University College London (UCL)
Quantum Technologies MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The MSc in Quantum Technologies is designed to give students a solid understanding of the fundamental principles behind quantum science and its applications. The program covers areas like quantum mechanics, quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, often involving hands-on experience with relevant tools and experiments. The course aims to prepare students to work in research, development, or industry roles focused on quantum innovations.
Students will learn about the latest advances in quantum technology and how they can be applied to real-world problems. The program is structured to build from core concepts to more advanced topics, giving students a comprehensive view of the field. It also emphasizes practical skills, including programming and experimental techniques, so students can directly engage with emerging quantum systems. Overall, this MSc is meant to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the fast-growing world of quantum tech.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Master's Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Master's Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or an ethnic or religious background, it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
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.
For full-time students, typical contact hours are approximately 8-10 hours per week. This includes 3 lecture modules, each typically involving 2.5 contact hours per week, and additional contact with a project supervisor once every two weeks.
In addition to these scheduled lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, full-time students are expected to dedicate the equivalent of a full-time job to self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.
During terms one and two, full-time students can expect between 8 and 10 contact hours per teaching week, delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, critiques (crits), and tutorials. In term three and throughout the summer period, students focus on completing their dissertation research while meeting with their dissertation supervisors once every two weeks.
Disclaimer: Contact hours and schedules may vary depending on individual module choices, pathway selections, and other programme-specific factors.
Modules
Full-time
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.
Part-time
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.
Flexible
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
- Advanced Quantum Theory
- Quantum Computation and Communication
- Quantum Technologies Individual Research Project
Optional modules
- Research Computing with C++
- Research Software Engineering with Python
- Nanoscale Processing and Characterisation for Advanced Devices
- Advanced Photonics Devices
- Quantum Field Theory
- Symmetry and Phase Transitions
- Molecular Physics
- Atom and Photon Physics
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.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Public Policy.
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 2024 for Physics & Astronomy.
The Department of Physics & Astronomy at UCL is are proud holder 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.
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 our UCLQ page.