Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Informatics PhD with Integrated Study

In Year 1, you will take a mixture of taught courses and projects to establish a base level of quantum informatics knowledge necessary to succeed in your studies. In doing so, you will combine expertise from across disciplines, such as computing sciences, mathematics, physics, and engineering. You will undertake several compulsory courses, consisting of 140 credits, as well as several elective courses, totalling 40 credits.

You will be taught by experienced staff who are experts in their field, with guest lectures from expert industry practitioners. Year 1 also includes a residential programme at the National Quantum Computing Centre.

Towards the end of Year 1, you will be matched with a research project and supervisory team. During Year 1, you will reside in Edinburgh, but in Year 2 you will relocate to your primary supervisor’s institution, which could be the University of Oxford, University College London, the University of Strathclyde, or Heriot-Watt University, as well as the University of Edinburgh. Throughout Year 2 to 4, you will focus on PhD research, but will reunite with your cohort through regular events such as spring schools and residential symposia.

Read more about the programme on the ​​​​​​​* QI CDT website

It is possible to be jointly supervised by experts from quantum hardware and software companies. If so, you will be able to undertake research with these partners, and you will also be able to undertake hands-on experience in placements or internships where appropriate.

You will also have the option to take part in entrepreneurship training through Venture Builder or ConceptionX programmes.

For your research project, you can use the following computing facilities:

• bespoke quantum hardware provided by the National Quantum Computing Centre and industry partners
• high-performance computing resources facilitated by the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre (EPCC)

Your computing needs will be supported by the programme’s computing officer.

There is a shortage of talent in quantum technology. Demand for qualified personnel is significantly higher than supply, both in industry and academia.

You will be well-prepared for an academic career through scientific research, including training in tutoring, academic ethics, article writing, and research presentations. You will also have the opportunity to undertake an extended international research visit where appropriate.

You will be well-prepared for a career in industry via co-supervision by quantum hardware and software company experts, placements and internships, and research projects with industry partners. You will also be well-prepared for a career as an entrepreneur through dedicated optional programmes.

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in an area related to the topic of the CDT, for example, computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, or a related discipline.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme

The CDT programme is fully funded. Funding covers a stipend, tuition fees (both UK and overseas) and a research and travel grant for 4 years full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

Funding does not cover visa fees or the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS). If you are an international student, you will need to cover these costs yourself.

Award	Title	Duration	Study mode
PhD with Integrated Study	Quantum Informatics	4 Years	Full-time	Tuition fees

By applying to the CDT programme you automatically apply for the full funding. There is no need to apply for any additional funding sources.

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding