MSE in Microelectrotechnics
Would you like to help shape the technologies of tomorrow? The Microelectronics specialisation within the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) programme offers you the opportunity not only to gain a theoretical understanding of cutting-edge semiconductor technologies, but also to apply them in practice and develop your own chips. Your course combines in-depth theoretical and contextual modules with a practical specialisation. Around two-thirds of the programme is devoted to the Sensor Technology and Microelectronics specialisation. You will acquire your specialist knowledge through practice-oriented project work, specialised courses and an independent Master’s thesis.
Introduction: ‘Fabrication and Test’ seminar
To kick off your Master’s programme, you will attend the ‘Fabrication and Test’ seminar, which will teach you the fundamentals of modern semiconductor technology. You will experience the entire development process first-hand.
As part of the seminar…
… you will learn the fundamentals of micro- and nanofabrication,
… receive an introduction to cleanroom processes,
… build an integrated flow sensor yourself
… and carry out electrical tests and measurements on your own chip.
This will give you a deep understanding of the manufacture and characterisation of microchips right from the start of your studies.
Practical project work: your own chip
A highlight of this specialisation is two extensive project assignments in which you will develop your own application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
In doing so, you will go through the entire development process:
- System and circuit design
- Simulation and verification
- Layout design
- Tape-out and chip production
- Measurement and evaluation of the manufactured chip
You will work with industry-standard design tools and established semiconductor technologies. Following production, you will have the unique opportunity to test and evaluate your own circuit.
Master's thesis – also available internationally
For your Master’s thesis, you can choose from a range of topics, such as:
- integrated circuits (ASIC)
- SoC and FPGA systems
- sensor technology and data processing
- mixed-signal or analogue design
- Advanced System Technologies Design
- ToF and TDC systems
High-achieving students are also given the opportunity to undertake their Master’s thesis at an international partner university or in an industrial company abroad.
Your future in semiconductor technology
With the specialisation in Sensor Technology and Microelectronics, you will acquire the skills to play an active role in shaping innovative technologies. You will learn to analyse complex technical challenges, develop solutions and manage projects, including in an interdisciplinary context. This opens up excellent career opportunities for you – from the development of new chips and sensor systems to technical leadership roles in industry and research.
Join one of the most exciting fields of technology of our time and help shape the next generation of microchips (registration deadline: 30 April 2026).
Master’s Graduate in Profile
“After completing my degree in Electrical Engineering at HSLU and working in the FPGA sector within industry, I became increasingly keen to deepen my knowledge of microchips. Whilst searching for a suitable further education programme, OST won me over: the Master of Science in Engineering with a specialisation in Electrical Engineering offered me the opportunity to go through the entire design flow of chip development and to create my own chip. This experience has fundamentally broadened my understanding.”
Matthias Meyer
MSE graduate specialising in ‘Microelectronics
