The University of Waterloo, in collaboration with the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), offers graduate students unique opportunities to engage in world-leading research in quantum information.
These opportunities include a wide range of advanced research projects and courses covering the foundations, applications, and implementation of quantum information processing. IQC has a critical mass of expertise in several major research areas within quantum information, including but not limited to:
- Quantum error correction and fault tolerance
- Quantum complexity
- Quantum algorithms
- Quantum information theory
- Spin-based quantum information processing
- Nanoelectronics-based quantum information processing
- Optical quantum information processing
- Quantum cryptography
- Ultracold atoms and trapped ions
Degree options and requirements
In particular, we offer a new interdisciplinary graduate program in Quantum Information that leads to MMath, MSc, MASc, and PhD degrees. The program is offered in collaboration with:
- The Faculty of Mathematics
- The Faculty of Science
- The Faculty of Engineering
Students are required to complete the requirements of both their home unit and the specific requirements of the Quantum Information (QI) program to achieve the special QI designation. For example, MMath in Computer Science (Quantum Information), PhD in Chemistry (Quantum Information), MASc in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Quantum Information).
MMath, MSc, and MASc students will receive a strong and broad foundation in quantum information science, coupled with knowledge and expertise from their home program. This will prepare them for the workforce or further graduate studies and research leading towards a PhD.
PhD students will be prepared for careers as scholars and researchers, with advanced expertise in quantum information science, along with the focus of their home program. The new program is designed to provide knowledge of quantum information, including theory and implementations, their home program discipline, and also developed advanced expertise in their particular research area within quantum information.
Hear from our students
“At IQC, there is such a variety of experts and opportunities to learn about quantum information from new perspectives, while at other schools, there might only be one or two researchers studying quantum topics.”
“IQC is a community of people who are also pursuing their passions and the possibilities that their collaborative research enables. The size of IQC lends itself very well to collaboration. I think it’s an environment where people cross-pollinate ideas.”
“IQC is a hub for quantum computing in Canada. As someone who is just starting their career, I am very grateful to be part of this community! IQC encourages diversity in research interests and backgrounds. The vibrant and diverse research environment here encourages me to become a well-rounded researcher.”
"I love IQC and the graduate student communities at Waterloo. IQC has nice perks like coffee, cookie time every day, and pizza at student seminars. They often host social events, as well as interesting colloquiums and public lectures, so there is always something to look forward to outside of my research and coursework."
“I’d get hands-on experience with the actual software platforms used to run modern laboratory equipment, while simultaneously gaining a strong theoretical background to do the work. The best part of this program is that it gives you a solid foundation to further your career—whether in academia, specialized lab work, or industry.”
Explore quantum frontiers as an undergraduate student
At IQC our faculty members bring cutting-edge quantum research directly into the classroom. Several IQC faculty are actively involved in teaching undergraduate courses that explore the foundational and emerging areas of quantum information science and technology.
Courses available
IQC offers one of the broadest and deepest number of Quantum Information and Computation (QIC) courses. The courses available are listed below and their full course descriptions are available in the graduate calendar.
- Quantum Information Processing (QIC 710)
- Quantum Information Processing Devices (QIC 750)
- Theory of Quantum Information (QIC 820)
- Quantum Algorithms (QIC 823)
- Topics in Quantum Information (QIC 890)
- Magnetic Resonance and Spin-based Quantum Information Processing
- Applied Quantum Cryptography
- Implementation of Quantum Communication
- Selected Advanced Topics in Quantum Information
- Design in Quantum Systems
- Optical and Atomic Implementation
- Quantum Error Correction and Fault Tolerance
- Theory of Quantum Communication
- Semidefinite Programming in Quantum Information
- Recent advances in Quantum Information
- Quantum Complexity Theory
- Building a Neutron Camera
- Spin-based Quantum Information Processing
- Haar Measure in Quantum Information
- Modern Quantum Optics and Nanophotonics
- Solid-state Photonic Devices
- Relativistic Quantum Information
- Entanglement and Nonlocality
- Topics in Quantum-Safe Cryptography
- Introduction to Noise Processes
- Qubits with Semiconductors and Spins
- Functional Analysis Methods in Quantum Information Theory
- Algebraic Coding Theory
- Advanced topics in Quantum Optics
- Quantum Sensing
- Quantum Optics
- Entanglement Non-local Effects
- Approximate Representation Theory of Groups and Non-local Games
- Applications of Operator Algebras in Quantum Information Theory
- Matter Wave Optics and Interferometry
- Advanced Topics in Quantum Information Theory
- Open Quantum Systems (QIC 845)
- Nanoelectronics for Quantum Information Processing (QIC 880)
- Quantum Electronics and Photonics (QIC 885)
- Topics in Quantum Information (QIC 891)
- Selected Advanced Topics in Quantum Information
- Many-Body Physics and Quantum Foundations/Information
- Examples of Quantum Devices
- Recent advances in Quantum Information
- Topics in Quantum-Safe Cryptography
- Implementations of Quantum Information Processing
- Introduction to Quantum Computing
- Post Quantum Cryptography
- Network Security
- Cryptography
- Quantum Cryptography Beyond Quantum Key Distribution
- Quantum Communication Devices
- Quantum Cryptography Tools
- Topics in Quantum Information (QIC 895)
- Information-theory Methods in Communication Complexities
- Experimental Technique for Quantum Communication
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
- Theory of Quantum Optics
- Quantum Information and Communication
- Quantum Information and Machine Learning
- Programming Quantum Computers
Career outcomes
Our alumni have found diverse careers working in academia, multinational companies, governments and start-ups. IQC alumni have landed all over the globe. Expore what some IQC alumni are doing now and review a sample of where they are working.