
Smartwatches, car control units, medical devices and factory robots all have one thing in common: a small computer hidden inside that has to work fast, reliably and safely. Computer Science for Embedded Systems at AGH University of Krakow is an engineering programme taught in English that teaches students to design both the software and the hardware behind such devices – and at the end you can check whether this programme is right for you.
An embedded system is a computer built into a larger device and designed for a specific task. Unlike a laptop, it usually has limited memory and power, and it often has to react in real time. Embedded systems control cars, planes, medical equipment, household appliances and industrial machines.
At AGH, the programme is run by the Faculty of Computer Science, Electronics and Telecommunications. It is a first-cycle engineering programme taught in English, aimed at those who, in the words of the faculty, want to create intelligent devices, modern electronic systems and future technologies.
The curriculum combines computer science with electronics. According to the faculty, students learn:
The programme also covers mathematics, physics, algorithms, IoT systems and data analysis – the foundations that make it possible to understand what happens inside a device, not only how to program it.
Practical work is a key part of the studies. Students work in research laboratories and on team-based projects, and they use professional tools for simulation, testing and debugging. This matters in embedded engineering, where a bug is not just an error message on the screen but a device that stops working. Learning to trace such problems with the right tools is one of the most valuable skills an embedded engineer can have.
The faculty also highlights soft skills: communication, teamwork and entrepreneurship. Engineers who build devices rarely work alone – they cooperate with hardware designers, testers and product teams.
Two topics in the curriculum show where the field is heading. Embedded AI, or TinyML, means running machine learning models directly on small, low-power devices instead of sending data to the cloud. Cybersecurity of embedded systems deals with protecting devices that are increasingly connected to networks – from sensors in smart homes to control units in vehicles.
The programme suits students who enjoy both programming and electronics and who like to see their code work in the physical world. Strong mathematics and physics skills will help, as will patience when testing and debugging. As all classes are in English, a good command of the language is essential. Current admission rules and requirements should be checked on the AGH recruitment website.
The faculty lists typical roles for graduates:
Graduates can work in automotive, aerospace, medtech, robotics and Industry 4.0 – sectors where embedded systems are at the heart of the product.
Computer Science for Embedded Systems at AGH is an English-taught engineering programme that connects programming with electronics. Students learn microcontrollers, RTOS, Embedded Linux, FPGA, embedded cybersecurity and TinyML, and work in laboratories and team projects. Graduates can build careers as embedded, firmware or IoT engineers in industries from automotive to medtech.

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