Certificate Program: Systems Design
This certificate program combines four complementary short courses in a structured learning path.
Participants who successfully complete the Certificate Program and pass the final examination receive the corresponding ECTS credits. These credits are fully recognized as one module within the HECTOR School Master of Science program.
Participants develop a comprehensive understanding of systems design, covering control systems development, embedded systems computer architecture, electronic systems synthesis (hardware and software), and energy output theory and its practical applications. The program further explores how control engineering, embedded computing architectures, hardware-software integration, and energy-related design principles interact to enable the development, implementation, and optimization of complex, high-performance technical systems. Through theoretical foundations and practical case studies, participants gain insight into designing reliable, efficient, and integrated electronic and embedded systems for modern mobility applications.
General Information
| Date | Feb 22 - Mar 5, 2027 | Feb 14 - 25, 2028 |
| Duration | 10 days |
| Location | On campus - Karlsruhe |
| Language | English |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Cost | 3,950€ |
Further questions?
Martina Waldner
Senior Program Consultant
info∂hectorschool.kit.edu
+49 721 608 47880
Program Structure
This certificate module combines four complementary short courses in a structured learning path.
Participants build a broad understanding of systems design, covering control systems development, embedded systems computer architecture, energy output theory and practical workshops, and electronic systems synthesis including a hands-on case study. The module further explores how control engineering, embedded computing, hardware–software co-design, and energy-focused system analysis interact to enable robust, efficient, and high-performance technical systems across diverse application domains.
Control Systems Development
Introduction to Control Systems Development, covering core concepts of dynamic system modeling, controller design and tuning, and practical approaches for implementing, testing, and optimizing feedback control in embedded and mechatronic systems.
| Date | Feb 22 - 23, 2027 | Feb 14 - 15, 2028 |
| Duration | 2 days |
Embedded Systems Computer Architecture
Introduction to Embedded Systems Computer Architecture, covering core concepts of processor and memory architectures, hardware–software interaction, and approaches for designing, configuring, and optimizing embedded computing platforms for reliable and efficient system operation.
| Date | Feb 24 - 26, 2027 | Feb 16 - 18, 2028 |
| Duration | 3 days |
Energy Output Theory and Workshop
Introduction to Energy Output Theory and Workshop, covering core concepts of system energy behavior, efficiency and performance analysis, and practical approaches for modeling, measuring, and optimizing energy output in real-world engineering systems.
| Date | Mar 1 - 2, 2027 | Feb 21 - 22, 2028 |
| Duration | 2 days |
Electronic Systems Synthesis (Hardware and Software), incl. Case Study
Introduction to Electronic Systems Synthesis (Hardware and Software), incl. Case Study, covering core concepts of hardware–software co-design, system architecture and implementation, and practical applications for integrating, optimizing, and validating electronic systems through a hands-on case study.
| Date | Mar 3 - 5, 2027 | Feb 23 - 25, 2028 |
| Duration | 3 days |
Who Should Attend
This module is designed for professionals seeking a structured introduction to systems design.
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Systems and control engineers
Professionals designing and tuning control systems for mechatronic, automotive, or industrial applications who want to strengthen their understanding of modern control development and implementation. -
Embedded systems and hardware/software engineers
Engineers working with embedded platforms, processors, and system-on-chip architectures who are involved in implementing control, signal processing, or real-time functions. -
Electronic and mechatronic system designers
Experts responsible for the integrated design of electronic systems, combining hardware, software, and control logic into robust system architectures. -
Product developers and R&D professionals
Professionals developing innovative technical systems and prototypes who need a methodical approach to system behavior, energy output, and hardware–software co-design. -
Engineers in automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation
Practitioners working on domain-specific systems (e.g., vehicles, robots, production systems) who want to deepen their skills in model-based control and embedded implementation. -
Researchers and academics
PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and academic staff in systems engineering, control, electronics, or embedded systems seeking application-oriented insights into modern systems design. -
Technology consultants and technical leads
Consultants and engineering leaders advising organizations on system architecture, control strategies, platform selection, and the integration of hardware and software in complex technical systems.
Ready to Join the Full Certificate Program?
Book the complete module to benefit from a coherent learning journey across all four certificate courses.