This English-language MSc programme builds specialised skills in microelectronics design and communication systems, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on practice and application knowledge. Core topics include analogue and digital integrated circuits, semiconductor physics, photonics, embedded systems, digital communications and high‑frequency engineering. Students choose one of two English-taught specialisations—Electronics Design and Technology (EDT) or Communication Engineering—and pick from a broad catalogue of modules to tailor their studies. The curriculum also deliberately develops transferable skills such as presentation, teamwork, management and leadership.
The Electronics Design and Technology (EDT) track focuses on the design of micro- and nanoelectronic devices and circuits. Teaching covers VLSI integrated circuits, photonic systems and the advanced design, fabrication and testing processes needed for modern electronics. Students gain experience across the development chain—from cleanroom fabrication of nanoscale devices and IC design using state-of-the-art software to photonic system development. Research themes feeding into the teaching include sensory systems (for example digital camera technology) and machine learning/AI; application fields addressed in the programme include automotive, mobile computing, biomedical electronics, robotics, quality control, film and television, and computer games.
The Communication Engineering track trains students in both theoretical analysis and practical design of communication systems and their components, with particular emphasis on sensorics, optical and digital communications. The programme prepares graduates for current and future telecommunication and mobile technologies. Both specialisations benefit from close collaboration between electrical engineering and computer science and strong links to active research projects at the university. Students are encouraged to join research efforts (via student projects or a Master’s thesis) in areas such as AI/machine learning, digital imaging, healthcare, automotive systems, industrial control, avionics and home automation; outstanding graduates may continue into PhD work based on these projects.
Key requirements and expectations
The programme is taught through a mix of core, specialised elective and research-focused modules that together develop theoretical knowledge, technical competence and hands‑on experience in electrical engineering. Core modules cover broad areas—ranging from fundamentals such as electromagnetic field theory and signals to applied topics like chip design and fabrication—while also fostering key professional skills (teamwork and project work) common in the IT and microelectronics industries. Elective modules let you deepen scientific expertise in a chosen area and typically form the basis for project work and the Master’s thesis.
Practical research training is built into the curriculum: you complete a substantial project and a supervised Master’s thesis that apply the knowledge and methods learned in coursework. This structure is intended to produce graduates who can design and test microelectronic systems, develop communication technologies, and combine sensorics and machine‑learning approaches with hardware and signal processing.
For the Electronics Design and Technology specialisation, compulsory subjects concentrate on microsystems and integrated circuit topics, including:
Available elective topics from the department include nanotechnology, advanced semiconductor and microelectronics, RF IC design, microelectronic sensors, microsystems fabrication and test, digital 2D/3D image sensors and photonic devices—allowing deep technical focus in microsystems and IC engineering.
For the Communication Engineering specialisation, compulsory modules emphasise signal, wave and data transmission topics, such as:
Elective options include computational imaging, synthetic aperture radar, advanced data communications, communications and information security, and compressive sensing. In addition, students may choose electives from related fields (mechatronics, robotics, control theory, AI and deep learning, ubiquitous and real‑time systems, distributed systems, visual computing, computer architecture, nanotechnology and quantum technologies), and can pursue research combinations that merge sensorics, machine learning and microelectronics/communication engineering.
Compulsory modules (examples) — Electronics Design and Technology:
Compulsory modules (examples) — Communication Engineering:
Elective areas (examples):
These components together prepare you for practical system and chip design, high‑frequency and optical communications work, advanced sensor and microsystems development, and research projects leading to the Master’s thesis.
We expect applicants to hold a strong Bachelor’s degree that is equivalent to University of Siegen’s Bachelor in Electrical Engineering. Acceptable undergraduate degrees include (but are not limited to) Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Communication/Telecommunication Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Instrumentation/Control Engineering, Engineering Physics, or Mechatronics. The undergraduate program should cover at least six semesters.
To be admissible, your prior degree must include specific taught content across foundational and discipline-specific areas. The admissions review focuses on the presence and volume of coursework measured in credit points (CP); applicants must meet the minimum CP totals listed below. If you are applying to one of the two specializations, additional subject-specific credit requirements apply.
For the Communications Technology track:
For the Electronics Design and Technology track:
Winter Semester (International)
30 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
30 April 2026
Graduates are prepared for technical and research roles across a wide range of industries that rely on microelectronics and communications technology, including automotive, mobile computing, biomedical electronics, robotics, industrial control, avionics, film and television technology, and telecommunications. Typical positions include hardware and IC design engineer, RF/communications systems engineer, photonics or sensor systems developer, embedded systems engineer, and roles in quality control or technical project management.
Because the programme is research-oriented and closely linked to active university projects, excellent graduates can also progress to doctoral studies (PhD) or R&D roles in academia and industry. The combination of practical fabrication/design experience and theoretical grounding gives alumni flexibility to move between applied engineering positions and research-driven careers.
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