Computer Engineering

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Computer engineers are intimately involved in the design of miniature electronic surgical implants that help people with biological deficiencies to function normally, as well as enormously complex systems that efficiently manage industrial, financial, and government operations. They are involved in the design of devices ranging from cell phones to mainframes, and from the control devices on home appliances, to desk top computers, to guidance systems on interplanetary space probes.

What you will learn
Students joining TU Delfts MSc Programme in Computer Engineering will learn the theory and practice of system software, including programming, operating systems, compilers, computer networks and computer architecture, and the implementation and development of computer hardware. In addition, they will study the design of software tools and methodologies for synthesis, physical design, VLSI, hardware software co-design, systems on chip, VLSI test technology and reliability, and performance analysis.

The programme combines theoretical and practical components; with a view to the hands on experience demanded in the computer industry, a significant portion of the programme is devoted to practical software and hardware design experiments and prototyping.

Related MSc programmes
The MSc programme in Computer Engineering is related to the MSc programmes in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and in particular Embedded Systems. While the Computer Engineering programme focuses on (field) programmable hardware such as microcontrollers and FPGAs, the emphasis in the Embedded Systems programme is on embedded software and system dependability.

The programme has a duration of two years and starts each year in September. Students are free to schedule the sequence of their courses. For graduation, a total number of 120 credit points (EC) is required. It is recommended that 60 EC are taken each year, and that all compulsory courses are completed in the first year.

Programme - in detail

Compulsory courses (33EC)
This part consists of core courses for computer engineering such as modern computer architecture and compiler construction. In the course processor design project, the students participate as members of a team in the design of a processor. See the list of compulsory courses.

Specialisation courses (27 EC)

You will specialise in a specific field by selecting a number of courses from list of specialisation courses offered by the research groups participating in the programme and by other groups of the faculty of EEMCS. You must earn a minimum of 27 EC.

At least 17 EC need to be taken from the list of specialisation courses . The remaining 10 EC can be chosen from other master programmes offered by EEMCS. This list of specialisation courses contains courses such as digital signal processing, advances in networking, telecom, architectures & business models, VLSI systems on chip, networks on chip, reconfigurable computing design, real-time systems, high speed digital design for embedded systems, introduction to high performance computing, VLSI test technology and reliability, and high-tech start-ups.

Three different specialisation profiles have been defined based upon the list of specialisation courses.

Free electives (15 EC)

The free elective portion of the programme provides for engagement in such activities as a research task, an international exchange programme, an internship, an interfaculty specialisation profile (e.g. avionics or biomedical engineering) or courses offered by other universities or by TU Delft (e.g. social studies courses). Alternatively, this component of the programme may be used for homologation courses. These are courses that students can take to cover material which they may not have covered during their BSc degree programme.

Graduation project (45 EC)

You will conclude the programme with a graduation project leading to a MSc thesis. The graduation project can be done either at the university or at a company, and must be under the supervision of a professor of one of the research groups involved in the Computer Engineering programme.

Specialisations
Embedded Systems

Embedded Systems focuses on computing systems used to control devices, processes or larger systems. Specific examples of embedded systems include those controlling the ABS systems and engines in cars, automatic pilot systems in aircraft, and the chip sets and software in digital TVs, pacemakers and MP3 players.

General Purpose & High Performance Systems

General Purpose & High Performance Systems is about computers that are used for general tasks and/or computing-intensive tasks. These computers have advanced architectures; for example, they use dedicated hardware for certain tasks and often use parallel computation techniques.

Distributed Systems & Networks

Distributed Systems & Networks covers communication between different electronic devices. Topics include telecommunication (including ICT market mechanisms and business models), computer networks, mobile wireless networks and internet technology.

What is required to be considered for admission to an MSc programme? Please note: if you do not meet all the formal requirements, it is no use applying.1)A. A good university Bachelor's degree in a main subject closely related to the MSc programme to which you are applying, with good grades on the key courses.orB. A proof that you have nearly completed a Bachelor's programme in a main subject which is closely related to the MSc programme to which you are applying, with good grades on the key courses.Exceptions: Management of Technology, Engineering and Policy Analysis and Science Education & Communication, to which all students holding any Bachelors of technology or science / engineering degree may be admitted.2)A Bachelor's Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 75% of the scale maximum, unless specific requirements are defined for the country in which you obtained your Bachelors degree: * Countries A - H * Countries I - P * Countries Q - ZPlease note: if you have not graduated yet your CGPA must meet the requirements at the time of application.3)Proof of English language proficiencyOnly nationals from the USA, U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are exempt from the proof of English language proficiency requirement. Applicants who obtained a bachelors degree in one of the mentioned countries, are also exempt from the proof of English language proficiency requirement.Certificates older than two years are not accepted. As the whole process of collecting information, registering for the tests and receiving the test results may take several months, we advise you to register for the IELTS or TOEFL several months before starting your application.It is allowed to send us a copy of your test results, please check the application documents for detailed information. * For EU/EFTA nationals, the English language certificate may be submitted until 1 July provided that all other required hard copy documents are received before the application deadline of 1 April. * Nationals of the Peoples Republic of China only: for visa purposes you need a Nuffic certificate as proof of your English language proficiency. In order to obtain the Nuffic certificate you will need to take the IELTS or TOEFL internet-based test.4)A clear and relevant essay in English (1,000 - 2,000 words) addressing the following:Your motivation for taking the MSc programme of your choice. * Your motivation for taking the MSc programme of your choice. * Why you wish to pursue this programme abroad and/or in the Netherlands in particular. * Why you are interested in TU Delft and what you expect to find here * If there are optional specialisations in the Masters programme of your choice: which specialisation(s) interest you most, and why? * Describe your hypothetical thesis project; what kind of a projectwould you prefer if you were free to make a choice? Also briefly explain what you would want to explore in your thesis project. Provide a maximum of three hypothetical thesis topics and elaborate on your particular interests in them. * A brief summary (maximum 250 words) of the thesis work or the final assignment (to be) done for your Bachelors programme, including information on the credits earned, grade, and full workload.5)Two reference letters in English, French, German or Dutch: * one from from a professor or an assistant professor from the faculty from which you graduated. * one from your employer, if you already have work experience.If you have not yet graduated or do not have work experience, you need to provide two letters from professors or assistant professors from the faculty at which you are studying.6)An extensive résumé (curriculum vitae) written in English.7)Proof of identity8)Please note:Applicants for Architecture Urbanism & Building Sciences, Design for Interaction, Integrated Product Design and Strategic Product Design are required to upload a digital portfolio. Please note that only uploaded portfolios will be processed. The programme specific portfolio requirements are described on the following pages: * portfolio requirements for Architecture Urbanism & Building Sciences (and its five tracks) * portfolio requirements for Design for Interaction * portfolio requirements for Integrated Product Design * Portfolio requirements for Strategic Product Design English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C) TOEFL iBT® test: 90

Numerous scholarships are awarded to admitted students with exceptional promise and outstanding academic achievement by the university, its faculties, departments and industry partners. Consideration for these scholarships requires students to have been admitted to their MSc Programme. Make sure you submit your application as early as possible to be in time for all the scholarship deadlines. More information: