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EPSRC CDT in Quantum Information Science and Technologies

4 year PhDs at the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Information Science and Technologies (2026)

What you get

The scholarship covers 4 years of:

-  Maintenance allowance above UK Research Council rates (£21,780 in 2025-6)

- PhD fees

- Research and training allowance

Type of award

4 year PhD scholarship

PhD project

Whether you're an engineer with an interest in quantum computing, a physicist with a passion for practical technologies or a mathematician with an aptitude for experimental work, this programme is the next step to a successful career in quantum technologies.

Our welcomes candidates with backgrounds in mathematics, engineering, computer science, chemistry or the physical sciences. 

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

• a computer scientist with interest in developing quantum algorithms 
• a chemist intrigued by the modelling power of quantum simulators 
• a mathematician with a passion for quantum computing 
• a physicist excited to implement practical technologies 
• an engineer inspired to deploy a quantum-enabled communications network 

 Our programme:  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 to USA to visit companies and research labs working in the quantum field
• 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

Our Master Class: 

We will offer a Microwave Trapped-Ion Quantum Computing Master Class at the ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë. The masterclass will be led by a software engineer formerly working at Google (Joe Swainston) and two talented quantum computing researchers (one with focus on quantum gates (Chris Knapp) and the other focussing on electronics engineering for quantum computing (Pedro Taylor Burdett)).

The Master class will be open for our doctoral students based at Sussex. Students will receive training in critical skills for microwave trapped-ion quantum computing and the control of quantum technology experiments using ArtiQ, all during the first year of the CDT. This will give students authentic and hands-on training towards the development of practical quantum computers and other quantum technologies based on trapped ions.

Eligibility

Applicants should have at least an upper-second class undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as Physics, Mathematics or Engineering (or equivalent qualification).

Scholarships are available for both UK and International candidates.  Candidates for whom English is not their first language will require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any section - English language requirements

Applications are particularly welcomed from candidates with protected characteristics – e.g., from Black and other ethnic minorities and individuals with disabilities who are under-represented in postgraduate research at our institution. Please do draw our attention to any of the above in your application. 

Number of scholarships available

Up to 10 per year

Deadline

How to apply

Please follow the guidelines below on how to apply to our new four-year QIST PhD programme: 

Apply on our Postgraduate Admissions system here 

• Start a new application and choose QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGIES (PhD) start date September 2026 
• In the “Finances/Funding” field write “ EPSRC QIST PhD&°ù»å±ç³Ü´Ç; &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
• Upload all required documents (CV, personal statement, degree certificates and transcripts) 
• Please also ensure you complete an additional  which is COMPULSORY for your application. 

Contact us

we will be holding an OPEN DAY here at the ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë on Friday the 16th of January. Please register if you are interested in attending. 

For further information about the programme at Sussex contact Prof Winfried Hensinger 

For questions about the application form please contact FoSEM-PGR@sussex.ac.uk 

Timetable

Deadline for applications: 01 Dec 2025