CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences

M.Sc. in Engineering in Integrated Systems and Circuits Design

The Master’s degree program in Integrated Systems & Circuits Design (ISCD) at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences is an English-taught, practice-oriented program focusing on microelectronics, integrated circuits, semiconductor technologies, and electronic systems. The program is designed for students who want to develop advanced technical expertise in the design and development of modern microchips and system-on-chip solutions.

Microelectronics is a fundamental technology behind many of today’s and tomorrow’s digital applications. It plays an important role in areas such as smart sensors, automotive technology, modern communication systems, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence. The ISCD program therefore focuses on technologies that are essential for the development of increasingly powerful, efficient, and intelligent electronic systems. The program comprises 120 ECTS credits and takes four semesters to complete. Graduates receive a Master of Science in Engineering (MSc).

The language of instruction is English, with a minimum recommended level of B2. The program is offered at the CU campus in Villach, Austria. Although it is officially a full-time program, it is organized in a way that accommodates working students. Classes are primarily scheduled from Monday to Friday between 4:00 p.m. and 7:20 p.m., with some courses potentially taking place earlier and approximately two to three Saturdays per month.

The Importance of Microelectronics

Modern society depends on increasingly powerful and compact electronic systems. Smartphones, vehicles, medical devices, communication equipment, computers, industrial machines, and artificial intelligence systems all rely on integrated circuits. These circuits combine large numbers of electronic components onto a single semiconductor chip and allow complex functions to be performed efficiently.

The development of such chips requires highly specialized knowledge. Engineers need to understand electronic circuits, semiconductor technologies, mathematical and physical principles, computer-aided design, simulation, verification, and manufacturing processes.

The ISCD Master’s program addresses these requirements by providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Instead of focusing only on individual electronic components, students learn how complete integrated systems can be developed from the initial concept through design and verification to manufacturing and laboratory testing.

This comprehensive perspective is particularly valuable because modern chips can contain extremely complex combinations of analog and digital components. Engineers therefore need to understand how different parts of an electronic system interact and how a complete system can be optimized for performance, reliability, power consumption, and functionality.

Main Areas of Study

A central focus of the program is analog and digital circuit design. Analog circuits process continuously varying signals, while digital circuits work with discrete signals and form the basis of modern computing systems. Students learn how both types of circuits can be designed and combined within integrated systems. Another important area is semiconductor technology. Semiconductor manufacturing provides the technological foundation for modern microchips. Students develop an understanding of the technologies and processes used to create integrated circuits and learn how technological choices influence circuit design and system performance. The program also covers design methods and electronic system modeling. Before a chip is physically manufactured, engineers need to model, simulate, and verify its behavior. Computer-aided design methods are therefore an essential part of modern microelectronics. Students learn how professional design and simulation tools can be used to develop and evaluate circuits.

A particularly important concept is the development of System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions. A System-on-Chip integrates different functions onto a single chip and can combine processing, memory, communication, analog components, and other functions. Such systems are widely used in modern electronic devices and require a broad understanding of both hardware and system-level design.

Professional Tools and Technologies

One of the major advantages of the ISCD program is the opportunity to work with professional tools used in the semiconductor industry. Students use modern CAD and simulation environments and gain experience with industrial Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools from Cadence, Synopsys, and Siemens EDA.

These tools are important because the design of modern integrated circuits cannot be carried out effectively without sophisticated software. EDA tools support engineers in designing, simulating, verifying, and optimizing electronic circuits before they are manufactured.

Students also work with modern CMOS technologies from TSMC. CMOS is one of the most important technologies used in the production of integrated circuits. Working with current semiconductor technologies helps students connect theoretical knowledge with the technologies used in real-world chip development.

This practical experience can be particularly valuable when entering the semiconductor industry, where knowledge of professional design environments is highly relevant.

The Three-Semester Development Project

One of the most distinctive features of the program is its extensive three-semester development project. During this project, students work together to develop their own integrated circuit. The project covers multiple stages of the microchip development process and provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge from different courses in an integrated way.

Students develop a mixed-signal CMOS chip containing both analog and digital components. One possible example is an analog-to-digital converter. The project does not end with the design stage. After the chip has been designed, it is manufactured and subsequently tested and characterized in the laboratory.

This is an important advantage of the program because students can experience the complete development process of a real integrated circuit. They can see how an initial concept is transformed into a physical chip and learn how to evaluate whether the manufactured device performs as expected.

The project also encourages teamwork and collaboration. Students need to coordinate different aspects of the development process and work together to solve technical problems. As a result, they develop not only technical expertise but also communication, project management, and problem-solving skills.

Practical Orientation

The ISCD program places a strong emphasis on practical education. The theoretical knowledge acquired in lectures is continuously connected with projects, laboratory work, and real-world applications.

Students learn about the entire microchip development process, including the concept phase, modeling, circuit design, verification, production, and laboratory testing. This broad perspective distinguishes the program from a purely theoretical electronics degree.

Modern laboratory facilities at CU support this practical approach. The university provides specialized infrastructure and equipment for hands-on learning and applied research. Students can use these facilities to work on technical projects and gain experience with modern measurement and testing equipment.

The practical focus is particularly relevant in microelectronics because the semiconductor industry is highly technology-driven. Engineers need to be able to translate theoretical concepts into functioning hardware and identify and solve problems during the development and testing process.

Research and Industry Collaboration

Applied research is a central part of the ISCD program. The degree is closely connected with the CIME Research Center, where students can participate in current research projects. They can also complete their Master’s thesis as part of a research project.

The program also cooperates with national and international companies. These partnerships provide students with access to current industrial challenges and help ensure that the curriculum remains connected to technological developments in the semiconductor sector.

The rapid development of microelectronics means that the skills required by the industry are constantly changing. The program therefore continuously adapts its content to current topics and trends. Industry experts contribute to the education, helping students gain knowledge that is relevant to modern chip development.

This connection between education, research, and industry gives students the opportunity to understand both the scientific and commercial aspects of microelectronics.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Integrated Systems & Circuits Design Master’s program can pursue careers in a variety of technology-related fields. The university identifies the semiconductor industry, IC design companies, technology companies, and research institutions as important career areas. Graduates may also use their technical expertise to establish their own high-tech company.

Possible professional roles include integrated circuit designer, analog or digital design engineer, semiconductor engineer, verification engineer, hardware development engineer, or research engineer. Depending on their interests and specialization, graduates can work on the development of electronic systems, microchips, sensors, communication technologies, automotive electronics, or computing technologies.

The skills developed through the program are particularly relevant to industries that depend on advanced semiconductor technologies. Automotive systems, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, consumer electronics, industrial automation, and medical technology all require increasingly sophisticated electronic components. The combination of circuit design, semiconductor knowledge, professional EDA tools, practical chip development, and laboratory testing therefore gives graduates a strong technical profile for the international technology sector.

Study Structure and Admission

The Master’s program consists of 120 ECTS credits over four semesters. The first three semesters include courses, specialization areas, and the major development project. The fourth semester focuses primarily on the Master’s thesis and the final Master’s examination.

The program is taught in English and requires a minimum recommended English level of B2. As an engineering program, it is particularly suitable for students with a technical background who want to specialize in electronics, microelectronics, integrated circuits, and semiconductor technologies.

Because the program is technically demanding, students should be prepared to work with mathematics, electronics, computer-based design tools, and complex engineering concepts. At the same time, the practical structure allows students to continuously apply their theoretical knowledge.

Study Environment and Costs

The program is located at the CU campus in Villach, which is part of the university’s Faculty of Engineering & IT. The faculty emphasizes practical education, modern laboratory infrastructure, applied research, and cooperation with industry.

Although the program is officially full-time, its timetable is designed to be compatible with employment. Most classes take place from 4:00 p.m. onwards, with some Saturday teaching and online components. This makes it possible for students to combine their academic education with professional activities.


Courses offered by Carinthia University of Applied Sciences

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Bachelor Degree Programs (in English)


• B.Sc. Green Electronics (B.Sc., 6 Semesters)
  
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• B.Sc. Medical Engineering (B.Sc., 6 Semesters)
  
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Our University of Applied Sciences

Since its founding, CU Carinthia University has evolved into a unique educational institution in Carinthia. Through the continuous development of its Degree programs and close collaboration with industry and academia, the university ensures that students receive a forward-looking education that is in step with the times.

CU Carinthia University embodies the principle of direct practical relevance. Full-time and part-time faculty members, as well as guest lecturers from industry and business, ensure an interdisciplinary, internationally oriented higher education experience. Currently, approximately 40 Degree programs in the fields of civil engineering, technology, health and social services, and business are offered at the campuses in Spittal, Villach, Klagenfurt and Feldkirchen.