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Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
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Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology 
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Overview

Welcome to the new Master's program Design and Test for Integrated Circuits!

The program provides a future-oriented education in the fields of designing, manufacturing and testing of integrated circuits. The initial theory courses are the base for the more practical oriented modules later. All courses are held by researchers actively working in the field enabling best up-to-date skills for the professional career of the graduates.

“The Master’s degree program Design and Test for Integrated Circuits combines Design, Technology, Reliability and Test in a unique way to gain knowledge and practical experience for chip production. Multiple industry research partners are involved in the program enabling access to the latest developments in this field.”

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Heinkel, Chair of Circuit and System Design, Chemnitz University of Technology

The application portal in Uniassist opens at the beginning of May 2026.

Career Opportunities

The possibilities for the graduates are excellent. They may work in IC design houses, fabs, semiconductor test companies and device characterization departments. The English course language enables you to work world-wide, f. e. in the following areas:

  • Semiconductor industry
  • Chip and sensor industry
  • Automotive, aviation and railway industry
  • Research and development at universities
  • Employment at state-owned and private research facilities

“This Master’s program expertly blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, providing a comprehensive understanding of the increasing necessity of semiconductor test. Students can look forward to becoming part of a pioneering community that is at the forefront of technological innovation and securing a promising future in the global tech industry.”

Dr. Ralf Montino, Vice President PLI, Elmos Semiconductor SE

“IC design is at the heart of semiconductor innovation, enabling thecreation of new, more powerful, and energy-efficient devices. This Master degree program equips graduates with skills and knowledge for a wide range of excellent career opportunities in Saxony, but also Germany and worldwide.”

Uwe Gaebler, Senior Director Development Center for Automotive Electronics and Artificial Intelligence, Infineon Technologies

The application portal in Uniassist opens at the beginning of May 2026.

Program Structure

Module Areas

1st to 2nd semester Foundation Modules
  • Design of Digital Systems
  • Design of Heterogeneous Systems
  • Test of Digital and Mixed-Signal Circuits
  • Elements of Integrated Circuits
  • Technologies for Micro and Nano Systems
  • Integrated Circuit Design - Transistor Level
  • Reliability of Micro and Nano Systems
1st to 3rd semester Specialization Modules

Test and Reliability

  • Verification of Digital Systems
  • Failure Analytical Methods for Micro and Nano Systems
  • Smart Sensor Systems

Design and Technology

  • Advanced Integrated Circuit Technology
  • Microsystems Design
  • Flexible Electronics

Integrated Circuit Applications

  • Digital Components and Architectures for Data Processing
  • Digital Signal Processing 1
  • Programming and Data Analysis

Cross-Disciplinary Specialization

  • Optimierung in den Anwendungen (Optimization in Applications)
  • Advanced Methods for Integrated Circuits
2nd to 3rd semester Practice-Oriented Specialization Modules

Students must select at least one module from the practice-oriented area. Options include:

  • Research Internship
  • Research Project
  • Applied Circuit Design and Testing
  • Layout of ICs and PCBs
4th semester Master's Thesis

Note: The study and examination regulations applicable to the respective enrollment cohort are authoritative for all binding requirements.

Admission Requirements

Academic requirement:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology from Chemnitz University of Technology or an equivalent relevant degree in the field of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (equivalence will be assessed by the Examination Board on a case-by-case basis).

German at admission:
German language proficiency at
CEFR
level A1 is required for regular admission and enrollment.
English at admission:
English language proficiency at CEFR level B2 or an equivalent proof of English language proficiency is required.
Accepted language certificates:

The current information on accepted German and English language certificates can be found on the Student Services information page under “Language skills”.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need to have German language skill to take part in this course?

    Though the mode of teaching is in English for this course. German Level A1 Certificate is required for regular admission and enrollment and German Level A2 Certificate should be submitted by the end of 3rd semester.

  2. Where can I find important dates during the semester for this program?

    Details about important dates for the semester cyle can be found at this link .

  3. Who can be the supervisor of the master's thesis?

    Advisor of the master's thesis can be any professor from the department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology ( link to the professorships ), but the professorship should be related to the topic of the thesis.

  4. What is the optimal duration of the studies?

    The optimal duration of the studies is four semesters. It is important to maintain it, because it is not well accepted by research and industry to extend the study duration.

  5. Is the master course research or industry oriented?

    The master course includes fundamental and applied knowledge. The graduates have possibilities to make a career both in research as well as in industry. For both, they need to fulfill the corresponding course requirements. For a research career, the results obtained during the studies should be significantly higher than the average generally reached.

  6. What is the optimal date to come to Chemnitz?

    The studies begin in October every year. The first week is dedicated to introduction to studies: "Orientation-Phase" which includes:

    • Interesting information about study requirements, study environment, location of important offices, Buildings and library.
    • Enrollment to the practicals is also carried out during the first week of the semester.
    • During second week of the course professor from each chair introduces the topics, outlines and expectations of the specific courses.

    This is why we advice enrolled students to be in Chemnitz at the first of October.