In the module, the following topics are covered:

Traditional Computing Concepts
Quantum Principles and Concepts
Quantum Computing Technology, Quantum vs. Traditional Computing
Qubits - Introduction to quantum states and measurements with motivating examples
Comparison with discrete classical states
Linear algebra - review of linear algebra: vector spaces, linear operators, Dirac notation, the tensor product
Concepts in quantum mechanics - entanglement, distinguishing orthogonal and non-orthogonal quantum states, no-cloning and no signalling
The quantum circuit model - the circuit model of quantum computation
Quantum gates and circuits
Universality of the quantum circuit model, and efficient simulation of arbitrary two-qubit gates with a standard universal set of gates
Some applications of quantum information - applications of quantum information (other than quantum computation): quantum key distribution, superdense coding and quantum teleportation
Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm
Quantum search - Grover’s search algorithm: analysis
Shor algorithm
Cryptographic Concepts. Core Principles, Key Properties of Cryptographic Functions
Symmetric Key Encryption. Fundamentals, Modes of Operation, Key Challenges, Diffie-Hellman and secure key
Asymmetric Key Encryption. Key Exchange Mechanisms, Strengths and Weaknesses Compared to Symmetric Cryptography, Emerging Challenges and Future Directions
Advanced Cryptography tools - Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), TLS 1.3: Authenticated Key Exchange and Key Schedule, AEAD: Authenticated Encryption with Associated Data, End-to-End Encryption Patterns: PGP vs Signal, Key Management and Operations, Classical Hardness Assumptions and Quantum Pressure, Transitional Strategies and PQC Preview
Identification and use of appropriate mathematics
Traditional Cryptography vs. Quantum Computers
Quantum Cryptography & Quantum Resistant Cryptography

BCS / TechSkills / Employability elements:

Coverage of emerging Quantum computing research and cryptography
Maths based computing and algorithms
Address of advanced and emerging computing security approaches

REPORT – The written report will be based on research around Quantum Cryptography and how this differs from traditional cryptography, with specific focus on emerging and future challenges. The report will enable you the opportunity to demonstrate learning, show understanding and knowledge of practical application of the principles and concepts of quantum computing, and how these are being applied to the cryptography landscape.

Formative assessment opportunities will be provided throughout the module. In generating documentation staff will regularly review your progress. This will include brief section reviews as well as a final draft formative submission to the tutor.

The module will be delivered using a combination of independent research, lectures and tutorials. The lectures are intended to give the theory work, and the tutorials are an opportunity to test out the theories. The lectures are based on official industry standards in Quantum Computing / Cryptography material, but we have adapted specifically for your learning requirements. In practical sessions you will complete problem-solving tasks in groups and share results with the rest of the class. In other sessions you will undertake maths-based problems and model specific solutions for these. You will also be provided with a lab manual which you can work through in the tutorials that support the lecture-based theory sessions.

1. Critically evaluate quantum principles through research and show practically how these are applied to computing paradigms

Knowledge and Understanding
Research Skills

2. Formulate through argument how quantum computing differs from traditional computing through a thorough practical knowledge of cryptographic tools, technologies and principles

Knowledge and Understanding
Application and Problem Solving

3. Critically review through research how quantum computing is challenging traditional cryptographic methods and technologies

Application and Problem Solving
Research Skills

4. Critically evaluate how quantum computing is being integrated practically into cryptographic methods and techniques

Application and Problem Solving

VMWare Workstation

Virtual Machines running Linux

Open Source Quantum Computing Software

Qiskit

Lee. P. Y, (2025), Quantum Computing and Information: A Scaffolding Approach (2e) (The Scaffolding Series), Polaris QCI Publishing

Kaku. M, (2024), Quantum Supremacy: How Quantum Computers will Unlock the Mysteries of Science – and Address Humanity’s Biggest Challenges, Penguin

Barwa. P. N and Mishra, K. N, (2025), Kickstart Quantum Computing and Communication Fundamentals: Master Quantum Computing Principles, Unlock Cutting-Edge Communication Protocols, and ... (Quantum Computing Specialist — Foundations), Orange Education Pvt Ltd

Arun, J. S. and Harishankar, R. et. al. (2025), Becoming Quantum Safe: Protect Your Business and Mitigate Risks with Post-Quantum Cryptography and Crypto-Agility, Wiley

Devendrababu, S., Morapakula, S. N., and Ganguly, S. (2021), Mastering Quantum Computing with Qiskit: Master the Fundamentals, Explore Algorithms, and Build Scalable Quantum Applications Using IBM Qiskit to Solve Real-World Problems, Orange Education Pvt Ltd

Cryptography secures the world’s communications, we use it every single day in mobile devices, applications, computers that we use to talk to each other and interact with the world around us. Those devices, and the technology behind them are changing, and along with it the cryptographic methods that we use to secure them. Quantum computing is the bleeding edge of computational technology and is on the advent of changing the way that we see everything, it is also going to have a big impact on how we communicate and secure these communications. This module will give you the opportunity to explore these technologies, and how the forefront of computational technology is changing the way that we encrypt our most sensitive data.