MSc in Quantum Software Engineering and Computer Science

MSc Science in Quantum Software Engineering and Computer Science (QSECS) is the ideal program for a physicist with strong coding skills or a computer scientist willing to explore quantum computing.

To prepare students for the role of leaders in research and industry, the QSECS master’s program provides a strong software engineering curriculum that covers development and management, and core technical courses in quantum technology. The main areas of research are:

• Software Engineering
• Quantum Technologies

Constructor Institute’s multi-country setup prepares graduates to play a key role in today’s global and multi-ethnic societies. While many students join the technology industry in high-profile roles, the QSECS program also serves as an excellent preparation for Ph.D. research in software engineering, quantum technologies, AI, and other advanced topics.

The main topics covered are: 

• Advances in Software Engineering
• Quantum Informatics
• Capstone Project
• Agile Product Development & Design
• Entrepreneurship and INtrapreneurship

Courses are taught by experts in the field, including permanent Constructor faculty and guest lecturers from various companies. The program mode is hybrid, allowing students to participate in lectures on-site, online, and in a hybrid way, as they are broadcasted and recorded simultaneously. Among others, a substantial advantage of hybrid pedagogy is it allows the students to start the program before their visa process is completed.

Career opportunities

The Master in Quantum Software Engineering and Computer Science (QSECS) allows you to graduate with the skills needed to drive innovation in industry, academia, or through your own startup. Through interdisciplinary learning and the development of strong skills in various functional areas, the knowledge gained throughout the master’s program will not only guide you to the career of your choice but will allow you to stand out as an exceptional candidate.

With scientifically up-to-date course content, the skills and knowledge required by the industry needs of today and tomorrow are expertly met. QSECS students profit from unique opportunities such as employment through our network, research project participation, and opportunities to access the EU and Swiss job markets.

Graduates will be in the career track that, as they develop their careers in the years that follow, will be future candidates for various leadership roles. For example, graduates with significant experience may fulfill positions such as:

• Chief Architect (CA): A crucial and active horizontal role to drive the technology delivery roadmap across the organization.
• Chief Product Officer (CPO): A strategic leader, visionary, and team supervisor of new-generation product management in which quantum, computer science, business, and innovation are combined.
• Chief Program Officer (CPO): A new leader who focuses on program value flow and delivery, stakeholder communication, cadence and planning, cross-team collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Chief Development Officer (CDO): A strategic leader who shapes an enabling engineering environment – people, structure, agile processes, and tools.
• Chief Security Officer (CSO): A transformational leader who takes a “bodyguard” approach rather than a “gate-keeper”

The MSc in Quantum Software Engineering and Computer Science (QSECS) at Constructor Institute Schaffhausen provides aspiring students with the unique opportunity to dive into quantum computing, learn software engineering, and understand how to create businesses around these exciting and emergent technologies.

The course teaches students how to effectively design reliable systems that meet the needs of producers and customers, developing solutions to agreed-upon problems with industry partners and laboratories that act as clients. Working closely with instructors and assistants, students are mentored and work in a modern environment supported by open-source IDEs and engineering tools.

• Adopts an entrepreneurial mindset and a can-do mentality that encompasses familiarity with industrial-scale applications, business, and people.
• Delivers deep interdisciplinary technical expertise that is the cornerstone of technology leaders.
• Provides strong connections and proximity to major target industries.
• Offers high-tech, high-touch study environments and scholarships to provide academic opportunities for talented people worldwide.
• Applying knowledge with the Capstone project

If you are ready to jump start your academic and professional career with the help of Constructor Institute, follow along below to see all the details about the application process, deadlines, and requirements of our Master’s and PhD programs.

Application deadline

We offer a rolling admission process. Yet, we recommend that all required documents be submitted by July 31st (for all students). Under individual circumstances (transcript delays, visa documentation, insurance issues etc.), we are able to extend that deadline. In case you need an extension, please contact us for further instructions.

Application process

1. Register at the application portal
2. Submit all required documents
3. Learn about financing options
4. Complete your interview with the Constructor Institute Faculty
5. Receive your admissions decision after within 1-2 weeks
6. Enroll and pay your deposit

Since Switzerland is a part of the Schengen zone, a Schengen visa will win you the right to go to the country, but if you want to stay there as a student, you must take a few more steps. The procedures are different for EU/EFTA and non-EU/EFTA students.

After getting the acceptance letter, follows the process of setting an appointment with the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country. The procedure takes time, so make sure to set the appointment six months prior to your studying. The processing time for the short stay visas is around 10-15 days, and for long stay visas, eight to ten weeks.

For each document required, you have to provide the original along with three copies. The papers should be in English or in one of Switzerland’s national languages (German, French, Italian, or Romansh). If they are not in one of these languages, you will need a certified translation of those documents. 

Switzerland Student Visa Requirements

• The completed and signed application forms for a long stay visa (D type) in one of the languages mentioned above. 
• Passport – valid three months beyond the planned stay.
• Four passport-size biometric photographs.
• Letter of acceptance (certificate of enrollment) issued by a Swiss university.
• Paid visa application fee. 
• Proof of payment of the registration and tuition fees (for the first year of your studies).
• Proof of sufficient financial coverage: copies of bank statements or a letter from the bank provided by you or your supervisor. Funds are supposed to cover living costs in Switzerland for the duration of schooling (21,000 CHF or 19,200 EUR at the beginning of each year of your studies).
• Scholarship/Loan proof (if available) from an institution that proves that the scholarship or loan will cover all expenses for the study.
• CV.
• Letter of motivation, which should also include your professional plans for the future.

Submitting the Switzerland student visa application

After filling the application and completing all required documents, you should submit them in person at the Swiss embassy/consulate at the designated time of your appointment. Along with submitting your documents, you are required to pay the Swiss student visa application fee. 

After receiving your Swiss Student Visa

You may enter Switzerland after you receive a student visa. Within the first two weeks of arrival, you have to register at the local Residents Registration Office of your canton as well as visit the cantonal migration office in order to obtain a residence permit form.

B permit (a biometric card) is the type of residence permit for student stay. Prior to that, you will receive an attestation that allows you to open a Swiss bank account. It will take up to 8 weeks for your B permit to be processed. 

Student Visa Validity

The student visa or the B permit obtained in Switzerland initially is valid for one year. After one year, you have the option to extend it. However, updated proof of income is required in order for your student visa to be extended.