Master in Quantum Science and Technologies
The "Ettore Majorana" Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Catania is launching the third edition of its Master’s program in Quantum Science and Technologies—an advanced training course designed to meet the growing demand for specialized expertise in one of the most innovative and strategic sectors of the modern technological landscape.
This is a second-level Master’s degree ("Master di 2° livello"), which was first introduced in the 2024/25 academic year.
The program is aimed at graduates in STEM fields and serves as a bridge between academia and industry. Its goal is to attract and train young talent and corporate professionals who can contribute to the development of an interdisciplinary "quantum" ecosystem in Italy, with a particular focus on the southern region.
Applications for admission can be submitted by December 9, 2026.
The training program has a duration of one year.
The program includes foundational courses on quantum computing, communication and sensing, quantum networking and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and quantum machine learning. In collaboration with national and international companies, it also offers courses on specific technologies applied to industrial use cases, as well as a 4-month internship within a company.
Graduates of the Master’s program will be qualified to work as “quantum technologists” in private companies operating in the field of cybersecurity; in public or private organizations providing data management, consulting, or start-up support services; and in firms that develop quantum hardware based on solid-state platforms or quantum software.
The Master’s program is worth 60 ECTS credits (CFU). It is designed for 20 participants, with the possibility of additional auditors.
Upon completion of the study and training program, and subject to passing a final examination, participants will be awarded a second-level University Master’s degree (*Master universitario di 2° livello*) in Quantum Science and Technology.
The 2026/2027 edition will feature the involvement of several national and international companies active in the sector, which will contribute to the teaching program and offer opportunities for internships at their respective facilities. Key features of this third edition include partnerships with the companies STMicroelectronics, IBM, and Scientifica, with the possibility of scholarships to cover the registration fee. Furthermore, an additional funding opportunity is available through "higher education vouchers" (*Voucher di alta formazione*) provided by the Sicilian Region under the SICILIA FSE+ 2021-2027 Regional Program (Public Notice no. 37/2026 – DDG no. 3275 of August 12, 2026). These vouchers are intended to support participation in first- and second-level University Master’s programs.
The inaugural 2024/25 edition of the Master’s program was co-organized by the National Quantum Science and Technology Institute (NQSTI) Extended Partnership, as part of the activities of "Spoke 9: Education and Outreach," which is coordinated by the University of Catania. The training program, which is highly interdisciplinary, will involve not only the DFA but also the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (DMI) and the Department of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering (DIEEI), as well as specialists from other universities, public research centers, and companies.
