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 offer 12-13 fully funded PhD studentships per annum, 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 initiatives such as the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult and the EPSRC Future Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub.

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 and the CSA Catapult and includes over 30 industrial partners.

How to apply

Applicants should have or be expecting to graduate with a good degree in physics, electronic or electrical engineering, or other related STEM subject(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. 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.

Applications are now open for Cohort 7 (Oct 2025 start date). The closing date for Round 1 interviews is 31 January, and the closing date for Round 2 Interviews is 31 March. If we still have spare places after the first two rounds, we will run a third round of interviews for which the closing date will be 31 May. Interviews are normally 3 to 4 weeks after the closing date for each round, and are held online.

Physics, Applied Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, EEE, Quantum Physics, Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Microwave, Net Zero, Manufacturing, Optical Physics, Semiconductors, RH and HF Electronics, Solid-state Physics