Programme Overview

Electrical and Computer Engineering intervenes in computers, telecommunications, electronics, control and energy, and has a huge impact on the technologies that define modern society and life. An electrical and computer engineer has the skills to design electrical and electronic devices, as well as develop systems involving hardware, software, communication networks, power generation and control of sensors and actuators.

Study Plan

The 2nd Cycle in Electrical and Computer Engineering has a duration of 4 semesters (2 years), which is equivalent to 120 ECTS credits, and is made up of the structure depicted below.

Note: The curriculum distribution, which is shown over the two years, may be different according to the optional modules chosen.

  • 1st year (ECTS)

    • 42
    • 18
  • 2nd year (ECTS)

    • 12
    • 12
    • 6
    • 30

Programme Structure

The curricula of the 1st and 2nd Cycle were reformed in the 2021/2022 academic year, following Decree-Law 65/2018 and the implementation of a new teaching model. The MSc programme in Aerospace Engineering derives from the former Integrated MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

  1. Core Structure (54 ECTS)

    The Master in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Major) deepens the knowledge acquired in the 1st Cycle in the following specialties:

    • Electronic Circuits and Systems
    • Control, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
    • Telecommunications
    • Computer Systems
    • Energy
    • Cyber-Physical Systems
    • Networks and Communication Systems

    The curriculum plan offers a choice of courses within each area of specialisation.

  2. Free options (30 ECTS)

    Part of the curriculum is of fully free choice, i.e., students may choose modules not only in Electrical Engineering but also in any other scientific field offered by Técnico.

    This component includes the possibility of taking a Minor – a number of multidisciplinary modules – which equals 18 ECTS credits. The offer cuts across all programmes offered by Técnico.

    Minors

    Extra-curricular activities may also be credited, to a maximum of 6 ECTS credit points.

  3. Project (6 ECTS)

    To integrate the knowledge acquired in this Masters, students will study and elaborate a project, individually or in groups, and in an academic or business environment, on a challenge of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

    This course can be attended either in the 1st year or in the 2nd year.

  4. Dissertation (30 ECTS)

    The dissertation is the final assignment of the study cycle, which allows students to focus and specialise on a specific subject that may take any of these formats:

    • Scientific thesis
    • Internship at a company
    • Capstone project

Target Audience

The Master in Electrical and Computer Engineering is intended for graduates in engineering-related areas, namely those with a background in Electronics, Telecommunications, Robotics, Energy, Control and related fields.

The programme is taught in Portuguese and some of its units may be in English, if there are any international or mobility students enrolled.

Career Opportunities

Técnico’s Electrical and Computer Engineers can work in the areas of Telecommunications, Energy, Electronics, Robotics, Computers, Decision and Control, developing activities such as:

  • Project, implementation and maintenance of communication systems, and respective terrestrial and satellite networks;
  • Development of conventional, solar and wind power generation systems to provide electricity;
  • Design and implementation of computer circuits to accelerate communication networks and processors;
  • Development of fast and efficient processors;
  • Implementation of sensor networks that allow efficient monitoring, and their interconnection with actuators;
  • Development of autonomous robots;
  • Design, development and programming of systems that allow many devices to behave intelligently;
  • Development of image processing algorithms;
  • Development of biomedical systems;
  • Scientific research and development;
  • Quality control;
  • Consulting and leadership and management roles;
  • Professional training and teaching.

Facts & Figures

97,7%

employed MSc graduates

81,2%

employability in the area of study

15,3%

internationalization

Source: Técnico Employability Observatory | 2016/17 academic year data.

Entry requirements

To apply for a 2nd Cycle at Técnico you should:

  • hold a 1st cycle degree in Science and Technology (except in the case of the 2nd cycle in Architecture, which requires a 1st cycle degree in Architecture);
  • hold an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that certifies their ability to do the MSc programme which they apply for.

Candidates are selected according to these criteria:

  • affinity between the degree they hold and the programme they apply for;
  • type of degree they hold;
  • academic success in the programme they attended.

Note: if requested, we may appreciate the academic, scientific or professional curriculum and the candidate’s performance during the interview.

Students' Organisations

Técnico students stimulate autonomously and proactively projects that act as a complement to their academic background. For example, the Students’ Organisations provide them with skills and added value making them more competitive in the labour market.

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Students’ Organisation (NEEC) is the main structure of Electrical and Computer Engineering students, which promotes activities such as:

  • Repository of study materials
  • Alumni sessions (NEEC Talks)
  • Summer internships in the Técnico Summer Internships initiative
  • Organisation of the Conferences on Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • NEECathon Challenge