Master's Programme in Embedded Systems
120 credits

The Master's Programme in Embedded Systems provides you with a thorough understanding of computer and systems engineering for embedded computer systems. The programme focus on the design, implementation, and analysis of embedded systems software. You will learn to write embedded software in different development environments and programming paradigms, and to analyse the function and correctness of embedded systems.
Autumn 2023 Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 100%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Start date
- 28 August 2023
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
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Academic requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. The main field of study must be engineering, mathematics or computer science.
Also required is:
- 20 credits in mathematics; and
- 30 credits in computer science, including courses in programming and computer architecture.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.
- Selection
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Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies and a statement of purpose.
Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.
- Fees
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If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
- Application fee: SEK 900
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
- Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000
- Application deadline
- 16 January 2023
- Application code
- UU-M1170
- Additional information
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In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit one programme-specific document: a statement of purpose (1 page).
Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.
About the programme
Many devices applied routinely in our daily lives, like cell phones, washing machines, cars, or even aeroplanes are controlled by embedded computers. Devices may contain hundreds of microprocessors and millions of lines of program code, all of which are essential for the correct functioning of a system. Embedded computer systems are a decisive factor for industries and societies. The development of embedded systems requires sophisticated technical skills within disciplines such as computer science, electronics, and mathematics.
An important goal of the programme is the ability to write embedded software in a range of development environments and programming paradigms. The degree also focuses on the formulation of design requirements and formal analysis of solutions. You will also be able to summarise existing knowledge and recent research results in the area.
During the programme you can expect to:
- learn to write embedded software in a range of development environments and programming paradigms,
- learn to analyse relevant problems and solutions with mathematical rigour,
- study at a leading research institute in embedded systems.
Uppsala University is a leading research institute in embedded systems. The programme is developed and conducted as a collaboration between major research centres, which among others study multi-core computers and parallel systems, wireless sensor networks, and the Internet of Things.
Student profile
You have a strong foundation in Computer Science or Engineering and have studied at least a semester of mathematics and another semester of computer science, including computer architecture and programming.
You are independent, self-going and extremely motivated and willing to take a lot of responsibility to form your own educational experience from the wide range of courses available. You would appreciate an opportunity to form your own programme profile. You can critically analyse and reflect on problems, and are creative and innovative enough to come up with your own ideas. You enjoy problem-solving and teamwork.
A future PhD education is a possibility you might have thought about. But you also know that experts in Embedded Systems are in high demand in many industries, so starting to work right after graduation is also something you are considering.
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).
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.
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 programme also provides considerable flexibility and the opportunity to create a personal profile through the choice of elective subjects from other areas of the university.
The programme includes a wide range of courses which can be selected based on personal interest or prior studies. Elective subjects can be chosen from all areas of the university as part of an individual profile.
Examples of course topics include:
- Programming of embedded systems
- Automated control
- Networking
- Distributed systems
- Applied mathematics
- Modelling and verification of computer systems and software
- Real-time systems
- Secure computer systems
- FPGA programming
Many courses have large project parts 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 programme is taught at the campus at Polacksbacken in Uppsala, which includes the Information Technology Centre and the Ångström Laboratory. Many of the courses are taught by internationally renowned researchers which allows you to participate in research projects conducted at Uppsala University.
The teaching of courses is a combination of lectures, seminars and project-related work. In a seminar, you present your ideas and discuss with your classmates a course book or other study material that you are required to read before the seminar; while the teacher usually only moderates the discussion. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills. All the students are expected to be active participants in all forms of discussions.
The language of instruction is English.
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.
Career support
During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.
Register your interest
Keep updated about the application process.

Programme syllabus
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2023
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2022
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2021
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2020
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2019
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2018
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2017
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2016
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2015
Outline
- Outline valid from Autumn 2023
- Outline valid from Autumn 2022
- Outline valid from Autumn 2021
- Outline valid from Autumn 2020
- Outline valid from Autumn 2019
- Outline valid from Autumn 2018
- Outline valid from Autumn 2017
- Outline valid from Autumn 2016
- Outline valid from Autumn 2015
- Outline valid from Autumn 2014
Students
As a student you will find information about your studies in the student gateway.