The University of Sussex has launched a new quantum technology degree, the first in the UK to offer quantum technology research experience to undergraduates from the start of their course. The degree was developed in response to a skills shortage in the UK’s emerging quantum technology industry. A 2021 report from CBI Economics found that 85% of UK quantum innovators had suspended or delayed R&D due to skills shortages. Professor Winfried Hensinger, Director of the University of Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies and co-founder of Universal Quantum, highlighted the potential of quantum technologies to solve global issues.
Sussex University Launches Undergraduate Quantum Technology Degree
The creation of this degree programme was motivated by a shortage of quantum graduate skills in the UK, as identified by the British quantum technology industry sector. A 2021 report from CBI Economics, commissioned by the Institute of Physics, found that 85% of quantum innovators in the UK reported that Research and Development activity had been suspended or delayed due to skills shortages. Furthermore, 37% reported skills shortages as a significant barrier to innovation.
Addressing the Skills Shortage in Quantum Technology
The report also highlighted that quantum innovators were most likely to struggle to recruit people with specialist physics-related knowledge. Professor Winfried Hensinger, Director of the University of Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies and co-founder of quantum computing spin-out, Universal Quantum, stated that the UK currently lacks the necessary number of skilled quantum graduates to fulfil the Government’s ambition and compete on a global scale.
The University of Sussex is aiming to address this shortage by offering two quantum technologies degree courses. These courses will not only enrich students’ understanding of quantum physics but also equip them with the skills and research experience needed for a career in the UK’s growing quantum technology sector. There are already a number of Masters Degrees in Quantum available.
The Potential of Quantum Technologies
Quantum technologies can potentially address some of the most critical challenges facing humanity. These include the development of life-saving medicines, improved electric vehicle batteries, reduced energy consumption in commercial aviation and fertilizer production, protecting national security, and revolutionizing the financial sector.
Hands-on Experience for Students
Students enrolled in the new Physics (Quantum Technology) (research placement) MPhys will be associated with a Sussex quantum technology research group. This will provide them with hands-on experience in the lab from the very beginning of their degree. Students in this course, as well as the Physics (Quantum Technology) MPhys, launched by the University earlier this year, will benefit from the expertise, industry connections, and ground-breaking research being carried out in the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies.
Training the Next Generation of Quantum Physicists and Engineers
A key aim of the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies is to train the next generation of quantum physicists and engineers. Students in the Centre have the opportunity to help develop real-world devices, working with industry as part of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. The Centre is associated with quantum computing spin-out Universal Quantum, which is currently working with Sussex students and academics on building a quantum computer at the University. The Centre also led on the creation of the world’s first blueprint for constructing a large-scale trapped ion quantum computer.
“In the future, quantum technologies could help solve some of our most pressing global issues. The UK Government has identified quantum technology as one of five key science, innovation and technology strategic priorities. But currently the UK doesn’t have the necessary number of skilled quantum graduates to ensure that the UK can fulfil the Government’s ambition and compete on a global scale. I’m delighted that the University of Sussex is seeking to help tackle this shortage, leading the way in offering students two quantum technologies degree courses, that will both enrich their minds with the wonders of quantum physics, and equip them with the skills and research experience to go on to a fulfilling career in the UK’s burgeoning quantum technology sector. If we are serious about investing in the growth of quantum technology in the UK, we must first start with investing in first-rate training for our students.”
Professor Winfried Hensinger, Director of the University of Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies and co-founder of quantum computing spin-out, Universal Quantum.
Quick Summary
The University of Sussex has launched the UK’s first quantum technology degree, aiming to address a skills shortage in the emerging British quantum technology industry. The degree offers students hands-on quantum technology research experience from the start, with the potential to contribute to fields such as medicine, energy efficiency, national security, and finance.
- The University of Sussex has launched a new quantum technology degree, the first in the UK to offer undergraduate students quantum technology research experience from the start of their degree.
- The degree was developed in response to a UK quantum graduate skills shortage, identified by the British quantum technology industry sector.
- A 2021 report from CBI Economics, commissioned by the Institute of Physics, found that 85% of UK quantum innovators reported that Research and Development activity had been suspended or delayed due to skills shortages.
- Professor Winfried Hensinger, Director of the University of Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies and co-founder of Universal Quantum, stated that the UK currently lacks the necessary number of skilled quantum graduates to compete globally.
- Quantum technologies could potentially solve critical challenges, such as developing life-saving medicines, improving electric vehicle batteries, reducing energy consumption in commercial aviation and fertilizer production, protecting national security, and revolutionising the financial sector.
- Students on the new Physics (Quantum Technology) (research placement) MPhys will gain hands-on experience in the lab from the start of their degree.
- The Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies aims to train the next generation of quantum physicists and engineers, and is associated with leading quantum computing spin-out Universal Quantum.
