MSc in Embedded Electronic System Design
Gothenburg, Sweden
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
SEK 160,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students
Introduction
Probably the most well-known example of an advanced embedded system is your smartphone — a handheld, low-power device that carries out signal processing while simultaneously running applications, streaming services, and games for the user. An embedded system is one where the functionality is implemented into the hardware and software according to very challenging constraints — performance, power consumption, real-time demands, reliability, and size.
This master's program will educate and inspire the next generation of engineers to design, implement and verify advanced embedded electronic systems based on hardware and software. You will gain knowledge and skills in many areas, including integrated circuit technology, computer design, industrial design methodologies, and industrial design software suites. You will be qualified to work as an engineer in industrial teams, designing state-of-the-art embedded products and intellectual property, or to undertake further studies and pursue a doctorate in the field.
The program addresses the entire design challenge of embedded systems. During the first semester, three compulsory courses will give you a solid education in fundamental concepts of design. Then, in the spring, all students in the program participate in an embedded system design project, putting the knowledge and skills acquired during the first semester to the test. You will work closely with local companies and industry, allowing you to explore an exciting and diverse array of applications — everything from satellite signal processors and musical synthesizers to medical electronics.
A key idea of the master's program is the progression of core skills and knowledge during the earlier courses in the lead-up to the big spring project. The program makes use of progressive educational methods such as small projects, hands-on design exercises, flipped classroom teaching, and scientific writing. The form of examination is adapted to the learning outcomes, meaning that the traditional written exam is complemented by reports and logbook writing, project demonstrations, and oral examinations.
The fundamental areas of the program cover electronic system design and embedded integrated circuits, while elective courses offer the chance to look at topics such as telecommunications, processor design, and real-time systems.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
General entry requirements
A Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, Technology, or Architecture
To fulfil the general entry requirement for a Master's program at Chalmers (at advanced level/the second cycle), the prospective student must hold a degree that is equivalent to a Swedish Bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years, 180 Swedish higher education credits) in either Science, Engineering, Technology or Architecture.
- All applicants must document their formal academic qualifications to prove their eligibility. Only documentation from internationally recognized universities will be approved by the Swedish Council for Higher Education which manages the website universityadmissions.se.
- If an applicant is also a holder of a second degree such as a Master's degree, that may be to fulfil specific (course) requirements, it cannot be used to fulfil the general entry requirement on its own.
In your final year of Bachelor's Studies
Students in their last year of studies who don't yet have documentation of their soon-to-be-completed degree can be accepted.
Restrictions
Degrees that are constructed on one another cannot consist of the same course
Applicants who fulfil the general entry requirements for the second cycle (master’s level) programs and eventually specific entry requirements can be admitted to a master’s program. Applicants cannot be evaluated as unqualified in the qualifying academic merits which include courses from the program’s plan in those programs that they have applied for if that occurs.
Courses included in an earned first cycle degree (bachelor’s level) or professional qualification of at least 180 cr. (180hp) or the equivalent foreign qualifications that are prerequisites for master’s qualifications may not be included in the higher qualifications. This also applies to prerequisite courses for master’s programs, regardless of whether they are included in the underlying qualification. *
*) Local Qualifications Framework for Chalmers University of Technology - first and second cycle qualifications.
Restrictions for Citizens from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)
Chalmers cannot admit applicants with citizenship of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea only to any program or course, due to the Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1509 of 30 August 2017 concerning restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and repealing Regulation (EC) 329/2007.
For applicants with double citizenship of which one is of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the other of another country, the citizenship of the other country has precedence in this respect.
English language requirement
The requirement is English proficiency equivalent to or above the Swedish upper secondary school English course 6. You can meet the requirement by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised English test. Completed upper secondary education or previous university studies in some countries can also fulfil the requirement.
Curriculum
Compulsory courses year 1
During the first year, the program starts with four compulsory courses that form a common foundation in Embedded electronic system design. Each course is usually 7.5 credits.
- Design of digital electronic systems
- Introduction to integrated circuit design
- Methods for electronic system design and verification
- Embedded electronic system design project
Compulsory courses year 2
In the second year, you must complete a master's thesis to graduate. The thesis may be worth 30 credits or 60 credits depending on your choice.
- Master's thesis
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
The opportunities for students graduating from this programme are excellent given the trend of embedded systems permeating all aspects of life. Our graduates find jobs in Swedish companies like Volvo, Ericsson, Saab Electronic Defence Systems, and Cobham Gaisler, or international companies such as RUAG, Atmel, ARM, Nordic Semiconductors, Texas Instruments, NXP, or they work as consultants.
Around one-fifth of our graduates continue in research schools, earning their PhDs in the general area of embedded electronic system design. Several of our students take part in research projects, both at Chalmers and in companies. Different grants allow our students to travel to conferences: Since the start of the programme, we have had around 20 scientific papers published by students from the programme.