The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Department of Applied Physics
Master of Science in Microelectronics Technology and Materials
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
HKD 228,000
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Master of Science in Microelectronics Technology and Materials at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University trains students in microelectronics, semiconductor materials, device fabrication and IC processes. It focuses on industry-relevant curriculum, hands-on learning, small cohorts and support from faculty ranked for research in physics and materials.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work as physicists and engineers in semiconductor and materials development, process engineering, IC design, packaging, validation and manufacturing, or pursue further study. Employers include IC design houses, packaging and equipment suppliers and fabs such as Huawei, ASTRI, ASMPT and SMIC; roles include R&D, process technical development, optimization and quality assurance.
The MSc in Microelectronics Technology and Materials at PolyU is a one-year, full-time postgraduate programme (Programme Code: 11044) designed to develop highly skilled professionals for the burgeoning semiconductor industry. Leveraging strong research expertise in device physics and materials science from the Department of Applied Physics, this programme offers comprehensive training in microelectronic device and integrated circuit fabrication, simulation, characterization, and inspection.
Programme Features
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Covers the complete process flow of microelectronics, from design and simulation to fabrication and inspection, ensuring graduates are job-ready
- Hands-On Learning: Access to 34+ cutting-edge laboratories, including a cleanroom facility, supports practical skills development and experiential training
- Small Cohort, Big Impact: Taught by leading faculty, the programme emphasizes professional orientation and leadership in semiconductor processes
- High-Quality Support: Available HK$10,000 entry scholarships recognise outstanding academic achievements in qualified applicants
Why Apply and Enrol?
- World-Class Faculty and Global Recognition in Microelectronics Education: Our department is supported by a team of highly qualified faculty members with extensive research and industry experience, ensuring students receive cutting-edge knowledge and practical insights. This strong academic foundation is further reinforced by PolyU’s outstanding global rankings in materials science (QS: 72nd; U.S. News & World Report: 28th), underscoring the excellence and credibility of this programme
- Meet Industry Demand: With global demand for microelectronics soaring, graduates are well-positioned to contribute to key areas such as integrated circuit development, materials engineering, and semiconductor processing
- Develop Professional Competence: The programme enhances lifelong learning, critical and creative problem-solving skills, and professional leadership—key for career advancement in the semiconductor industry
- Excel in a Practical Environment: Extensive laboratory training and exposure to real-world semiconductor tools prepare students for immediate impact in industry or research
Students are required to complete 31 credits (including 1 credit from Academic Integrity and Ethics Requirement subject) for an MSc in Microelectronic Technology and Materials, in which 19 credits of core and 12 credits of elective subjects. They are also required to complete a non-credit-bearing online module titled "Understanding China and Hong Kong SAR, P.R.C.". The total number of credits required for graduation is 31.
Core subjects (3 credits for each subject, except EEE5T03)
- AP5001 Semiconductor Materials and Processing
- AP5002 Semiconductor Devices and Systems
- AP5003 Integrated Circuits Design
- AP5004 Integrated Circuit Processing and Laboratory
- AMA503 Statistics and Data Analytics
- AP5017 Advanced Materials Analysis and Characterisation
- EEE5T03 Engineering Ethics and Academic Integrity
Elective Subjects (3 credits for each subject)
- AP5006 Thin Film Materials and Preparation Technologies
- AP5007 MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) and Sensors
- AP5008 Microelectronics Packaging and Reliability
- AP5009 Emerging Memory Technologies
- AP5010 Artificial Intelligence for Materials Science
- AP5011 Machine Vision for Semiconductor Manufacturing and Inspections
- AP5013 Wide Bandgap Semiconductors for Microelectronics
Elective project (6 credits)
- AP5020 Project
(Independent project carried out under the supervision of a faculty member with a topic to be proposed by the students. This is a 6-credit subject, and it will last for 2 consecutive semesters)
University Ranking Highlights
- 25th Best Universities for Materials Science
U.S. News & World Report 2026 - 64th Materials Science
QS World University Rankings 2026 - A+ Materials Science & Engineering
Times Higher Education (THE) China Subject Ratings 2024 - 6th Engineering
U.S. News & World Report 2026 - 29th Electrical & Electronic Engineering
U.S. News & World Report 2026 - 43rd Engineering
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 - 70th Engineering & Technology
QS World University Rankings 2026
Upon graduation, students are expected to demonstrate:
Lifelong Learning Capability
An enhanced capability for continual professional development through inquiry and reflection on professional practice
Professional Competence
Possess knowledge and skills in microelectronics technology and materials, and be able to apply their knowledge and contribute to professional leadership
Versatile Problem Solvers
- Think holistically and analytically in dealing with complex problems and situations
- A good mastery of critical and creative thinking skills, and can generate practical and innovative solutions
Entry scholarships of HK$10,000 will be granted to applicants with excellent academic achievements.
- Physicists/Engineers for Semiconductor/Material Development, Material/Manufacture Process, Process Technical Development, Microelectronics, IC Design, Optimised Operations, Packaging, Validation and Applications
- Further education
Non-local graduates are eligible to apply Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) to stay and work in the HKSAR.
Companies that provide IC design
- Huawei Tech. Investment Co., Ltd
- Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI)
- ASI - Advanced Semiconductor Integrations Ltd
- Solomon Systech Limited
- AppoTech Ltd
- HiSilicon (华为海狮)
Companies that provide IC packaging equipment
- ASMPT Limited
- Atom Semiconductor
Companies that provide IC manufacturing
- Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC)
- Huahong group