As the field of Quantum Computing continues to grow, the need for University and advanced educated individuals to make up the Quantum Computing workforce has grown as well. Below is a list of Master’s Degree Programs in the Quantum Computing Field offered by Universities around the world, featuring programs that range from onsite to online, and from one to two years in duration.
University College London (UCL)
UCL offers an MSc. degree in Quantum Technologies, with a robust curriculum that features compulsory modules in Advanced Quantum Theory, Quantum Computation and Communication, Quantum Technologies, and an Individual Research Project, among other non-compulsory optional modules. Optional modules include Astronomical Spectroscopy, Materials and Energy Materials, Physics of the Earth, Physics of Advanced Materials, Theoretical Condensed Matter, Advanced Topics in Statistical Mechanics, and more.
The program is offered under the UCL department of Physics and Astronomy, which is currently ranked 4th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 for Physics & Astronomy. The program is offered onsite at UCL’s London Bloomsbury Campus. For domestic students, the yearly tuition spend comes to 14,100 GBP, with tuition for international students set at 35,000 GBP.
Duration: One Calendar Year
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers an M.S. in Physics–Quantum Computing (MSPQC) program. Located in Wisconsin, USA, the program consists of an interesting selection of core courses and optional or elective courses that total 30 credits at the end of the program duration. Courses featured on the syllabus include Introduction to Quantum Computing, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Atomic and Quantum Physics, Introduction to Atomic Structure, Advanced Quantum Computing, Solid State Physics, Advanced Solid State Physics, Atomic and Quantum Physics, Quantum Computing Laboratory, and Independent Study.
Tuition is calculated per the number of credits in the program, with 8+ credits set at a tuition rate of $6,125.28 for domestic students, and $12,788.72 for International Students. The program is offered Onsite.
Duration: One Calendar Year
University of Rhode Island
Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in Physics or a closely related field and have a basic understanding of quantum mechanics are eligible for the M.S. in Quantum Computing offered by URI. To guarantee that our graduates have the necessary grounding for employment or further education in this rapidly developing subject, URI the university collaborates with industrial enterprises and institutes.
Although the University’s website offers minimal information about the program, intending applicants are encouraged to contact the University directly for more information.
Duke University
Duke University offers its Quantum Computing Concentration with either an MS pathway or an MEng pathway. Located in North Carolina, the program is onsite and is available to international and domestic applicants alike. The syllabus includes Introduction to Quantum Engineering, Quantum Information and Computation, Quantum Information Theory, Quantum Error Correction, Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms in C++, Fundamentals of Computer Systems, and other notable software and hardware courses within Duke’s Electrical and Computer, Engineering (ECE) department.
For information on tuition and more on the program, intending applicants can contact the department directly via the course website.
Purdue University
The first online-only entry on this list is offered by Purdue University located in Indiana, USA. The MicroMasters® Program in Quantum Technology: Computing is offered completely online and taught by Professors at Purdue University including Avinash Rustagi, a Post-doctoral Research Associate, in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Zubin Jacob, an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Pramey Upadhyaya, an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mahdi Hosseini, an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mohammad Mushfiqur Rahman, a PhD Student.
Students would be required to commit 7-9 hours per week of dedicated time to learning and the courses are instructor-led. The syllabus consists of five courses, which include Introduction to Quantum Science & Technology, Applied Quantum Computing I: Fundamentals, Applied Quantum Computing II: Hardware, Applied Quantum Computing III: Algorithm, and Software Quantum Detectors. Tuition is set at $4,725.
Duration: 10 months.
University of Sussex
The University of Sussex located in Brighton, UK offers a Quantum Technology MSc that is taken fully in person, but with an online version that is available. The modules and courses in the program include Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, MSc Project Research Skills (PGT), Practical Quantum Technologies, and an MSc Project P&A (PGT), among other optional courses.
Tuition is set at £11,275 per year for full-time domestic students and £22,975 per year for full-time international students.
Duration: One year full-time or two years part-time.
Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
The University of Dublin offers two in-person master’s degree programs, which are the Quantum Science and Technology program; and the Quantum Fields, Strings and Gravity program. Modules offered in both of these programs include several relevant courses like Introduction to Quantum Information Science, Introduction to quantum information theory, Core concepts e.g. no-cloning, teleportation and entanglement theory, Special topics and the quantum industry, Current challenges and opportunities in the quantum sector, Industrial and academic speakers, Quantum Material Science, Harnessing quantum effects in superconducting systems, among others, with one of the modules being a Quantum project/Internship.
Tuition for domestic students for both programs comes to €10815, and €9,975 respectively, and €24,938, and €22,575 for international students. The program is offered in the university’s Dublin campus in Ireland.
Duration: One year.
Australian National University
The ANU’s Master of Science in Quantum Technology is an in-person program in Canberra, Australia. The program offers a range of modules including Optical Physics, Rapid Prototyping, Prototyping and Systems Integration, Quantum Technology, Masters Special Topics in Physics, Physics for Future Leaders, Quantum Mechanics courses, Quantum Technology elective courses, Programming for Scientists, Electronics and Data Analysis, among others. In total, a maximum of 24 credits can be taken by students in order to complete the program.
Tuition is set at $38,800 per 48 units for domestic students and $49,330.00 per annum for international students.
Duration: Two years full-time.
The University of Queensland Australia
Students of the University of Queensland Australia’s Master of Quantum Technology will take courses designed to increase their knowledge of the subject matter, including Condensed Matter Physics, Atomic Physics & Quantum Optics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics II, Quantum Technologies, Quantum Mechanics I, and an MQTech Research Project, among other courses in Physics and Computer Science.
Students will study fully in person on the university’s campus in Brisbane, Australia. Domestic students’ tuition is set at AUD $31,200 and for international students, tuition is set at AUD $46,864.
Duration: 1.5 years
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich
ETH offers a Master’s Degree in Quantum Engineering on-site on its Zurich, Switzerland campus. Students will take up to 24 credit units in courses and more credit units assigned to a semester project, a QuanTech Workshop, a master’s thesis, and an internship in the industry. Tuition is currently set at 730 Swiss francs per semester.
Duration: Two years.
University of California, Los Angeles
The UCLA Master of Quantum engineering program is a full-time course of study that includes an internship, a capstone presentation on the internship, and nine courses totaling 36 units. Courses in this program include Introduction to Quantum Computing, Quantum Programming, Lab Modules, Introduction to Quantum Information, Quantum Algorithms, Theory of Quantum Devices and other elective courses. The program will be undertaken in California, USA, with tuition set at $51,174.19.
Notable members of faculty at UCLA associated with the program include Clarice Aiello, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Amartya Banerjee, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Wes Campbell, an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, among others.
Duration: One Year Full time
Université PSL
Taught in person on PSL’s Paris campus, the Master of Quantum Science and Technology features two research internship as part of the program, as well as several courses across four semesters that cover the subject matter. These courses include; Fundamentals of quantum systems, Quantum mechanics, Quantum optics, Quantum communications, Mathematical methods for quantum engineering, Introduction to quantum computing, Support hardware for Quantum technologies, Control of open quantum systems, Quantum detectors & sensors, Quantum programming, Case Studies: Applications of Quantum Technology, Single photons emitters and detectors, among others.
Tuition fees are set by ministerial decree (env. €243). Potential students are advised to note that they will also need to provide proof of payment for the CVEC (Student Life and Campus Fee) of €95. On the program’s steering commitee are Nicolas Bergeal (ESPCI Paris – PSL), Jérôme Lodewyck (Observatoire de Paris – PSL), Franck Pereira (Observatoire de Paris – PSL), Pierre Rouchon (Mines Paris – PSL), Philippe Goldner (Ecole nationale supérieure de Chimie de Paris – PSL), Carlo Sirtori (ENS – PSL).
Duration: Two Years
German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD
DAAD offers the MSc High Performance Computing / Quantum Computing (HPC/QC) program on its Deggendorf, Germany campus. Across three semesters, students will study various modules including Physics for HPC/QC, Software Engineering, HPC/QC Programming Lab, HPC/QC Technology, Advanced Mathematics for HPC/QC, Computer Architectures for HPC/QC, Networks for HPC/QC, Optimisation Methods, HPC/QC Infrastructure, System Design and Application of HPC/QC Systems, Advanced Mathematics and Physics for HPC/QC, among others, as well as a master’s thesis, and master’s colloquium.
Tuition is set at 62 EUR student service fee per semester.
Duration: Three semesters.
Nebrija University
Nebrija University offers an opportunity for potential students to earn a Master´s Degree in Quantum Computing through blended learning, using both in-person and online elements. The program consists of several courses and modules, including Physics and mathematics for quantum computing, Quantum technologies, Programming models, Quantum algorithms, Programming languages, Error correction, Tools and simulators, Applications and use cases, Research methodology: Engineering, Skill development in the company, and a Master’s Thesis.
Facaulty and instructors on the program include Professor Jose Luis Rosales Bejarano, Professor Francisco Gálvez Ramírez, Professor Alberto García García, Professor Francisco García Herrero, and José Javier Paulet González.
Tuition is set at 4,695€ for one semester, and 715€ for each additional class.
Duration: One year.
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow’s Quantum Technology MSc is offered in person on the university’s Glasgow, Scotland campus. The program features a master’s thesis in either Physics or Engineering, as well as several courses to be taken over the duration of the program.
The courses include Fundamentals of Sensing and Measurement, Experimental Techniques in Quantum Optics, Introduction to Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Advanced Data Analysis for Physics and Astronomy, Relativistic Quantum Fields, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Theory, Magnetism & Superconductivity, Quantum Electronic Devices, and Optical Communications, among others.
Tuition is set at £11520, and £25980 for domestic and international students respectively.
Duration: Twelve months full-time.
University of Barcelona
The University of Barcelona offers a Master’s degree in Quantum Science and Technologies in person on its campus in Barcelona, Spain. The program features an internship and a mix of core and elective courses aimed at grounding students in the subject matter. These courses include Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum Information Theory, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Advanced Quantum Information, Quantum Communications and Cryptography, Quantum Statistical Inference, Quantum Field Theory, Machine Learning Quantum and Classical, Tensor Networks, Quantum Computation, Quantum Materials, Quantum Technology with Superconducting Circuits, among others.
Tuition is currently set at 27.67 euros per credit or 82 euros per credit for students who are not EU nationals and do not currently reside in Spain.
Duration: One year
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
KFUPM’s Professional Master in Quantum Information and Computing is offered in person on its Dhahran, Saudi Arabia campus. Courses included in the program include Introduction to Quantum Information and Computing, Fundamentals of Quantum Optics, Quantum Algorithms, Math for Quantum Computing, Quantum Computer and Architecture, Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Hardware, Quantum Communication, as well as an Industrial Research project.
Tuition is set at 5000 SAR per semester, and 7500 SAR per semester for domestic and international students respectively.
Duration: Two semesters.
Charles III University of Madrid (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid)
Potential students have the opportunity to earn a Master in Quantum Technologies and Engineering degree in person on the University’s Madrid, Spain campus. Courses in the program include Quantum technologies and engineering, Matrix quantum mechanics, Wave quantum mechanics, Electromagnetic optics and photonics, Quantum computing, Sensors and classical measurement instrumentation systems, Pre-quantum information and communication, Secure computer network systems, Laboratory on quantum computing, Quantum internet and quantum cryptography, Quantum control, Quantum logic and information processing, English Quantum radars, and more core and elective courses.
Tuition for the program for EU students is €4,800 (€80/ECTS credit) per year and for Non-EU students is €7,200 (€120/ECTS credit) per year.
Duration: Two years.
The University of Arizona
The University of Arizona’s Optical Sciences (MS) – Quantum Information Science and Engineering is offered in person in Arizona, USA, and features two unique tracks. 32 units are needed to complete the program with both thesis and non-thesis options, which are the Thesis track, which consists of a research project, a thesis, and a final defense; and the MS Report track, which consists of a project with a lesser scope, a report, and a final defense.
Core courses in the program include Quantum Mechanics, Foundations of Quantum Optics, Introduction to Quantum Information and Computation, and Quantum Nanophotonics. While several elective courses make up a huge part of the program’s offerings including Electromagnetic Waves, Solid State Optics, Probability and Statistics, Statistical Optics, Photonics, Optical Physics, and Lasers, From Photonics Innovation to Marketplace, Laser Beams and Resonators, Fundamentals of Information and Network Security, Q. Inf. Processing and Q. Error Correction, Error Correction, Detection and Estimation in Engineering Systems, Ethical Issues in Information (3), among others.
Tuition is calculated based on units and is currently set at $7,007.68 for 7+ units per year, and $16,978.68 for 9+ units per year for domestic and international students respectively.
Duration: Contact the University of Arizona.
University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen offers a Master of Science (MSc) in Quantum Information Science on its Copenhagen, Denmark campus in collaboration with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Modules included in the program will be taught jointly by DTU and the University.
These modules include Introduction to Quantum Information Science (UCPH), Introduction to Quantum Computing (UCPH), Applied Quantum Physics: Quantum Information Technology (DTU), and a choice between a range of restricted elective courses within Quantum Information Theory (UCPH), Physical Implementation of Quantum Information Processing (UCPH), Experimental Techniques in Quantum Technology (DTU), Quantum Compilers (DTU), and Quantum Algorithms and Machine Learning (DTU). Students can also select between a wide range of elective courses which specialize in aspects of computer science, mathematics, or physics.
Tuition is currently set in the range of EUR 10,000 to 17,000 per 60 ECTS/academic year and students are advised to contact the University to obtain specific tuition and fees information.
Duration: Two years.
Conclusion
The availability of advanced learning opportunities in the field of Quantum Computing is growing and now more than ever, aspiring professionals in the Quantum Computing workspace can take advantage of this to position themselves as part of a fast-growing industry.