The Master’s program Electrical System Engineering at the University of Paderborn provides a strong foundation in the theory of electrical system design, offering insights into current trends and developments and practical experience opportunities. Its research-oriented approach enables you to independently analyse and solve complex hardware/software problems using scientific methods, preparing you for an advanced study or a career in cutting-edge engineering fields.
Restricted admission means that there is a limited number of places available in the degree programme (NC = numerus clausus = closed number). As a rule, there are more applicants than places, therefore a selection procedure is used.
Free admission means that there are sufficient places available in the degree program. All applicants therefore receive an acceptance letter and are guaranteed enrollment if all enrollment requirements are met (e.g. aptitude tests, language tests or internships).
Academic Prerequisites
The Examinations Board shall determine compliance with these requirements.
Language Prerequisites
High proficiency of the English language is required. We accept the following certificates:
Please note: International students from non-EU countries need to show a proof of the GRE Revised General Test results. Typically, a score of at least 157 in the part "Quantitative Reasoning" and a minimum of 4.0 in the part "Analytical Writing" is desirable. Applicants with very good final grade in their degrees may apply without GRE results. However, it is advisable to submit a GRE score as it benefits an applicant’s overall application profile.
German proficiency is not needed for this course, it can only be studied in English.
You can find all details about deadlines and your next steps on the general Paderborn University Application Information websites.
International applicants can find all relevant information on the pages of the International Office and on this page under "Contact - Application and Enrolment of international students".
Please check the admission requirements in advance and also consult our departmental website.
The Master’s program in Electrical Systems Engineering focuses on electrical systems at an advanced level. The program deals with the analysis, construction and evaluation of electrical systems in hardware and software. It delivers a solid background in theories and methods for the design of electrical systems. Our academics carry out interesting research in diverse areas; have look at our webpages! Being our student gives you insights into current trends and developments, in addition to ample opportunities for practical experience.
The Master’s program is taught in English. All examinations are in English.
The Master’s program Electrical System Engineering (MS ESE) is a two-year-full-time program divided into four semesters. The program offers two specializations:
The Signal & Information Processing specialization focuses on the computational aspects of a system's behaviour while the Electronics & Devices specialization emphasizes integrated circuit (IC) design on the micro- or nanoscale and the aspects of hardware implementation.
Course plan of Electrical Systems Engineering (ESE):
Compulsory subjects:
Specialization specific compulsory subjects:
Compulsory electives:
Applicants are required to choose one of the two specializations when applying to the program. Depending on your choice, the curricula of the first three semesters differ. The fourth semester is entirely reserved for the Master Thesis. The latter can be carried out in conjunction with a company internship.
The study plan offers you a good orientation about your required and optional modules. However, the chronological order shown here is only an example and may change due to individual focus areas.
The Module Handbook offers a complete overview of all subjects included in the curriculum, helping students understand the structure and scope of their chosen program. It explains the objectives, content, and interrelationships of each module and course, providing useful and binding information to support students in planning their studies.
The Examination Regulations (Prüfungsordnung) for the Master studies represents the legally binding illustration of the rules on study. Here, the admission, formative type of assessment, audit scope, examiners, certificates and similar circumstances are officially regulated.
Please refer to the Module Handbook and Examination Regulations below.
The majority of the courses are taught by the department's full professors. Furthermore, renowned international professors come to Paderborn to give guest lectures on advanced topics from the field of systems engineering within the MS ESE program. Additionally, practically oriented advanced courses are being offered by lecturers from industries.
Being more practically oriented than a purely scientific Master degree, yet retaining much of the academic rigour, successful graduates of the program will be well prepared, and highly sought-after in the job market. Areas of opportunity include the electrical, electronics, automotive, and aviation industries, as well as IT, telecommunications, automation and energy engineering. Interdisciplinary areas of mechanical engineering, vehicle and traffic engineering, and medical technology also have demand for electrical engineering graduates.
More specifically, our graduates assume (among many others) management and research tasks like:
During the course of your studies, questions about career orientation arise from time to time. In events, practical projects and company visits as well as in the job and career portal, you can get to know possible professions and fields of activity and work out your personal interests and strengths.
Interested in the start-up scene? Then visit us at TecUP! We promote start-ups in Paderborn and will support you on your path to self-employment. We’ll be by your side throughout every stage of the start-up process – completely free of charge and with no obligation! garage33 is our dedicated space for creativity and exchange, networking and working. In addition to tailored coaching, we also offer workshops and events for you to learn the theory and practice of setting up a business in an innovative and creative environment, and to help you formulate, develop and validate your idea.
Want to start a business, but lack the seed capital to do so? We can help you apply for grants and put you in touch with our network of business angels and investors. Or merely looking to get an insight into start-ups, for some inspiration or to network with business founders? Then visit our courses or events, such as CALL FOR IDEAS, apply for a start-up job or simply visit us at garage33 – we look forward to meeting you!
Graduates with excellent grades, who wish to continue their studies after the Master program, are perfectly placed to do so. Paderborn University is well-established as a centre of research, and progression to study for a PhD within one of the many exciting and internationally active research groups is very smooth for good graduates.
Our “Einblick!” (insights) peer mentoring programme gives female students in the final stages of their degree the chance to discuss doing a PhD and to prepare for a PhD. Participants are teamed up with a female PhD student, who, based on her own experience, gives them tips and strategies to assist them with their decision to pursue a PhD. The aim of the programme is to give participants insights into the kind of academic and research work involved in a PhD and for them to talk to their mentor about her experience in order to build on their personal and professional skills and broaden their development opportunities.
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics provides students pursuing postgraduate qualifications with support. The team at the Postgraduate Centre will be more than happy to provide you with information and advice.
Before you apply, we recommend that you first check the Enrollment Requirements to ensure you meet the formal qualifications for this degree program.
To determine whether you possess the necessary background knowledge for a successful completion of this degree program, we also recommend that you take the following two self-assessment tests in Signal Theory and Fields & Waves:
These tests should be taken without any aids. For the Signal Theory test, you should score at least 10 points out of 20 using the marking scheme shown on the test. For the Fields & Waves test, at least 75% of your answers should be correct. If you score less than that, you probably will not have the necessary background knowledge for a successful completion of this degree program.
These and many more question are answered in our FAQs! If you have any questions, feel free to have a look and contact us, in case there's still some unanswered questions you might have.
To make the best of your start at the University of Paderborn the Faculty of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mathematics offers the “Welcome Days”, which takes place before the lecture period starts. This event serves as an introduction to your program and campus life, similar to the university-wide Orientation Week. You will receive important information, opportunities to meet fellow students, and the support you need to orient yourself at the university and in your studies. Take the time to participate actively in the offered events to have all the necessary tools for a good start into your studies!
Not quite right for you? One of our other study programs might be a better fit!
In addition to study-related content, Paderborn University offers you a lot more: for those eager to learn, for those seeking exchange and for all those who want to think outside the box. Learn and improve your language skills at the Center for Language Studies and brush up on your software skills with the courses offered by doIT. The servicecenter-medien offers special media workstations where you can let off steam creatively, and the university sports program ranges from American football to Zumba. Get involved with the university radio station L'UniCo or the university newspaper universal and become part of one of the many project groups or initiatives.
Culture
A regular theater program at our Studionbühne, slams and readings, Big Band and university choir are just a few examples of our diverse cultural offerings. A special highlight is our AStA summer festival: up to 15,000 people make the pilgrimage every year to what is probably Germany's largest outdoor campus festival and enjoy the summer party atmosphere with numerous local student bands as well as well-known headliners on various stages.
Campus
Almost all of Uni Paderborn's buildings are located on campus. There are green meadows to relax in and plenty of places to eat and drink: Mensa Academica and Mensa Forum, the Grill|Café and Café Bona Vista. Everything is within easy walking distance. Our library is also centrally located and is a great place to study thanks to its good opening hours.
Accommodation
Living in accomodations close to campus is possible: The Studierendenwerk Paderborn offers you places in halls of residence directly on campus or in the immediate vicinity. But you will also find what you are looking for on the usual accommodation portals: Both in the immediate vicinity of the university and city center, as well as in the individual Paderborn districts.
Costs and financing
Everyday student life offers you plenty of opportunities to work alongside your studies. However, BAf?G or a scholarship are also options that you can use to cover your costs.
Advisory services
We have the right contact point for every concern. For example, our advisory and service facilities are available to answer your questions about academic work, career orientation and goal setting, funding opportunities and many other concerns.
Our university is an open-minded university that also takes a clear stance on gender and diversity. We have been actively promoting equal opportunities and a gender- and family-friendly work and study culture for many years. This includes support for a better balance between studying and family life as well as support for students with health impairments.
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
E-Mail: zsb@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-2007
We support prospective students in their choice of studies and in their decision to study. In addition, we advise students in all phases of their studies, especially in phases of reorientation.
Electrical Engineering Student Advisory Service
Subject-specific advice and information about the degree program, including questions about:
Examination Board Electrical Systems Engineering
Is it possible to transfer credits acquired from another University?
Transfer of credits could be possible, but only after a successful enrolment at our University. Please note that only the credits acquired from a Master's degree are considered for transfer, and not credits acquired from a Bachelor's degree.
Student Council Electrical Engineering
Uni-Assist
Please apply for this program, regardless of your nationality, via the Uni-Assist Online Portal, if you don't have a German University Entrance Qualification.
Bildungsinl?nder*innen
If you don't have the German citizenship, but have received your university entrance qualification from a German school inside or outside of Germany (= Bildungsinl?nder*innen), apply for the program directly at the online portal PAUL of the admissions office. (Please initially supply a grade of 4,0; follow further instructions by email after registration in the online system.)
International Office
E-Mail: io-info@zv.uni-paderborn.de
Registrar’s Office
Examination Office
Service Centre for Studying with Disabilities
E-Mail: s-m-b@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-5498
FamilienServiceBüro
We support you in balancing your studies and family life.