Overview This two-year English-language Master’s programme was created to tackle the shortfall of qualified chip designers in Europe and worldwide. Integrated circuits and systems underpin modern digital life, and the 2020–2023 global chip shortage made their strategic importance unmistakable. The curriculum responds directly to industry needs by training students in semiconductor design and technology so they can become the next generation of chip-design experts.
Hands-on, collaborative learning The programme is offered under the Edu4Chip project and delivered independently by five leading European universities, with a structure that encourages long-term collaboration and student exchange between institutions. A standout feature is that every student designs and tests a real chip during their studies, ensuring practical experience that complements theoretical learning. The programme’s learning outcomes are organised into three core areas—Knowledge and Understanding; Skills and Abilities; and Evaluation Capability—so graduates gain the competencies required to excel in design, verification and critical assessment of semiconductor systems.
Career relevance for international students For international applicants, this course offers direct exposure to contemporary industry challenges and a network of European research and teaching partners. The practical training and cross-institutional links are intended to improve employability in semiconductor companies, design houses and research labs where demand for skilled microelectronics engineers remains high.
Key facts and requirements
This two-year (four-semester) MSc program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on engineering practice to train you in the full chip design lifecycle. Unlike many European microelectronics programs, every student participates in all phases of chip creation: from initial digital and analogue circuit design through front-end development and back-end implementation, culminating in a real tape-out. The central element is a continuous chip design project that runs across the coursework semesters and integrates theory with practical design experience.
The curriculum is structured so the first semester builds core skills in digital and analogue design. The second semester moves into advanced front-end topics (e.g., HDL, synthesis, verification), while the third semester offers specialized electives and back-end subjects (layout, physical design, place-and-route). Teaching mixes lectures on chip-design theory with practical lab work; a completed tape-out demonstrates that you have taken a design from concept to manufacturing-ready implementation. The fourth semester is reserved for the Master’s thesis, which may be pursued in collaboration with industry partners.
Key learning outcomes include:
Program requirements and structure (at a glance):
The admission decision is made through an aptitude assessment that checks whether applicants have the academic preparation and skills needed for advanced study in microelectronics and chip design. The selection consists of two stages: a qualification assessment that reviews academic background and documents, followed by an assessment interview that explores applicants’ motivation, subject knowledge and fit with the programme.
Applicants should demonstrate a solid grounding in mathematics, electronics and programming. Eligible candidates must already hold—or be on track to complete—one of the specified undergraduate qualifications or an equivalent degree. International applicants with comparable degrees will also be considered.
Requirements (short checklist)
Winter Semester (International)
15 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Graduates will be prepared for technical roles in the semiconductor and electronics industry such as chip/ASIC/SoC designer, front-end or back-end IC design engineer, verification engineer, and roles in system integration. The practical tape-out experience and coverage of both analogue and digital design make graduates attractive to design houses, semiconductor companies, R&D labs and technology startups.
Given the documented shortage of qualified chip designers in Europe, alumni can expect strong demand in sectors including consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, IoT and industrial electronics. A thesis conducted in collaboration with industry can further ease transition into employment, and graduates may also pursue doctoral research in microelectronics and related fields.
Offenburg University of Applied Sciences — Offenburg
RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau — Kaiserslautern
RWTH Aachen University — Aachen
Chemnitz University of Technology — Chemnitz