MSc in System-on-Chip Design, Computing Sciences and Electrical Engineering

Hervanta

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The Master of Science (MSc) in System-on-Chip Design program at Tampere University, Finland, is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the design, development, and application of system-on-chip (SoC) technologies. This multidisciplinary program integrates knowledge from computing sciences and electrical engineering, focusing on how complex systems can be integrated into a single chip to enable powerful, energy-efficient solutions. Students will learn to design chips that power a wide range of devices, from smartphones and wearable technology to embedded systems used in automotive and healthcare industries. The program equips students with the skills needed to work on cutting-edge technologies, including hardware design, software optimization, and system integration. Upon completion, graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the rapidly growing field of embedded systems, semiconductor industries, and IoT technologies.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc in System-on-Chip Design at Tampere University blends foundational courses with specialized knowledge required for designing modern, highly integrated systems. The program covers key topics such as digital circuit design, embedded systems, hardware/software co-design, and system integration. Core courses focus on designing SoCs, understanding processor architectures, and the challenges associated with integrating communication systems on a single chip. Additionally, students explore advanced digital design techniques, VLSI (Very-Large-Scale Integration) systems, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) programming, and real-time system design. The program also includes practical components, such as laboratory work and project-based learning, where students have the opportunity to work on real-world SoC design challenges, further enhancing their technical skills and hands-on experience. Elective courses allow students to specialize in areas such as IoT systems, mobile computing, and machine learning hardware, making the curriculum flexible and adaptable to individual interests.

Research Focus: The research focus of the MSc in System-on-Chip Design at Tampere University is at the forefront of advancing the hardware-software integration necessary for the development of next-generation systems. Research in this program centers on optimizing SoC designs for power efficiency, performance, and scalability. Key research areas include low-power design techniques, multi-core processors, and data processing for high-performance computing. Tampere University is also involved in innovative applications of SoCs, such as for autonomous systems, AI-enabled devices, and IoT networks. Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research, contributing to projects that explore emerging technologies, such as 5G, edge computing, and smart cities, where SoCs play a pivotal role in enabling efficient data processing and connectivity. The program encourages students to collaborate with faculty and industry partners on research projects, providing a solid foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral studies or research-based careers.

Industry Engagement: The industry engagement in the MSc in System-on-Chip Design program is a core strength, offering students the opportunity to interact with leading professionals from the electronics, semiconductor, and IoT industries. Tampere University has strong partnerships with global companies and research institutes, providing students with opportunities to participate in internships, collaborative research projects, and industry seminars. These connections ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with the latest industry trends and technological advancements. Students can work on real-world problems through industry-sponsored projects, gaining hands-on experience in SoC design while building a professional network. This close collaboration with industry players enhances employability and prepares graduates to transition seamlessly into the workforce. Moreover, Tampere University’s involvement in numerous EU-funded research projects further strengthens its ties to the industry, allowing students to participate in international initiatives and innovation hubs.

Global Perspective: The global perspective of the MSc in System-on-Chip Design program is reflected in its international approach to education, research, and collaboration. Tampere University attracts students and researchers from all over the world, fostering a multicultural learning environment. The program incorporates global trends in embedded systems, AI hardware, and networked computing, ensuring students are exposed to the technologies driving the future of global industries. Through international research collaborations, internships, and exchange programs, students gain valuable insights into the global landscape of SoC design and its applications in various sectors, such as telecommunications, automotive, healthcare, and robotics. The program’s emphasis on global industry partnerships and international research projects allows students to broaden their horizons and understand the international challenges and opportunities in SoC technologies. Graduates are well-equipped to work in the global marketplace, as the program ensures they are familiar with the diverse needs and standards of different countries and regions.

Pollster Education

Location

Hervanta

Pollster Education

Score

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

€ 12000

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: €100

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

  • English language test waiver is applicable if the Bachelor's, Master's, Licentiate, or Doctoral degree is in English language.

Tampere University in Finland offers various scholarship opportunities to help international students finance their education and living costs. The university is supporting talented and motivated students from around the world, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent them from pursuing higher education in Finland. 

Tampere University Scholarships for Non-EU/EEA Students: Tampere University offers scholarships to international students from non-EU/EEA countries applying to Master's degree programs. These scholarships are designed to cover tuition fees and help students with the cost of living in Finland. The scholarship covers either partial or full tuition fees, depending on the student's academic merit and the specific program applied to.

Tampere University Scholarship for Excellence: The Tampere University Scholarship for Excellence is awarded to exceptional students based on their academic achievements. This scholarship aims to recognize the outstanding academic performance of students during their studies and provide them with additional financial support. The scholarship amount varies depending on the level of achievement, and students who maintain excellent academic performance may be eligible for renewal during their studies.

Finland Scholarship: The Finland Scholarship is a government-funded initiative aimed at attracting top talent to Finland from abroad. Tampere University participates in this scholarship program, which is available to non-EU/EEA students who apply for Master's degree programs in Finland. The Finland Scholarship covers tuition fees and provides an additional grant to help with living expenses during the first year of study. This scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and is designed to make studying in Finland more accessible to international students.

Scholarships for Exchange Students: Tampere University also offers limited scholarships for exchange students from partner universities. These scholarships help cover travel costs, accommodation, and other living expenses during the exchange period. Exchange students should check with their home university’s exchange program office to inquire about the available scholarship opportunities.

External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to university-specific scholarships, international students can explore external scholarship opportunities provided by the Finnish government, private organizations, and other funding bodies. These scholarships may be available for both undergraduate and graduate students. International students are encouraged to research and apply for other scholarships to support their studies in Finland.

Graduates of the MSc in System-on-Chip Design, Computing Sciences and Electrical Engineering program at Tampere University, Finland, have a wide array of career opportunities in the dynamic and rapidly expanding fields of electronics, embedded systems, and semiconductor industries. This interdisciplinary program equips students with advanced knowledge in hardware-software integration, system design, and embedded system development, making them highly sought after by employers across multiple sectors. 

System-on-Chip (SoC) Design Engineer: As SoC design engineers, graduates can work on creating and optimizing integrated circuits for a range of applications, from consumer electronics to automotive systems. They will be involved in the entire process of SoC design, including architecture, verification, and testing.

Embedded Systems Engineer: Graduates can become embedded systems engineers, developing software and hardware solutions for devices that require real-time processing, such as smartphones, wearable devices, and IoT devices. They can work on optimizing systems for efficiency, performance, and power consumption.

Hardware Engineer: In this role, graduates will design, develop, and test the hardware components that go into SoCs, such as processors, memory systems, and communication interfaces. This job typically requires expertise in VLSI design, FPGA development, and digital circuit design.

Digital Design Engineer: Digital design engineers focus on the design and implementation of digital circuits, which are key components of SoCs. They may work on creating and optimizing logic circuits, signal processing components, and communication systems for a wide range of applications, from smartphones to autonomous vehicles.

Firmware Engineer: As firmware engineers, graduates will develop low-level software that interacts directly with hardware, often working on embedded systems and devices. They can be involved in writing and optimizing firmware for SoCs, ensuring efficient communication between software and hardware.

VLSI (Very-Large-Scale Integration) Design Engineer: Graduates with expertise in VLSI design can work on developing integrated circuits with millions of components. Their role will focus on creating highly efficient, high-performance chips for a variety of applications, including processors, memory devices, and communication systems.

IoT (Internet of Things) Systems Engineer: With a growing demand for IoT technologies, graduates can become IoT systems engineers, specializing in designing and developing systems that connect devices to the internet. They will work on creating IoT chips and platforms for applications in smart homes, healthcare, agriculture, and more.

ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) Designer: Graduates can also pursue careers as ASIC designers, creating specialized integrated circuits that are tailored to specific applications. This role involves optimizing hardware for performance, cost, and power consumption, especially for high-performance computing systems.

FPGA Developer: Graduates can work as FPGA developers, designing programmable logic devices used in SoCs and embedded systems. FPGAs are used for tasks that require custom hardware implementations, and professionals in this field focus on programming FPGAs to meet specific application requirements.

Wireless Communication Engineer: As wireless communication engineers, graduates can work on designing and optimizing SoCs used in wireless communication systems. This includes developing chips for 5G, Wi-Fi, and other communication technologies that enable devices to connect and communicate seamlessly.

Automotive Systems Engineer: Graduates can pursue careers in the automotive industry, designing SoCs and embedded systems for use in electric vehicles, autonomous driving technologies, and other automotive applications. Their work may involve designing chips for sensors, navigation, and safety systems.

AI Hardware Engineer: In this growing field, graduates can design and optimize hardware that supports artificial intelligence (AI) applications, such as deep learning and machine learning. They can work on creating SoCs optimized for AI workloads in areas like robotics, autonomous systems, and edge computing.

Research Scientist in Embedded Systems: Graduates interested in research can work as scientists, contributing to the development of new technologies and innovations in the field of embedded systems, SoCs, and electronics. They may conduct research in areas like low-power design, high-speed communication, or new semiconductor materials.

Product Manager for SoC and Embedded Systems: Graduates with a combination of technical and business skills can take on product management roles, overseeing the development and marketing of new SoC-based products. They will work closely with engineering teams to define product requirements, timelines, and features, ensuring the products meet market demands.

Technology Consultant: Graduates with a deep understanding of SoC design can work as consultants, advising companies on how to integrate advanced SoC technologies into their products. They might help companies select the right designs, optimize existing systems, or innovate new solutions.

Start-up Entrepreneur: With the skills acquired in the program, graduates can start their own tech companies, specializing in designing cutting-edge SoC devices or applications. This entrepreneurial path allows graduates to innovate and contribute to the rapidly evolving tech industry.


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