NMI Announces Major Masters Level Education Initiative For Microelectronics Industry

NMI, The National Microelectronics Institute, in conjunction with CEESI (Continuing Education in Electronics Systems Integration) and EPSRC (Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council) is announcing the introduction of a Masters level training programme designed in collaboration with the microelectronics industry to provide the level and type of postgraduate training that is essential to the industry.

NMI, The National Microelectronics Institute, in conjunction with CEESI (Continuing Education in Electronics Systems Integration) and EPSRC (Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council) is announcing the introduction of a Masters level training programme designed in collaboration with the microelectronics industry to provide the level and type of postgraduate training that is essential to the industry. Whilst this is not the first Masters training package, it is certainly the first to consider and concentrate on industry requirements, providing flexible postgraduate training in electronics systems integration.

The CEESI programme centres on a pool of modules from leading UK universities including Bolton Institute of Higher Education, the Institute for System Level Integration (Glasgow, Heriot-Watt, Edinburgh and Strathclyde Universities), University of Bradford, Northumbria University, University of Southampton and the University of Surrey. Industrial partners include ARM, Infineon Technologies, Sony SDE, National Semiconductor, Cypress Semiconductors, Philips Semiconductors, National Microelectronics Institute, Motorola and Atmel.

Based on the simple philosophy that employers know what modules they require in a training programme for postgraduates to help build and take forward the microelectronics industry, the CEESI programme enables specific study on a part time basis with options towards higher postgraduate awards. Study is flexible enabling postgraduates to take selective modules or to build towards an MSc. For industry, the CEESI programme will extend knowledge and skills in microelectronics via very relevant training.

Introducing the CEESI initiative, Stephen Timms MP, Minister of State for E-Commerce &Competitiveness said, "Excellence in vocational learning is at the heart of Government's education policy. It is essential to strengthen the link between educational qualifications and the needs of the job market. The collaboration of industry and academic bodies is fundamental to this. I am therefore delighted to be introducing the CEESI's Masters programme. It will ensure a continued supply of skilled designers to the microelectronics industry. This, in turn, will help the UK maintain its position as the European leader for Electronics Design."

Commenting on the CEESI programme, David Rees, Managing Director, Cypress Semiconductors International Design Centres commented, One can read endlessly about the inability of the UK education system to produce qualified people that will drive our knowledge based economy. Instead of just re-stating the problem, the CEESI initiative is a genuine attempt to begin finding a solution. It involves a partnership between industry and academia, let us hope it is only a beginning."

Industrialist John Brothers of Bristol based Infineon Technologies and Chairman of the CEESI Management Board said, CEESI has produced a framework for UK Universities and a group of the foremost IC Design teams in the UK to plan how specialised training should evolve. The close relationship established under CEESI has enabled the content of the delivered courses to be much more in tune with the needs of the UK's rapidly developing IC Design community."
The National Microelectronics Institute was set up specifically to support the microelectronics industry and assists its continued growth, covering all aspects of design, integrated circuit manufacture, embedded software and product introduction. The organisation, which was founded in 1996 as a non profit-making organisation, is owned by its members who comprise semiconductor manufacturers, design houses, suppliers to the industry, and regional development agencies.

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