Technology & Data
Research & Development
Degree plus
Quantum Software Engineer
Write software and algorithms for quantum computers, bridging physics theory with practical computation.
A day in the life
Develop quantum algorithms, simulate qubits, optimise compilers for quantum hardware, and collaborate with physicists.
Entry routes
- A-level Physics + Maths + Further Maths + Computer Science
- Physics, Computer Science or Mathematics degree
- Masters or PhD in quantum information (common)
Typical salary
£30,000-£40,000 to £90,000+
Mid-career: £50,000-£75,000
Quantum startups and global tech companies often pay at the top end.
UK employers
- Oxford Quantum Computing
- Quantinuum
- Phasecraft
- Rigetti Computing
Worldwide employers
- IBM Quantum
- Google Quantum AI
- Microsoft Azure Quantum
- IonQ
Useful route links
These links are good starting points for courses, apprenticeships, graduate routes and professional training. They open the official or specialist sites rather than another summary page.
UCAS course search: quantum computing
Compare degree prospectuses, entry requirements, open days and course structures.
ucas.com
Tech Nation jobs and talent
Specialist UK AI, machine-learning and quantum talent routes.
technation.io
UKRI studentships and research funding
Explore UK research councils and postgraduate research funding routes.
ukri.org
UCAS Physics and astronomy courses
Search UK undergraduate physics, astrophysics and related degree options.
ucas.com
Prospects: what can I do with a physics degree?
Independent overview of careers that physics graduates enter.
prospects.ac.uk
Find an apprenticeship on GOV.UK
Search current apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship vacancies in England.
gov.uk
Key skills
Explore related careers
Sources and further reading
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