This course is available through the following application route(s)
Quantum engineering and computing are at the heart of digital transformation and represent a long-term research priority in the EU and worldwide. Access to online quantum computing frameworks, quantum system simulators, and existing quantum hardware, combined with advances in high performance computing, materials science and electronic engineering, has significantly accelerated the field over the past decade.
These developments have enabled the creation of new quantum algorithms and a substantial expansion of quantum computing applications. Many problems are now being reformulated within a quantum computational framework, including the modelling of quantum systems, quantum chemistry, simulation of physical processes and complex optimisation tasks.
Quantum engineering and computing form a multidisciplinary field that integrates physics, computer science, and engineering, and benefits from strong collaboration between academic research and industrial innovation. The programme offers students the opportunity to develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The Professional Diploma comprises one mandatory and three optional five-credit modules in the field of Quantum Engineering.
Programme Delivery:
Students typically take one module per semester. As a result, the time commitment varies significantly depending on the module selected and its mode of delivery. Modules within the programme are delivered in either blended or fully online mode. The delivery pattern varies by module and students should review the timetable requirements for individual modules before registration.
The fully online modules require attendance at scheduled online sessions only. The following modules are delivered fully online for professional learners.
• Intro to Quantum Computing (EEEN40580) – 2 hour online session per week
• Quantum Computing (EEEN40690) – 2 hour online session per week
• Machine Learning with Python (Online) (COMP47990) – 1 hour online session per week
• High Performance Computing (ICHEC) (ACM40640) – 1 hour online session per week
Blended modules combine scheduled teaching activities with online learning. Depending on the module, scheduled activities may include lectures, tutorials, practical sessions or laboratories. The weekly commitment and distribution of contact hours vary between modules. For example, Maths of Quantum Computation (MATH40830) currently includes lectures and tutorials spread across three days each week, while Data Science in Python (COMP47670) currently has a single scheduled one hour session per week.
Professional learners may be able to participate remotely in some blended modules. However, arrangements for remote participation are determined by individual module coordinators and cannot be guaranteed across all modules. Certain activities, including practical sessions, laboratories and examinations, may require on campus attendance.
Students typically take one module per trimester. Depending on the module selected, scheduled teaching commitments generally range from approximately 1 to 4 hours per week, although the timing and distribution of these hours vary between modules. Current timetable information for individual modules is provided below to help prospective students assess the likely time commitment and discuss study arrangements with their employer where necessary.
|
Maths of Quantum Computation (MATH40830) |
Typically involves 3 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorials spread across up to three different days per week. |
|
Data Science in Python (COMP47670) |
Typically involves 1 hour of scheduled practical teaching per week. |
|
Applied Quantum Mechanics (PHYC40020) |
Typically involves 4 hours of lectures and tutorials spread across two different days per week. |
|
Quantum Machine Learning (COMP47950) |
Typically involves a 2 hour scheduled session per week. |
*The exact timetable and distribution of teaching activities may vary from year to year.
The programme allows one to build a focus either on the computational side of quantum engineering and computing and or on the physics of quantum computing. At the core of the programme are two modules covering basic and advanced concept of quantum computing that combine fundamental theory, code and algorithms examples and relating it to physics of qubits.
Students already familiar with fundamental concepts of quantum computing can opt for just one of the two modules. Other modules that complement the computation direction of the programme include High performance Computation, Data science/machine learning in python. On the physics side, we offer Foundation of Quantum Mechanics and applied quantum mechanics.
The Professional Diploma comprises one mandatory and three optional five-credit modules in the field of Quantum Engineering.
***Programme Delivery: All modules are delivered in either blended or fully online mode, with remote lectures available for professional learners. In the blended format, lectures are pre recorded or streamed online, while certain components such as laboratories or practical sessions require on campus attendance. The required on campus time does not exceed 4 hours per week.
Two core modules, EEEN40680 and EEEN40690, are delivered fully online. Students may also be required to attend in person examinations. The typical programme structure involves taking one module per year, with a weekly commitment of up to 4 hours.
|
EEEN40680 |
Intro. to Quantum Computing |
Online |
|
MATH40830 |
Maths of Quantum Computation |
Blended (4h per week on campus) |
|
ACM40640 |
High Performance Comp. (ICHEC) |
Online |
|
COMP47670 |
Data Science in Python |
Blended (4h per week on campus) |
Programme Outcomes
The programme represents an opportunity for those who have previous experience or are currently employed in the field of computer science, computer engineering and electronic engineering who wish to expand their expertise to understand quantum computation and quantum technologies. Many international companies and many major industry partners with presence in Ireland including IBM, Google, Microsoft, Intel. In addition to that the multinational companies in the electronics industry, including Analog Devices, Cadence.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: REQUIRED MODULE: YEAR 1 OR 2: EEEN40690 Quantum Computing is a REQUIRED MODULE. In order to be eligible for the Professional Diploma in Quantum Engineering, all students are required to take this module either in their first or second year of registration. |
EEEN40690 | Quantum Computing | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: OPTION MODULES: Along with taking the required module EEEN40690 Quantum Computing, students must take 15 credits of Option Modules across the up to 2 year duration of this programme. Please contact your Programme Director regarding your module choices especially where module dependency issues due to pre-requisite learning may arise. |
EEEN40680 | Intro. to Quantum Computing | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: OPTION MODULES: Along with taking the required module EEEN40690 Quantum Computing, students must take 15 credits of Option Modules across the up to 2 year duration of this programme. Please contact your Programme Director regarding your module choices especially where module dependency issues due to pre-requisite learning may arise. |
PHYC40020 | Applied Quantum Mechanics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: OPTION MODULES: Along with taking the required module EEEN40690 Quantum Computing, students must take 15 credits of Option Modules across the up to 2 year duration of this programme. Please contact your Programme Director regarding your module choices especially where module dependency issues due to pre-requisite learning may arise. |
COMP47670 | Data Science in Python (MD) | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: OPTION MODULES: Along with taking the required module EEEN40690 Quantum Computing, students must take 15 credits of Option Modules across the up to 2 year duration of this programme. Please contact your Programme Director regarding your module choices especially where module dependency issues due to pre-requisite learning may arise. |
ACM40640 | High Performance Computing (ICHEC) | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: OPTION MODULES: Along with taking the required module EEEN40690 Quantum Computing, students must take 15 credits of Option Modules across the up to 2 year duration of this programme. Please contact your Programme Director regarding your module choices especially where module dependency issues due to pre-requisite learning may arise. |
COMP47950 | Quantum Machine Learning | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: OPTION MODULES: Along with taking the required module EEEN40690 Quantum Computing, students must take 15 credits of Option Modules across the up to 2 year duration of this programme. Please contact your Programme Director regarding your module choices especially where module dependency issues due to pre-requisite learning may arise. |
COMP47990 | Machine Learning with Python (Online) | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: OPTION MODULES: Along with taking the required module EEEN40690 Quantum Computing, students must take 15 credits of Option Modules across the up to 2 year duration of this programme. Please contact your Programme Director regarding your module choices especially where module dependency issues due to pre-requisite learning may arise. |
MATH40830 | Maths of Quantum Computation | Spring | 5 |
Programme Director: Assoc Professor Elena Blokhina
"Quantum science and technology are facilitating complex computational tasks to advance the fields of communications, security, modelling, simulations and sensing. Whether you are interested in understanding the foundations of quantum theory or want to try some elements of quantum computations, this programme offers you the opportunity with a combination of blended and face-to-face modules."
Current Student: Eoghan Glynn
"The Professional Diploma in Quantum Engineering offered an excellent blend of flexibility and depth. I was able to focus on the computational track, building on my software engineering background and prior exposure to quantum mechanics. The programme built a strong theoretical foundation and provided valuable insight into state-of-the-art quantum algorithms and error correction, with direct relevance to my work on cryptographic safeguards at Red Hat. Expert teaching staff, strong academic rigour, and excellent guidance throughout made this a really impactful learning experience. I would highly recommend it as a first step into this groundbreaking field."
The Advance Centre promotes a Learner Subsidy Fee up to 80% off to promote participation in industry related programmes by reducing a learner fee. This scheme is funded and supported by the Irish Government under the Human Capital Initiative Pillar 3. The funding applies to year 1 only of the programme. Please see Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold an NFQ Level 8 (or international equivalent ) BE degree in Physics, Electrical, Electronic Engineering, Computer Sciences or equivalent.
Applicants are also required to meet the minimum English language requirements in UCD
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Professional Diploma in Quantum Engineering:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | T382 Professional Diploma in Quantum Engineering Professional Diploma Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsClosed |
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | T382 Professional Diploma in Quantum Engineering Professional Diploma Part-Time Commencing September 2027 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply |