Key information
The Quantum Technologies MSc programme at Heriot-Watt University offers STEM graduates advanced training in quantum mechanics, focusing on theoretical and practical skills for careers in emerging quantum technologies, including communication, computing, and sensing.
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time, Part Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
The Quantum Technologies MSc programme provides Physics and other STEM graduates an opportunity to build upon existing quantum mechanics knowledge.
This one-year programme will provide you with the necessary training and skills in the growing field of quantum technologies, giving you the theoretical background and practical skills required to undertake a career which encompasses future technologies for communication, computing, and sensing that benefit from uniquely quantum effects. The development of new quantum materials and devices that harness quantum properties such as superposition and entanglement has the potential to revolutionise many aspects of our lives such as healthcare, banking, navigation, and climate science.
The flexible degree structure allows you to focus on your specific interests within quantum technologies. You will have the opportunity to study courses in Condensed Matter, Quantum Devices, Nanophotonics, Quantum Theory and Solid-State Physics, Photonic Sensors, and more. This career-focused master’s programme will develop your technical and scientific abilities, and provide you with a specialist education to set you up to become a professional quantum technologist or scientist. Upon completion, you will have the skills and knowledge to prepare you for a wide range of technical and managerial careers across the sector, including product engineering, data analysis and industrial or academic research.
Your student experience
Heriot-Watt University is top in Scotland for Physics research, with 97% of its research classed as world-leading (4*) in the REF 2021 results. The university also received the Queens Anniversary Prize in 2021, the highest honour for universities in the UK, in recognition of our research in Photonics.
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active physicists, scientists, and academics. You will be taught by passionate and engaging experts who will provide you with insight into emerging topics in quantum technology, by relating taught material to their own research.
Our MSc Quantum Technologies is directly informed by the world class research carried out by Heriot-Watt’s Research Institute for Photonic and Quantum Science, which focuses on promoting excellence across three main research themes:
The research relevance of this postgraduate programme ensures your studies remain cutting-edge and industry focused.
Go Global
There are currently no Go Global opportunities for this particular programme. However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for more information.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Mandatory September
- Condensed Matter
- Quantum Lab and Programming
- Nanophotonics
Optional September
- Quantum Mechanics and Statistics
- Quantum Theory & Solid State
Mandatory January
- Quantum Devices
- Emerging Topics in Quantum Technologies
- Research and Professional Practice
Optional January
- Fibres and Nonlinear Optics
- Photonics Sensors
- Advanced Condensed Matter
Mandatory May
- MSc Quantum Tech Research Project
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £12,344 | £6,172 |
| International | £28,056 | £14,028 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Minimum of 2:2 BSc (Hons) or equivalent in Physics (e.g. Physics, Mathematics and Physics, Theoretical Physics, Astrophysics, Engineering Physics etc), or a closely related subject.
Applicants with an engineering background will need to demonstrate sufficient competency in the technical areas of Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism and Photonics.
Some basic programming knowledge is required, for example in Python or Matlab.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.
We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.
Student life
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