Micro- and Nanoelectronics – Major of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology

Overview The Micro- and Nanoelectronics track is taken within the Master’s degree programme in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Applicants must first apply to and be admitted to the overall Master’s programme; after enrollment they may choose one of five specialisations, including Micro- and Nanoelectronics. The major provides advanced, research-oriented training that builds on skills acquired at the Bachelor’s level and delivers deep, domain-specific expertise for professional work in micro- and nano-scale electronics.

What the major covers This specialisation is inherently cross-disciplinary, drawing on topics from biomedical engineering, computer engineering, information and communication technology, and electrical power engineering. Course work and projects address device and sensor technology, actuators, measurement instrumentation and fabrication processes, as well as analogue, mixed-signal, high‑frequency and digital circuit design. You will also study architecture, systems and selected applications of VLSI systems, learning to combine component- and system-level perspectives.

What you will be able to do Graduates leave with system-oriented engineering skills: applying system identification, modelling and optimisation methods; translating real-world technical-scientific problems into clear problem statements; analysing engineering challenges and proposing solutions; and understanding the life-cycle implications of design choices. You will also be trained to document and present results professionally in current technical language, and to communicate effectively in both English and your native language.

Admission and programme-related requirements

• Apply to the Master’s programme in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (select specialisation after enrolment)
• Available majors (choose one after enrolment): Micro- and Nanoelectronics; Systems and Automation; Communications Engineering; Electrical Power Engineering; Biomedical Systems Engineering
• A relevant Bachelor’s-level background in electrical engineering, information technology, or a closely related field is expected (the Master’s builds on Bachelor-level competences)
• Instruction is in English; proficiency in English sufficient for technical study and communication is required

The programme runs full-time over four semesters (two years) and can be started in either the winter or summer semester. Its curriculum combines a set of compulsory and mandatory‑elective modules that establish the degree’s technical profile, complemented by a large offering of laboratory courses, project work and seminars. Students may also choose courses from other Master’s programmes within the faculty and from the wider RWTH catalogue, including options in economics, soft skills and languages. A module catalogue and a visual breakdown of credit requirements are available as PDF downloads from the programme pages.

Teaching uses a mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars and compact intensive courses to build advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Practical laboratory work and semester or Master’s projects (individual or small‑group) are central to the learning experience and train you in experimental techniques, data analysis and applied device or circuit development. Excursions to technical facilities further expose students to real‑world installations. Through these activities you will develop research competence, hands‑on engineering skills, scientific communication (oral and written) and the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Assessment culminates in an independent Master’s thesis — a defined research project to be completed within six months and concluded with an oral presentation and defence. The programme is worth 120 ECTS in total; credits are allocated across subject areas with at least 20 ECTS coming from mandatory CORE‑department modules. The programme also enforces academic and professional standards: all students must take the “Scientific Integrity” module, and students without certified German at level B1 must attend compulsory German language courses. A minimum of 18 weeks of industrial experience/practical work is required to ensure industry familiarity.

Key modules and requirements (summary)

• Duration: 4 semesters (2 years), full‑time; entry in either semester possible
• Total credit requirement: 120 ECTS
• CORE department: at least 20 ECTS of mandatory CORE modules
• Master’s thesis: independent scientific project, 6 months, with oral presentation and defence
• Mandatory modules: “Scientific Integrity” (all students)
• Language requirement: compulsory German courses for students without B1 certification
• Practical components: extensive laboratory work, semester/Master’s projects, seminars, excursions
• Industrial experience: minimum 18 weeks of practice/work experience
• Teaching formats: lectures, tutorials, seminar work (with student presentations), and intensive courses
• Electives: courses available from other faculty Master’s programmes and the broader RWTH offering (including economics, soft skills and languages)

For the full list of modules and the detailed credit distribution, consult the programme’s module catalogue (PDF).

Graduates are equipped for technical and research careers in semiconductor and microelectronics industries, integrated circuit and system design (analogue, mixed-signal, RF and digital), sensor and MEMS development, measurement and instrumentation, and VLSI system architecture. The combination of laboratory work, project experience and the compulsory industrial internship also prepares students for applied engineering roles in product development and systems integration.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies or R&D positions in academia and industry. International students aiming to work in Germany may benefit from improving German language skills alongside technical qualifications to broaden local employment opportunities.