Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing (EPSRC Studentships)

This PhD degree programme is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing. The centre is led by Cardiff University working closely with partner universities, Manchester and Sheffield, and University College London (UCL). The centre is also closely linked to the Compound Semiconductor Cluster, which is made up of a number of centres and companies working collaboratively to drive economic growth and to provide research and development in compound semiconductor technology and manufacturing.

The CDT will support postgraduate students to develop advanced knowledge and skills in compound semiconductor technology as well as developing research and professional skills and an understanding of the industry. Full EPSRC PhD studentships will be awarded to successful applicants.

The first year is comprised of a taught programme based upon either the MSc Compound Semiconductor Physics (optoelectronics) or the MSc Compound Semiconductor Electronics, depending on the applicant’s interests and background, and will be undertaken at Cardiff University. You will also develop your PhD project alongside academic and industrial supervisors.

You will then decide on the area in which you wish to specialise, and which University best fits your needs. All four universities are at the forefront of compound semiconductor research and have state-of-the-art facilities and internationally recognised expertise to support your studies.

Programme aims

Compound Semiconductor (CS) materials are a Key Enabling Technology at the heart of modern society. They are central to the development of, for example, the 5G network, new energy efficient lighting, smart phones, satellite communications, power electronics for the next generation of electric vehicles and new imaging techniques. These technologies support our connected world, our health, our security and the environment. The next generation of these technologies can only be achieved with a step change in CS manufacturing. The CS Manufacturing CDT is an essential core element in developing the skilled workforce to drive this change and support the emerging world leading CS Cluster.

Through this CDT we aim to provide outstanding PhD-level training, fully aligned with the needs of UK industry and co-created with IQE Plc, CSC Ltd, Newport Wafer Fab. Ltd and the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult. We are an alliance of four universities, Cardiff, Manchester and Sheffield Universities, UCL, and 24 companies, many already working closely together via the EPSRC Future CS Manufacturing Hub, with established excellence in CS disciplines, and will provide a distinctive but broad PhD training that is industrially relevant and intellectually challenging. Our vision is of PhD graduates equipped with the necessary skills to accelerate their own career trajectory and satisfy their personal ambitions, and in doing so, change the face of UK CS Manufacturing.

Distinctive features

• Funded places, including fees, a generous stipend and travel allowance.
• You can undertake your research project at one of four universities with full access to their expertise and facilities.
• If you successfully complete the programme you will be awarded both an MSc and a PhD.
• Personal tutor and mentoring across the four universities.
• Specialist training will be provided by experts in their field, including our industrial partners.
• Access to outstanding facilities in the Centre’s partner universities and companies.
• You will be part of a programme which has been developed in conjunction with industry and is aligned with their needs.
• In the first year you will be part of a supportive student community with its own dedicated postgraduate learning space and ready access to academic staff.
• We provide a dedicated nursery cleanroom where students can learn the basics in a supportive cohort environment before moving on to the ICS cleanroom shared with industrial staff.
• You will be encouraged to take part in poster presentations, conferences and other engagement activities.
• Students have the opportunity to meet and work with world class academic members of staff, and leading professionals working in the industry.
• You will have the opportunity to undertake a project working in one of our partner companies.
• You will develop appropriate hands-on experimental and theoretical training related to CS device and system level design and implementation which will equip you to become a leader in your professional career in industry or academia.

Key facts

Postgraduate research courses

There are a number of possible entry routes to our postgraduate research courses. We will consider applicants who have successfully completed a Masters from a recognised Jordanian institution.

In some cases, we will consider applicants who only have a Bachelor's degree (minimum Second Class, Higher Division), although applicants may be required to complete a Master's course at Cardiff University prior to embarking upon PhD studies.