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Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Introduction to Quantum Software Development

programmer

Introduction to Quantum Software Development

Build foundational knowledge and practical skills in quantum computing through hands-on programming, real-world applications, and project-based learning.

  • Learn the core concepts of quantum computing and quantum algorithms
  • Develop practical programming skills using leading quantum software platforms
  • Build and execute quantum circuits through hands-on exercises and projects
  • Explore career opportunities in emerging quantum and technology-focused fields
  • Earn a UVic Micro-Credential in Introduction to Quantum Software Development

Next intake: October 19, 2026 

Program at a glance

The Introduction to Quantum Software Development micro-credential prepares learners with a background in computer programming or related STEM disciplines to acquire competencies in classical and quantum programming, and in working with emerging quantum technologies. Learners can study on their own schedule through flexible asynchronous online learning, with optional weekly instructor-led sessions for additional support.


Format

  • Duration: October 19, 2026 to November 30, 2026
  • Delivery: Online asynchronous learning
  • Program structure: 8 online modules completed over 6 weeks
  • Live sessions: Optional weekly instructor-led sessions 
  • Time commitment: Approximately 5 to 7 hours per week
  • Learning approach: Self-paced online modules, hands-on programming exercises, practical demonstrations, and applied learning activities

Industry alignment

  • Build foundational skills relevant to emerging careers in quantum computing and advanced technologies.
  • Gain experience with leading quantum software development platforms used by industry and research organizations.
  • Develop practical programming skills that can be applied across a variety of quantum and technology-focused sectors.

Why quantum software development?

Quantum computing is moving beyond research environments and into practical applications across industries such as cybersecurity, finance, pharmaceuticals, logistics, manufacturing, energy, and artificial intelligence.

As organizations explore the potential of quantum technologies, they are seeking professionals who understand quantum computing concepts and can work with emerging quantum software tools. This micro-credential provides a practical introduction to the field, helping learners build foundational skills and understand how quantum computing extends traditional approaches to software development.

What sets this program apart?

Gain hands-on experience with leading quantum software tools while building the practical skills and foundational knowledge needed to understand and work with emerging quantum technologies.
 

Learn by doing

Develop quantum circuits and programs through hands-on exercises using leading quantum software platforms and simulators.

Explore industry-standard tools

Gain experience with technologies and platforms such as IBM Qiskit, Xanadu PennyLane, Google Cirq, Microsoft Q#, NVIDIA CUDA-Q, Amazon Braket SDK, and D-Wave Ocean SDK.

Build future-ready skills

Develop competencies relevant to opportunities in quantum computing, quantum technologies, and advanced computing.

Connect theory to practice

Learn foundational concepts while applying them to real-world use cases, quantum protocols, and algorithms.

Prepare for the quantum workforce

Gain knowledge and practical experience that can support professional development, reskilling, upskilling, or innovation within your organization. 

Is this program right for you?

This program is ideal for:

  • Software developers interested in quantum computing
  • Computer science students and graduates
  • Engineering students and professionals
  • Mathematics and physics graduates
  • STEM professionals seeking to upskill in emerging technologies
  • Technology professionals interested in future computing paradigms
  • Learners interested in exploring opportunities in quantum computing and related fields
  • Individuals who want to understand and apply quantum computing concepts through programming

What you'll learn

man and woman coding on computer
Learners will develop knowledge and skills in:
 
  • Fundamental concepts of quantum computing
  • Quantum states, qubits, and quantum gates 
  • Quantum circuit design, creation and execution
  • Quantum measurement and probabilistic outcomes
  • Quantum communication and cryptographic protocols
  • Quantum hardware platforms and architectures
  • Quantum programming with Python
  • Quantum software development frameworks and SDKs
  • Foundational and advanced quantum algorithms
  • Variational quantum algorithms and optimization methods

*See program outline (coming soon) for further details on learning outcomes.

What you'll gain

  •  UVic micro-credential in Introduction to Quantum Software Development 
  • Practical experience with quantum programming environments 
  • Hands-on experience building and executing quantum circuits 
  • Exposure to industry-standard quantum software platforms 
  • Foundational knowledge of quantum algorithms and protocols 
  • Skills relevant to emerging quantum computing and advanced technology sectors
  • An understanding of how quantum computing concepts can be applied to real-world challenges and use cases
  • Preparation for further study and specialization in quantum computing

Course schedule and topics

The Introduction to Quantum Software Development micro-credential combines self-paced online learning with optional live instructor sessions to provide a practical introduction to quantum computing and quantum software development.

Module 1. Introduction to Quantum Computing

  • Promising application areas for quantum computing
  • Quantum utility and quantum advantage
  • Hybrid quantum-classical computing
  • Overview of quantum software development platforms

Module 2. Quantum Computing Basics

  • Qubits, quantum states, and quantum gates
  • Superposition, entanglement, and interference
  • Construction of basic quantum circuits
  • Quantum circuit analysis and execution
  • Quantum measurement and probabilistic outcomes
  • IBM Quantum Composer and quantum simulators

Module 3. Basic Quantum Protocols

  • Introduction to quantum protocols
  • Superdense coding
  • Quantum teleportation
  • BB84 quantum key distribution protocol

Module 4. Introduction to Quantum Hardware Platforms

  • Superconducting, trapped-ion, neutral-atom, photonic, and silicon-spin qubits
  • Physical and logical qubits
  • Quantum hardware and software stacks
  • Gate-based quantum computing and quantum annealing

Module 5. Introduction to Quantum Programming with Python

  • Python for quantum software development
  • Core Python concepts for learners transitioning from other programming languages

Module 6. Introduction to Quantum Software Development Platforms

  • Quantum software ecosystem and vendor platforms
  • IBM Qiskit
  • Xanadu PennyLane
  • Google Cirq
  • Microsoft Q#
  • NVIDIA CUDA-Q
  • Amazon Braket SDK
  • D-Wave Ocean SDK
  • Developing and executing basic quantum circuits
  • Quantum interpreters and quantum-native platforms

Module 7. Introduction to Quantum Algorithms

  • Deutsch's Algorithm
  • Grover's Search Algorithm
  • Quantum Fourier Transform
  • Walsh-Hadamard Transform
  • Phase Kickback
  • Quantum Phase Estimation
  • HHL Algorithm

Module 8. Introduction to Variational Quantum Algorithms

  • Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE)
  • Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA)
  • Applications in optimization and computational science

Tuition

Tuition: $1,800 CAD

Funding opportunities will be posted in the coming days.

Key dates

  • Application deadline: October 12, 2026

  • Program start date: October 19, 2026
  • Program end date: November 30, 2026

Register now

Contact us

For questions pertaining to the Introduction to Quantum Software Development micro-credential, please contact pp_info@uvic.ca.