Compound Semiconductor Electronics (MSc)

at Cardiff University

The MSc in Compound Semiconductor Electronics is a two-stage programme delivered over three semesters (autumn, spring, and summer) for a total of 180 credits.
 

Stage 1: Autumn/Spring terms (120 credits, taught)

You will undertake required modules totaling 70 credits, covering essential skills.

You will additionally have the choice of 50 credits of optional modules from a total of 100 credits, with each module covering specialist skills.
 

You must successfully complete the 120 credits of the taught component of the course before you will be permitted to progress to the research project component.
 

Stage 2: Summer term (60 credits, dissertation/research project)

The summer semester consists of a single 60 credit research project module of 3 months’ duration. You will be required to produce a research dissertation to the required standard in order to complete this module. Students completing Stages 1 and 2 will qualify for the award of the MSc degree.
 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/23 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

You will have two weeks at the beginning of the autumn term to attend any elective modules you are interested in so that you can finalise your choice for that term.  You will need to make your final selections for the spring term before the Christmas recess.  You will be supported in generating and negotiating a research project proposal during the spring term in order to prepare for your summer research project.

Academic requirements

Typically, you will need to have either:

• a 2:2 honours degree in communication engineering, communication technology, electronic engineering, electronics and electrical engineering, physics, or  wireless engineering, or an equivalent international degree
• a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification
• or relevant professional experience evidenced by a reference. For those applying solely or partially on the basis of relevant industrial experience, the likelihood of being offered a place on the course is highest for research and development experience in the field of microwave engineering or silicon/compound semiconductors, but experience will be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis.
   

English language requirements

IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or an accepted equivalent.
 

Application Deadline

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible.
 

Selection process

We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.

Fees for home status

Tution Fees - £10,200
Deposit - £

Fees for overseas status

Tution Fees - £23,450
Deposit-£1,000
 

An MSc in Compound Semiconductor Electronics will open up opportunities in the following areas:
 

• Technical, research, development and engineering positions in industrial compound semiconductors, silicon semiconductors and advanced communication systems;

• Theoretical, experimental and instrumentational doctoral research;

• Numerate, technical, research, development and engineering positions in related scientific fields;

• Physics, mathematics and general science education.
   

Cardiff University’s unique position at the forefront of compound semiconductor technology will provide you with the opportunity to develop experience and build contacts with a range of leading companies and organisations.
 

Placements
 

There will be a number of industrial placements each year for the summer research project module, which will either be hosted at the Institute for Compound Semiconductors or at the industrial partner’s facilities. The number and nature of these projects will vary from year to year and will be assigned based on performance in formal assessments.