Quantum Science and Technology Technical University of Munich

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)

Courses are held in English and participants write their Master's theses in English.

Quantum Science & Technology is a broad, interdisciplinary field of contemporary science spanning a wide range of scientific areas with a high potential for the development of future information, sensing and computing technologies. Major research thrusts are, for example, quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum simulation, quantum materials, and quantum cryptography, to name but a few. The research field is firmly grounded on the basic understanding of the principles of quantum mechanics, but it also relies on developments in neighbouring research areas such as mathematics, information technology, electrical engineering and chemistry. It is for this reason that the two Munich universities – Technical University of Munich and Ludwig-Maximilians Universität – have joined forces to establish the “Quantum Science & Technology“ interdisciplinary Master’s study programme (QST). Students particularly benefit from the research environment provided by the Excellence cluster Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST).

The QST study programme goes significantly beyond the standard teaching programme of quantum mechanics as in modern application of quantum technologies (Quantum 2.0), the concepts of superposition and entanglement are of central importance. Owing to the complexity of the field, the QST study programme is aimed at students who will work at the forefront of quantum science and who will expand the existing research areas in natural sciences (e.g. physics and chemistry), mathematics, and engineering (e.g. computer science and electrical engineering).

Students learn to directly translate current results from research and development in science (e.g. physics, chemistry), mathematics and engineering (e. g. informatics, electrical engineering) into applications, such as quantum sensors, quantum algorithms, and quantum computers, which exploit quantum phenomena – especially superposition and entanglement.

The courses available within the QST Master’s programme cover the basics and the skills required to successfully carry out research or industrial projects across interdisciplinary boundaries. In addition to the necessary background knowledge and practical know-how, the social skills required in the academic or industrial environment will be promoted. This profile is intended to enable graduates to be deployed in a wide range of research as well as in industrial and service industries. Typical fields of application for the graduates of the QST Master’s programme include experimental and theoretical research activities, in the planning and documentation of research projects, and in adjacent fields of activity of the computer science and technology industry, for example, in patenting, development, project planning, or in public institutions.

The QST Master’s programme is designed for a two-year period in which students will experience research-related training at the interface between natural sciences, engineering and mathematics, and gain early insight into current research at the highest international level. The Master’s programme combines the world-renowned study and research programmes of two of Germany's leading universities on an equal footing. Students can enrol in classes offered at both universities to design their individualised curricula.

1 January to 31 May

Applications are possible only for a start in the winter semester.

If your application is complete by 15 March at the latest and your application documents have been reviewed by the Admissions Office (if your status is okay for all required documents including VPD via uni-assist, you need this; excluding the verification of successful completion of a module in quantum mechanics, which is reviewed as part of the aptitude assessment), your application will be reviewed early by the Admission Committee. You will probably receive the information about your admissions results at the end of April.

The first year of this interdisciplinary Master’s programme focuses mainly on fundamental introductory lectures and lab courses, while the second year focuses on the research within the framework of the Master’s thesis.

During the study phase, students attend mandatory courses, and additionally, they attend some courses chosen from the catalogue of elective courses. It is important to note that the two mandatory modules (PH1009 & PH1010) must be completed in the first semester. The elective subjects cover selected topics from the research area Quantum Science & Technology and prepare students for engaging in current research, uniquely reflecting the broad research activity of the cooperating universities, TUM and LMU. A scientifically-oriented lab course and a general-education subject round off the profile of this Master’s programme.

During the research phase, the students will directly encounter current research topics in Quantum Science & Technology. After an initial familiarisation through the Master’s seminar and the Master’s practical training, each student will independently work on his or her Master’s thesis under the guidance of a thesis adviser. During the whole research phase, intensive support will be ensured by involving numerous scientists. Students will profit from an excellent research environment and participation in various national and international research networks.

Students can apply for participation in one of our exchange programmes (e.g., ERASMUS, TUMexchange). Please be aware of the strict deadlines! For more information, please carefully read the information at https://academics.nat.tum.de/en/global/out-ph. If interested, please contact the academic adviser for internationalisation as soon as you have been granted admission.

No tuition fees

This degree programme does not charge any tuition fees.

The semester fees must be paid in time for each semester in which you wish to begin or continue your studies.

Please refer to this page for more details: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees.

Naturally, the cost of living in Munich depends on your needs and your lifestyle. Compared to other German cities, however, living in Munich is relatively expensive. As a rule, you can expect to spend 1,000 EUR a month. Most of this will be for rent.

Average costs per person:

• Rent for shared living or studio apartment (including utilities): at least 550 EUR
• Food: at least 200 EUR
• Local public transit: 60 EUR to 100 EUR
• Health insurance: 50 EUR to 120 EUR
• Phone/Internet/radio and TV fees: 45 EUR

If you are moving to Munich with your family, the costs will increase accordingly. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment ranges from 800 to 1,200 EUR a month. A cheaper alternative to the private rental market is living in a student dormitory at the Munich Student Union. However, rooms in student dormitories are very popular and there are usually long waiting lists.

An important admission requirement is to have completed a Bachelor’s degree of at least six semesters in physics or another suitable subject area, or they should have a degree that is at least equivalent in an engineering or natural science-oriented degree programme at a German or foreign university. The suitability of the university degree will be judged by an admissions committee, which grants or declines acceptance based on the competencies acquired.

In order to figure out whether your Bachelor's studies are sufficient for admission to our Master's programme, please find relevant information about the application and the prerequisites on our website https://academics.nat.tum.de/en/msc/qst/apply.

Please be aware that you need to have passed a course in quantum mechanics providing competencies equivalent to PH0007 Theoretical Physics 3 (Quantum Mechanics). Furthermore, you need to have taken courses equivalent to the core modules at TUM listed on our website.

International students are required to complete the curricular analysis form.

One ECTS accounts for 30 hours of work within and outside the classroom; a conversion will depend on how credits are defined in your university.

For your convenience, in order to avoid misunderstandings given the different structures of study programmes around the world, it is required that you attach the description of the contents of the courses you have taken at your university to your application.

Proof of sufficient English language skills must be submitted before the end of the application period.

Although knowledge of the German language is not relevant for your admission, the Bavarian State Government requires all international students to acquire at least a basic level of German during their studies. Therefore, applicants not providing proof of German language skills can only be granted admission on condition to complete one module providing integrative knowledge of the German language within the first two semesters of their studies.

1 January to 31 May

Applications are possible only for a start in the winter semester.

If your application is complete by 15 March at the latest and your application documents have been reviewed by the Admissions Office (if your status is okay for all required documents including VPD via uni-assist, you need this; excluding the verification of successful completion of a module in quantum mechanics, which is reviewed as part of the aptitude assessment), your application will be reviewed early by the Admission Committee. You will probably receive the information about your admissions results at the end of April.

There is only a limited number of funding opportunities available: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees-and-financial-aid/scholarships/.

A limited number of student work positions (earning around 400 EUR per month) are available. Please contact the research groups directly to find out about these opportunities as these positions are not managed centrally.

All the information and contacts you will need on the subject of fees and financial aid is summarised here: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees-and-financial-aid.

It’s not easy to find a place to live in Munich – but it’s not impossible either! The Technical University of Munich (TUM) supports students and staff in their search for accommodation by providing personal advice, in-house listings and useful information to ensure that you can quickly find a place to call your own.

For more information, see: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/during-your-studies/living-and-working/accommodations.

https://www.community.tum.de/en/career-service/