How do you program a quantum computer? New Master’s programme in Quantum Information Theory
Starting next winter semester, students will be able to enrol on the new Master’s degree programme in Quantum Information Theory (QIT) at Saarland University. The M.Sc. programme, which is taught in English, allows students to acquire knowledge and skills at the intersection of mathematics, computer science and physics – equipping them with the tools required to work with the key technologies that will be shaping our digital future.
Graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics or computer science can apply for a place on the programme until 30 June.
Quantum computing is widely seen as one of the key technologies of the 21st century. The global development of powerful quantum hardware systems continues to gather pace and with it grows the demand for new algorithms, software concepts and cryptographic methods. And this is where the new Master’s programme comes in. With its focus firmly on the software side of quantum computing, it deals with the theoretical foundations of information processing in quantum systems. ‘Quantum information theory is, in a sense, the theoretical underpinning of the software used in quantum computers. It is rooted equally within the fields of mathematics, computer science and physics, and calls for an integrated and interdisciplinary perspective,’ explains Professor Moritz Weber, Scientific Director at the Center for Quantum Technologies (QuTe) at Saarland University, who has been instrumental in designing the new degree programme.
Compared with other study programmes in the quantum technologies sector, many of which are strongly physics-focused, the Saarbrücken Master’s programme is based at the Department of Mathematics and focuses particularly on mathematical and computer science aspects. The M.Sc. programme in Saarbrücken therefore offers a route into the world of quantum research even for students with no prior background in physics. ‘At its core, the programme addresses the fundamental questions raised by the development of quantum computing technology: How do you actually program a quantum computer? In what way does it function differently from a classical computer? What characterizes quantum computing and what does that have to do with mathematics,’ says Moritz Weber. Students on the programme acquire a solid grounding in areas such as quantum algorithms and the mathematical foundations of quantum information. Mandatory elective modules allow students to specialize in areas such as quantum complexity, quantum error correction or other research fields of current interest.
A particularly attractive feature of the Master’s programme is that students gain early exposure to the questions of current research relevance. This is possible because of the close links that exist between the study programme and the recently established Center for Quantum Technologies, and the collaborative ties with other leading research institutes in Germany, including the Helmholtz Center ‘Forschungszentrum Jülich’. Students can also gain practical experience through a supervised internship – either in a research or industry setting. The programme also offers flexible study pathways, enabling students to combine quantum computing equally with either classical computer science or mathematics. This flexibility allows them to tailor their studies to their individual interests and longer-term career aims.
Graduates from the programme will be highly sought-after specialists in a very innovative and fast-growing sector. Career opportunities range from research and development to the quantum computing industry and the IT and cybersecurity sectors, for example in post-quantum cryptography. Further prospects include professional roles in software development, data analysis and high-performance computing. At the same time, the programme provides targeted preparation for an academic career, including doctoral study in the broader field of quantum science.
The Master’s programme is taught entirely in English and has been intentionally designed to appeal to international students as well. The standard period of study is four semesters, and the programme leads to a Master of Science degree. The deadline for applications for the coming winter semester is 30 June.
Further information and details about how to apply on this Website.