23rd February 2026
Includes an embedded, paid internship, a major step in future-proofing our skills base and growing semiconductor jobs
The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, has welcomed Maynooth University’s MEngSc in Integrated Circuit Design (ICD), the first dedicated course of its kind anywhere in Europe that also includes a paid internship.
This new programme directly supports Silicon Island, the Government’s national plan to grow Ireland’s semiconductor industry. It will help deliver the skilled workers, design expertise and strong links between companies and universities that Ireland needs to compete internationally, in line with the goals of the European Chips Act.
The new Masters is a 15 month intensive programme that mixes nine months of classroom learning with a full time, paid placement in industry.
Students will work directly with companies, take part in site visits, tackle real world engineering challenges, and complete a major project that builds both technical and professional skills. The course was developed with strong support from MIDAS Ireland and its member companies.
Minister Burke said:
“Maynooth University’s new Masters in Integrated Circuit Design is exactly the kind of forward looking initiative we need. It will fast track the skills needed for Ireland’s growing semiconductor sector and deepen collaboration between industry and universities, as set out in our Silicon Island strategy which I published last year.
“It strengthens Ireland’s hand as a place where both Irish and international companies can grow, innovate and hire the talent they need, cementing our reputation as a hub for semiconductor activity and innovation.
“Silicon Island is about building world class skills and design capabilities. This Masters, with its combination of specialist study and a paid industrial placement, will help Irish based companies recruit faster and grow smarter while providing a top quality education and in-demand skills for our next generation of engineers.
“As we build momentum with initiatives like the I-C3 competence centre and the European Chips Act pilot lines, programmes like this will produce the engineers and problem solvers who will make those plans a reality.”
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Minister James Lawless said:
"I welcome this pioneering Masters programme from Maynooth University in Integrated Circuit Design (ICD), which will help attract, develop and deliver the high performing talent we need to meet our semiconductor ambitions. The Chips Act aims to double semiconductor production in Europe by 2030 and to encourage upskilling across the industry. This course will help ensure a supply of talented, highly skilled graduates who will strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness in the global semiconductor sector."
Professor Eeva Leinonen, President of Maynooth University said:
“This innovative, new Master’s programme reflects Maynooth University’s ongoing commitment to partnering with Government and industry to deliver academic programmes that respond directly to Ireland’s strategic skills needs."
"We are proud that Maynooth University, through our Faculty of Science and Engineering, is the first to offer a postgraduate programme of its kind in Europe that will attract outstanding student and research talent from around the world."
"Our graduates will be equipped to contribute immediately to Ireland’s and Europe’s semiconductor ambitions, from advanced chip design to innovation in emerging applications.”
ENDS
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