Transformational technologies such as Digitalisation, AI, Automation and Clean Energy, are all underpinned by semiconductors. The importance of semiconductors as a critical foundational ‘horizontal’ technology cannot be overstated.

The UK is investing heavily in this space, and the people who will drive it forward. For Physics students and graduates, that means you have access to real, high-value career paths that offer technical challenge, strong earning potential, and long-term progression.

The Semiconductor Futures Programme (Physics)

The Semiconductor Futures Programme (Physics) has been developed by the UK Electronics Skills Foundation in partnership with Aston University as part of a wider government-backed effort to build the UK’s semiconductor and advanced technology workforce.

The course will give you the opportunity to apply your strong problem-solving skills and deep understanding of how the world works to this critical, fast-growing sector, and support you to develop practical skills that most physics graduates don’t have.

About the course

Learning outcomes

  • Design and simulate digital systems, from logic gates to processors
  • Programme microcontrollers using sensors, controls and displays
  • Use VHDL to create, verify and debug FPGA-based designs
  • Understand how CPUs, memory, registers and ALUs execute instructions
  • Apply digital design to real-world signals, including timing, noise and synchronisation

Course details

  • Duration: Three months
  • Commitment: Up to 50 hours per month
  • Delivery: Online, alongside a hands-on, in person workshop at a university
  • Cost: Free
  • Start date: There are three cohorts which will begin in July, August and September

Course structure

The course is delivered primarily online, with structured checkpoints to keep you on track, alongside an in-person, hands-on workshop at a university. You’ll also receive your own Arduino Grove kit (a microcontroller) to build and experiment with.

Completion

On completion, you’ll receive certification from the UKESF.

Apply

While the programme is open to all penultimate/final year Physics undergraduates and recent graduates, it is designed for those who are genuinely interested and willing to commit time and effort over three months.

Register your details here and tell us briefly why you’d like to take part >

Deadline: 10pm on Thursday 16 July

If you have any questions, please get in touch at [email protected]