TLM Level 3 Certificate — Open Systems and Enterprises

Embedded Systems with C and Microcontrollers

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Course preview — coming soon

About the course

This course introduces you to the world of embedded systems — small, efficient computing units that power everything from appliances to vehicles. You'll learn to program microcontrollers using the C language, interact with sensors and actuators, and understand how hardware and software work together in real-time environments. A practical starting point for careers in electronics, robotics, IoT, and embedded engineering.

Learning objectives

  • Understand embedded systems and where they're used
  • Program microcontrollers using C with memory- and timing-efficiency
  • Interface with hardware components such as LEDs, buttons, and sensors
  • Read from and write to GPIO, ADCs, and serial interfaces
  • Debug and test code using simulators and hands-on kits

What you'll learn

What Is an Embedded System?

  • Definitions, architecture, and real-world applications
  • Overview of MCUs and development boards
  • Examples from automotive, medical, and consumer electronics

Programming in C for Hardware

  • Variables, pointers, memory management in C
  • Writing low-level code for performance and safety
  • Looping, conditional logic, and modular programming

Hardware Interfacing

  • Use digital and analog input/output
  • Control LEDs, buzzers, and servos
  • Read sensor values and interpret real-time data

Working with Development Tools

  • Simulate embedded systems using online emulators
  • Flash code to boards like Arduino, ESP32, STM32
  • Test, debug, and validate real-time behavior

What you can do next

  • Build small, embedded projects from scratch
  • Prepare for roles like Embedded Systems Engineer, Firmware Developer, or IoT Hardware Specialist
  • Understand how software drives physical systems
  • Move on to advanced embedded Linux or real-time operating systems (RTOS)

British-board certified. Complete this course to earn a UK Government-regulated TLM qualification — every course brings you closer to a full British-board Diploma.