Embedded Computing Systems (ESY) RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau

Embedded Computing Systems (ESY) is a four-semester Master's programme. A total of 120 ECTS must be acquired.

In general, developing embedded systems requires competences in several areas:

• System architectures: hardware and software
• Design methodologies: system-level modelling, design techniques, testing, and verification
• Embedded systems application areas: knowledge on application areas is needed for optimised embedded systems solutions

The curriculum consists of a core programme, an elective programme, and a Master's thesis. The core programme covers the fundamentals of embedded computing systems and offers education in all three teaching areas. The elective programme allows you to sharpen your personal profile by selecting specific courses from RPTU and its associated research institutes.

Core Programme (35 to 55 CPs)
The core programme contains the mandatory courses that will teach you the fundamentals of embedded systems design.

In order to understand how an embedded system works, you will study processor architectures and practise their design in Architecture of Digital Systems I and the Embedded Processor Lab. These courses give you an introduction to modern RISC processors and other important processor architectures as they are widely used in today's embedded systems. The courses Architecture of Digital Systems II and the Embedded Systems Laboratory broaden the focus from processors to systems that contain further components and communication structures.

Embedded system engineering is more than just hardware design. As we move from the components of the system to understanding the system as a whole, we are also confronted with various aspects of software design. In the courses Real-Time Systems I and Operating Systems, you will learn how the software distributes tasks and organises correct communication between all components in a system.

It is daily practice for SoC designers to work with Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. Therefore, it is important to understand how these tools work internally and how they map to microelectronic circuits and components. You will study those aspects in the courses Synthesis and Optimisation of Microelectronic Systems I and Microelectronic Circuit and System Design I. The course Verification of Digital Systems (with lab) introduces the fundamentals of Electronic Design Automation and their application to formal design verification.

Elective Programme (35 to 55 CPs)
The elective programme allows you to build your own personal profile and to gain additional competences in fields that are most interesting to you. You can select from a wide range of modules available at RPTU. An individual study plan is created and agreed on between the student and the ESY programme adviser.

Master's Thesis (30 CPs)
The last part of the curriculum is the Master's thesis. In general, the Master's thesis is embedded into larger research projects conducted at RPTU, at local research institutes, or in industry. The topic of your Master's thesis is determined during your second or third semester of studies. About 50% of our students carry out their thesis in one of our industrial partner companies.

Internships are not an integral part of the curriculum, but can be carried out on a voluntary basis.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent foreign degree in a related field
• CGPA (cumulative grade point average): Your Bachelor's degree should be completed with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4 or equivalent.
• GRE recommended
• English certificate (details below)

SOCIAL FEE: 350 EUR per semester
(including public transport ("Deutschland-Semesterticket"), reductions at the RPTU canteen, university sports, etc.)

ASSESSMENT FEE (for verification of foreign certificates): 60 EUR

RECOMMENDED: German language & orientation course: 800 EUR

MONTHLY COST OF LIVING: approx. 850 EUR
(including accommodation, health insurance, food, internet, phone, etc.)

More information : 
Fees & Living Expenses - RPTU Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau

Student assistant jobs are available on a competitive basis at the university & its departments, at the affiliated research institutes of the Science & Innovation Alliance Kaiserslautern (including DFKI, Max Planck, Fraunhofer, etc.) or at nearby companies (John Deere, Daimler, BASF, etc.).

Excellent students have good chances of finding jobs in research projects, but these jobs are not usually granted in advance.

International Affairs RPTU supports international students in finding student jobs and in strengthening their professional networks, e.g. by organising networking dialogues with executives from science and industry.

Moreover, the university offers a student assistant job portal:
Hiwi-Stellenbörse — RPTU Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau

International Affairs RPTU supports international students in finding (student) jobs and in deepening their professional networks, e.g. by organising networking dialogues with executives from science and industry as informal career meetings.

Furthermore, we set up interdisciplinary workshops, seminars and info sessions focusing on skills & competencies students need to integrate into German (business) culture.

More information on how to enhance your degree can be found at our related website for international students: https://rptu.de/international/master/current-students/enhance-your-degree.

ACCOMMODATION @ RPTU in KAISERSLAUTERN:
The majority of our students live in residence halls located on or close to campus. The "Studierendenwerk" operates several large halls of residence in Kaiserslautern. Students submit housing applications directly to the Studierendenwerk. For international Master's or PhD students, International Affairs RPTU aims at arranging accommodation in these residence halls or in private accommodation within its pre-arrival service. The halls of residence have modern single, double or shared apartments with kitchenette, bathroom/WC, and modern facilities as well as internet access. 

• Fully-furnished: kitchenette (no plates & pots, etc.), bed & mattress (no blankets & pillows), wardrobe, shelf, table, chair (no computer)
• Rent: approx. 250 to 350 EUR

Since accommodation is not automatically guaranteed with admission, a request for accommodation to International Affairs ISGS is advisable.

Optional: To help international students get started in Kaiserslautern, the "Studierendenwerk" offers a starter package for the apartment.
This package can be purchased for 95 EUR: https://www.studierendenwerk-kaiserslautern.de/en/housing/international.

More information: 
https://rptu.de/international/master/prospective-students/travel-accommodation/accommodation

RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau is a top-ranked German research-oriented university (first place among 146 international universities in nine categories, such as learning, living, support services, and cost in the International Student Barometer 2023). Our university offers high-quality graduate education and (post)doctoral research training in innovative fields of the high-tech world, many of them as international (English-taught) study programmes. Our main features:

• International study environment highly affiliated with research  & industry
• “Science & Innovation Alliance” of high-profile research institutes on the nearby campus, offering (student assistant) job opportunities
• Zero tuition fees & low cost of living
• “University of Teaching Excellence" award for outstanding student-teacher ratio & efficient support structure for international students, including visa support
• Safe, modern & healthy study environment surrounded by beautiful nature
• 25 international graduate programmes (with more than 40 specialisations)

RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau offers over 140 study courses in the following 16 departments:

• Architecture
• Biology
• Business Studies & Economics
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Cultural & Social Sciences (Landau)
• Educational Sciences (Landau)
• Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical & Process Engineering
• Natural & Environmental Sciences (Landau)
• Physics
• Psychology (Landau)
• Spatial & Environmental Planning
• Social Sciences

By virtue of its internationally renowned faculties and their top-ranked international study programmes, RPTU attracts students from all over the world. Our extraordinarily high ratio of postgraduate and doctoral students underlines the university's focus on research, Master's studies, and doctoral research training.

With a current enrolment of approx. 16,000 students,  19% international students overall (and 29% international students at RPTU's campus in Kaiserslautern), the university has a manageable size and therefore ensures excellent guidance and close contact with professors. Thus, the university offers an outstanding support ratio of students per lecturer, e.g. three students per lecturer in the Department of Physics (national average: 12).

International Affairs RPTU has profound experience with international students and supports them in every phase of their studies or research. Besides effective pre-arrival communication, administrative support, and social services, International Affairs RPTU offers professional training for PhD students and postgraduates as well as qualified career counselling. Helping international students "feel at home" in a new (academic) culture at RPTU is of major importance within our service portfolio for incoming international students.

More information on why to choose RPTU:
https://rptu.de/fileadmin/isgs/pdf/07_Flyer_und_Broschueren/Why_RPTU.pdf
https://rptu.de/en/international/master/prospective-students
https://rptu.de/en/international/master/prospective-students-landau

KAISERSLAUTERN — a proud history and a bright future
Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa was convinced of the advantages of the Kaiserslautern region when he chose to build his imperial palace in the 12th century. Based on those historical roots, the city has developed into a cosmopolitan cluster of science and technology. K-Town is considered a prime location by many national and international companies (including Accenture and John Deere, etc.). The Science & Innovation Alliance Kaiserslautern,  a network of high-profile research institutes (including German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics, and Max Planck Institute for Software Systems), provides innovative solutions based on the latest technologies to students, scientists, and partners from industry. The topographic convergence of technology and nature makes the city both a vibrant urban centre and a natural oasis. Getting in touch with nature is particularly easy in Kaiserslautern, where Germany's largest interlinked woodlands are right at your doorstep. The forest of Rhineland-Palatinate is criss-crossed by a network of about 7,500 miles of well-marked hiking trails and a mountain bike park. UNESCO has recognised the exceptional value of the nature reserve as one of the 15 German biosphere reserves.

Kaiserslautern is home to people from over 140 nations who contribute to a diverse and vibrant city life. Most of the 100,000 inhabitants speak English, making it easy to quickly feel at ease. K-Town has a very good public transport service including high-speed intercity trains that offer quick and comfortable connections to Europe's biggest cities (Brussels, Paris, Berlin, etc.), airports (FFM), and business centres. Last but not least, K-Town is home to 1. FCK and loves to cheer for its soccer team in its well-known Betzenberg Stadium.