Cardiff University
Compound Semiconductor Physics MSc
Cardiff University

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in History

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of History at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24000 £24000 £29000
25-75 percentile range £20500 - £27000 £18500 - £28500 £22500 - £36000


Salary of all UK Graduates of History

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24405 £22643 £27403
25-75 percentile range £20545 - £28120 £17457 - £28376 £20781 - £35411

Course Description

The MSc Compound Semiconductor Physics has been designed to deliver thorough training and practical experience in compound semiconductor theory, fabrication and applications, and integration with silicon technology.

The programme is jointly delivered by 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 as a founding member of the Compound Semiconductor Cluster, which also includes companies such as IQE plc, SPTS and Newport Wafer Fab, 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 a unique facility in the UK, and aims to create a global hub for compound semiconductor technology research, development and innovation.

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

As part of the course you will undertake a 3 month summer project which will be based either in the School of Physics and Astronomy, within the ICS, or in placement with one of our industrial partners. We have strong, long-established industrial links with companies such as IQE and are therefore in a unique position to be able to offer a portfolio of theoretical, practical, fabrication and applications-centred projects in both academic and industrial placement environments. No other Russell Group university can offer such opportunities in this field.

Upon graduation, you will have the training, skillsets and hands-on experience you need to succeed in the dynamic and highly competitive field of compound semiconductors.

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.
  • Our specialist elective modules are delivered by expert scientists, who deliver their courses based on their research expertise and current research portfolio.
  • We offer a range of specialist modules that give you the opportunity to tailor the programme to suit your interests and ambitions. Whether you’re fascinated by superconductivity and magnetism or want to specialise in photonics we have modules to suit you. We also have modules designed to develop commercial skills and more technical options such as advanced LabVIEW programming.
  • Central to the design of this programme is the opportunity to take ownership of real theoretical or practical projects. You will have acquired a full year’s worth of practical research experience by the time you complete your MSc, greatly enhancing your CV and prospects for employment or further study.
  • You will be trained in the practical use of the LabVIEW programming environment. Recognised by industry this will serve as a solid foundation for preparing for the National Instruments (NI) Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) examination.
  • We currently offer the opportunity to take the CLAD examination for free as an extra-curricular activity, supported by our certified academic staff. CLAD status is industrially recognised and indicates a broad working knowledge of the LabVIEW environment.
  • 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.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Compound Semiconductor Physics MSc at Cardiff University

20% Administrative occupations
18% Sales occupations
9% Finance Professionals
7% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Business and Financial Project Management Professionals
5% Protective service occupations
4% Elementary occupations
4% Information Technology Professionals
4% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
4% Business and public service associate professionals

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • MBA
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Compound Semiconductor Physics, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

**Typically, you will need to have either: **

a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as physics, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, a related physical science, mathematics, astrophysics, astronomy, engineering or an equivalent international degree.

a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification

or relevant professional experience evidenced by a reference. This should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application. If you are submitting your application based upon relevant professional experience the likelihood of being offered a place on the course is highest for research and development experience in the field of silicon or compound semiconductors, but experience will be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis. 

For further information regarding entry requirements, please visit the course page on our website:

**

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of Cardiff University in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Cardiff University in related subject specific rankings.

Natural Sciences

    • #1 
    • #10 
    Physics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #151 
    Physics
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #241 
    Physics
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]

See all 33 university rankings of Cardiff University

About Cardiff University

Established in 1883, Cardiff University is located in the urban setting of the city of Cardiff, Wales. Some of the university’s most obvious advantages include world-leading research, a knowledgeable and proactive career services office, and the central location. Cardiff is a vibrant, modern city with a young and diverse population known for accepting people from all walks of life.

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