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

Applications for September 2026 are now closed.

Whilst applications are now closed for this academic year, applications will open for the September 2027 cohort in October.

For future admissions, express your interest 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