MSc in Reliable Embedded Systems (University of Leicester)

University of Leicester

TTE Systems is working in partnership with the University of Leicester (the “UK University of The Year”) to deliver a highly-innovative new MSc programme in Reliable Embedded Systems.

The MSc in Reliable Embedded Systems involves studying over a two-year period, on a part-time basis. While anyone is welcome to apply, the programme is primarily intended to be taken by working engineers who are in full-time employment.

To summarise how this programme works: you need to be available for three weeks per year (over two years) to attend intensive (5-day) training courses (that is, you need to attend three courses per year). You also need to find time for private study, and for project work.

If you don’t want to complete a full MSc, there are other options: for example, you can attend some of the individual modules as “short courses”.

At present, courses on this programme are delivered in the UK and in Malaysia.

In most cases, we find that employers are very supportive of staff who wish to undertake this programme (indeed, the great majority of people who have joined the MSc so far have received financial support from their employer).

Teaching in Penang January 2009

What topics are covered?

This advanced MSc programme covers both the development of software for COTS (commercial off the shelf) processors and the development of designs based on FPGAs (field-programmable gate arrays), using ‘soft’ processor cores. In addition, pattern-based design techniques are included (with a clear focus on embedded systems): such techniques can help companies to capture and re-use existing design experience.

In total, there are six (15-credit) modules on the programme:

  • Software and system architectures for reliable embedded systems
  • Design patterns for reliable embedded systems
  • Using FPGAs in reliable embedded systems
  • Using an RTOS in a reliable embedded system
  • Multi-processor and multi-core designs for reliable embedded systems
  • Programming techniques for reliable embedded systems

Each module involves some preparatory reading (detailed notes are provided) followed by a one-week programme of seminars and laboratory sessions and subsequent period of laboratory work and examination.

Further information is available is available about these modules.

Teaching in Penang January 2009

Where is the course taught?

At present, you can attend public classes on this MSc programme either in the UK or in Malaysia.

Please contact us if you would like further information on teaching in other locations.

How do I apply (and how much will it cost)?

Please see our Application page for information about course fees, entry requirements and a link to the University of Leicester application form.

Why not start with a short course?

Individual modules on the MSc in Reliable Embedded Systems can also be taken as independent “short courses”.

Taking a short course can be a good introduction to the MSc programme. For example:

  • You can attend the next 5-day MSc module for just £500 + VAT (in the UK) or RM3500 (in Malaysia).
  • After the short course, you will have up to two months to register for the complete MSc programme (if you wish): if you sign up for the MSc, we’ll refund the cost of your short course (conditions apply).
  • The short courses are open to anyone (there is no need to complete the University application form, no educational requirements and no need for references, etc).

We believe that these short courses represent excellent value for money.

Please contact us for registration details.

Please note that you can take only a single short course at this price: the normal short-course fee is £1500 + VAT (UK) / RM10,500 in Malaysia.

Where can I find a brochure for this programme?

Image of MSc brochure

You’ll find MSc brochures for both the UK and Malaysian MSc programmes on our Downloads page.

Laboratory equipment and software

Because the programme is taught by “distance learning”, students will - clearly - not be able to use the laboratory facilities at the University of Leicester.

In order to ensure that students on the programme have full access to the required equipment, hardware packs will be provided at the start of each module (on loan, for the duration of the module). For example, students will be provided with a complete embedded PC (based on an Intel Atom motherboard) at the start of module on “Programming techniques for reliable embedded systems “: they will have use of this equipment until the start of the following module (when a different hardware pack will be provided). Please note that students will have the opportunity to purchase their hardware packs (at the end of the module) should they wish to do so.

RapidiTTy product logo

In addition, software will be required to carry out some of the laboratory exercises. The University of Leicester has chosen TTE Systems to provide the software (RapidiTTy™ Pro) which will be used in some of the laboratory classes. As a consequence, everyone registered for the MSc will receive a permanent (non-commercial) licence for RapidiTTy™ Pro as part of their course fee. These copies of RapidiTTy Pro will include an extended (2-year) maintenance agreement: this will ensure that the software is kept up-to-date throughout the MSc programme. The normal purchase price of RapidiTTy Pro with a 2-year maintenance agreement is approximately £3800.

Everyone taking the programme is required to bring with them a laptop computer (on which RapidiTTy and other software packages will be installed). Please note that you will need “Administrator” rights in order to install the software.

MSc in Embedded Systems & Control Engineering

The University of Leicester also offer a “conventional” MSc programme in “Embedded Systems & Control Engineering”.

This full-time programme is taught at the University (in Leicester, UK)over a period of 12 months.

Further information is available from the University WWW site.

Further information

Further information is available from the University of Leicester WWW site.

If you have further questions about this programme, please use the contact form to send us an e-mail.