European Master's in Embedded Computing Systems (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 honours degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science or a related subject.

For full entry requirements visit the European Master in Embedded Computing Systems (EMECS) website.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This embedded systems masters course takes place over 2 years, with each year spent at a different university. You’ll choose 2 universities out of 3 and receive a joint degree from them. The course is taught in English.  

Your start date will depend on the university you choose to attend. You’ll start in August for University of Kaiserslautern and Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The University of Southampton start is in September. 

MSc embedded systems is made up of topics you must study, an elective program you choose and a thesis project.  

The topics you must study in year 1 are: 

• embedded system hardware architectures 
• system software 
• system-on-chip (SoC) design methodology 

All partner universities have agreed on what is being taught as part of these topics, so wherever you choose to study, you’ll receive an equal education level to your peers. 

In year 2, you’ll take an elective program. The different programs reflect the profiles of the university you are studying in. The four areas in the elective program are: 

• advanced topics in embedded systems 
• communication and signal processing 
• automation and control 
• microsystems 

In year 2 you’ll also complete an individual thesis project. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The learning activities for this course include the following: 

• lectures 
• small group teaching 
• practical work 
• independent reading 
• coursework 
• lab or practical sessions 

Whilst completing your individual thesis project within a research group or in industry, you’ll have one-to-one supervision. 

Assessment

We’ll assess you through: 

• exams
• coursework in the form of: 
  • problem solving exercises 
  • lab reports 
  • literature review 
  • design exercises 
  • individual and group projects 
• a thesis project 

Dissertation

You’ll complete an individual thesis project in year 2 of this course. You’ll receive one-to-one supervision for this piece of work. 

Academic Support

You’ll be assigned a supervisor at each of the 2 partner universities you attend. Based on the elective program an individual study plan will be elaborated and agreed on between you and your supervisors. 

This course will prepare you for further research in industry or to study for a PhD. 
 
Studying this master’s degree in embedded computing systems will prepare you for a career in: 

• hardware or software systems architecture 
• specialist in design methodology  
• system-on-chip design 
• telecommunications 
• automotive systems 
• manufacturing 

Our graduates are employed across the world in leading companies at the forefront of technology. Our electronics and computer science department runs a dedicated careers hub which is affiliated with over 100 renowned companies such as: 

• IBM 
• ARM 
• Microsoft Research 
• Imagination Technologies 
• Nvidia 
• Samsung 
• Google  

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £28,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

We collaborate with other universities to run this course. To make an application, you must apply using the European Master in Embedded Computing Systems (EMECS) website. Here you’ll find more details about entry requirements and the application process.

You will need to set up an account on the EMECS website before you can submit your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application by the end of the day on 31 January 2021. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.

We cannot guarantee you'll be able to start your course if you do not meet these deadlines.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

Visit the EMECS website for full details on the supporting information you need to provide with your application.

What happens after you apply

Visit the EMECS website to find out what happens after you've applied. You'll find information including:

• how your application is assessed
• when you'll receive an application decision

You'll receive a decision about your application by May 2021.

We'll aim to get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000