Continuing Education
Distance Learning Programme:
Software Engineering for
Embedded Systems

MASTER OF ENGINEERING

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Do you have questions about
the continuing education distance learning programme?

Find out more about the programme in our next Online Information Event !

In cooperation with Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE

Scientific Director: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Liggesmeyer, RPTU

Responsible department of RPTU: Computer Science

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The postgraduate distance learning programme provides you with a well-founded, broad foundation of knowledge for the development, implementation and evaluation of software for embedded systems.

The degree programme is offered in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering (IESE). The Fraunhofer IESE is one of the leading research institutes in software and systems engineering methods.

The Master's programme is intended for professionals working in the field of software development who strive to acquire advanced knowledge about emerging technologies and who wish to broaden their software engineering skills by pursuing graduate-level education in software engineering.

The part-time degree programme qualifies you to elaborate your own useful applications for the development, implementation, and evaluation of software for embedded systems.

Basic information

DEGREE
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)

CREDIT POINTS
60*

ACCREDITATION
Akkreditierungsrat (Accreditation Council)

*Students whose degree entitling them to admission to the post-graduate distance study programme comprises less than 240 CP will also obtain 300 CP when acquiring their master‘s degree through crediting their professional experience. Details are to be taken from § 2b in the examination regulations.

LANGUAGE
English**

STANDARD PERIOD OF STUDY
4 semesters (part-time)

START
winter semester (October)

**Under certain circumstances, it is also possible to do coursework and write examinations in German.

WORKLOAD
Ø 14 hours/week

ON-CAMPUS PHASES
in total 3; 3 or 7 days

CAMPUS LOCATION
Kaiserslautern

Overview of the degree programme

1. Semester

Basic knowledge in project management, software engineering and software development

2. Semester

Requirements and product line engineering, architectural design, quality assurance through software testing methodologies

3. Semester

Component-based software development, model-based component engineering, individual specialisation in real-time systems together with dependability engineering or machine learning

4. Semester

Master’s thesis

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You can find detailed information on the programme content as well as the coursework and examinations in the

module handbook

Customised to your needs

LEARNING MATERIALS

We provide you with comprehensive, scientifically sound and practice-oriented self-study materials that have been developed by experts especially for distance learning.

VIRTUALLY CONNECTED

Our online campus is your interactive learning platform. You will also be able to stay in touch with us and your fellow students at all times.

ON-CAMPUS PHASES

This is where you consolidate the knowledge you have acquired through self-study in theory and practice. All dates will be announced well in advance.

Your qualifications for the degree programme

Access with a university degree

Application period:
mid-May to 15 August*
*extended until 31 August

The application is open to persons with a first university degree of at least six semesters qualifying for a profession in computer science or computer science-related disciplines, mathematics or natural or engineering sciences and at least two years of relevant and qualified professional experience in the field of embedded systems afterwards.

Access without a university degree

Application period for the aptitude test:
mid-November of the previous year to 31 January

Interested persons without a first university degree qualifying for a profession, but with a university entrance qualification (e.g. Allgemeine Hochschulreife or Meisterprüfung)* as well as relevant and qualified professional experience of at least three years, have the opportunity to qualify for the degree programme by passing an aptitude test.
In addition, evidence of at least two years of relevant and qualified professional experience in the field of embedded systems must be provided.

*The university entrance qualifications mentioned are only examples. Further university entrance qualifications can be found in art. 35 para. 2 in conjunction with art. 65 para. 1 and 2 of the Rhineland-Palatinate Higher Education Act [Hochschulgesetz, HochSchG].

More information on the aptidue test

For detailed and legally binding information on the admission requirements, please refer to the

examination regulations

Fees

TUITION FEE
currently EUR 2,490/semester

SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION
currently EUR 140/semester

MASTER'S THESIS FEE
currently EUR 720, one-time

Tuition fees and Master's thesis fee
If you do not complete your studies within the standard period of study of 4 semesters, you have the option of extending your studies. In this case, the tuition fee is waived in the 5th semester. From the 6th semester onwards, you pay a reduced tuition fee of 30%; this does not apply to the Master's thesis fee. You may apply to pay the tuition fees in instalments. The fees are exempted from German VAT and may be tax-deductible if the legal requirements are fulfilled.

Study materials and on-campus phases
The study materials are included in the fees. The fees do not include travel and accommodation expenses or meal allowances during the on-campus phases.

You can find detailed information on the tuition fees here:

tuition fee regulations/schedule of fees

This is what our
students and alumni
have to say

"My main reason for undertaking the program was to prepare myself for the future. On the one hand, by obtaining a Master‘s degree. On the other hand, the content matched my interests perfectly. Furthermore, the distance aspect prevented me from neglecting my current career. Ultimately, I can say that the knowledge imparted, but also the challenge itself, boosted my confidence to remain successful."

Maik Pfirrmann, M.Eng.
Embedded Software Developer

"The master’s degree in Software Engineering for Embedded Systems has given me a state-of-the-art preparation in the field to face the daily problems in the design and the development of embedded components in industry. The nature of distance learning makes it possible to parallelly work and study. Definitely! it has given me a push in the technical part of my career, and I do not regret any minute that I have worked on it."

María Lourdes Llorente Holgado, M.Eng.
Technology Manager

"The distance learning program was an incredibly helpful and rewarding experience. Being able to work full-time and manage my own pace allowed me to balance my studies with other commitments. I gained a great sense of personal satisfaction from completing the program and have now developed skills and confidence to take on new challenges in my field."

Sumudu Chinthaka Lansakara, M.Eng.
Software Engineer

About the Fraunhofer Institute

for Experimental Software Engineering IESE

The Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering IESE in Kaiserslautern has been one of the leading research institutions in the field of software and systems engineering for almost 30 years. With its applied research, the institute develops innovative digital solutions in the context of digital twins, virtual validation and simulation, digital ecosystems, interoperability of systems, cyber security and safety. The focus of research and solutions is always on increasing efficiency while ensuring high quality, for example by using AI support in software and systems engineering.

Fraunhofer IESE supports the overcoming of challenges in a wide range of application areas, such as health, agriculture and food, mobility, production, smart city and defense. In well over 2,000 customer projects, the institute has transferred cutting-edge research into sustainable business practices and innovative products, as well as increased the efficiency of its business partners' software and systems engineering.

Fraunhofer IESE is one of 75 institutes and facilities of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Together, they play a key role in shaping applied research in Europe as well as worldwide and contribute to Germany's international competitiveness.

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