Electrical Engineering

Overview

Electricity and electronic systems have been the driver towards a modern society, providing welfare and comfort, clean solutions and new smart applications. An example is the smartphone, which makes use of advanced ICT and multimedia for its interface, new sensors for wearables and advanced secure communication. The trend is to make applications which are smaller, more interconnected, secure, smarter and efficient. These systems will depend on miniature devices omnipresent in the digital environment.

Applications executed by these networked systems will be rich in multimedia content and will require system-wide security and privacy features. Interconnected applications in the energy domain will provide sustainable and reliable energy, relying on active consumers while making use of automated processes. Our goal is to equip you with the necessary technical skills and methods to contribute to the creation of this digital environment. The program counts four options, each with their own emphasis.

Programme outline

The program starts with courses that provide the common hardware and software basis for electronic platforms, analogue and digital circuits, signal processing and telecommunications, supplemented with a range of option specific in-depth courses. You choose one of the following four options:

• The option Electronics and Chip design explores the design of electronic components and systems. You will learn how to design integrated analogue, digital and high frequency circuits as well as building blocks and platforms for different applications and with the necessary knowledge of sensors, antennas and the underlying semiconductor technology.
• The option Power Systems and Automation explores the design and control of energy systems. You will learn about electrical machines, power electronics, smart grids, renewable energy and energy economics.
• The option ICT Security and Networks explores the design of communication networks and ICT security systems. You will learn about cryptography and information security. You will also learn how to develop and manage mobile communication networks from the core network all the way to the antenna elements.
• The option Information Systems and Signal Processing explores the design of applications for electronic systems. In this option, you will learn to develop and evaluate audio, image and signal processing systems, machine learning and biomedical applications in the light of an optimal implementation (hardware/software).

The remaining credits (27 to 33, depending on the option) are available for elective courses to allow you to personalise your programme. A student can make a programme ranging from courses of all options, following courses from other engineering masters, to broader programmes including many non-engineering courses. It also allows internships and international courses.

Career perspectives

The Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) is the university's largest department and was the starting point of IMEC, a world leader in nanotech research and products. The faculty also has excellent professional connections with industry leaders. Thanks in part to the programme's strong link between education and research, employment perspectives for programme graduates are high.

The Master of Electrical Engineering is offered at KU Leuven.

Questions about student life in Belgium, life at KU Leuven or more information about a specific course? Chat with our students: www.kuleuven/be/chatwithourstudents.