Semiconductor Technology and Applications, MSc
Be part of the rapidly expanding semiconductors industry
Course Overview
This course is currently under review and we are therefore not accepting applications for September 2024. Please Register your Interest to receive course updates or browse similar courses using our course finder.
Semiconductors are everywhere – from the processor and AI chips in our smartphones to electronic devices for electric and autonomous vehicles, to new sensors for healthcare.
The MSc in Semiconductor Technology and Applications is an exciting course covering all aspects of semiconductor materials and technologies from silicon to compound semiconductors, to next generation semiconductors (plastic electronics and 2D materials). Students will learn how to design and fabricate semiconductor devices and how these technologies are used in applications including communications, AI, automotive, photonics, intelligent sensing and more.
This MSc Degree is awarded by the Chemistry Department.
Why Semiconductor Technology and Applications at Swansea?
You will be part of the revolution in semiconductor technologies, developing knowledge and skills in device processing, characterisation and applications. You will have hands on lab experience in our £22 million Nanotechnology Centre and our new £30 million Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials – Swansea’s “Fab on the beach”.
You will be exposed to cutting edge technologies and interact with experts from the semiconductor industry. You will develop a broad skillset and a network of contacts which will enhance your opportunities for employment in semiconductor and related industries – a sector which is currently booming, with fantastic, high paid career opportunities.
The course is delivered in a flexible format with a combination of practical workshops, live and online lectures, recorded content and guest lectures from our academic partners at Cambridge University and other cognate organisations. The flexible delivery modes make this course ideal for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and part time study, with modules focussed on upskilling full-time students and industry-based employees from a range of sectors (e.g. semiconductors, automotive, power, sensors, health / well-being devices) and wishing to move into or indeed upwards in semiconductors.
Your Semiconductor Technology and Applications Experience
Semiconductors are everywhere – from application processors and AI chips in our smartphones to electronic devices for electric and autonomous vehicles, to new sensors for healthcare.
The semiconductor revolution will create thousands of new jobs over the next 5 years.
The MSc is linked closely with the CSconnected, the Compound Semiconductor Cluster, and supported by our industry partners including SPTS Technologies, IQE, The Compound Semiconductor Centre (CSC), Microchip, Newport Wafer Fab, Zimmer and Peacock – globally renowned companies in the semiconductor and related industries sectors.
The semiconductor industry is expanding rapidly – with many career opportunities at all our industry partners.
The MSc course is suitable for students with Physics, Chemistry (and related sciences), Maths, Computer Science and Engineering backgrounds who have had some knowledge of semiconductors from undergraduate studies and would like to learn more. It is also suitable for engineers and scientists wishing to re-train for a career change or up-skill within the semiconductor sector. The course will develop students' practical skill sets in semiconductor fabrication and processing, with projects directly linked with industry partners - ideal preparation for careers in the thriving semiconductor and related industries sector.
Modules will cover:
• Semiconductor processing and fabrication,
• Current and next generation semiconductor materials,
• Semiconductor devices,
• Device design, testing and characterisation,
• MEMS and Sensors,
• A broad range of applications (Power electronics, PV, Clean Energy, AI, automotive, photonics, Intelligent Sensing, Healthcare technologies).
• Industry related research project
Semiconductor Technology and Applications Employment Opportunities
The semiconductor revolution will create thousands of new jobs over the next 5 years and many more in the decades to come. The MSc in “Semiconductor Technology and Applications” will prepare Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering students, for careers in semiconductor and related industries but will also equip students with the transferable skills for many other sectors. The course will also be available online to industry-based employees.
Career opportunities at our industry partners can be found on their websites:
https://www.spts.com/spts-careers
https://www.iqep.com/careers/
https://www.microchip.com/en-us/about/careers
https://www.zimmerpeacocktech.com/hiring/
The course consists of 120 taught credits accompanied by a 60 credit research project. Modules have a focus on semiconductor device fabrication and processing, semiconductor theory and semiconductor materials and applications and device / materials characterisation, Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), plastic electronics, device testing and characterisation as well as applications (communications, AI, automotive, photonics, energy efficient devices and sensors.
Year 1 (Level 7T)
FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert
Compulsory Modules
Year 2 (Level 7D)
FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation
Compulsory Modules
A first or second class degree or higher in related Science or Engineering degree or at least 5 years prior experience in semi-conductor research/industry.
We welcome applications by prospective students from around the world and look for evidence of previous study that is equivalent to the entry requirements stated above. The Postgraduate Admissions Office is happy to advise you on whether your qualifications are suitable for entry to the course you would like to study. Please email postgraduate.admissions@swansea.ac.uk for further information.
If English is not your first language you will need an acceptable pass in an approved English Language qualification to make sure you get the full benefit from studying at Swansea. We consider a wide range of qualifications, including the Swansea University English Test, the British Council IELTS test (with a score of at least 6.5 and 5.5 in each component). A full list of acceptable English Language tests can be found at:
https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements
All applications meeting the minimum requirements will be reviewed and a shortlist of candidates invited for interview with 2 members of the programme team. This shortlist will be based on demonstrated academic performance, references, and a personal statement. This interview can be conducted in person or virtually, although the former is preferred for applicants who have not previously visited Swansea.
Modules will be delivered in both conventional and online format (flipped content).
The project component (60 credits) will be an individual project, inspired by and negotiated with external partners, resulting in a novel semiconductor device or process.
No Provision
Unfortunately, there is currently no formal Welsh-medium provision on this
course. If you would like to let us know that you are interested in pursuing an
element of your course through the medium of Welsh, please email astudio@abertawe.ac.uk to indicate
your interest along with your year of entry and we will do our best to see what
is possible.
Whilst this course does not offer academic content delivered in Welsh, the
University can provide you with the following, and Academi Hywel
Teifi is here to support you:
- An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
- Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
- The opportunity to create and submit your coursework or sit your exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
- A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
- One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
- The opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
- Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
Visit the Welsh Language
Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language
Rights.
Start Date |
UK |
International |
September 2024
|
£ 10,650
|
£ 21,600
|
September 2025
|
£ 11,200
|
£ 22,700
|
Start Date |
UK |
International |
September 2024
|
£ 5,350
|
£ 10,800
|
September 2025
|
£ 5,600
|
£ 11,350
|
Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.
You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.
International students and part-time study:
It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation.
It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.).
Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.
Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies.
To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's
scholarships and bursaries
page.
Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually.
For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.
Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
- Travel to and from campus
- Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
- Purchase of books or texts
- Gowns for graduation ceremonies
Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.
Our career support services include:
- Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
- Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
- Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
- Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
- Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.
We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.
There are excellent career opportunities for our students within the semiconductor industry and we have direct links to CSconnected, the Compound Semoconductor Cluster.
As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your
personal tutor, the Centre for Academic
Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas
such as:
- Academic writing
- Maths and statistics
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Digital skills
- Presentation skills
- Note taking
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
- English language skills (if English is not your first language).
In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability,
mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have
Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and
requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.
We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application
deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can
find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.