Physics
Program Overview
The Department of Physics offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The department carries out research in experimental and theoretical physics in the following fields: atmospheric physics, geophysics, quantum optics, condensed matter physics, subatomic physics and astrophysics, and biophysics. The department has close ties with the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA). This association enables students to work and consult with leading theorists who are appointed to, or who are visiting, CITA.
Students are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. The department provides financial support for one year of the MSc and four years of the PhD program (five years for direct-entry PhD).
Quick Facts
| Domestic | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Application deadline | MSc, PhD: Fall 2026 entry: 12-Dec-2025 | MSc, PhD: Fall 2026 entry: 12-Dec-2025 |
| Minimum admission average | MSc: PhD: B+ | MSc: PhD: B+ |
| Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? | PhD: Yes | PhD: Yes |
| Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? | MSc, PhD: After | MSc, PhD: After |
| If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? | MSc: No PhD:Yes for 4 year PhD No for direct-entry PhD | MSc: No PhD:Yes for 4 year PhD No for direct-entry PhD |
| Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? | MSc, PhD: Applicant | MSc, PhD: Applicant |
| Are any standardized tests required/recommended? | MSc, PhD: N/A | MSc, PhD: N/A |