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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.

Typical route

Helpful A-levels

Physics + Maths + Further Maths + Computer Science

Typical qualification and training

  • Physics, Computer Science or Mathematics degree
  • Masters or PhD in quantum information (common)

These are common routes, not compulsory subject combinations. Entry requirements vary between universities, training schemes and employers, so always check the current provider requirements.

Indicative UK salary

Starter
£30,000-£40,000
Experienced
£50,000-£75,000
Senior
£90,000+

Quantum startups and global tech companies often pay at the top end.

Salary range checked against Prospects.ac.uk: Software Engineer.

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

Research Scientist (Physics)

Plan and carry out experiments or theoretical work to discover new physics and turn it into applications.

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Software Engineer

Design, build and maintain the software that runs devices, services and scientific instruments.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Build, train and deploy machine-learning models that power products from search engines to medical diagnostics.

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Sources and further reading

External links open in a new tab.

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