European Masters in Embedded Computing Systems

This unique pan-European programme is designed to transform you into an expert in embedded systems through a deeply practical, internationally-focused curriculum that combines cutting-edge theory with hands-on systems engineering. You'll have access to world-class facilities across the consortium, including Southampton's School of Electronics and Computer Science, which houses our embedded systems laboratory, hardware validation suites, and real-time computing resources. Your learning is enhanced by professional development tools and features practical projects that address real-world embedded systems challenges across multiple European institutions, preparing you for a global career in intelligent systems design.

Here’s how you’ll gain advanced, hands-on experience:

• Industry-Standard Embedded Tools: You'll gain proficiency in essential professional tools including ARM Keil and IAR Embedded Workbench for microcontroller programming, MATLAB/Simulink for model-based design, LTspice for circuit simulation, and Cadence for PCB design.

• International Design Projects: A key feature is the series of practical projects where you'll design and implement embedded systems across different European institutions, developing crucial technical and cross-cultural collaboration skills.

• Embedded Systems Laboratory: You'll work in our dedicated hardware lab equipped with oscilloscopes, logic analysers, development boards (ARM, FPGA, Raspberry Pi), and sensor arrays for hands-on embedded development.

• Real-Time Computing Suite: You'll use our real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, VxWorks) and timing analysis tools to develop and validate time-critical embedded applications.

• Hardware Validation Facilities: You'll test and debug embedded hardware using our professional validation equipment, including spectrum analysers, signal generators, and protocol analysers.

• Automotive and Robotics Platforms: You'll work with our embedded platforms for autonomous vehicles, drones, and robotic systems, applying your skills to complex cyber-physical systems.

• European Industry Collaboration: The programme maintains strong links with embedded systems companies across Europe, providing opportunities for real-world projects and industry placements.

• Research-Led Development: Your practical work is informed by cutting-edge research from Southampton's Pervasive Systems Centre and partner institutions, giving you exposure to advancements in IoT, edge computing, and autonomous systems.

Graduates from the EMECS master’s often take roles like Embedded Systems Engineer, System-on-Chip (SoC) Architect, Design Verification Specialist, or Firmware/Hardware Developer. Because you study at more than one European university and cover both hardware and software deeply, you finish with strong global exposure, credibility, and readiness for specialist R&D or high-tech engineering firms.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how EMECS supports your career launch and what you can expect in outcomes:

• Which university services will help students to employ:

  • Southampton’s ECS (Electronics & Computer Science) Department provides a dedicated Careers Hub which offers employer talks, project showcases, CV and interview workshops, plus connections to tech companies for labs and project work. These give you exposure and help you develop professionalism. 

  • Across the EMECS partner universities (Southampton, NTNU, Kaiserslautern, Politecnico di Torino), there are career-service offices, allowing students to tap into employer networks, research groups, and sometimes internships or industry-aligned thesis projects. 

• Employment stats and salary figures:

  • According to UniversityGuru, graduates from this course report a median salary of about £26,000 fifteen months after graduating. 

  • The unemployment rate (those neither working nor studying) for this cohort is about 10% fifteen months after finishing. 

• University–industry partnerships (specific):

  • The EMECS programme is run jointly with Kaiserslautern University (Germany), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) (Norway), and Politecnico di Torino (Italy), each bringing its own specialist strengths—system-on-chip design, electronics & communications, embedded systems. This means you get different perspectives, tools, and networks depending on where you study. 

  • Students often engage in thesis or project work tied to real-world applications of embedded systems (like IoT, automotive, electronics). Employers looking for embedded compute, verification, or hardware/software integration know the EMECS name and value its rigorous training. 

• Long-term accreditation value:

  • The programme is part of the EMECS (an Erasmus Mundus / European Master) framework, which gives it international standing and often includes double or joint degrees from two of the partner universities. This enhances recognition across Europe. (emecs.eu About)

  • The coursework covers core areas (hardware architectures, system software, SoC design), electives in advanced embedded topics, and a thesis—so you graduate with both broad and deep technical understanding. That is valued especially in roles that require high technical confidence.

• Graduation outcomes:

  • You’ll leave with hands-on experience in embedded hardware and software, experience of working in different university and cultural environments, and a thesis demonstrating your ability to tackle a significant embedded computing problem.

  • Many alumni take up roles that straddle hardware/software boundaries—working in SoC design, firmware, hardware verification, embedded software, robotics, automotive electronics, IoT devices, telecommunications, etc. You gain flexibility to choose whether you lean more toward software, hardware, or system-integration paths.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the EMECS programme, you’re very well-positioned to move into a PhD in areas like Embedded Systems, SoC design, Computer Architecture, Hardware Security, or Robotics. Because the programme is research-rich and includes partners with strong research labs, you can often join doctoral programs in one of the partner universities, or in industry R&D labs. You could also aim toward specialist certifications (FPGA design, hardware verification, safety/embedded compliance) or technical leadership roles, given the strength and relevance of your training.