Microelectronics and Chip Design

Professional Profile: Electrical and Computer Engineering (PP ECE)

Study Mode: Full-time

Language of Instruction: English

Duration of Studies: 4 semesters

Credits: 120 ECTS

Main Location: Munich campus

Program Start: Winter semester

Costs: Semester Fees and Tuition Fees for Non-EU/EEA/Swiss 

The study program “Microelectronics and Chip Design” is a four-semester program with one semester reserved for the preparation of a Master thesis. Two semesters constitute one study year.

Different from other current microelectronics programs in Europe, our program emphasizes that every student completing the study programs participated in all steps of the chip design flow. Thus, the core of the program is the chip design project, which spans the entire study years. 

The first semester focuses on basic skills in digital and analog design. The second semester includes more advance topics related in particular to the front-end design. For the third semester, it offers further specialized courses and courses related to the back-end design. The overall program consists of a more theoretical part with lectures from the domain of chip design and a practical part in which students will do a tape-out. A Master thesis will conclude the study program in the fourth semester, which can also be conducted in collaboration with industry.

More details on the Degree Program Contents

As a graduate of the M.Sc. program in Microelectronics and Chip Design, you will gain professional expertise in various critical areas of chip design and related fields. Here are some of the career opportunities and skills you can expect:

• System Developer: Expertise in high-level modeling, design, and development with a focus on hardware/software co-design
• Circuit Designer: Skills in designing circuits and IP blocks at the RTL (Register Transfer Level) and transistor level, which are essential for chip creation
• Digital/Computer Engineer: Experience in developing computer architectures, IP blocks, processors, and interconnects, crucial for the backbone of modern computing systems
• Backend Engineer: Proficiency in ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) backend design, including layout development, power, performance, and area optimization at the gate level
• Verification and Test Engineer: Expertise in testing structures and circuits for functionality under environmental influences and aging, ensuring reliable, high-coverage test development, and formal verification
• Software Engineer: Development of hardware/software interfaces and hardware-near software for real-time and safety-critical applications, a vital skill in many tech industries
• Design Flow and Tool Engineer: Skills in maintaining and developing EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tool chains, ensuring compatibility and efficient design flows for chip development
• Electronics Engineer: Hands-on experience in managing lab equipment, designing PCBs, and conducting physical testing and bonding of chips, critical for product development

In addition, TUM supports students throughout their lives in terms of job search, career entry, and career development. For further details, refer to the TUM Career Service.

Please start the application process via TUMonline Applicant portal
How to apply for a Master’s Degree Program – Step by Step

Application Requirements:

Each study program at TUM set their own entry requirements to ensure students have the right skills and knowledge to successfully complete the study program. The application requirements described below are specific to this program:

1. Passport
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Preliminary Documentation (VPD) issued by Uni-Assist for non-EU Applicants
4. APS – Certificate of the Academic Evaluation Center (required for degrees from Chinese, Vietnamese or Indian universities)
5. English Language Proficiency
6. Statement of Purpose
7. Transcript of Records
8. Curriculum analysis – Please select the one below that applies to your degree:
   → For applicants with a background in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
   → For applicants with a background in Computer Science with a minor in Electrical Engineering
   → For applicants with a background in Physics
   To all applicants: If you are studying a similar program and none of the three curricular analyses above directly apply to you, please choose the analysis that best aligns with your degree and upload only one in TUMonline. We encourage you taking time to carefully consider your choice.

Further information on the required documents can be found in the Glossary of Documents.

What you need to know before applying as international students, you are strongly advised to carefully review the information on the following page: International Applicant Guide 

If you are interested in applying to the program, the TUM Grade Conversion Formula can help you calculate your GPA for grades earned outside Germany. Note: this tool is intended to provide only an initial indication of your chance.

We strongly recommend applicants from non-EU countries apply earlier, preferably before March 31, in order to organize their visa and accommodation on time.

Stage 1: Application Review

• After the application is submitted, it will first be reviewed by the central application department at TUM Center for Study and Teaching (CST). After that it will be forwarded to the School of Computation, Information and Technology which the program is based in. All applications will be assessed by the Program Admissions Committee.
• The decision can vary – depending on the entire process mentioned. What we guarantee is, applicants will receive a notification about the admissions decision to the program – rejection (under 60 points) or interview invitation (60–74 points) or admission (75 points or above).

Stage 2: Assessment Interview

• Only shortlisted applicants, who received 60–74 points in the stage 1, will be invited for admissions interviews. Details regarding the interview will be sent directly to invited candidates.

Feedback on Admission Decision

We only release the application scores in each stage via TUMonline. Whatever the outcome of your application, applicants will get a notification email. We understand and appreciate the significant time and effort you put into your application. However, we are unable to provide individual feedback to any applicant. Thank you for your understanding!

Once you are admitted to the program, the Enrollment Process is a mandatory step for all new and returning students and must be completed every semester. It will not be processed automatically, even if you have accepted the study place. Steps for the Enrollment Guidance and important Deadlines

Deferral Requests: If you have been offered a place of study, but decide to put your studies on hold due to personal reasons, visa issues or education-related purpose. Please find instructions here: TUM - Withdrawing from Studies. Please note that the maximum length of an admissions deferral granted is one year. 
This master's program starts only once a year, in the winter semester (October to March). Starting in the summer semester (April to September) is not possible.

In the Master’s program Microelectronics and Chip Design (MSMCD), students can choose one of the two following core specializations: “Digital Design” or “Analog/Mixed-Signal Design”. Depending on the chosen core specialization, students must earn between 5 and 15 credits from the corresponding core modules listed below, with a total of 20 credits required by the end of the program. The idea is for both, Analog and Digital Designers, to gain basic knowledge from the respective other domain. 

Important Note: Based on Study Progress Check, these 15 credits must be completed by the end of the second semester.

It is also possible to pursue the program without selecting a core specialization, although this is highly recommended only in specific cases. In such instances, students must first consult the program coordinator through msmcd.asa(at)xcit.tum.de to create an individualized semester study plan.

The core of the program is the chip design project, which consists of four specific lab tasks:

1. The first part is a Fundamental Laboratory Course. This introduces chip design and provides the foundation for the subsequent research labs. It should be completed in the first semester.
2. The second part, Research Laboratory Functional Design, requires students to work on the digital front-end design or analog transistor level design.
3. The third part, Research Laboratory Physical Design, focuses on generating placement and routing of the design and making it ready for manufacturing (tape-out).
4. The final task, Test and Evaluation Laboratory Course, involves testing and evaluating the chip after manufacturing.
   The lab courses are mandatory. Students will work in parts two, three, and four in project groups and will have the chance to tape-out a chip.

All required practice-based modules will be conducted solely by the relevant Chairs and Professorships that are part of the research Area “Design of Electronics and Systems (DECS)”, in collaboration with partner industries. See Collaborations & Partners for more information.

Students are required to complete 5 credits from this elective part of scientifc seminars The seminar serves not only as part of the academic training, but also as guidance for selecting the research laboratory. It is recommended to be taken in the first semester.

Regardless of the chosen core area, student should achieve a minimum of 30 credits from the section of Specialized Elective Modules. This module list provides an overview of all available Specialized Elective Modules for the program including recommendations for core modules.

The Interdisciplinary modules offer you the chance to enhance your skill set for both professional and academic growth in areas beyond your chosen engineering specialization. Based on your interests, you can choose from modules in language, project management, or business. A total of 10 credits must be completed through study achievements, with at least 3 credits focused on social responsibility (technology assessment).

These modules are also offered by the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology. For more information about the available modules, please visit WTG

Additionally, there is an exclusive German course for students from School of Computation, Information and Technology (CIT). More detailed about “German Matters” offered by TUM Language Center

The Master's Thesis module (30 credits) is the final examination requirement, consists of two components: a scientific paper and a presentation. Students may be allowed to begin the thesis earlier if they have successfully completed the required research labs. The total duration, including the submission of the final paper, must not exceed six months from the start date.