Master's Programme

Faculty of Electronic Engineering & Technology

Master of Science
(Embedded System Design Engineering)

Programme Code: MSc-ESD  |  Duration: Full-Time 2–3 Years / Part-Time 3–5 Years  |  By Research

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Programme Overview

The Master of Science in Embedded System Design Engineering is a specialist postgraduate programme by research, focused on the design, implementation, and optimisation of embedded computing systems. Candidates investigate advanced microprocessor architectures, real-time operating systems, hardware-software co-design, FPGA-based prototyping, and IoT system engineering under academic supervision.

The programme runs full-time over 2–3 years or part-time over 3–5 years, culminating in a thesis and viva-voce examination. As embedded systems permeate every facet of modern industry, demand for advanced embedded design expertise continues to grow.

Programme Highlights

Full research degree in RTOS, FPGA, hardware-software co-design, and IoT systems
Advanced embedded systems and SoC design laboratory
Industry-driven projects addressing real embedded design challenges
Alignment with automotive (ISO 26262), medical (IEC 62304), and industrial standards
Pathway to senior embedded design roles and research leadership

MSc by Research vs MSc@Industry

Master of Science (by Research): Full-time (2–3 years) or part-time (3–5 years) thesis-based research under a UniMAP academic supervisor.

MSc@Industry: For technologists, engineers, or researchers currently employed in industry in Malaysia. The candidate undertakes a full-time, industry-based research project addressing a real-world industry problem, co-supervised by UniMAP and an industry field supervisor, with the publication requirement waived in favour of tangible outcomes (patents, IP, policies, or SOPs).

Research Journey

This programme is offered by research. There is no fixed coursework module list — candidates undertake a supervised thesis, with progress tracked through the following stages.

Enrol in the programme full-time or part-time.
Develop a research proposal under a FKTEN academic supervisor.
Conduct research — experimentation, data collection, analysis, and (where applicable) publication in indexed journals.
Submit and defend a thesis at a viva-voce examination.

Research Thesis

Candidates submit a Master's Thesis under a FKTEN academic supervisor. Topics align with the faculty's active research groups, and students are encouraged to publish in Scopus/ISI indexed journals.

Programme Outcomes

Upon completion, graduates will demonstrate the following competencies:

PO1: Apply advanced knowledge of processor architecture, RTOS, and digital design to develop complex embedded systems.
PO2: Evaluate embedded system design trade-offs including performance, power, cost, and reliability.
PO3: Design and implement embedded solutions on FPGA, SoC, and microcontroller platforms.
PO4: Conduct systematic embedded system testing, verification, and validation activities.
PO5: Use professional embedded design tools (Keil, IAR, Vivado, ModelSim, MATLAB) proficiently.
PO6: Document and communicate embedded system designs and research findings effectively.
PO7: Apply safety-critical and industry-standard compliance frameworks to embedded system design.
PO8: Lead embedded engineering projects and guide junior engineers in design activities.

Career Prospects

A Master's qualification from FKTEN significantly enhances career advancement, salary potential, and eligibility for senior technical and leadership roles.

Potential Career Paths

Senior Embedded Systems Engineer FPGA Design Engineer SoC Architect Automotive Electronics Engineer IoT Platform Engineer RTOS Developer Firmware Engineering Lead Safety-Critical Systems Engineer Embedded R&D Researcher Academic Lecturer

Industries & Employers

Graduates are placed in automotive electronics companies (Continental, Bosch), consumer electronics manufacturers, Intel, Keysight, defence firms (STRIDE), and technology start-ups across Malaysia and globally.

Programme Details

AwardMaster of Science (MSc)
Duration (Full-Time)2 – 3 Years
Duration (Part-Time)3 – 5 Years
Study ModeBy Research
MediumEnglish

Study Fees

MSc by Research (4 semesters)RM 10,860.00
MSc@Industry (4 semesters)RM 18,750.00

Entry Requirements

Bachelor's Degree: Min. CGPA 2.75 in a related field (recognised by the University Senate)

CGPA 2.50–2.74: May be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment, plus relevant work/research experience or a min. B+ in the final year project or related courses

Below CGPA 2.50: May be accepted with a minimum of 5 years relevant work experience

Enquiries

pascasiswazah_FKTEN@unimap.edu.my

shidee@unimap.edu.my

019-4464645 (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Razaidi Hussin)

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