EPSRC CDT in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing

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, energy efficient lighting, smart phones, satellite communications, power electronics for the next generation of electric vehicles and new imaging techniques.

If you would like a career at the heart of this exciting new technology, whether in industry or academia, we are offering up to 14 fully funded PhD studentships with an enhanced stipend to eligible students. You will study in a supportive cohort and undertake an intellectually challenging and industrially relevant PhD project.

The EPSRC CDT in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing has been designed to complement the work of the world’s first Compound Semiconductor (CS) Cluster established in the UK, which has so far attracted over £500m in public and private funding.

Led by Cardiff University and partnered by the University of Manchester, the University of Sheffield and University College London (UCL), the CDT will provide a holistic understanding of the entire manufacturing process, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to accelerate their own career trajectory and in doing so change the face of UK CS Manufacturing.

The CDT builds on various Compound Semiconductor initiatives such as the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult and the EPSRC Future Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub also led by Cardiff University.

The aim of these initiatives is to drive economic growth through partnership between industry and universities to apply the latest innovative research. The CDT has been co-created with IQE Plc, CSC Ltd, Nexperia, and the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult and includes over 24 industrial partners.

How to apply

Applications for the 2023 intake have now officially closed and our places are now full.

If we are able to take a 2024 intake, the process will be as follows:

Applicants should have or be expecting to graduate with a good degree in physics, electronic or electrical engineering (first or 2:1) and have a genuine interest in compound semiconductors and enthusiasm for the group approach. Applicants with a lower second class degree (2:2) in these subjects may be considered if they have a good result at Masters level study or significant relevant work experience. We will also consider applicants with related physical science degrees on an individual basis. Studentships are available for Home and International students, however a maximum of three or four studentships will be available for international applicants. For details on eligibility, see the UKRI website.

The application process is explained on our website , but note that the application is a two-part process with one application form going direct to the CDT and another via the Cardiff University Coursefinder Page. If you have any queries in the meantime, feel free to email us.