduate familiar with Electronic Design Automation (EDA) flows and state-of-the-art embedded system design practices.

The programme is structured into a mandatory core, a flexible elective segment, and a research-led Master’s thesis. The core courses build the fundamental skills for embedded systems engineering: understanding modern RISC and other processor architectures, integrating components and communication structures into systems-on-chip, and designing reliable software for real-time and multitasking environments. Electives let you tailor your profile by choosing advanced modules from the university and its partner research institutes; you develop an individual study plan together with the ESY programme adviser.

The final thesis (typically completed in the last semester) is often carried out as part of larger research projects at the university, at local research institutes, or in industry, giving you the opportunity to apply your skills to real-world problems. Thesis topics are normally decided during the second or third semester. Overall, this programme prepares graduates for roles in embedded and SoC design, embedded software engineering, verification, and related research or industrial positions.

Key facts and requirements

• Duration: 4 semesters (full-time)
• Total workload: 120 ECTS credits
• Core programme: 35–55 ECTS — mandatory courses covering processor and system architectures, embedded processor and systems labs, real-time systems, operating systems, microelectronic circuit and system design, synthesis & optimisation, and verification (with labs)
• Elective programme: 35–55 ECTS — choose modules from RPTU and associated research institutes; individual study plan agreed with the ESY programme adviser
• Master’s thesis: 30 ECTS — usually integrated into larger research projects at RPTU, local research institutes, or industry; topic fixed during semester 2 or 3
• Language of instruction: English
• Academic field: Computer Science (embedded systems, hardware/software co-design, verification, microelectronics)

The 120‑ECTS curriculum is structured into a core programme (35–55 ECTS), an elective programme (35–55 ECTS) and a 30‑ECTS Master's thesis. Core modules build foundational competencies in both hardware and software aspects of embedded systems, while electives allow you to shape a specialised profile by choosing from modules across RPTU and associated research institutes.

Key core modules and practical components include:

• Architecture of Digital Systems I & II and Embedded Processor Lab: fundamentals of modern RISC and other processor architectures and hands-on processor design work.
• Embedded Systems Laboratory: system-level composition, component integration and communication structures.
• Real-Time Systems I and Operating Systems: software aspects of task distribution and inter-component communication in time-constrained systems.
• Synthesis and Optimisation of Microelectronic Systems I & Microelectronic Circuit and System Design I: EDA workflows and mapping designs to microelectronic circuits.
• Verification of Digital Systems (with lab): formal design verification methods and their application with EDA tools.

Learning outcomes: you will be able to analyse and design processor and system architectures, perform hardware–software co-design, use EDA tools for synthesis and verification, and plan and execute a research-oriented master’s thesis in collaboration with academic or industrial partners.

Graduates are prepared for engineering and research roles that bridge hardware and software in embedded systems — for example, embedded systems engineer, SoC/ASIC designer, real-time systems developer, or hardware–software integration specialist. Typical sectors include automotive and autonomous systems, telecommunications, industrial automation, IoT and consumer electronics.

The programme’s strong theoretical and lab-based training also provides a solid foundation for doctoral research in areas such as microelectronics, system-on-chip design, formal verification and real-time systems.