Who is the Master Software Engineering for Embedded Systems suited for?

The distance learning programme Software Engineering for Embedded Systems (Master of Engineering) at the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau is primarily aimed at professionals in the field of software development who wish to deepen their knowledge of modern methods and technologies of software engineering for embedded systems and further advance their academic qualifications. It addresses specialists from areas such as computer science, mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering who are involved in the development, implementation or evaluation of software for embedded systems and want to progress their career through a university qualification at master’s level.

What are the formal admission requirements?

• Degree: A first professionally qualifying university degree (at least six semesters, Bachelor’s or equivalent) in computer science, a computer science-related course, mathematics, natural sciences or engineering is required.
• Professional experience: In addition, at least two years of relevant and qualified professional experience in the field of embedded systems after the first degree must be demonstrated.
• Admission via aptitude test: People without a first professionally qualifying university degree, but with a university entrance qualification (such as general university entrance qualification or master craftsman’s certificate), can qualify through an aptitude test. For this, at least three years of relevant, qualified professional experience in the field of embedded systems must be presented. Additionally, further two years of relevant activity must be proven.
• Language skills: The language of instruction is English. Under certain conditions, individual study or examination performances can also be completed in German.

What personal requirements are recommended?

• Good English skills: As teaching is mostly conducted in English, solid skills in understanding, speaking and writing are required.
• Independence and time management: As a part-time distance learning programme, the course requires the ability to study independently and to organise the average weekly workload of about 14 hours.
• Practical relevance and motivation: The programme builds on professional experience and is explicitly aimed at professionals with an interest in current and practical challenges of software development for embedded systems.
• Technical and development affinity: Good mathematical-technical skills and an interest in complex software solutions in the context of embedded systems are advantageous.

Contents of the Master’s Programme “Software Engineering for Embedded Systems”

The part-time distance learning programme Software Engineering for Embedded Systems at the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau provides practical, scientifically based expertise for the development and evaluation of software for embedded systems. The content is offered in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE.

• Fundamentals: Project Management, Software Engineering, Software Development
• Advanced Modules: Requirements Engineering, Product Line Engineering, Architecture Design
• Quality Assurance: Software Testing Methodologies, Quality Assurance
• Component- and Model-Based Work: Component-based Software Development, Model-based Component Engineering
• Individual Specialisation: Elective area with subjects such as Real-time Systems, Dependability Engineering and Machine Learning
• Degree Thesis: Master’s thesis on a freely chosen topic in the field of embedded systems

How does the distance learning course work?

The course is designed as a part-time distance learning programme with a high proportion of self-directed study and few on-site days. The language of instruction is English; individual study and examination performances can, under certain conditions, also be completed in German.

• Duration of studies: 4 semesters (standard period of study)
• Workload: On average approx. 14 hours per week
• On-site phases: A total of 3, 3 or 7 days on-site (depending on the timetable), held at the Kaiserslautern campus
• Start date: Each winter semester (October)
• Support: Digital self-study materials, supervision via an online campus, academic direction by Professor Dr-Ing. Peter Liggesmeyer (RPTU) and cooperation with Fraunhofer IESE
• Degree: Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), 60 ECTS credits

Career prospects after the Master’s degree

The programme is aimed at professionals from software development, particularly engineers, computer scientists and persons with a scientific background. Graduates acquire in-depth know-how in the field of embedded systems and open up the following career options:

• Taking on software architecture and development management in projects for embedded systems
• Positions in quality management and quality assurance of embedded software
• Development and optimisation of complex industrial software and hardware systems
• Work in research and development, often in collaboration with companies from the automotive, medical technology, automation or mechanical engineering sectors
• Leadership roles or specialised positions in companies in the field of embedded systems

Statements from graduates show that the distance learning programme often helps to further professional development, take on new areas of responsibility and deliberately expand one’s career path in a technical environment.

Costs and funding options

The total cost of the programme consists of the following components:

• Tuition fees: Currently 2,490 Euro per semester (four semesters standard duration)
• Social contribution: Currently 140 Euro per semester
• Master’s thesis: One-time fee of 720 Euro

Payment modalities: Tuition fees can be paid in instalments upon application. Students who do not complete their studies within the standard period of study are exempt from tuition fees in the 5th semester; from the 6th semester onwards, a reduced fee is payable.

Included services: All study materials as well as supervision and organisation are included in the fees. Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for the on-site phases are not included.

• Tuition fees are not subject to VAT
• The costs can be tax-deductible under certain conditions

The current information provided by the university applies. Subject to change.