Employer profile

The EPSRC CDT in Quantum Computation and Quantum Communications (QC2) PhD programme will equip students with the necessary expertise and practical knowledge to fulfil the potential of this ground-breaking field. Students will undergo a comprehensive and rigorous cross-disciplinary training programme, collaboratively designed by a diverse team of UCL academics and our extensive network of partners.

Training and development
The fields of quantum computation and quantum communications are at a pivotal juncture, as the next decade will determine whether the long-anticipated technological advancements can be realised in practical, commercially-viable applications.

With a wide-ranging spectrum of research group activities at UCL, the programme is uniquely situated to offer comprehensive training across all levels of the quantum computation and quantum communications system stacks. This encompasses advanced algorithms and quantum error-correcting codes, the full range of qubit hardware platforms, quantum communications, quantum network architectures, and quantum simulation.

Graduate schemes
The four-year course consists of a six-month cohort-based intensive training programme (ITP) followed by a 42-month research project phase (RPP) leading to the PhD degree.

The ITP gives a broad overview of all the sub-topics within quantum computation and quantum communications, while the RPP allows specialisation and in-depth focus on a specific experimental or theoretical topic. There is however no hard boundary between the phases – there is research activity within the ITP, and cohort-based technical and transferable skills training in the RPP.

What we are looking for
We encourage applicants with outstanding academic records in a relevant technical disciplines (for example physics, computer science, engineering, mathematics, materials, chemistry) coupled with a broad outlook and a strong interest in quantum computation and/or quantum communications. We will be looking for applicants who will have achieved the equivalent of a good UK Masterʼs (e.g. MSci, MPhys, MEng or MSc) degree by the time they join us. The programme will not accept applications from candidates who are only qualified to Bachelorʼs level. We strongly encourage applications from communities that are currently under-represented in quantum technologies research, including under-represented genders and ethnic groups.

Location 
London, UK

Main areas of research
Quantum computation and quantum communication

Desired degree disciplines/class
Outstanding academic record in a relevant technical discipline (for example physics, computer science, engineering, mathematics, materials, chemistry) 

Pre-requisites
Eligible to study in the UK

How to apply
Apply online at www.ucl.ac.uk/quantum/study-here/quantum-doctoral-programmes/how-apply

Closing date
3 February 2026

Contact
E-mail quantum-cdt-admissions@ucl.ac.uk
www.ucl.ac.uk/quantum