MSc in Quantum Technologies
About the course
The MSc in Quantum Technologies is an interdisciplinary course providing a technical overview of modern quantum technologies for computing, sensing and communications, with an emphasis on industry connections, practical training and research projects.
Quantum technologies (across quantum computing, sensing and communications) have the potential to bring transformative changes across different sectors from scientific research to industrial applications.
The MSc in Quantum Technologies will provide you with the central technical background in these technologies, combined with hands-on practical training through short modules and research experience through an extended four-month project.
At the end of the course, it is expected that you will have achieved the following learning objectives:
- to have a technical overview of the principles underpinning quantum technologies
- to understand the principles of quantum computing, sensing and communications
- to have an overview of the state-of-the-art in hardware for quantum technologies
- to have further detailed knowledge of specific topics within quantum technologies and their applications (through chosen option courses)
- to appreciate the challenges and opportunities of translating quantum technologies to applications across different setups
- to complete short training in transferable skills including presenting work
- to have practical hands-on experience in practical techniques underpinning quantum technologies chosen from options ranging from laboratory techniques and control systems to programming of quantum computers
- to have demonstrated competence in completing and presenting a research project, both in written and oral form
Course structure
The academic year is split into three terms of eight weeks but work on the MSc course continues throughout the year and is not restricted just to term time.
During the three terms of the course, you will choose from modules on various aspects of quantum technologies.
Core modules
There are two seminar-based compulsory modules comprising an Industry Seminar and a Graduate Public Engagement element. The Industry Seminar is assessed by a coursework report.
Term one (Michaelmas term)
- Quantum Mechanics for Quantum Technologies (optional for students with previous quantum mechanics courses)
- Introduction to Quantum Technologies
Term two (Hilary term)
- Quantum Technologies and their applications
- Hardware for Quantum Technologies
Terms one and two (Michaelmas and Hilary)
- Industrial Seminar
- Quantum Technologies Practical Training
Summer term (Trinity term) and summer vacation
- Quantum Technologies Project, with a dissertation to be submitted on the first Tuesday in September
Optional modules
The options that are offered may vary from year to year as the course develops, and according to the interests of teaching staff. These modules will be available in terms one and two (Michaelmas and Hilary), typical modules will include:
- Quantum Processes and Computation
- Quantum Information
- Materials for Quantum Technologies
- Experimental Techniques Seminar
- Quantum Optics and Atomic Physics
- Additional Quantum Technologies Practical Training
- Many-body Physics
Research project
You will work on a four-month research project and will be placed either within a University research team, or at an industrial partner organisation.
The course will be strongly connected to the emerging international quantum technologies industry, with regular industry seminars highlighting the opportunities and challenges of translating these technologies across different sectors, as well as entrepreneurship and IP management. Some projects will be directly connected to or based within industry research teams.
Attendance
The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements.
The majority of research projects are expected to be based in Oxford and the surrounding area, but some may be based further afield. Any student who prefers to be allocated a project based in or near Oxford will be given that option.
Resources to support your study
As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of world-class resources including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources and IT services.
The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK. It includes the main Bodleian Library and libraries across Oxford, including major research libraries and faculty, department and institute libraries. Together, the Libraries hold more than 13 million printed items, provide access to e-journals, and contain outstanding special collections including rare books and manuscripts, classical papyri, maps, music, art and printed ephemera.
The University's IT Services is available to all students to support with core university IT systems and tools, as well as many other services and facilities. IT Services also offers a range of IT learning courses for students, to support with learning and research.
Academic Resources
The University of Oxford has over 70 academics working in quantum science and technologies and related areas, including in Physics, Engineering Science, Materials, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Chemistry. You will benefit from teaching laboratory facilities during practical training components, and the resources of these research teams (including laboratory and computing facilities), and those of our industrial partners, during the four-month project phase of the course.
Non-Academic Resources
There is a range of welfare and academic support available in the Department of Physics. The Course Director and Graduate Administrator are available to offer support and signpost, and there are several support networks in the department, all of which are available to our graduate students.
Oxford Physics Gender Equity Network (OPGEN), which is run by a committee drawn from across the students, academics and staff in the Department of Physics and organises events and campaigns to promote gender equity in the department.
The Graduate Liaison Committee (GLC). The GLC’s purpose is to discuss issues that may concern graduate students in the department such as the quality of graduate courses, availability of skills training, accessibility to library and IT services, and general student welfare.
The Graduate Peer Support Network, which is a subgroup of the informal mentoring network Physics Thrive.
Mental health first aiders are an initial point of contact for students experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. They are members of staff of our department, and have completed a two-day mental health first-aid training course, accredited by Mental Health England. They are trained to recognise the symptoms of mental ill health, provide initial help and guide a person towards appropriate professional help. Mental Health First Aiders are not trained to be therapists, but they are taught how to respond in a crisis.
In addition to the resources available within the department, there is additional support available via the Oxford University Student Union (OUSU) and your college.
New students will also be welcome in the wider Oxford Physics community, with multiple opportunities of mutual support and social interactions.
Supervision
The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Physics and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor is often found outside the Department of Physics.
All projects will be supervised by experts in quantum technologies and underpinning areas across different Mathematical, Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences (MPLS) departments.
You will be matched with a supervisor ahead of your final dissertation project. Some projects may be based with industry partners, in which case a university-side supervisor will also be appointed for the project. Students can typically expect to interact with University supervisors regularly, eg weekly or, in some cases (such as where the project is based in industry), monthly. Most supervisors run an extended research group, including several DPhil students and post-docs, who interact frequently (usually on a daily basis in laboratory or office settings).
Assessment
You will be assessed for all taught modules, research and business case studies, and individual dissertations.
There will be one combined exam for the core modules, which will be held at the beginning of the second term (Hilary term).
Elective modules will be assessed as appropriate to the module, which will be a combination of examinations, mini-projects, reports and/or presentations.
A dissertation of 20,000 words, completed independently under the guidance of an expert supervisor, focusing on the four-month research project and approved by the supervisor and MSc Course Director will be submitted at the end of the course.
Graduate destinations
We anticipate graduates will go onto leading positions within the growing quantum technological landscape, whereby it is expected that many graduates will seek employment with a company or national facility they have interacted with during the course. It will also provide a strong foundation for students to transition to post-graduate research in quantum technologies, focusing on any of the strands within the course; this approach is likely most applicable for students wishing to change to a more practical doctorate than their undergraduate degree.
Changes to this course and your supervision
The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made if a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency occurs. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.
Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.
For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.
Entry requirements for entry in 2025-26
Proven and potential academic excellence
The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive.
Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying.
Degree-level qualifications
As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
- a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours.
The qualification above should be achieved in one of the following subject areas or disciplines:
- engineering
- physics
- chemistry
- materials science
- mathematics
- computer science.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.5 out of 4.0.
If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.
GRE General Test scores
No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience
- Publications are not required.
English language proficiency
This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.
| Test | Minimum overall score | Minimum score per component |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (Institution code: 0713) | 7.5 | 7.0 |
TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition' (Institution code: 0490) | 110 | Listening: 22 Reading: 24 Speaking: 25 Writing: 24 |
| C1 Advanced* | 191 | 185 |
| C2 Proficiency† | 191 | 185 |
*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
†Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides further information about the English language test requirement.
Declaring extenuating circumstances
If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.
References
You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The How to apply section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.
Supporting documents
You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The How to apply section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.
Performance at interview
Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process.
Applicants will be assessed by a panel of assessors from the participating departments of the MPLS division. They will be assessed for their suitability for the course based on prior academic learning, evidence supplied through references, and supporting information.
Interviews will take place approximately three to five weeks after the application deadline.
Applicants invited for interview will be provided with a relevant text, as part of the interview invitation, to allow you to research this further for a technical component of the interview, including specific questions and a wider discussion.
In additional to discussion of the designated technical subject, the interview discussion will seek to assess the applicant's intellectual ability, academic achievement, academic potential and motivation. Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams with video by at least two interviewers - usually two academics associated with the course. Interviews will normally last around 30 minutes.
Offer conditions for successful applications
If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our 'After you apply' pages provide more information about offers and conditions.
In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:
Financial Declaration
If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a Financial Declaration in order to meet your financial condition of admission.
Disclosure of criminal convictions
In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any relevant, unspent criminal convictions before you can take up a place at Oxford.
Permission to use data obtained through your employment
If you are embarking on study with the support of your employer and intend to use data obtained through your employment, evidence should be provided of permission to use your employers’ data in your proposed research project.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
This course may require you to obtain an ATAS certificate before you can apply for a visa/immigration permission. If you are offered a place, the academic department will confirm whether an ATAS certificate is required. If so, they will also send you the information you need to apply for one. You can apply for ATAS whilst your offer is conditional and before the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is issued. Further information about ATAS is available on the student visa webpages.
Other factors governing whether places can be offered
The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:
- the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the About section of this page;
- the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
- minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.
Physics
As a graduate student at Oxford’s Department of Physics, you will work alongside world experts and have access to the department’s world-class facilities.
Graduate students also get to benefit from the close relations the department foster’s with other facilities in the UK and around the world. In the UK, these include the leading science and innovation campus at Harwell home to the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Diamond Light Source synchrotron among others. Internationally, it extends to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, T2K in Japan, DUNE in the USA and large telescopes around the world.
Each year, the department welcomes approximately 90 graduate research students to study for a 3 to 4-year DPhil research degree – which is equivalent to a PhD. A taught masters’ degree course is offered joined by the department and the Mathematical Institute and welcomes approximately 50 students annually.
The department’s research students have access to world-class facilities and resources, from the ultra-low vibration and ultra-low temperature labs in the state-of-the-art Beecroft Building, to the in-house specialist research facilities, mechanical and electronic workshops and technicians.
Research students can choose from a range of specialisms across the six sub-departments of astrophysics; atmospheric, oceanic and planetary physics; atomic and laser physics; condensed matter physics; particle physics; and theoretical physics. Each of these sub-departments is autonomous, although many of the research projects available are interdisciplinary.
Funding
For entry in the 2025-26 academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.
If you apply by the January deadline shown on this page and receive a course offer, your application will then be considered for Oxford scholarships. For the majority of Oxford scholarships, your application will automatically be assessed against the eligibility criteria, without needing to make a separate application. There are further Oxford scholarships available which have additional eligibility criteria and where you are required to submit a separate application. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.
To ensure that you are considered for Oxford scholarships that require a separate application, for which you may be eligible, use our fees, funding and scholarship search tool to identify these opportunities and find out how to apply. Alongside Oxford scholarships, you should also consider other opportunities for which you may be eligible including a range of external funding, loan schemes for postgraduate study and any other scholarships which may also still be available after the January deadline as listed on our fees, funding and scholarship search tool.
Details of college-specific funding opportunities can also be found on individual college websites:
Please refer to the College preference section of this page to identify which of the colleges listed above accept students for this course.
For the majority of college scholarships, it doesn’t matter which college, if any, you state a preference for in your application. If another college is able to offer you a scholarship, your application can be moved to that college if you accept the scholarship. Some college scholarships may require you to state a preference for that college when you apply, so check the eligibility requirements carefully.
Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the department's website.
Costs
Annual fees for entry in 2025-26
Fee status | Annual Course fees |
| Home | £15,300 |
| Overseas | £41,250 |
Please note the published fee for this course changed on 10 January 2025. It was previously advertised as £14,910 (Home) and £38,410 (Overseas).
Information about course fees
Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges.
Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.
Continuation charges
Following the period of fee liability, you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.
Where can I find further information about fees?
The Fees and Funding section of this website provides further information about course fees, including information about fee status and eligibility and your length of fee liability.
Additional information
There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, as part of your course requirements, you may choose a project with an industrial partner outside Oxford. Please note that, depending on your choice of project and the location of the industrial partner, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses. Funding contribution for travel will be offered if the project is based outside Oxford, and projects in Oxford will be available for any student who wishes to remain in Oxford.
Living costs
In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.
Living costs for full-time study
For the 2025-26 academic year, the range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between £1,425 and £2,035 for each month spent in Oxford. We provide the cost per month so you can multiply up by the number of months you expect to live in Oxford. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to budget for the costs of a student visa and immigration health surcharge and/or living costs for family members or other dependants that you plan to bring with you to Oxford (assuming that dependant visa eligibility criteria are met).
Further information about living costs
The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. For study in Oxford beyond the 2025-26 academic year, it is suggested that you budget for potential increases in living expenses of around 4% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. For further information, please consult our more detailed information about living costs, which includes a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs.
College preference
Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs).
If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief introduction to the college system at Oxford and our advice about expressing a college preference.
If you are a current Oxford student and you would like to remain at your current Oxford college, you should check whether it is listed below. If it is, you should indicate this preference when you apply. If not, you should contact your college office to ask whether they would be willing to make an exception. Further information about staying at your current college can be found in our Application Guide.
The following colleges accept students for this course:
Before you apply
Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive.
If it is important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under the January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance. Check the deadlines on this page and the information about deadlines and when to apply in our Application Guide.
Application fee waivers
An application fee of £75 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:
- applicants from low-income countries;
- refugees and displaced persons;
- UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and
- applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.
You are encouraged to check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver before you apply.
Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?
Any general enquiries, should be made to the MSc Administrator in the first instance. You do not need to contact prospective supervisors before submitting an application.
Completing your application
You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.
For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application.
If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.
Referees:
Three overall, at least once of which must be academic
Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.
For applicants applying directly from an undergraduate degree, the department recommends that at least two references come from academic referees. For applicants who are in industry, it is acceptable to have one employer reference or a technical reference from a colleague working in a relevant area, but at least one reference should be from an academic referee.
Your references will support your intellectual ability, your academic achievement, your motivation and interest in the course and the subject area, and your ability to work effectively in a group and independently.
Official transcript(s)
Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.
More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.
Statement of purpose:
A maximum of 500 words
Your statement should explain your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you and/or you intend to specialise in.
If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.
Your statement should focus on your academic achievements and interests rather than personal achievements, interests and aspirations.
This will be assessed for:
- your reasons for applying
- your ability to present a coherent case in proficient English
- your commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course
- your preliminary knowledge of the subject area and research techniques
- your reasoning ability
- your ability to absorb new ideas, often presented abstractly, at a rapid pace
- your technical background from your undergraduate degree and/or other technical experience gained through relevant employment in industry.
Start or continue your application
You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please refer to the requirements above and consult our Application Guide for advice.
After you've submitted your application
Your application (including the supporting documents outlined above) will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed. You can find out more about our shortlisting and selection process in our detailed guide to what happens next.
Find out how to manage your application after submission, using our Applicant Self-Service tool.