Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Quantum Technology and Instrumentation requires completion of 96 units, which must consist of:

A minimum of 24 units from completion of 8000-level courses

A minimum of 36 units from completion of courses from the subject area PHYS - Physics

The 96 units must consist of:

12 units from completion of the following compulsory Quantum and Instrumentation courses:

PHYS6711 Fundamentals of Noise and Measurement (6 units)

PHYS8751 Quantum Technology (6 units)

12 units from completion of the following compulsory Science and Society courses:   

PHYS6205 Physics for Future Leaders (6 units)

PHYS8752 Quantum Industry (6 units)

A minimum of 6 units from completion of Quantum Mechanics courses from the following list:   

PHYS6013 Quantum Mechanics (6 units)

PHYS6101 Advanced Quantum Mechanics (6 units)

A minimum of 12 units from completion of research training and research courses from the following list:

PHYS6701 Rapid Prototyping (6 units)

PHYS8702 Prototyping and Systems Integration (6 units)

PHYS8750 Special Topics (6 units)

A minimum of 18 units from completion of courses from any of the following Field of Study course lists, which can be taken from one list or multiple lists:

Quantum Science

PHYS6201 Quantum Field Theory (6 units)

PHYS6500 Optical Physics (6 units)

PHYS8750 Special Topics (which must be in Quantum Technology) (6 units)

Quantum Technology

PHYS6500 Optical Physics (6 units)

PHYS6502 Applied Optics (6 units)

PHYS8750 Special Topics (which must be in Quantum Technology) (6 units)

Which may include a maximum of 6 units from:

MGMT7020 Technology and Project Management (6 units)

MGMT7161 Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation (6 units)

MGMT7165 Innovation (6 units)

Optical Instrumentation

PHYS6500 Optical Physics (6 units)

PHYS6502 Applied Optics (6 units)

PHYS8017 Optoelectronics and Integrated Optics (6 units)

PHYS8721 Advanced Imaging Methods and Systems (6 units)

Gravitational Wave Instrumentation

ENGN6223 Control Systems (6 units)

PHYS6102 Advanced Electromagnetism (6 units)

PHYS6203 General Relativity (6 units)

PHYS6502 Applied Optics (6 units)

Integrated Photonics

PHYS6032 Solid State Physics (6 units)

PHYS6102 Advanced Electromagnetism (6 units)

PHYS6500 Optical Physics (6 units)

A maximum of 12 units from completion of further courses from the lists above not previously taken or the Quantum Technology and Instrumentation complementary elective list below:

COMP6730 Programming for Scientists (6 units)

COMP6670 Introduction to Machine Learning (6 units)

ENGN6537 Digital Signal Processing (6 units)

MATH6111 Scientific Computing (6 units)

MATH6114 Number Theory and Cryptography (6 units)

MATH6405 Applied Mathematics I: Ordinary Differential Equations and Vector Calculus (6 units)

MATH6406 Partial Differential Equations, Fourier Analysis and Complex Analysis (6 units)

MGMT7161 Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation (6 units)

MGMT7165 Innovation (6 units)

MGMT7020 Technology and Project Management (6 units)

PHYS6020 Thermal and Statistical Physics (6 units)

PHYS8301 Applied Mathematical Methods in Physics (6 units)

A maximum of 24 units from completion of elective courses offered by the ANU

Capstone Courses

Admission Requirements

Applicants must present a Bachelor degree or international equivalent

• with a minimum GPA of at least 5.0/7.0
• with at least 8 courses in a cognate discipline, which must also have a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0.

The GPA requirement for this program must be met by both the program as a whole, as well as by the 8 courses in a cognate discipline. Where more than 8 cognate courses have been completed by the applicant, ANU will take the best 8 courses when assessing the cognate GPA.

The GPA for a Bachelor program will be calculated from (i) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades and/or (ii) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades other than those from the last semester (or equivalent study period) of the Bachelor degree. The higher of the two calculations will be used as the basis for admission.

Ranking and English language proficiency: At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry. In line with the University's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors. Applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of:

• a GPA ('GPA2') calculated on the penultimate and antepenultimate semesters (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes; and/or
• demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency

Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.

Further information: English language admission requirements and post-admission support

Diversity factors: As Australia’s national university, ANU is a global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe.

Assessment of qualifications: Unless otherwise indicated, ANU will accept all Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications or international equivalents that meet or exceed the published admission requirements of our programs, provided all other admission requirements are also met.

Where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will base assessment on the qualification that best meets the admission requirements for the program. Find out more about the Australian Qualifications Framework: www.aqf.edu.au.

Unless otherwise indicated, where an applicant has more than one completed tertiary qualification, ANU will calculate the GPA for each qualification separately. ANU will base assessment on the best GPA of all completed tertiary qualifications of the same level or higher.

ANU uses a 7-point Grade Point Average (GPA) scale. All qualifications submitted for admission at ANU will be converted to this common scale, which will determine if an applicant meets our published admission requirements. Find out more about how a 7-point GPA is calculated for Australian universities: www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria/tertiary-qualifications.

Credit Granted

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline may be eligible for 24 units (one semester) of credit. Applicants with a Graduate Diploma or Honours in a cognate discipline may be eligible for 48 units (one year) of credit.

Cognate Disciplines

Physics, Engineering, Mathematics

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates with specialised skills in quantum technology and instrumentation can bridge the gap between theoretical quantum mechanics and practical hardware development. Job roles can include Quantum Engineer, Quantum Systems Physicists, Photonics Engineer, Optical Scientist or Quantum Software Developer. 

Graduates with Quantum Technology and Instrumentation skills from ANU are in high demand across the defense, space, advanced manufacturing, quantum computing and precision sensing sectors, with many roles available in Canberra. Key opportunities include roles as quantum scientists, quantum engineers, optical specialists and research positions in high-precision measurement.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate high level knowledge of quantum technologies and instrumentation;
2. Apply their knowledge of quantum technology and instrumentation to new problems;
3. Interpret, synthesize and critically analyse published literature of relevance to quantum technology and instrumentation;
4. Demonstrate theoretical and practical skills relevant to techniques and research methodology in quantum technology and instrumentation;
5. Critically analyse data within the discipline to reach independent conclusions;
6. Demonstrate a critical understanding of science in society;
7. Clearly communicate theory and results in both written and oral formats.

Inherent Requirements

No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this program.

Further Information

Program advice:

PHYS8750 Masters Special Topics in Physics - should take care to select the class number associated with the Special Topic in Quantum Technology or Instrumentation depending on the focus of the topic.

Potential pathway to Masters (Advanced)

Students who are admitted to the Master of Science in Quantum Technology and Instrumentation of study can explore the option of undertaking a significant research component. Please discuss this with the program convener before completion of the first 48 units of study at the Master level. Students have the option of applying to transfer to the Master of Science (Advanced) in Quantum Technology and Instrumentation and undertaking a 24 unit research project if they satisfy the following requirements:

• have completed compulsory courses in the first 48 units of the Master of Science (Advanced) in Quantum Technology and Instrumentation,
• achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark in the initial 48 units of coursework,
• have the approval of an identified supervisor, and
• meet the published admission requirements for the Master of Science (Advanced) in Quantum Technology and Instrumentation

Vertical Double Degree pathway UGRD-PGRD:

This program is part of the Vertical Double Degree pathway structure offered by the College of Science and Medicine. The Vertical Double Degree pathway presents students with the opportunity to complete a 3-year single undergraduate degree offered by the ANU College of Science and Medicine with a cognate 2-year Masters degree in 4 years (full-time) instead of 5 years (full-time). Not all undergraduate and Masters programs are offered as a Vertical Double Degree pathway. For more information on applicable combinations, benefits and how to apply, eligibility and conditions please visit https://science.anu.edu.au/vertical-double-degrees .

Students who are interested in pursuing a Vertical Double Degree pathway with this program, are advised to contact student@anu.edu.au and seek academic advice. Students who are already in an undergraduate degree offered by the College of Science and Medicine should seek academic advice before completion of the first 72 units of their undergraduate studies.

This pathway is not available to students in an undergraduate Flexible Double Degree.

Exit pathways:

Students who have completed 48 units and wish to exit the program have the option of transferring to graduate from a Graduate Diploma of Science.

Students who have completed 24 units and wish to exit the program have the option of transferring to graduate from a Graduate Certificate of Science.