Learn using quantum platforms in three graduate level laboratory courses.
Gain theoretical and experimental skills through an independent project course aimed at developing research capacity.
Prepare to lead in the quantum industry or advance to a quantum PhD program and be part of a thriving community of over 300 quantum researchers.
Program overview
The Master of Science degree in Physics with a specialization in Quantum Technology is a 12-month, course-based degree program. It is offered by the Institute for Quantum Computing in partnership with the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Transformative Quantum Technologies (TQT) research initiative at the University of Waterloo. This program is the university’s only course-based option for an MSc in Physics.
Instructors emphasize hands-on learning with quantum platforms in a lab dedicated to teaching, which equips graduates with the familiarity and understanding to drive the development and use of quantum technologies.
- Learn quantum devices and techniques through core experimental courses in coherent control, quantum optics, and superconductivity and take electives from IQC's comprehensive quantum information graduate program.
- Engage in seminars, outreach programs and labs at the forefront of quantum technology.
- Network with industry leaders and startups in quantum technology.
Get all your questions answered - Register for our info session
Unlock your quantum career with IQC's physics degree specializing in quantum technology
Information session for the MSc Physics – Quantum Technology specialization (course-based)
Location: online
Program requirements
Our master's program offers a robust foundation in quantum technology through three fundamental lab courses, delivered by a team of world-class instructors, teaching assistants, and support staff. These courses are held in the Quantum Explorations Laboratory, a state-of-the-art space dedicated exclusively to teaching and training. Outfitted with advanced equipment, the lab prepares students to engage in-depth with quantum systems and a range of quantum computing implementations, setting a strong foundation for future research and careers.
Degree requirements include:
- Eight one-term courses in graduate level quantum technologies, including three laboratory courses.
- Academic integrity workshop and module.
- An average of at least 70% in the required courses. A minimum grade of 65% is required for a pass in each course. No more than two of the first four completed courses can have averages of less than 70%.
For more information on program requirements, including required courses, visit the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.
Hear from our alumni
How did the program prepare you for your current career or academic path?
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What experiences from the program have been most valuable in your post-graduation work?
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For someone considering this program, what advice would you give?
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Grant Brassem, class of 2023
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.
Why study quantum science and technology at IQC?
Be a part of the breakthrough science and research harnessing quantum technology and advancing nearly all aspects of society including communications, medicine and materials science.
Join the most interdisciplinary quantum centre in the world – a community of researchers from seven academic home units across three faculties at the University of Waterloo.
IQC is at the forefront of quantum workforce training and supports industry through shared-infrastructure and expertise.
Twenty-two startups have spun out of IQC research at the University of Waterloo, the top university for startup founders in Canada.
Dedicated, state-of-the-art lab space
Laboratory of coherent control
This course provides a testbed on which students can build an intuition around quantum information processing with the help of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers and nitrogen vacancy centres.
- Simulations and experiments are combined such that students can see both experimental outcomes and their correspondence to theoretical predictions.
- A fully customizable software interface and pulse programmer offers endless potential for experimenting with quantum information processing.
- 17 distinct experiments at the forefront of quantum information research are delivered ranging from the controlled-not gate to quantum simulation.
- Room temperature operation allows for easy access to experimental apparatus, enabling exploration outside of class time.
Students characterizing a single spin qubit using a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer.
Students running a dynamical decoupling sequence to extend the lifetime of a spin qubit using a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer.
A nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer along with a set of liquid samples used for quantum control of 1 and 2 qubits.
Laboratory on low temperature quantum technology and nanofabrication
This course introduces low temperature measurement techniques and the properties of superconducting devices that are relevant to quantum technologies.
- Work directly with liquid helium cryogenic systems, which reach temperatures in the single Kelvin range when vacuum pumped.
- Become comfortable with electronics commonly used with superconducting systems.
- Explore the characteristics and fabrication of superconducting devices relevant to quantum computing such as Josephson Junctions, microwave resonators, and thin films.
- Characterize a superconducting qubit using a dilution refrigerator comparable to those used at IBM and Google
A liquid helium flow cryostat used to characterize superconducting quantum devices down to 1.5 Kelvin.
Students looking at a dilution cryostat that is used to cool superconducting qubits to ultra-low temperatures (~15 milliKelvin)
A student characterizing a cryogenic microwave circuit component using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)
Students working with liquid helium flow cryostats. One cryostat (front) contains a superconducting microwave resonator (readout on a vector network analyzer) and the other (rear) contains Josephson junctions. These two devices are integral to the construction of superconducting qubit architectures.
Student working on a dilution cryostat that is used to cool superconducting qubits to their operating temperature (~15 milliKelvin).
Laboratory on photonic quantum technology
In this course, students create, manipulate, and measure optical quantum states, and use single photons to explore fundamental topics in quantum information processing.
- Use an entangled single photon source to characterize 2-qubit quantum states, explore Bell non-locality, and perform remote-state preparation through a quantum eraser experiment.
- Use a heralded single photon source to explore the indistinguishability of single photons and characterize a true quantum light source.
- Distinguish between coherent, thermal, and single photon light sources by examining the statistics of each and comparing with theoretical expectations.
A quantum light source producing maximally entangled quantum states in photon polarization. This source is used for exploring entanglement and Bell nonlocality with two-qubits.
A student working on a quantum state/process tomography experiment. Tomography is a technique used to characterize an unknown quantum state, or the action of an unknown quantum process.
A shot of a single photon counting module. Single photons are detected, and their time of arrival is precisely recorded. The software counts the number of photon arrivals and checks for correlations in the time of those arrivals.
Student working on equations in the photonics lab
Admissions
Students must meet the admission requirements for an MSc degree in Physics, as outlined on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.
Applications for this course-based degree program are limited to a fall term start only (unlike for the thesis-based degree option which has applications open three times a year).
Full scholarships covering tuition and living costs will be offered to a limited number of students.
Apply through the graduate online application system. When applying, search for "Physics - MSc (Coursework)" and choose "Quantum Technology" in the "Graduate research field or Graduate specialization" dropdown menu. This program is a course-based MSc and distinct from the thesis-based MSc program.
Faculty: Science
Department/School: Physics and Astronomy
Applications open: until the beginning of January 9 of each year
Enrolment term: Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Joint
Length of program: 12 months (full-time)
Study option: Coursework
Got questions? We’re here to help
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For program (courses and labs) specific questions: Michael Grabowecky
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For Science admission questions: Sophie Gagnon
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For IQC admission questions: Paula Roser
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For technical support or help with your application: Email gradapply@uwaterloo.ca.