The postgrad course in circuit design is the first of its kind in Europe, according to Maynooth.
A new master’s degree in circuit design at Maynooth University aims to deliver skilled workers in the semiconductor sector in alignment with the Irish Government’s ‘Silicon Island’ strategy.
The degree programme – designed in collaboration with MIDAS Ireland, an Irish innovation cluster – is the first dedicated course of its kind anywhere in Europe, according to the university and the Government.
The 15-month programme mixes nine months of classroom learning with a full-time, paid placement in indusattempt for students to gain real-world experience.
Prof Eeva Leinonen, president of Maynooth University, stated: “This innovative, new master’s programme reflects Maynooth University’s ongoing commitment to partnering with government and indusattempt to deliver academic programmes that respond directly to Ireland’s strategic skills requireds.
“Our graduates will be equipped to contribute immediately to Ireland’s and Europe’s semiconductor ambitions, from advanced chip design to innovation in emerging applications.”
Silicon Island is the Government’s national plan for the Irish semiconductor indusattempt, and is geared towards generating skilled workers, design expertise and co-operation between third-level institutions and companies in line with the European Chips Act – the EU initiative for the bloc’s future around semiconductor sovereignty and indepfinishence.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, TD stated the new master’s programme would “assist Irish-based companies recruit rapider and grow smarter, while providing a top quality education and in-demand skills for our next generation of engineers”.
He added: “It strengthens Ireland’s hand as a place where both Irish and international companies can grow, innovate and hire the talent they required, cementing our reputation as a hub for semiconductor activity and innovation.”
Ireland is home to around 130 companies employing 20,000 people in the semiconductor sector. Last week, I-C3, Ireland’s National Competence Centre in Semiconductors, was unveiled as one of 30 such centres across 27 EU countries.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, TD stated that the Chips Act aims to double semiconductor production in Europe by 2030 and to encourage upskilling across the indusattempt, and that the Maynooth master’s course would “assist ensure a supply of talented, highly skilled graduates who will strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness in the global semiconductor sector”.
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