The University of Queensland (UQ) is launching Australia’s first quantum technology masters program for students later this year.

Professor Tom Stace from UQ’s School of Mathematics and Physics says the course will have an “emphasis on high-tech experiments" and will prepare students for highly skilled and highly paid positions.

The introduction of the course is timely, he says, as interest and investment in quantum tech is booming across the world.

“It’s exploding, with global investment creating openings for an estimated 20,000 specialists in the quantum field, with a shortage of talent not only in Australia, but worldwide.”

A number of the world’s biggest companies are seeking qualified specialists to work on their quantum technology efforts, including Microsoft, Google and IBM.

And companies such as Telstra and Samsung as well as major motor manufacturers and finance companies are now turning their focus to quantum computing technology.

“Graduating students will be attractive to an international market, including both Fortune 100 companies and quantum technology start-ups,” Professor Stace said.

“As technology companies worldwide race to join the emerging second quantum revolution, (students) will graduate as highly skilled and sought-after specialists equipped to collaborate on solving key industry problems in communications, simulators, sensors and computing.”

The qualifications you will need

Students can enrol for the Master of Quantum Technology course from July this year (Semester 2). They will be required to have a degree in computer science, engineering, information technology, mathematics, chemistry or statistics to apply.

The course will include high tech experiments with cryogenics, superconductors, quantum gases, quantum optics and quantum optomechanics.

Quantum technologies are finding applications in cryptography, chemistry simulation in medical and industrial processes, and the development of more accurate sensors for detection and measurement,” Professor Stace said.

“The field is deeply fascinating, and understanding in this area will be increasingly important as a technological foundation for new professionals.” 

Internationally recognised

Professor Stace said UQ is internationally recognised for quantum science research, having played a key role in important quantum discoveries.

The university has been home to leading quantum research since the 1980s.

“We’ve attracted huge investment over the past 25 years, and have completed great research with it,” he said.

“The amount of funding UQ has received for quantum science, including through the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) and the Australian Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Quantum Technology (CQC2T), is approaching $100 million.

“It just shows that UQ is the perfect place to learn about our quantum future, and we’re busy preparing our students with these highly sought after skills.

“We can only dream of what they might help build, helping create a better future for us all.”

For more information about the new program, visit UQ’s Future Students page