PhD Quantum Technology Engineering (CDT-QTE) 2025-26

Variation 

The student will be required to attend and pass two compulsory credit-bearing taught modules, selected from the CDT-QTE defined suite of modules.  All components requiring summative assessment will be described within the relevant module profile.  

• The student will be required to pass each module at the postgraduate module pass mark of 50 and achieve an average mark of 50 or above across both modules.  
• A pass by compensation may be given where the average mark has been achieved or exceeded and where the postgraduate qualifying mark of 35 in each module has been achieved.
• If the student has an average mark of less than 50, all modules where the mark achieved is less than the postgraduate module pass mark will be considered failed taught modules.
• The student may take referral assessments in failed taught modules.  The mark obtained at referral will be used for calculating the average.  Capping will not be applied.
• The student will be required to meet the standard criteria to pass the First Progression Review and the criteria associated with the compulsory credit-bearing modules as described in these regulations.
  • Should the student fail to pass any element of the required criteria, they will be deemed to have failed their first attempt at the First Progression Review.
  • Failure to pass the second attempt at the First Progression Review at the second attempt will result in (i) transfer to MPhil candidature and withdrawal of the CDT-QTE scholarship or (ii) termination of candidature.

The student will be required to attend and engage with six non-credit-bearing QTE-CDT modules to support their training and development (Scientific Skills 1 & 2, Technical Skills 1 & 2, Technical & Commercial Awareness, Commercial Skills) and undertake a 12-week industrial placement.  

• The student will be required to attend and engage with the non-credit-bearing CDT-QTE modules to a minimum of 50% in each module.
• Attendance and engagement will be monitored and measured through (including, but not limited to) lectures, workshops and seminars, individual and group activities, and non-summative assessed assignments.
• Should the student fail to meet the 50% minimum in any module, they will be required to complete additional and comparable work.  The scope and level of the work required will be determined on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the circumstances presented. The student will be required to undertake a 12-week industrial placement, normally during the summer of Year 1 of their candidature.
• The placement is an integral and assessed part of the CDT-QTE.
• The student will be required to complete and submit a reflective report which demonstrates their learning and skills and which will be assessed during the Second Progression Review viva voce.
  • Should the student fail to submit their report and/or demonstrate their learning and skills they will be required to revise and resubmit the report.  
  • Should the placement be delayed so that it is not possible to submit the reflective report for assessment during the Second Progression Review, the report should be submitted and reviewed at the subsequent Progression Review.
• The student will be required to meet the standard criteria to pass the Second Progression Review and the additional criteria associated with the non-credit bearing modules and the industrial placement as described in these regulations.
  • Should the student fail to pass any element of the required criteria, they will be deemed to have failed their first attempt at the Second Progression Review. Failure to pass the second attempt at the Second Progression Review will result in (i) transfer to MPhil candidature and withdrawal of the CDT-QTE scholarship or (ii) termination of candidature.
• The student will be required to meet the standard criteria to pass the Third Progression Review and the additional criteria associated with the non-credit bearing modules and the industrial placement (if delayed) as described in these regulations.
  • Should the student fail to pass any element of the required criteria, they will be deemed to have failed their first attempt at the Third Progression Review.  Failure to pass the second attempt at the Third Progression Review will result in (i) transfer to MPhil candidature and withdrawal of the CDT-QTE scholarship or (ii) termination of candidature.

Variation

An Exceptional Progression Review will be required to assess the student’s skills and learning from the industrial placement in cases where, due to exceptional circumstances, the placement has been delayed to a time close to or after the Third Progression Review.