PhD Studentship: EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Information Science and Technologies

A PhD opportunity at the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Information Science and Technologies at the University of Sussex

School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences

The University of Sussex, in partnership with the University of Bristol, has launched the new EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Information Science and Technologies (QIST) funded via the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

We are delighted to announce we are opening our second round of applications to the QIST-CDT programme at the University of Sussex. In this round; we welcome applications from UK home candidates only which includes UK nationals resident in the UK for the last 3 years and EU nationals with pre/settled status in the UK. Only these may apply in this round. Applicants meeting this criteria who have already submitted an application do not need to resubmit, their applications are being reviewed.

Our QIST Centre for Doctoral Training welcomes candidates with backgrounds in physics,  engineering, or computer science, this programme is the next step to a successful career in quantum technologies.

Our QIST CDT at Sussex, brings together eight research groups which are harnessing and exploiting quantum physics research in order to create transformational commercial products with the potential to change the way we live and work.

We work with leading industry partners in commercialising our ground-breaking research. Quantum technologies will provide disruptive capabilities for numerous applications across a range of sectors.

Our specialised facilities and expertise are unique and have given rise to many world firsts.

Our Programme

Developed and delivered by a leading team of academics and industrial partners, this programme will provide unique cross-disciplinary training in experimental and theoretical quantum information and quantum technologies, and specialised training in entrepreneurship, project management, collaborative working, responsible research and innovation, science policy, and communication skills. Students will benefit from a new exciting "Microwave Trapped-Ion Quantum Computing" Master Class.

Our new doctoral programme has been designed in collaboration with a large number of leading academic and industry experts. It encompasses both the theoretical understanding and the practical application of quantum physics, and offers a breadth of opportunities for discussion, engagement and peer-to-peer learning.

Our programme offers much more than a regular PhD; starting with a first exploratory year of theoretical and practical units offered at Bristol and at Sussex, underpinned by a critical mass of experts from both universities and beyond, with a strong component of soft-skills training through the 4-years, all enhanced by a cohort model that promotes early career collaborative research and networking.

Our Scholarship

The scholarship covers 4 years of:

- Maintenance allowance above UK Research Council rates – £20,237 in 2024-5

- PhD fees

- Research and training allowance

Am I eligible?

Applicants should have at least an upper-second class degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent qualification).

We are not currently accepting international applicants.

How do I apply?

Please follow the guidelines below on how to apply: 

Apply on our Postgraduate Admissions system via the apply button above. 

• Start a new application and choose Physics (PhD) start date September 2025 
• In the “Finances/Funding” field write “QIST PhD” 
• Upload all required documents (CV, personal statement, degree certificates and transcripts).

Contacts

For further information about the programme at Sussex contact w.k.hensinger@sussex.ac.uk

For questions about the application form contact mps-pgrsupport@sussex.ac.uk

Timeline

Deadline for applications: 31 March 2025

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