QMI Master's Degree
M2 Degree in Quantum, Mathematics, and Computer Science
M2 Degree in Quantum, Mathematics, and Computer Science
No, the curriculum is taught in English only.
No, there are plenty opportunities after this M2 to go work in the private sector, for instance in one of the numerous quantum startups and corporate divisions in Saclay and beyond. You will have opportunities to do a joint PhD between these and public research institutions, or also to join their teams directly after the M2, without doing a PhD.
We are currently working on opening a QMI M1 at IP Paris, which will potentially be available for the 2026-2027 academic year; more information will be available soon.
At the M1 level, you can follow a generalist curriculum in your field, preferrably one with a course in basic Quantum Information; there is no need to fully specialise in quantum subjects yet. If you are looking for a M1 that prepares you well to QMI, we can suggest the "Foundations of Computer Science" M1 at Institut Polytechnique de Paris, the QDCS M1 at Université Paris-Saclay, or the ARTEQ diploma at ENS Paris-Saclay (which is however not a M1). You can also apply to the IP Paris' PhD Track at M1 level, and state your intention to pursue into a QMI M2 (make sure to apply to the Computer Science PhD track). We look forward to receiving your application to the QMI M2 afterwards!
Whichever university you are administratively enrolled into, you will follow the exact same curriculum. At the end of the year, your Masters' diploma will be conferred by the university you are enrolled into.
Since there are different caps on admissions in each university, we strongly advise you to apply to both in order to increase your chances. You can use the same admission files each time. Both processes are overseen by a common admissions committee.
Although we recommend that you take at least one quantum course during your M1, it is possible to apply without prior knowledge of quantum theory. In case of acceptance, you will be required to follow an intensive crash course in September, in order to bring you back to speed compared to other students. You should demonstrate in your application your motivation to undertake that course, and your ability to do so, especially at the mathematical level.
Our curriculum is centred on the informational and theoretical aspects of quantum theory, so no: in QMI you will not be studying the physics of atoms, light, electrons, etc. This is similar to following a curriculum in software or theoretical computer science, for which you do not need to know the details of the hardware or the physics of a transistor. The only exception is our "Quantum Hardware" course, which will be an introduction to the various candidate platforms for quantum computing. This introduction will be done at a qualitative level, in order to make you aware of the pros and cons of each of them; you will not have to study their physics in detail.
If you are a theoretical physicist, more interested in the foundations of quantum theory in the abstract than in its application to specific physical objects (for instance, if you are more interested in understanding quantum entanglement and non-locality in general than light-matter interactions), then QMI can be interesting for you. However, if you are more interested in experimental physics and subjects closer to engineering, then you should rather look into the several excellent Masters' programs on that subject in the Paris region.
To ask for the authorisation to attend QMI courses, you need to contact us before September 15th, with an official letter from your masters' program. You cannot ask to attend more than two QMI courses.
There is no issue, this is a step that is not being performed by the IP Paris administration anymore. We will contact you if we have questions about an issue with your application.