Master's Programme in Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are at the core of modern technology, from connected devices and vehicles to critical infrastructure. This programme takes a computer science and systems-oriented approach, focusing on how software interacts with hardware under constraints such as limited resources, real-time requirements, and reliability demands.

You will build strong foundations in real-time systems, computer architecture, networks, and embedded programming. These are applied in the design, implementation, and analysis of embedded software, combining theoretical understanding with practical system development. The programme also offers opportunities to explore data-driven and machine learning methods in embedded and networked systems.

The programme is suited to students interested in software, systems, and the behaviour of complex computing systems, particularly where performance, timing, and reliability are critical.

During the programme, you can expect to:

• get a strong foundation in operating and real-time systems, and embedded programming;
• recieve skills to design and analyse reliable systems under resource constraints; and
• get experience with networked and data-driven embedded systems, including IoT applications.

After graduation, you can pursue careers in embedded, networked, or distributed systems, or continue with doctoral studies.

Student profile

You have a relevant background and an interest in how software interacts with hardware and systems. You are interested in systems-level thinking, including operating systems, real-time behaviour, and performance under resource constraints. You enjoy solving complex technical problems and want to deepen your understanding of how reliable and efficient computing systems are designed and analysed.

Career

Embedded systems are a major global market, controlling a broad range of everyday and specialised devices. The area is central to today's and tomorrow's labour market, both in Sweden and abroad. Students with a strong education in the design and development of embedded computer systems are therefore highly sought after in the job market. Embedded systems are vital elements in many areas, for example in modern motor vehicles, avionics, robotics, and communication.

Alumni of this Master's programme sometimes work as software or verification engineers, or pursue a PhD. With a Master's degree in embedded systems from Uppsala University, you are well-prepared for a career in industry and research.

Content

The programme covers both theoretical and practical aspects of embedded systems and conveys skills and knowledge that are highly relevant to the national and international labour market. The courses offered include both traditional and project-oriented training, covering a wide range of topics relevant to embedded systems as well as industry and workplace-related skills. The courses are organised around a core curriculum of recommended courses, complemented by a broad selection of optional courses.

The programme also provides considerable flexibility and the opportunity to create a personal profile through the choice of elective subjects from all areas of the university.

Examples of course topics include:

• programming of embedded systems
• automated control
• networking and
• distributed systems
• internet of things
• modelling and verification of computer systems and software
• real-time systems
• computer systems security
• FPGA programming
• modern computer architecture
• machine learning for embedded systems
  

Many courses include extensive project components or are completely project-based.

The final semester in the programme is devoted to a full-time thesis project.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

Learning experience

The teaching consists partly of traditional courses with lectures and seminars, and partly of project-oriented courses.

The courses cover both theoretical and practical aspects of embedded systems. All courses focus on skills and knowledge that are important for engineers or researchers in embedded systems.

Since the teaching is well integrated with the work of the research groups at the university, the programme gives you the opportunity to actively participate in current research projects. Many of the courses are given by internationally renowned researchers.

Teaching takes place at the Ångström Laboratory, in Uppsala. The programme is taught in English.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Embedded Systems as the main field of study. After one year of study, it is possible to obtain a degree of Master of Science (60 credits).