No.	Question	Answer
01	What is the focus of ESD at Univ. Bremerhaven?	ESD focuses on the design of embedded systems for the industrial, scientific and medical market (ISM market). An extimated number of more than 10 billion embedded systems exists already with annual growth rates of about 10%. Approximately 95% of all microprocessors are not manufactured for general purpose computers - in fact they become part of embedded systems. Thus, embedded systems are everywhere. So, what characterizes embedded systems in the sense of the ESD study program? an embedded system performs a single predefined function it satisfies tight constraints like low-cost, low-power, single component realization fast real-time response time hard- and software co-design and co-existence should used best available algorithms for control and digital signal processing satisfies safety and security constraints ESD in Bremerhaven concentrates on industrial, medical, and scientific devices. This makes ESD not a mere "computer science" program. Beside VHDL and system-on-chip (SoC) and software development techniques, topics like mechatronics, system modeling and identification and advanced discrete control theory are essential parts of ESD. See Q11 for requirements. Laboratory work using "real systems" is part of many courses.
02	Is ESD a full-time study program?	YES, it lasts 3 semesters, starting in the summer term (March).
03	Is it possible to study part-time?	YES, in this case you are not allowed to earn more than 2/3 of the credits for one semester. It is possible to start in winter and summer. Course restrictions apply. Part-time study is not an option you can choose. You have to apply for it, the possible reasons for part-time study are: professional employment in a company of the region (must be in the area of your master program) home care of a relative home care of a child if you are a handicapped person social involvement I f any of these items apply for you part-time studying may be possible upon request.
04	What is the course language?	The language for classes and labs is English. The master thesis may be written in English or German.
05	Is ESD certified?	YES, ESD has been certified by AQAS (see accreditation report) for details. The official web site for German universities is the "Hochschulkompass"). You will find the same information on this site if you search for "Embedded Systems Design". However, some information on "Hochschulkompass" is slightly out of date. It will be corrected soon. ESD at University Bremerhaven is also listed on the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) web site. All master programs of University Bremerhaven have been carefully evaluated by the university itself. As a result ESD will be a long term established and supported master program.
06	What bachelor degree do I need to study ESD?	You are eligible for ESD if you have a four years bachelor degree in a suitable technical area. EU bachelor (3.5 or more years, equivalent to 210 credits) or a german diploma degree satisfies admission requirements. If the bachelor program is three years you will need an additional industrial internship and probably additional courses for missing contents. Please ask for a special learning agreement or include appropriate certificates with your application.
07	What are application deadlines?	The deadline for European Union applicants is January 15, 2019. For non EU application the deadline is November 30, 2018. In this case you can apply for visa in time. Application through uni-assist is mandatory (see Q13).
08	What final grade for my bachelor is required?	The bachelor grade must be "good" or "B". An equivalent CGPA can be specified also. According to the German grade system the required grade is 2.3. For applicants with a 2 year work experience the grade is increased by 0.3 (2.6). Examples for some countries:                    USA :         B     (for scale from A+ to F)               China :   84-80     (for scale from 100 to 60)               India :      70     (for scale from 100 to 33)               Pakistan :  2.7     (for CGPA scale from 4 to 1)                                3.13    (for CGPA scale from 4 to 2 - most common grading scheme)                                70      (for scale from 100 to 33)                                 A      (for scale from A to F)               Poland :      4     (for scale from 5 to 3)      These are just examples. We are aware that universities have different grading schemes even in the same country. We will process application of any country, of course.
09	What are the language requirements?	The required English level is B2 (according to the common European framework CEF). This is equivalent to an IELTS band score of 6.0 or TOEFL IBT 72. Alternative proofs of English language proficiency for foreign students (if any of these conditions are met, please add this to your application): preceding bachelor with English as major instruction language 1 year of work in Germany The required German language level is CEF A1 (the lowest level). Other English certificates are also accepted (IELTS 6.0, TOEFL IBT 72).
10	What are the regulations for the German language requirement?	The required German language level is CEF A1 (see Q09). The language certificate should be sent with your application. However, the German language certificate may be submitted later: The German langauge certificate must be presented when registering for ESD (not later than February 27, 2019) at Univ. Bremerhaven. If the required certificates are not presented in time the admission becomes void!
11	What knowledge is required?	The following contents are required before beginning ESD master: mathematics and/or physics (total of 3 semesters) mechanical engineering (1 semester) electrical engineering (2 semester) computer science/programming languages (1 semester) control engineering (1 semester) Students should have knowledge on: mathematics programming languages digital systems control engineering If you lack on these requirements please contact the ESD representative) for a solution.
12	How do I apply for admission?	Fill out the following form and send it together with the required documents (listed in this form) to UNI-ASSIST: Master application form (english) From now on all application of non-EU candidates must be sent to UNI-ASSIST. Only EU applications can be sent directly to Univ. Bremerhaven Admission Office.
13	What are the application deadlines?	Non-EU applications: November 30, 2018 This will ensure that you can apply for a visa in time. EU applications / Germans: January 15, 2019 If you did not finish your first bachelor degree you must affirm that you will finish by March 31. The final degree document mut be sent to Univ. Bremerhaven not later than June 30. Part-time studients (see Q03) can submit application also in Summer not later than July 15 for the winter term.
14	How do I register after I got admission to ESD?	Registration must be completed by February, 27. You admission becomes void if you fail to send them by this date. In person or by postal mail you have to submit the following documents: Personal information sheet Proof of health insurance certificate (in Germany) Signed statement that you have read the Admissions and and Examinations Office information sheet Transfer of smester fee (362,40 EUR - including free public transport). It is strongly recommended to transfer the semester fee from your home country. If the fee has not been registered on the University Bremerhaven account you will not be enrolled to ESD. If other required documents are mentioned in your admission letter (e.g. language certificate or bachelor degree certificate) your have to present them as well.
15	What happens if I cannot appear in time?	Late admission candidates are allowed to show up for classes and labs (mainly due to visa problems). They have to show up in person until March, 11. In this case students have to catch up the course contents of classes they missed. All admission documents according to Q14 as well as payment of the semester fee must be received by University Bremerhaven not later than February, 27!
16	Where an when are my classes and labs?	The faculty time schedule is available here (Faculty 1 pages in German). The summer term time schedule will be listed under "Vorlesungsplan Sommersemester 2019 " Please not the scheme for even (KW12) and odd (KW13) weeks. Studiengänge = course programs (ESD1 is most important for you) Dozenten = professors/lecturers Räume = rooms Bemerkungen = remarks