The Fully Funded Swansea University Research Scholarship in UK is open for all internationals around the world to pursue a Ph.D. degree. 

Cubic boron arsenide (c-BAs) is emerging as a revolutionary semiconductor exhibiting remarkably close electron mobility of 1400 cm2/Vs (1400 cm2/Vs for silicon) and hole mobility of about 2100 cm2/Vs (450 cm2/Vs for silicon), at room temperature. While the electron mobility is comparable to silicon, the hole mobility is substantially larger. Additionally, the c-BAs measured thermal conductivity is 1000 to 1300 W/mK, well above silicon (140 W/mK). These outstanding transport properties of c-BA call for great improvements in digital, radio-frequency (mobile computing), and photovoltaic (solar cells) applications.

However, a superior carrier transport of c-BA is not sufficient on its own. Therefore, this project will study the carrier mobility and density in metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structures which are essential elements of electronic control of including complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) transistor logic in every device we use. We prepare these structures in the Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM), a new £90M facility (~£140M overall investment) with an area of 4,320 m2. The interface between a dielectric layer (oxide) and the c-BAs (semiconductor) will inevitably degrade the electron and hole mobility. The project will aim to optimize the choice of the dielectric and the metal to deliver the best possible mobility and density in the MOS structures.

If you have a degree in physics or chemistry, or in electrical, material, or mechanical engineering, and would like to conduct research in this entirely novel material with the perspective to bring revolution into semiconductor devices and thus kick off your professional career, apply as advised below.

The Fully Funded Swansea University Research Scholarship in UK covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (currently £18,622 for 2023/24). Additional research expenses will also be available.

The eligibility criteria for the Fully Funded Swansea University Research Scholarship in UK are stated: 

1. Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or a similar relevant science discipline.

2. If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognized equivalent.

3. Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.

4. NB: If you are holding a non-UK degree, please see Swansea University degree comparisons to find out if you meet the eligibility.

Application