How to apply

An outstanding academic record in a relevant technical discipline (for example Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Materials, Chemistry) coupled with a broad outlook and a strong interest in quantum computation and/or quantum communications. We will be looking for applicants who will have achieved the equivalent of a good UK Masters (e.g. MSci, MPhys, MEng or MSc) degree by the time they join us. The programme will not accept applications from candidates who are only qualified to Bachelors level. We strongly encourage applications from communities which are currently under-represented in quantum technologies research, including under-represented genders and ethnic groups.

All applicants have the choice of applying for one or more specific PhD projects which are co-sponsored and co-supervised by UCL's industrial partners; and/or applying for general entry. This choice is made using the Supplementary Information Form. Note that all applicants must submit a Supplementary Information Form even those who are only interested in general entry.

In the case of general entry you will select your PhD topic during the first six months of the course. General entry students will likely undertake a PhD which is supervised by a UCL member of academic staff and which is not industrially co-sponsored. We strongly encourage all applicants to apply for general entry in addition to any of the specific projects which you are interested in.

Full details of the specific industrially co-sponsored and co-supervised projects can be found at Industrially Co-Supervised Projects. Please read these descriptions carefully before making your selection.

On the form, select all the PhD projects which you would like to apply for - pick as many of these as you like.

Please rank your choices with Preference 1 being your most preferred choice, Preference 2 being your second most preferred choice etc. You should not rank all the projects - just the ones which you are interested in applying for.

Please complete the Supplementary Information Form immediately after you have submitted your application through the UCL Online Postgraduate Applications Portal ("Portico"). 

We would like you to include: An indication of which elements of quantum computation and/or quantum communications research interest you, and in particular whether you are interested in undertaking a theoretical or an experimental project. Details of a research project undertaken as part of your studies (including project title and supervisor), and details of any other relevant research experience you have. Please make it clear whether this project was in experiment or theory. Any particular highlights of your academic career so far that may not be apparent from the information on your form (e.g. courses in which you did particularly well, prizes, or publications of previous research). Be as specific and quantitative as you can. Specific reasons for your interest in doing a PhD at the EPSRC CDT in Quantum Computation and Quantum Communications and your career goals. Please do not include generic statements that tell us nothing about you. For example, we already know that quantum computation and quantum communications are fascinating and exciting, and that UCL is a good place to study. Don’t waste precious space telling us!

This Doctoral Programme is recruiting from a broad background so we know that not all students may have prior laboratory experience. Lab activities are designed with this in mind. Lab is an essential part of the initial six-month intensive training programme (ITP), because it’s so important in appreciating how quantum technologies actually function – and if you haven’t been in a lab before, you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it. At the PhD stage our consortium contains many theorists who are potential supervisors, so we expect there to be a significant fraction of largely or entirely theoretical PhD projects.

This Doctoral Programme is recruiting from a broad background so we know that not all students may have prior physics theory experience. Theoretical activities are designed with this in mind. Theory is an essential part of the first year of our programme, because it’s so important in appreciating what quantum technologies are aiming to do, and if you haven’t done physics theory before, you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it. At the PhD stage our consortium contains many experimentalists who are potential supervisors, so we expect there to be a significant fraction of largely or entirely experimental projects.

We will require two references as part of your application. Please contact your referees before you apply; view Information for referees for further information. Please advise your referees that they will receive an email invitation from UCL once you have submitted their application. We require their reference by 3rd February 2025 – please make sure that you communicate this deadline to your referees. We therefore recommend that you submit your application at least a week before the application deadline.

We expect to shortlist and interview candidates w/c 10th March 2025. We usually interview candidates who live outside of the UK online, but can arrange a LCN visit for candidates who are offered a place on the programme. Candidates will learn the outcome around a week after their interview.