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.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

Information for students who have studied in China

This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution. 

View acceptable grades from Chinese universities.

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.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

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 4 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  

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team 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 £29,512.

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. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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 funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and 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

The deadline to apply for this course is 31 January 2024.

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 2024.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

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