The MSc in Compound Semiconductor Electronics has been designed to provide you with advanced level knowledge and skills in compound semiconductor engineering, fabrication and applications, and to develop related skills, enhancing your engineering competency and employability.

This programme is jointly delivered with the School of Physics and Astronomy and the Institute for Compound Semiconductors (ICS). The ICS is an exciting new development at the cutting edge of compound semiconductor technology. The Institute has been established in partnership with IQE plc, to capitalise on the existing expertise at Cardiff University and to move academic research to a point where it can be introduced reliably and quickly into the production environment. It is unique facility in the UK, and aims to create a global hub for compound semiconductor technology research, development and innovation.

As a student on this programme, you will have the opportunity to undertake a 3-month summer project which will be based either within the Institute for Compound Semiconductors, or in placement with one of our industrial partners. We have strong, long-established industrial links with companies such as National Instruments and Mesuro and are therefore able to offer a portfolio of theoretical, practical, fabrication and applications-centred projects in both academic and industrial placement environments.

Our flexible curriculum contains a robust set of required modules and a number of elective modules which include the latest results, innovations and techniques and are designed to incorporate the most effective teaching and learning techniques.

Upon graduation, you will have the training, skillsets and hands-on experience you need to succeed in the dynamic and highly competitive fields of compound semiconductors and advanced communications systems. Given the University’s unique position at the forefront of compound semiconductor technology, you will have a distinct advantage when applying for PhD studentships or employment in industry. 

Distinctive features

• 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
• This programme will provide you with the skillsets necessary to take advantage of emerging employment opportunities within the growing national and international compound semiconductor sector.
• We offer a range of specialist modules that give you the opportunity to tailor the programme to the particular industry or sector of interest to you. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with students on other related programmes, gain exposure to new fields, and even develop new business opportunities through our Commercialising Innovation module. 
• We encourage a “research group” atmosphere within which you’ll be given the opportunity to work together, across disciplines, to enhance each other’s learning and be a vital part of our thriving, international scientific community