Embedded Systems (M.Sc.)

The M.Sc. programme 'Embedded Systems' allows students a great amount of freedom and flexibility in selecting modules and course content. A number of research projects being carried out at Saarland University in collaboration with major IT companies provide opportunities for students to gain valuable insight into industrial processes while still studying at university. The excellent staff-student ratios and the first-rate technical infrastructure mean that students on the Saarland University M.Sc. programme study quickly and efficiently. The computer science and informatics department at Saarland University has numerous international partnerships and cooperative agreements that allow students to incorporate a study-abroad semester seamlessly into their Master's study programme.

Graduates from the M.Sc. programme 'Embedded Systems' can take up positions in industrial or academic research and development in the domestic or international markets.

The M.Sc. programme 'Embedded Systems' requires students to accumulate a total of 120 ECTS credits (120 CP). Typically, students should aim to acquire 30 credits per semester.

Students can earn a total of 42 credits during the compulsory stage of the programme; 30 credits for the module 'Master's thesis' and 12 for the accompanying module 'Master's thesis seminar'. The Master's thesis is to be completed within six months. Before completing their thesis, each student must contribute successfully to the Master's thesis seminar on a subject directly related to the project work carried out for the student's thesis.

The study programme includes modules in following areas and students are required to acquire:

• at least 27 and no more than 31 graded credits from the core lecture courses on embedded systems
• at least 27 and no more than 31 graded credits from the core lecture courses, the advanced lecture courses or the seminars on embedded systems
• 7 graded credits from the seminars on embedded systems
• 12 graded credits from the Master's thesis seminar and 30 graded credits for the Master's thesis work.

Students must acquire at least 17 ungraded credits in the compulsory elective part of the programme. This can cover modules from core lecture courses, advanced lecture courses or seminars relating to embedded systems; work performed as a course tutor or supervisor in problem-solving classes, language courses, soft-skills seminars, industrial work placements or internships, or departmental or university-related administrative duties. For further information, please consult the study regulations.

Admission requirements

Students seeking admission to the M.Sc. programme 'Embedded Systems' will need to fulfil the following admission requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from a German university or an equivalent qualification from a foreign university in one of the following subject areas: engineering informatics, embedded systems, informatics or computer science, electrical engineering, mechatronics or a related discipline.
• Proof of advanced proficiency in English (typically level C1 of the Common European Framework)
• Proof of subject-specific knowledge and skills corresponding to those taught in the Bachelor's degree programme in embedded systems at Saarland University. Specifically, this requires applicants to show that they have the necessary level of expertise in the following areas:
  1) Mathematics (discrete mathematics, real analysis and multivariable calculus, linear algebra, numerical methods, stochastics)
  2) Informatics (functional and object-oriented programming, software development methods, formal methods)
  3) Engineering (electrical engineering, embedded systems, signal processing, systems theory and information theory)
• Evidence of the applicant's particular interest in the subject in the form of a personal statement written by the applicant and two letters of recommendation written by referees who know the applicant academically.

Students who have graduated from either of the Bachelor's degree programmes 'Embedded Systems' or 'Computer and Communications Engineering' at Saarland University are automatically admitted to the Master's programme and can enrol directly at the university. All other applicants will need to apply for admission to the programme.

Deadlines and procedure

Students can join the programme at the beginning of the summer or winter semester. Applications should be received by 15 May for students wishing to begin in the winter semester and by 15 November for students looking to start their studies in the summer semester.

Graduates from the Saarland University Bachelor's degree programmes 'Embedded Systems' or 'Computer and Communications Engineering' can enrol directly for the programme.

Graduates from other disciplines or from other universities should apply for admission to the programme via the online application portal managed by the Department of Computer Science where you'll find further information about application and admission procedures.

Necessary documents

To determine the equivalence between your university qualification and a comparable qualification from Saarland University, we will need to examine the following documents:

• A personal statement written by you explaining why you wish to study the M.Sc. programme 'Embedded Systems' at Saarland University
• Your complete CV
• A certified copy of your higher-education entrance qualification
• A certified academic record (which you may know as a 'transcript' or 'diploma supplement') that details all of the courses taken including information on course content and, where applicable, bibliographic references
• Two letters of recommendation
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g. school-leaving certificate, TOEFL, IELTS)

Regulations (in German)

• Study regulations
• Examination regulations
• Subject-specific provisions of the examination regulations

Programme content

• Module descriptions
• Module handbook