MTU and Tyndall debut course to tackle chip talent shortages

Munster Technological University (MTU) and the Tyndall National Institute in Cork have joined forces to launch a new postgraduate course aimed at tackling the shortage of skilled personnel in the semiconductor industry. The MSc Nanofab Processing and Instrumentation program is designed to equip technicians and engineers with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to work in specialized semiconductor cleanroom facilities, also known as nanofabs.

The course targets professionals already working in technical roles within semiconductor cleanrooms, as well as recent STEM undergraduates seeking to specialize in cleanroom-based technology and fabrication processes. Educational content will be delivered by experts with firsthand experience in semiconductor cleanrooms, covering topics such as semiconductor cleanroom processing, nanometrology, and cleanroom utilities and maintenance.

One of the course's key advantages is its flexibility, as it is delivered online, allowing students to attend lectures remotely while still utilizing their daily practical experience for assessment work. The program aims to contribute to the development of Ireland's specialized talent pipeline by producing graduates with advanced knowledge and skills, aligning with national and global semiconductor strategies.

The course begins on September 14th. Additionally, MTU recently launched a Master of Engineering in Integrated Manufacturing Engineering, a part-time program offered from the MTU Kerry campus, to address the growing demand for advanced engineering skills across Ireland's manufacturing sector. Meanwhile, Maynooth University launched a Master's degree in Circuit Design in February, aiming to produce skilled workers in the semiconductor sector to support Ireland's 'Silicon Island' strategy.