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Quantum Technologies MSc

London, Bloomsbury

The Quantum Technologies MSc will take students to the cutting-edge of research in the emerging area of quantum technologies, giving them not only an advanced training in the relevant physics but also the chance to acquire key skills in the engineering and information sciences.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£15,100
£7,550
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£37,500
£18,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 28 Jun 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in physics, engineering, mathematics, computer science or a related subject, with evidence of familiarity with basic quantum mechanics.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

If you are intending to apply for a time-limited visa to complete your UCL studies (e.g., Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) you may be required to obtain ATAS clearance. This will be confirmed to you if you obtain an offer of a place. Please note that ATAS processing times can take up to six months, so we recommend you consider these timelines when submitting your application to UCL.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Students learn the language and techniques of advanced quantum mechanics, quantum information theory and quantum computation, as well as state-of-the-art implementation with condensed matter and quantum optical systems.

Who this course is for

Applicants have typically taken coursework which covers the pre-requisite topics listed in the Advanced Quantum Theory course.

Sometimes students from non-physics backgrounds (computer science, engineering, mathematics) who have done exceptionally well in their course, are able to demonstrate proficiency in quantum theory in other ways, in which case this should be fully documented. 

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

UCL offers one of the leading research programmes in quantum technologies anywhere in the world, as well as outstanding taught programmes in the subjects contributing to the field (including physics, computer science, and engineering). It also hosts the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Delivering Quantum Technology.

UCL Physics & Astronomy is among the top departments in the UK for this subject area: UCL is consistently placed in the global top 20 across a wide range of university rankings – and is currently 4th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 for Physics & Astronomy.

The department of Physics & Astronomy at UCL are proud holders of the Athena Swan Silver Award and achieved a Juno Champion Award from the Institute of Physics.

The programme provides a rigorous grounding across the disciplines underlying quantum technologies, as well as the chance to work with some of the world's leading groups in research projects. The UCL Quantum Science and Technology Institute (UCLQ) provides an umbrella where all those working in the field can meet and share ideas, including regular seminars, networking events and opportunities to interact with commercial and government partners.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Graduates will possess the skills needed to work in the emerging quantum industries as they develop in response to technological advances.

Employability

The programme prepares graduates for careers in the emerging quantum technology industries which play an increasingly important role in: secure communication; sensing and metrology; the simulation of other quantum systems; and ultimately in general-purpose quantum computation. Graduates will also be well prepared for research at the highest level in the numerous groups now developing quantum technologies and for work in government laboratories.

Networking

Students are encouraged to participate in scientific seminars and meetings organised by research groups within the Department.

We strongly encourage our cohort to attend seminars and activities by the UCL Quantum Science and Technology Institute. For details see https://www.ucl.ac.uk/quantum/uclq-quantum-science-and-technology-institute

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, small-group workshops, and asynchronous content, delivered as part of the taught component.  A research literature review, case study, and major research project together comprise one half of the course; each student is directed by an academic supervisor through regular meetings for consultation and advice. To supplement their experience, students are encouraged to participate in subject-relevant scientific seminar series organised by the research groups within the Department.

Assessment is through examinations and coursework assignments. The research project is assessed through a literature review, a case-study report and presentation, as well as the written research dissertation and an oral presentation.The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, small-group workshops, and asynchronous content, delivered as part of the taught component.  Assessment is through examinations and coursework assignments.  To supplement their experience, students are encouraged to participate in subject-relevant scientific seminar series organised by the research groups within the Department. The research project is assessed through a literature review, case-study reports and presentations, as well as the research dissertation and an oral presentation.

A 15-credit module consists of around 150 hours of learning time, and for a lecture module typically includes 20-30 hours of contact time, plus engagement with online materials asynchronously, and personal study time.

The research-project module is 90 credits, and consists of around 900 hours personal study time alongside approximately 20-25 hours contact time to support study on the literature review, the case study, and the research project and dissertation.

Modules

Full-Time Structure

The programme is made up of modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of a research-project module (90 credits, comprising literature review, case study , and project/dissertation), 2 compulsory modules (30 credits), plus 4 optional and elective modules (60 credits). Students take compulsory modules in advanced quantum theory and quantum computation, and four further optional and elective modules, including selected modules from Electronic and Electrical Engineering, and from the MSc in Physics.

Term One: you will study 3 or 4 modules from your selection of 6 taught modules. These could be compulsory, optional and elective modules.

Term Two: you will study the remainder of your 6 taught modules, which could be a combination of compulsory, optional and elective modules.

You will also start work on your research essay (literature review) during the first term, and continue to work on it during the first two terms; the literature review is completed and submitted at the end of the second term. The research for this review lays the foundation for the research project, on which work is also started during the second term

Term Three: you will focus entirely on your research project, preparing a written project report which is submitted at the end of August. You will prepare and deliver a presentation on your project in September, with an oral examination where you will defend your thesis. You will also complete one case study as part of the research project module.

Part-Time Structure

Year One: you will study 4 modules from your selection of 6 taught modules. These could be compulsory, optional and elective modules. 

Year Two: you will study the remainder of your taught modules, which could be a combination of compulsory, optional and elective modules.

You will work on your research essay (literature review) during the first two terms; the literature review is completed and submitted at the end of the second term. The research for this review lays the foundation for the research project, on which work is also started during the second term.

Term Three: you will focus entirely on your research project, preparing a written project report which is submitted at the end of August. You will prepare and deliver a presentation on your project in September, with an oral examination where you will defend your thesis. You will also complete one case study as part of the research-project module.

You will have between two and five years in which to complete the programme; the modules are taken generally in the same order as on the part-time pathway.

Compulsory modules





Optional modules










Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Quantum Technologies.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £15,100 £7,550
Tuition fees (2024/25) £37,500 £18,750

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

There are no programme-specific costs.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we access your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Quantum Technologies at graduate level
  • why you want to study Quantum Technologies at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver. Applicants who have a portfolio are strongly recommended to submit it when they apply. Those who are not on or have not completed a BSc Physics programme should be very detailed about their background in Quantum Theory.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Physics and Astronomy
Physics and Astronomy

quantech.msc@ucl.ac.uk

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