A disruptive four-year PhD program in quantum information science and quantum technologies

Applications for September 2026 are now open!

Whether you’re a physicist with a passion for practical technologies, an engineer with an interest in quantum computing, or a mathematician with an aptitude for developing quantum algorithms, the Quantum Information Science and Technologies CDT programme equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to become the future leaders of the quantum information science and technologies sector.

We offer 4-year fully funded PhD studentships which includes tuition fees, stipends (tax free) and a generous research budget. Stipend rates will differ for home and international students, with international students receiving the standard UKRI rate (for the 2025/26 academic year, this is currently £21,780). Home students starting their studies in September 2026 will receive the standard UKRI rate, plus the UK Government’s TechExpert Pilot funding, expected to be an additional £10,000 per year. The pilot is only expected to run for one intake of students and more details will be confirmed in December.

Apply here

Our CDT

The aim of the Quantum Information Science and Technologies Centre for Doctoral Training (QIST CDT) is to train the UK’s best quantum scientists and engineers, capable of working in all areas of the emerging quantum technology industry sector.

Quantum Information Science and Technologies (QIST) is an EPSRC funded CDT jointly hosted at University of Bristol and University of Sussex. It promises new disruptive forms of computation, sensing, and communications that address major societal challenges ranging from new material development and security to logistics, through developing physics knowledge and engineering capabilities to harness quantum phenomena.

The QIST CDT boasts a bespoke training model tailored to the training needs of QIST that disrupts the tradition of training PhD graduates and our students receive cutting-edge training.

This programme is the next step to a successful career in quantum technologies, whether you are interested in:

  •  developing and constructing practical quantum computers
  • exploring the foundations of quantum theory
  • developing quantum algorithms and quantum error correction protocols
  • developing quantum networks and exploring quantum communication
  • building and testing quantum sensors
  • learning and demonstrating the modelling power of quantum simulators
  • exploring device fabrication within and across platforms

Our four-year programme has been designed by leading academics and industry partners and includes a broad range of taught modules at Sussex and at Bristol in year one leading to a three year research project phase. Postgraduate researchers at Sussex and Bristol will benefit from:

  • Guided and self-inspired learning with a broad range of PhD research projects available
  • Experience of practical application as well as a sound theoretical understanding of quantum physics
  • Developing complementary skills – such as commercialisation and science communication – necessary for academic and industrial excellence
  • Access to an international network of world-class academic and industrial collaborators
  • Industry trip across the globe to visit companies and research labs working in the quantum technology sector
  • Financial support for academic and industrial secondments
  • Opportunity and funding to attend international and national conferences
  • A cohort approach to learning, enabling students to learn from each other in a rapidly evolving field
  • Access to a broad technology base and state-of-the-art facilities at Sussex and Bristol