+44 (0)24 7671 8970
More publications     •     Advertise with us     •     Contact us
*/
News Article

MSc programme closure

News
The University Network for the Semiconductor Industry has announced that its modular MSc programme is to close after seven years, although individual modules will continue to be delivered to meet industry demands.
During the mid to late 1990s, the UK was home to a burgeoning semiconductor industry with an exciting growth in new, indigenous business start-ups coupled with high levels of inward investment from some of the world's largest silicon fabs. But employers soon started expressing concerns that the supply of skills and knowledge could not keep pace with demand, particularly at the postgraduate level.It was against this backdrop that a consortium of ten UK universities was formed under the auspices of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Integrated Graduate Development Scheme (IGDS). Together with industrial support lead by the newly formed National Microelectronics Institute (NMI) the group set out to formulate and deliver a modular MSc programme tailored specifically to meet the needs of the UK's semiconductor industry.Professor Peter Hemment, Programme Director, has reported that the mission statement of the programme is "to provide world class, postgraduate education and training in semiconductor manufacturing technologies for professional engineers and scientists, employed within the global silicon industry, and by so doing, enhance the competitiveness of the participating companies"The first module was delivered in 2000. Since then 27 modules have been attended by a total of 166 candidates. The first delegate graduated with a distinction and was awarded a MSc in 2004. Despite consistent positive feedback and high praise of the course content, quality and delivery over the years, the downturn in the semiconductor industry between 2001 and 2005 saw a steady decline in the number of candidates registering for the MSc programme. Sadly, this cast doubt over the commercial viability of the course that resulted in the Board of Management having to take the tough decision to wind down the programme. The final modules are expected to be delivered by the end of this year (2006).Whilst the need for a validated, postgraduate MSc programme appears to have diminished, the UK's semiconductor industry currently shows strong signs of recovery. It is therefore very likely that we could soon return to the cries of concern about lack of skills and education in this specialised discipline, that prompted the setting up of the programme seven years ago.Fortunately, a great deal of high quality learning materials have been developed by the partner universities under this programme and individual elements are available for delivery as stand-alone modules which can be tailored to meet individual companies' needs. Chris Meadows of Cardiff based IQE and Chairman of the MSc programme's Board of Management commented: "despite the winding down of the MSc programme itself, the overall exercise can be considered a great success, not only for the legacy it leaves in terms of the learning materials, but also as a demonstration of the power and effectiveness of a consortium of UK universities working together to respond to the needs of an industry sector. It is a testimony to all involved."
×
Search the news archive

To close this popup you can press escape or click the close icon.
Logo
×
Logo
×
Register - Step 1

You may choose to subscribe to the Silicon Semiconductor Magazine, the Silicon Semiconductor Newsletter, or both. You may also request additional information if required, before submitting your application.


Please subscribe me to:

 

You chose the industry type of "Other"

Please enter the industry that you work in:
Please enter the industry that you work in: