Quantum Programming Foundations
Part-fundedEmbrace the quantum computing revolution
Join our Quantum Programming Foundations learning pathway and become part of a dynamic community of like-minded professionals, all passionate about harnessing the power of quantum computing.
Staying ahead in the rapidly evolving quantum computing landscape demands more than just keeping pace, it requires visionary leadership and cutting-edge technical skills. As industries worldwide embrace quantum computing’s disruptive potential, the demand for adept technical leaders and developers who can harness its power is skyrocketing.
Our pioneering Level 8 (5 ECTS) Quantum Programming Foundations course, delivered in collaboration with the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC) and University of Galway, empowers you to be at the forefront of this revolution, arming you with a deep understanding of quantum computing tools, its capabilities and potential applications.
Whether you’re a seasoned technical professional or a visionary technical leader, this course equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the quantum landscape, and to unlock its immense potential for your organisation, with confidence.
Industry-Led Learning Pathway for Quantum Programming Foundations
The Quantum Programming Foundations course has been designed with an industry advisory board composed of both Irish indigenous and global organisations across quantum technology development, financial services, engineering, aerospace, electronic devices, pharmaceuticals, quantum technologies, IT solutions, services and consulting, ensuring recognition and relevance across sectors and disciplines.
This course presents the capabilities of quantum technologies and its potential impact in both the short and medium terms, and beyond. It will ensure that you are informed of the latest trends, methods and tools to equip you to take advantage of the opportunities that quantum computing provides.
This course is delivered online. The course runs for one semester (12 weeks) and is delivered via synchronous and asynchronous directed activities, using state of the art technologies and teaching techniques to support the virtual classroom.
The total weekly workload is 9.25-hours per week, with 5.25-contact hours.
- Recorded lectures will be scheduled for 1 hour per week.
- Live tutorials take place from 2pm-6pm on Tuesdays. These include a 2 hour live tutorial session with open class discussion based on lecture content and tutorial worksheet provided. This will be followed with an additional 2 hour asynchronous lab session where students individually complete exercises with near realtime support during business hours provided by Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC) tutors.
- Lecturer supervised learning (contact and non-contact) for continuous assessment is 27 hours per semester. There are 2 hours of non- scheduled self paced directed e-Learning with materials and resources provided. Students are encouraged to engage with this content each week before their live class to build an understanding and to prompt questions.
Topic 1: Demystifying Quantum Computing
- This topic introduces the era of high-performance computing and its impact, followed by positioning where quantum computing fits, and explains how the quantum computing ecosystem looks.
Topic 2: Integrating High-Performance and Quantum Computing
- This topic covers the fundamental and technical reasons for integrating classical & quantum computing and the road ahead in the approaches and activities integrating classical & quantum computing.
Topic 3: From Bits to Qubits
- This topic recaps classical bits and uses it to introduce quantum bits. The introduction of quantum bits addresses qubits, quantum measurement, quantum gates, and other features of quantum computing.
Topic 4: Realising Quantum Computing Systems
- This topic covers different types of quantum computing hardware, the physical components involved in building quantum computing systems, the engineering challenges in building quantum computing systems, and roadmaps of hardware companies that are building these systems.
Topic 5: Accessing Quantum Computing Systems
- This topic covers how to execute quantum programs, followed by introducing quantum computing software simulators, different approaches to accessing quantum systems, tightly-integrated quantum stacks vs. heterogenous quantum stacks, and publicly-funded systems at national and European levels.
Topic 6: Software and Tools for Quantum Programming
- This topic introduces a map of components in the quantum computing software layers (high level quantum languages / SDK / Tools, and low level quantum languages and libraries). It covers quantum programming stacks, quantum orchestrators, and specialised quantum software projects and bespoke quantum programming stacks.
Topic 7: Landscape of Quantum Algorithms
- This topic introduces what a quantum algorithm is, covering early quantum algorithms (Grover’s algorithm, Shor’s algorithm) and NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) algorithms. Different types of quantum algorithms and their applications for simulation of physics and chemistry systems, search and optimisation, and machine learning are also covered.
Our course empowers technical professionals like you with in-depth insights into quantum computing, enabling you to make informed strategic decisions and lead with confidence.
Ideal candidates for this course are:
- Technical managers leading teams in IT-related departments
- Scientists (computational, AI, data) aiming to leverage quantum computing for advanced analytics
- Engineers interested in exploring the practical applications of quantum computing
- Innovation leaders driving research and development efforts in technology-focused industries
- Entrepreneurs looking to integrate quantum technologies into their ventures
- Business analysts seeking to understand the strategic implications of quantum technologies
- Project managers overseeing technology-driven initiatives
- CTOs and CIOs responsible for shaping the technology roadmap of their organisations
The Quantum Programming Foundations course will introduce you to core practical skills, equipping you to assess the evolution and use-cases for quantum computing, towards creating a roadmap for your technical and skills development activities required for your organisation to adopt quantum computing.
You will be able to:
- Understand the value chain and value proposition of quantum computing alongside classical high-performance computing.
- Evaluate the capabilities, limitations and potential areas for applying quantum computing, by identifying key high-level tipping points to reach practical quantum computing.
- Analyse the features of bits and qubits from phenomenological perspective, comparing their similarities and differences.
- Differentiate between types of quantum computing hardware, their physical components, and engineering challenges in building them.
- Experiment with access to different types of quantum hardware and software emulators from public and commercial quantum computing systems.
- Compare and contrast different components in the quantum computing software layers, along with different ways of using or building quantum programming stacks.
- Examine different types of quantum algorithms and their application in different problem areas, along with the potential advantage of each quantum algorithmic type.
- Evaluate the requirements for the practical application of quantum algorithms.
Academic Eligibility
Applicants should have a NFQ Level 7 qualification in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics area. Applications can be considered using Recognition of Prior Learning.
Fees
Full course fee: €1,350
Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet grant: €270
Subsidised course fee: €1,080*
Part-funded fees are only available to eligible applicants.*
*Funding Eligibility
Applicants must be employed by, or operating as, an eligible business engaged in economic activity in the Republic of Ireland. This includes private companies, sole traders, commercial social enterprises and eligible commercial semi-state organisations. Additional eligibility verification may be required for certain organisation types to avail of grant-aided fees.
Applicants who do not meet our funding criteria may in some cases be able to apply directly with Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC) and pay the full fee of €1,350 if there are available places, by registering directly with ICHEC by clicking on this link.
The Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC)
The Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC) at the University of Galway is Ireland’s national centre for High-Performance Computing (HPC) providing e-infrastructure, services and expertise to academia, industry and the public sector supported by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Skills and the Higher Education Authority. Established in 2005, ICHEC is also the National HPC Competence Centre in Ireland under the EuroHPC Competence Centre (EuroCC) initiative.
University of Galway
University of Galway is an award-winning university in the heart of Galway city. Ranked among the top 2% of universities in the world, courses include business, law, medicine, arts, science, engineering, and more, all built on a thriving campus centred around a strong community. University of Galway has grown massively in size and reputation over the past 175 years, with a student population today of over 18,000.
If you would like to apply or to receive more information on this course, please use the Apply Now form or Make An Enquiry form on this page to speak directly with our programme team.
Student Testimonial
Hear from Ciaran Treanor, CTO for Sonalake, as he discusses why he started the course, what areas he found most beneficial and recommendations for anyone considering applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions our team are asked most often about this programme. If your question is not answered here, make an enquiry and we will come back to you.
Quantum Programming Foundations is a Level 8 micro-credential (5 ECTS) designed to introduce technical professionals to the principles of quantum computing, quantum programming and the technologies that are shaping the future of computing. Developed in collaboration with the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC) and the University of Galway, the programme combines theory with practical exposure to quantum software, simulators and emerging hardware.
This course is designed for professionals looking to develop their knowledge of quantum computing, whether they are hands-on technical practitioners or technology leaders. It is particularly suitable for: Software Developers; AI & Data Scientists; Cloud and DevOps Engineers; Solution Architects; CTOs, CIOs and Technical Managers; Innovation Leaders and Project Managers; Researchers and Technical Consultants. The programme is suitable for anyone who wants to understand how quantum computing could impact future technologies and their organisation.
No previous knowledge of quantum computing is required. The course starts with the fundamentals and gradually builds your understanding from classical computing concepts through to quantum computing and programming.
Basic programming experience is recommended. The practical elements of the course primarily use Python, so a basic familiarity with Python syntax, variables and loops will help you get the most from the hands-on exercises. Introductory material on Python for this course is also provided as preparatory material.
Yes. Throughout the course you’ll work with quantum programming tools, software development kits (SDKs) and simulators to develop and run simple quantum programs. You’ll also explore different ways of accessing quantum computing platforms, including publicly available quantum hardware, giving you practical insight into today’s quantum development environments.
The programme is delivered entirely online and has been designed to fit around full-time employment. Learners should expect to spend approximately 9.25 hours per week:
- 1 hour – Recorded lecture
- 2 hours – Live online tutorial with class discussion, Tuesday afternoons 2-4pm
- 2 hours – Practical online lab session with tutor support from ICHEC
- 2 hours – Directed self-paced e-learning
- 2.25 hours – Independent study and continuous assessment preparation
Live tutorials are strongly recommended as they provide opportunities to ask questions and engage with lecturers. Recorded materials provide flexibility if you need to study around work commitments.
Assessment is continuous throughout the semester, allowing learners to demonstrate their understanding through practical work and coursework rather than relying solely on a final examination.
Yes. You’ll have access to lecturers, tutors and practical support throughout the programme, including assistance during lab sessions.
Applicants should normally hold an NFQ Level 7 qualification in a STEM discipline. Applicants from engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science and other related technical disciplines are encouraged to apply. Applicants without formal qualifications may still be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), where relevant professional experience can be taken into account.
Upon successful completion, you’ll be awarded a Level 8 Micro-credential worth 5 ECTS credits by the University of Galway. These credits provide formal academic recognition of your learning and may support further study, subject to university regulations.
Quantum computing is rapidly moving from research into commercial application, with governments, universities and major technology companies investing heavily in the field. By developing an understanding of quantum technologies today, you’ll be well positioned to stay ahead of emerging technology trends, prepare for future technical and leadership role, make informed technology decisions, identify new business opportunities, and develop future-ready skills.
Quantum computing has the potential to transform many industries, including: Financial Services; Cybersecurity; Pharmaceuticals; Healthcare; Manufacturing; Logistics; Telecommunications; Aerospace; Artificial Intelligence; Energy; and Materials Scienc. Even if your organisation is not yet using quantum technologies, understanding their potential can provide a valuable competitive advantage.
Yes. The course provides a strong foundation for further learning in quantum computing, quantum software development and advanced research.
You’ll use modern quantum programming environments and software development tools throughout the course. A standard Windows or Mac computer with a reliable internet connection is all that’s required. No specialist quantum hardware is needed.
Yes. The standard course fee is €1,350. However, eligible applicants employed by private companies or commercial semi-state organisations registered in the Republic of Ireland can avail of the Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet grant, reducing the student cost to €1,080. (Note: Fees are subject to change for the upcoming intake). Public sector applicants should apply directly to the University of Galway and contact them regarding course fees and the application process.
Unlike many free online courses, this programme provides a structured learning experience with expert tuition, practical lab sessions, tutor support and a recognised university qualification. Upon successful completion, you’ll earn 5 ECTS credits awarded by the University of Galway, giving you an academically recognised credential while developing practical quantum programming skills.
Yes. Learners come from a wide range of technology sectors, creating valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, share experiences and build professional connections throughout the programme.
Your application will first be screened by the Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet team to confirm your eligibility. If you are eligible, you will be invited to complete your application through the University of Galway portal, where you will upload your supporting documents, including your company letter (e.g. proof of employment), photo ID and academic transcripts. If you have any questions before applying, please contact the programme team. We’ll be happy to advise on eligibility, funding and whether the course is the right fit for you.
