- Learn the current state of the art in quantum technology and quantum computing, familiarity with available quantum computers
- Understand and be able to design, model and send for execution simple quantum circuits and quantum systems
- Understand the physics and mathematical background behind quantum technology and quantum computing
- Ability to learn independently and to communicate effectively in the field of quantum computing and engineering
This course is available through the following application route(s)
Quantum engineering and computing is at the heart of digital transformation and is a long-term research priority area in the EU and worldwide. Access to online quantum computing frameworks, quantum system simulators, and existing quantum computers combined with the progress in high performance computing, materials and electronics for quantum computers accelerated the field over the past decade.
This enabled the development of new quantum algorithms and a significant expansion of quantum computing applications. Currently, many problems are being rethought and reformulated as problems for quantum computing, with some notable examples including modelling of quantum systems, quantum chemistry problems, modelling of physical processes and optimisation problems. The field of quantum computing and engineering is a multidisciplinary field and benefiting from both, academic and industrial leadership and contribution.
The programme allows one to build a focus either on the computational side of quantum engineering & 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 lectures are in the morning of weekdays with labs in the afternoon. Remote lectures & labs are available in selected modules however please note that some attendance (usually up to 4 hours per week) may be required on campus as some modules do not have online options. You may also be required to attend in-person exams.
Module Information:
Under the "What modules can I take?" section below you will see general module information, for a more detailed description including module selection rules click here.
About This Course
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. |
ACM30210 | Foundations of Quantum Theory | 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. |
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."
Professional Diploma in Quantum Engineering (T382) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 2170
nonEU fee per year - € 6650
***Fees are subject to change
EU fee per year - € 2170
nonEU fee per year - € 6650
***Fees are subject to change
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
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
How to Apply
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 2025 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply |
* you can change options at the top of the page