Gyanberry > Course > best global universities for quantum physics in 2022 2023

Best Global Universities for Quantum Physics in 2022-2023

May 12, 2022

Best Universities and Programs for Quantum Physics in the World

About Quantum Physics

Quantum physics is a branch of physics that studies matter and energy at atomic and sub-atomic levels. It aims to uncover the properties and behaviors of the very fundamental building blocks of nature. Quantum physicists are experts who research the behavior of atoms, electrons, protons, neutrons, and everything in the molecular and sub-molecular states. Classical physics can be used to establish an object’s position at a certain time, but its laws fail to describe the properties and behavior of atomic particles, making quantum physics valuable in their study.

Candidates with a fundamental understanding of physics, mathematics, statistics, and computer science and the willingness to spend years learning and experimenting are most suited for a career in quantum physics. The purpose of this article is to describe the duties and career options available in the field of quantum physics. It also considers the best universities for quantum physics and the most popular courses they provide.

Duties of Quantum Physicists

Instead of studying matter as a continuous solid object, quantum physicists study the invisible and indivisible quantum particles of matter, such as electrons, photons, protons, etc., which are held together by invisible forces acting across empty space. They typically work full-time in research laboratories studying the behavior and properties of these sub-atomic particles. The following are some of the duties performed by a quantum physicist.

  • Study interactions between matter and energy to learn more about the subatomic particles 
  • Solve scientific problems using the laws of quantum physics
  • Design computer software and programs to analyze and interpret data
  • Collaborate with other researchers to share their knowledge of quantum physics
  • Publish their research in papers and journals 
  • Stay updated on the latest research in the field of quantum physics

Popular degrees for pursuing a career in Quantum Physics

An individual who wants to work as a quantum physicist should start with a bachelor’s degree in physics or a relevant field, followed by a master’s degree specialization in quantum physics, and lastly, complete a doctoral degree in the field. Since quantum physics involves a lot of research and is a constantly evolving field, a bachelor’s degree won’t take a student beyond entry-level and assistant jobs. A master’s degree is mandatory for professional growth. Some employers, such as research organizations and universities, even demand doctoral and post-doctoral studies in quantum physics. Top universities often provide master’s degrees in quantum physics, frequently combined with physics programs as dual-degree programs, which are cost-effective as well as time-saving options. 

Best bachelor’s programs in Quantum Physics

  • Bachelor of Science in Physics
  • Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics
  • Bachelor of Science in Quantum Physics
  • Bachelor of Science in Theoretical Physics

Best master’s programs in Quantum Physics

  • Master of Science in Physics
  • Master of Science in Quantum Physics
  • Master of Science in Mathematics
  • Master of Science in Experimental Physics
  • Master of Science in Theoretical Physics
  • Master of Science in Mathematics and Quantum Physics
  • Master of Science in Applied Physics
  • Master of Science in Astronomy
  • Master of Science in Astrophysics

Best doctoral programs in Quantum Physics

  • Ph.D. in Quantum Physics
  • Ph.D. in Applied Physics
  • Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics
  • Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics
  • Ph.D. in Astronomy
  • Ph.D. in Experimental Physics
  • Ph.D. in Astrophysics

Specializations in Quantum Physics

Quantum field studies the fundamental forces that interact with matter, such as electromagnetism, which describes how atoms hold together; the strong nuclear force, which explains the stability of the nucleus in an atom; and the weak nuclear force, which discusses the radioactive decay of certain atoms. The field of quantum physics is divided into the following sub-fields:

  • Quantum electrodynamics
  • Quantum field theory
  • Quantum mechanics
  • Quantum statistics

Duration of programs in Quantum Physics

In the USA and Canada, a bachelor’s degree in quantum physics takes four years, whereas it takes three or four years in Europe and the rest of the world. A master’s degree in quantum physics and related specialties might take one to two years to complete. Some universities offer quantum physics dual-degree programs that run for a total of five years. A full-time Ph.D. in quantum physics can take anything from three to six years, and part-time can take even longer. 

Country Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctoral Degree
USA and Canada 4 years 2 years 4-6 years
UK 3-4 years 1-2 years 3-6 years
Australia 3-4 years 1-2 years 3-6 years
Others 3-4 years 1-2 years 3-6 years

Career opportunities in Quantum Physics

Quantum physics is booming as a result of technological advancements, and there are plenty of new and intriguing opportunities for quantum physicists to occupy. Because quantum principles are used in everything from lasers and semiconductors to magnetic-resonance imagers and fiber-optic cables, quantum physicists will have plenty of work prospects in the future years too. The following are some of the job paths available in quantum physics.

  • Quantum Physicist
  • Quantum Research Scientist 
  • Quantum Device Modeling Engineer
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
  • Quantum Engineer
  • Computational Scientist
  • Quantum Laboratory Experimentalist
  • Assistant/Associate Professor

Average salaries for Quantum Physicists

Although quantum physics entry-level salaries are low, prospective students should consider concentrating on specializations to boost their earning potential. In both government and non-profit organizations, master’s and doctoral degrees are highly demanded. The following is a list of typical quantum physics salaries.

Country Average salary in USD*/year
Canada  101,955 (Glassdoor)
Australia 102,000 (Glassdoor)
UK 75,222 (Glassdoor)
USA 104,647 (Glassdoor)

*Note: All prices mentioned in the USD are for reference only. Exchange rates may vary from time to time and from country to country.

Top 50 universities in the world for Quantum Physics based on subject rankings

QS Ranking Shanghai Ranking THE Ranking University Country Bachelor’s Programs Master’s Programs
1 4 5 Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA Click Here Click Here
2 7 1 University of Oxford UK Click Here Click Here
3 2 4 Stanford University USA Click Here Click Here
3 3 5 University of Cambridge UK Click Here Click Here
5 1 2 Harvard University USA Click Here Click Here
6 9 2 California Institute of Technology USA Click Here Click Here
7 25 12 Imperial College London UK Click Here Click Here
7 25 12 Imperial College London UK Click Here Click Here
8 17 18 University College London UK Click Here Click Here
8 21 15 Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich Switzerland Click Here Click Here
10 10 10 University of Chicago USA Click Here Click Here
14 11 9 Yale University USA Click Here Click Here
16 38 30 University of Edinburgh UK Click Here Click Here
20 6 7 Princeton University USA Click Here Click Here
21 12 22 Cornell University USA Click Here Click Here
23 24 35 University of Tokyo Japan Click Here Click Here
27 35 50 University of Manchester UK Click Here Click Here
27 76 54 Australian National University Australia Click Here Click Here
32 5 8 University of California – Berkeley USA Click Here Click Here
33 37 61 Kyoto University Japan Click Here Click Here
35 47 35 King’s College London UK Click Here Click Here
37 33 33 University of Melbourne Australia Click Here Click Here
38 69 58 University of Sydney Australia Click Here Click Here
43 65 70 University of New South Wales Australia Click Here Click Here
46 42 37 University of British Columbia Canada Click Here Click Here
47 51 54 University of Queensland Australia Click Here Click Here
48 18 34 University of California-San Diego USA Click Here Click Here
50 52 38 Technical University of Munich Germany Click Here Click Here
63 57 42 Heidelberg University Germany Click Here Click Here
67 41 47 University of Texas at Austin USA Click Here Click Here
77 151-200 124 University of Southampton UK Click Here Click Here
78 97 158 Moscow State University Russia Click Here Click Here
82 55 48 University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign USA Click Here Click Here
82 301-400 162 Durham University UK Click Here Click Here
85 19 29 University of Washington – Seattle USA Click Here Click Here
85 201-300 137 University of Auckland Australia Click Here Click Here
108 101-150 111 University of Adelaide Australia Click Here Click Here
111 101-150 88 University of Montreal Canada Click Here Click Here
126 101-150 125 University of Alberta Canada Click Here Click Here
130 38 301-350 Normal Superior School France Click Here Click Here
136 201-300 180 Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Germany Click Here Click Here
140 92 80 McMaster University Canada Click Here Click Here
146 57 68 University of California – Santa Barbara USA Click Here Click Here
149 151-200 201-250 University of Waterloo Canada Click Here Click Here
158 56 93 University of Maryland – College Park USA Click Here Click Here
186 40 86 University of Minnesota – Twin Cities USA Click Here Click Here
240 201-300 251-300 Queen’s University Canada Click Here Click Here
264 NA 190 Rutgers University – New Brunswick USA Click Here Click Here
290 201-300 201-250 Griffith University Australia Click Here Click Here
298 301-400 201-250 Simon Fraser University Canada Click Here Click Here

Top universities in the USA for Quantum Physics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for physicists, including quantum physicists, are expected to grow by 7% over the next decade (2019-2029), making this a promising field to study in the USA. Students can start their careers with a bachelor’s degree in quantum physics, followed by a master’s degree and a doctoral degree. Many top universities in the USA, including those listed in the table below, offer specialized master’s degrees in quantum physics.

QS Ranking Shanghai Ranking THE Ranking University Country Bachelor’s Programs Master’s Programs
1 4 5 Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA Click Here Click Here
3 2 4 Stanford University USA Click Here Click Here
5 1 2 Harvard University USA Click Here Click Here
6 9 2 California Institute of Technology USA Click Here Click Here
10 10 10 University of Chicago USA Click Here Click Here

Top universities in the UK for Quantum Physics

The UK is gaining momentum in quantum physics research and there are many national centres in the UK that are involved in quantum field research, such as:

  • The Quantum Computing and Simulation Hub (By the University of Oxford)
  • Quantum Metrology Institute-NPL  (By National Physical Laboratory)
  • National Quantum Computing Centre (By UKRI)
  • UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing and Timing (By the University of Birmingham)
  • The Quantum Communication Hub (By the University of York)
  • QuantIC – the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Quantum Imaging (By University of Glasgow)

Candidates with PhD and master’s degrees in quantum physics will find good work possibilities at all of these centers. Considering the demand, many UK universities are offering courses in quantum physics. The following is a list of top universities offering master’s and bachelor’s courses in quantum physics to study in the UK. 

QS Ranking Shanghai Ranking THE Ranking University Country Bachelor’s Programs Master’s Programs
2 7 1 University of Oxford UK Click Here Click Here
3 3 5 University of Cambridge UK Click Here Click Here
7 25 12 Imperial College London UK Click Here Click Here
7 25 12 Imperial College London UK Click Here Click Here
8 17 18 University College London UK Click Here Click Here

Top universities in Australia for Quantum Physics

Australia is a popular study destination for overseas students due to its high immigration rate and inexpensive living and tuition costs. Because of the high demand for quantum research in Australia, top Australian universities offer a master’s degree in quantum physics. Furthermore, the Australian government offers a number of career openings in this industry. The table below offers a list of top Australian universities that offer quantum physics master’s and bachelor’s degrees.

QS Ranking Shanghai Ranking THE Ranking University Country Bachelor’s Programs Master’s Programs
27 76 54 Australian National University Australia Click Here Click Here
37 33 33 University of Melbourne Australia Click Here Click Here
38 69 58 University of Sydney Australia Click Here Click Here
43 65 70 University of New South Wales Australia Click Here Click Here
47 51 54 University of Queensland Australia Click Here Click Here

Top universities in Canada for Quantum Physics 

Canada is recognized as one of the best destinations to study as it offers permanent citizenship, affordable education, and a variety of job opportunities while studying.  top Canadian universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia, among others, offer doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees in quantum physics. Students pursuing quantum physics bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Canada can also apply for funding and scholarships from many of these universities.

QS Ranking Shanghai Ranking THE Ranking University Country Bachelor’s Programs Master’s Programs
46 42 37 University of British Columbia Canada Click Here Click Here
111 101-150 88 University of Montreal Canada Click Here Click Here
126 101-150 125 University of Alberta Canada Click Here Click Here
140 92 80 McMaster University Canada Click Here Click Here
149 151-200 201-250 University of Waterloo Canada Click Here Click Here

Top universities in Germany for Quantum Physics

Tuition costs are not charged at many German public universities, including overseas students, which is one of the greatest advantages of studying in Germany.  Therefore, many international students choose to study medicine, physics, and other related programs. A number of the German public, as well as private universities, offer doctorate, master’s, and bachelor’s degree programs in quantum physics. Here is a list of top public universities in Germany that are well-known for their master’s and bachelor’s courses in quantum physics. 

QS Ranking Shanghai Ranking THE Ranking University Country Bachelor’s Programs Master’s Programs
136 201-300 180 Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Germany Click Here Click Here
50 52 38 Technical University of Munich Germany Click Here Click Here
63 57 42 Heidelberg University Germany Click Here Click Here

Academic requirements for studying Quantum Physics

Because quantum physics is concerned with the study of subatomic particles, students should be well equipped with high school physics, mathematics, and chemistry. Computer programming and modeling are required to study quantum physics, therefore a solid foundation in computer skills such as data processing and modeling is essential. Students should also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as research, analysis, and problem-solving aptitude. This will surely improve their chances of being accepted. Students can opt for a self-application process, which is lengthy, or choose to apply via Gyanberry to facilitate their admission process. The academic criteria supplied by some of the best quantum physics universities are listed here.

Bachelor’s level 

  • A high school education with a GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, including math, physics, and chemistry as core classes
  • Academic transcripts 
  • Valid passport
  • SAT/ACT score
  • Statement of purpose
  • Recommendation letter
  • English language proficiency (TOEFL 90 or above and IELTS 6.0 and above)

Master’s level 

  • A bachelor’s degree in quantum physics or a physics with a GPA of 3.0 or greater (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Academic transcripts 
  • Valid passport
  • Statement of purpose
  • Recommendation letters
  • GRE score
  • Work experience 
  • Research publications 
  • English language proficiency (TOEFL 90 or above and IELTS 6.0 and above)

Doctoral level 

  • Honours or master’s degree in quantum physics or a relevant field with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) 
  • Academic transcripts 
  • Valid passport
  • Statement of purpose
  • Recommendation letters
  • Work experience (highly recommended) 
  • Research publications
  • Personal interview 
  • English language proficiency (TOEFL 90 or above and IELTS 6.0 and above)

*Note: All prices mentioned in the USD are for reference only. Exchange rates may vary from time to time and from country to country.

Explore courses around the world and apply instantly
Search for :
Search By :
Enter Country
Enter Country
Enter Country
Search for :
Search By :
Enter Country
Enter Country
Enter Country
Frequently Asked Questions

The USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, and Japan offer excellent programs in quantum physics.

The area of quantum science is witnessing its second revolution as a result of technological advancements. This implies that job seekers in the field of quantum physics will have plenty of job opportunities in the future.

Since quantum physics is a research field that involves the study of subatomic particles, many employers prefer candidates with a Ph.D. degree. But candidates with a bachelor’s and master’s degree can easily get employed for technician and assistant positions in quantum physics. 

Still have questions?Contact us