Physics (PhD)
Doctorate (PhD)
Program overview
A PhD in Physics gives you expertise in the applied concepts of the discipline and allows you to contribute to our faculty's research specializations. The laws of physics are applied in advancements in many areas including modern medical and space-related technologies, climate research and energy generation and storage. Our faculty members are experts in fields as varied as bioengineering and chemistry and cultivate strong student-supervisor relationships. Our cutting-edge research centres promote interdisciplinary collaborations in nano-, molecular and life sciences. Projects currently underway at the Centre for NanoScience Research examine the optical properties of nanomaterials and the structure-function relationships in photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes. Other topics currently being studied by our PhD students include the quantum behaviour of electrons in graphene transistors and a look at possible candidates for dark matter.
Program Details
Admission Requirements
- MSc degree in Physics or a related field with high standing from a recognized university.
- Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.
Degree Requirements
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.
Please see the Physics Courses page for course descriptions.
Physics PhD (90 credits)
| 9 | credits chosen from Physics PhD Electives |
| 6 | credits: |
| 6 | credits: |
| 69 | credits: |
Physics PhD Electives
| • PHYS 601 Advanced Quantum Mechanics I (3.00) • PHYS 602 Advanced Quantum Mechanics II (3.00) • PHYS 603 High Energy Physics (3.00) • PHYS 608 Selected Topics in High Energy Physics (3.00) • PHYS 609 Selected Topics in Quantum Physics (3.00) • PHYS 636 Condensed Matter Physics I (3.00) • PHYS 637 Condensed Matter Physics II (3.00) • PHYS 638 Additional Module in Condensed Matter Physics (1.00) • PHYS 639 Selected Topics in Condensed Matter Physics (3.00) • PHYS 642 Statistical Physics (3.00) • PHYS 644 Advanced Classical Mechanics and Relativity (3.00) • PHYS 646 Electrodynamics (3.00) • PHYS 648 Non Linear Waves (3.00) • PHYS 649 Selected Topics in Theoretical Physics (3.00) • PHYS 660 Chemical Aspects of Biophysics (3.00) • PHYS 663 Quantitative Human Systems Physiology (3.00) • PHYS 665 Principles of Medical Imaging (3.00) • PHYS 666 Additional Module in Biophysics (1.00) • PHYS 667 Selected Topics in Biophysics (3.00) • PHYS 668 Additional Module in Biomedical Physics (1.00) • PHYS 669 Selected Topics in Biomedical Physics (3.00) • PHYS 678 Additional Module in Applied Physics (1.00) • PHYS 679 Selected Topics in Applied Physics (3.00) • PHYS 688 Additional Module in Computational Physics (1.00) • PHYS 689 Selected Topics in Computational Physics (3.00) | |
Students may, with permission of their supervisor, take courses from the following list: |
1. Ensure that your completed application includes:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- Statement of purpose
- Copy of Master's thesis
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
2. An admission offer will not be issued until a supervisor match has been made. Students are encouraged to review the list of faculty members' field of interests and directly contact those with whom you would like to work.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Physics | PhD | Feb. 1 | Sept. 1 | n/a |
Each student on average receives $22,000 in annual support. Additional merit-based awards are available in limited numbers.
Support will be provided to most admitted international students to maintain tuition expenses at the level of Quebec residents.
Please also consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
The departments of Biology, Chemistry and Physics in the Faculty of Arts and Science are seeking graduate students for specific research areas.
Department research activities are collaborative. Graduate students benefit from a robust cadre of faculty research expertise. Areas of department researcher specialization include:
- theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics
- theoretical particle physics
- laser optics and photonics
- molecular modeling/computational physics
- physics in education
- experimental nano-scale and mesoscopic physics
- molecular biophysics with special interest in solar energy conversion
Prospective graduate students must be selected by one or two (in case of joint supervision) faculty member(s) as a condition for final admission. Upon admission the research supervisor(s) and the department accept the responsibility for ensuring and arranging the financial support for the student for at least two years contingent upon satisfactory performance.
A Supervisory Committee is appointed for each student. This committee consists of two faculty members in the department and the research supervisor(s). The committee is responsible for monitoring the student’s academic progress and reports to the Graduate Program Committee.
See what our students are working on. Review an inspiring list of thesis topics.
A PhD in Physics prepares you for careers in various industries, including photonics, opto-electronics, semiconductors, biomedical and biophysics, advanced materials, nanotechnology, energy production, flight simulation, aeronautics, space science, and engineering. You’ll also be qualified for certain governmental and teaching positions. Physics graduates are also sought by employers for non-technical positions such as those in law, administration, business, journalism, financial analysis and publishing.