Professional Diploma in Quantum Computing and Programming

This programme is designed for:

• STEM Graduates: Individuals holding an NFQ Level 8 degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• ICT & Tech Professionals: Developers, software engineers, data scientists, and ICT professionals seeking to upskill in quantum computing technologies.
• Working Professionals & Distributed Learners: Industry participants across Ireland and internationally who need a flexible, part-time, fully online/blended learning model alongside their job.
• Experienced Practitioners (via RPL): Applicants without a formal Level 8 degree who have relevant professional experience in software development, data science, or ICT (evaluated on a case-by-case basis through Recognition of Prior Learning).

Recommended Prerequisites: Prior programming experience (e.g., in Python) is recommended

Blended delivery featuring pre-recorded lectures, online synchronous tutorials, online asynchronous exercises, remote project supervision, and online guest lectures from international research and industry experts.

No On-Campus Attendance Required: The programme is designed fully for blended/remote delivery to support geographically distributed learners and industry participants.

Exams & Assessments: All assessments are continuous (coding tasks, reports, project deliverables) and submitted digitally online. No physical campus visits are required for written exams.

The programme carries a total weight of 30 ECTS across 4 core modules:

Scientific Programming for Quantum Mechanics: Semester 1 (Autumn / Winter)

• Level: NFQ Level 8 | Credits: 5 ECTS | Status: Core
• Overview: Focuses on computational literacy for quantum mechanics, establishing foundational scientific programming skills to represent, simulate, and analyse quantum systems computationally.

Quantum Programming Foundations (CT4110): Semester 1 (Autumn / Winter)

• Level: NFQ Level 9 | Credits: 5 ECTS | Status: Core
• Overview: Introduces core quantum computing concepts, hardware/software ecosystems, and contemporary software toolchains for practical quantum programming.

Quantum Programming Advanced: Semester 2 (Spring / Early Summer)

• Level: NFQ Level 9 | Credits: 5 ECTS | Status: Core
• Overview: Covers advanced algorithmic paradigms (such as VQE, QAOA, QSVM, QKPCA), noise models, error mitigation, and hybrid classical-quantum software workflows.

Quantum Programming Application Capstone Project: Semester 2 + Summer Period

• Level: NFQ Level 9 | Credits: 15 ECTS | Status: Core
• Overview: A major capstone project where learners independently or collaboratively design, implement, test, and document a complete quantum programming application aligned with real-world scientific or industry use cases.

Prerequisites & Progression Rules

• Module Sequence: Scientific Programming for Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Programming Foundations must be completed before progressing to Quantum Programming Advanced.
• Project Progression: Semester 1 modules must be completed before starting the capstone project, and Quantum Programming Advanced must be underway concurrently.

Upon completion of the Professional Diploma in Quantum Computing & Programming, you will have gained necessary skills and experience to:

• Explain and analyse principles of quantum information, foundational quantum mechanics, and quantum hardware/software architectures.
• Use scientific programming methods to represent, simulate, and investigate quantum systems computationally.
• Evaluate and contrast quantum computing technologies, their capabilities, limitations, and emerging applications.
• Implement quantum algorithms—including variational, kernel-based, and NISQ-appropriate methods—using contemporary quantum software toolchains.
• Develop, test, and document quantum programming applications aligned with scientific or industry-relevant use cases.
• Integrate quantum software workflows with classical computing, including HPC-enabled or hybrid approaches.
• Critically assess the performance, scalability, and practical considerations of quantum algorithms under realistic noise or architectural constraints.
• Demonstrate responsible practice in software development, data management, and dissemination of quantum applications.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively, including presenting technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Assessment across all taught modules is fully continuous, consisting of hands-on coding tasks, practical programming assignments, analytical exercises, written technical reports, and integrated oral assessments.

The programme concludes with a major capstone project, where learners are evaluated on their application design, code implementation, written project report, final software demonstrator, and a viva-style project discussion where required.

All coursework is submitted digitally using version-controlled code repositories and plagiarism detection tools, ensuring full remote evaluation without requiring on-campus terminal written examinations.

• Award Title: Professional Diploma in Quantum Computing & Programming
• Award Class: Professional Diploma
• NFQ Level: Level 9 (30 ECTS)

Academic Eligibility 

Academic eligibility for the programme requires applicants to hold an NFQ Level 8 degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a cognate quantitative discipline.

Candidates without a formal Level 8 qualification may also be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if they possess relevant professional experience in ICT, software development, or data science, with applications reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

While prior programming experience in languages such as Python is strongly recommended, all applicants must also satisfy the University of Galway’s standard English-language entry requirements.

Programme Fees

The fees for this programme are part-funded by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet.

2027 programme fees will be confirmed shortly. Please use the enquiry form to receive an update when available.

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 programme fee if there are available places, by registering directly with ICHEC by clicking on this link.

If you would like to receive more information on this programme or be notified when applications formally open, please use the Make An Enquiry form on this page and our Programme Team will support you.