phd in physics full form

• Doing a PhD in Physics
• Doing a PhD

What Is It Like to Do a PhD in Physics?

Physics is arguably the most fundamental scientific discipline and underpins much of our understanding of the universe. Physics is based on experiments and mathematical analysis which aims to investigate the physical laws which make up life as we know it.

Due to the large scope of physics, a PhD project may focus on any of the following subject areas:

• Thermodynamics
• Cosmology and Astrophysics
• Nuclear Physics
• Solid State Physics
• Condensed matter Physics
• Particle Physics
• Quantum mechanics
• Computational Physics
• Theoretical Physics
• Electromagnetism and photonics
• Molecular physics
• And many more

Compared to an undergraduate degree, PhD courses involve original research which, creates new knowledge in a chosen research area. Through this you will develop a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research, become an expert in your research field, and contribute to extending the boundaries of knowledge.

During your postgraduate study you will be required to produce a dissertation which summarises your novel findings and explains their significance. Postgraduate research students also undertake an oral exam, known as the Viva, where you must defend your thesis to examiners.

Browse PhDs in Physics

Decoherence due to flux noise in superconducting qubits at microkelvin temperatures, in-situ disposal of cementitious wastes at uk nuclear sites, coventry university postgraduate research studentships, discovery of solid state electrolytes using deep learning, observing the black hole mergers in the early universe with next-generation gravitational wave observatories, hear from phd students and doctorates:.

To get a better perspective of what life is really like doing a Physics PhD, read the interview profiles below, from those that have been there before, and are there now:

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Physics?

The typical full-time programme has a course length of 3 to 4 years . Most universities also offer part-time study . The typical part-time programme has a course length of 5 to 7 years.

The typical Physics PhD programme sees PhD students study on a probationary basis during their first year. Admission to the second year of study and enrolment onto the PhD programme is subject to a successful first year review. The format of this review varies across organisations but commonly involves a written report of progress made on your research project and an oral examination.

Additional Learning Modules:

Most Physics PhD programme have no formal requirement for students to attend core courses. There are, however, typically several research seminars, technical lectures, journal clubs and other courses held within the Physics department that students are expected to attend.

Research seminars are commonly arranged throughout your programme to support you with different aspects of your study, for example networking with other postgraduates, guidelines on working with your supervisor, how to avoid bias in independent research, tips for thesis writing, and time management skills.

Doctoral training and development workshops are commonly organised both within and outside of the department and aim to develop students’ transferrable skills (for example communication and team working). Information on opportunities for development that exist within the University and explored and your post doctorate career plans will be discussed.

Lectures run by department staff and visiting scholars on particular subject matters relevant to your research topic are sometimes held, and your supervisor (or supervisory committee) is likely to encourage you to attend.

Typical Entry Requirements:

A UK Physics PhD programme normally requires a minimum upper second-class (2:1) honours undergraduate or postgraduate degree (or overseas equivalent) in physics, or a closely related subject. Closely related subjects vary depending on projects, but mathematics and material sciences are common. Graduate students with relevant work experience may also be considered.

Funded PhD programmes (for examples those sponsored by Doctoral Training Partnerships or by the university school) are more competitive, and hence entry requirements tend to be more demanding.

English Language Requirements:

Universities typically expect international students to provide evidence of their English Language ability as part of their applications. This is usually benchmarked by an IELTS exam score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6 in each component), a TOEFL (iBT) exam score 92, a CAE and CPE exam score of 176 or another equivalent. The exact score requirements for the different English Language Qualifications may differ across different universities.

Tips to Improve Your Application:

If you are applying to a Physics PhD, you should have a thorough grasp of the fundamentals of physics, and also appreciate the concepts within the focus of your chosen research topic. Whilst you should be able to demonstrate this through either your Bachelors or Master’s degree, it is also beneficial to also be able to show this through extra-curricular engagement, for example attending seminars or conferences. This will also get across your passion for Physics – a valuable addition to your application as supervisors are looking for committed students.

It is advisable to make informal contact with the project supervisors for any positions you are interested in prior to applying formally. This is a good chance for you to understand more about the Physics department and project itself. Contacting the supervisor also allows you to build a rapport, demonstrate your interest, and see if the project and potential supervisor are a good fit for you. Some universities require you to provide additional evidence to support your application. These can include:

• University certificates and transcripts (translated to English if required)
• Academic CV
• Covering Letter
• English certificate – for international students

How Much Does a Physics PhD Degree Typically Cost?

Annual tuition fees for a PhD in Physics in the UK are approximately £4,000 to £5,000 per year for home (UK) students and are around £22,000 per year for overseas students. This, alongside the standard range in tuition fees that you can expect, is summarised below:

Note: The EU students are considered International from the start of the 2021/22 academic year.

Due to the experimental nature of Physics programmes, research students not funded by UK research councils may also be required to pay a bench fee . Bench fees are additional fees to your tuition, which covers the cost of travel, laboratory materials, computing equipment or resources associated with your research. For physics research students in particular this is likely to involve training in specialist software, laboratory administration, material and sample ordering, and computing upkeep.

What Specific Funding Opportunities Are There for A PhD in Physics?

As a PhD applicant, you may be eligible for a loan of up to £25,700. You can apply for a PhD loan if you’re ordinarily resident in the UK or EU, aged 60 or under when the course starts and are not in receipt of Research Council funding.

Research Councils provide funding for research in the UK through competitive schemes. These funding opportunities cover doctoral students’ tuition fees and sometimes include an additional annual maintenance grant. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is a government agency that funds scientific research in the UK. Applications for EPSRC funding should be made directly to the EPSRC, but some Universities also advertise EPSRC funded PhD studentships on their website. The main funding body for Physics PhD studentships is EPSRC’s group on postgraduate support and careers, which has responsibility for postgraduate student support.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) funds a large range of projects in Physics and Astronomy. To apply for funding students must locate the relevant project, contact the host institution for details of the postdoctoral researcher they wish to approach and then apply directly to them.

You can use DiscoverPhD’s database to search for a PhD studentship in Physics now.

What Specific Skills Will You Get from a PhD in Physics?

PhD doctorates possess highly marketable skills which make them strong candidates for analytical and strategic roles. The following skills in particular make them attractive prospects to employers in research, finance and consulting:

• Strong numerical skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Laboratory experience
• Application of theoretical concepts to real world problems

Aside from this, postgraduate students will also get transferable skills that can be applied to a much wider range of careers. These include:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Great attention to detail
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Independent thinking

What Jobs Can I Get with a PhD in Physics?

The wide range of specialties within Physics courses alone provides a number of job opportunities, from becoming a meteorologist to a material scientist. However, one of the advantages Physics doctorates have over other doctorates is their studies often provide a strong numerical and analytical foundation. This opens a number of career options outside of traditional research roles. Examples of common career paths Physics PostDocs take are listed below:

Academia – A PhD in Physics is a prerequisite for higher education teaching roles in Physics (e.g. University lecturer). Many doctorates opt to teach and supervise students to continue their contribution to research. This is popular among those who favour the scientific nature of their field and wish to pursue theoretical concepts.

PostDoc Researcher – Other postdoctoral researchers enter careers in research, either academic capacity i.e. researching with their University, or in industry i.e. with an independent organisation. Again, this is suited to those who wish to continue learning, enjoy collaboration and working in an interdisciplinary research group, and also offers travel opportunities for international conferences.

Astronomy – Astronomers study the universe and often work with mathematical formulas, computer modelling and theoretical concepts to predict behaviours. A PhD student in this field may work as astrobiologists, planetary geologists or government advisors.

Finance – As mentioned previously, analytical and numerical skills are the backbone of the scientific approach, and the typical postgraduate research programme in Physics is heavily reliant on numeracy. As such, many PostDocs are found to have financial careers. Financial roles typically offer lucrative salaries.

Consulting – Consulting firms often consider a doctoral student with a background in Physics for employment as ideal for consultancy, based on their critical thinking and strategic planning skills.

How Much Can You Earn with A PhD in Physics?

Data from the HESA is presented below which presents the salary band of UK domiciled leaver (2012/13) in full-time paid UK employment with postgraduate qualifications in Physical Studies:

With a doctoral physics degree, your earning potential will mostly depend on your chosen career path. Due to the wide range of options, it’s impossible to provide an arbitrary value for the typical salary you can expect. However, if you pursue one of the below paths or enter their respective industry, you can roughly expect to earn:

Academic Lecturer

• Approximately £30,000 – £35,000 starting salary
• Approximately £40,000 with a few years experience
• Approximately £45,000 – £55,000 with 10 years experience
• Approximately £60,000 and over with significant experience and a leadership role. Certain academic positions can earn over £80,000 depending on the management duties.

Actuary or Finance

• Approximately £35,000 starting salary
• Approximately £45,000 – £55,000 with a few years experience
• Approximately £70,000 and over with 10 years experience
• Approximately £180,000 and above with significant experience and a leadership role.

Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

• Approximately £28,000 starting salary
• Approximately £35,000 – £40,000 with a few years experience
• Approximately £60,000 and over with 10 years experience

Data Analyst

• Approximately £45,000 – £50,000 with a few years experience
• Approximately £90,000 and above with significant experience and a leadership role.

Geophysicist

• Approximately £28,000 – £35,000 starting salary
• Approximately £40,000 – £65,000 with a few years’ experience
• Approximately £80,000 and over with significant experience and a leadership role

Medical Physicist

• Approximately £27,500 – £30,000 starting salary
• Approximately £30,000 – £45,000 with a few years’ experience
• Approximately £50,000 and over with significant experience and a leadership role

Meteorologist

• Approximately £20,000 – £25,000 starting salary
• Approximately £25,000 – £35,000 with a few years’ experience
• Approximately £45,000 and over with significant experience and a leadership role

Again, we stress that the above are indicative values only. Actual salaries will depend on the specific organisation and position and responsibilities of the individual.

UK Physics PhD Statistics

The Higher Education Statistics Agency has an abundance of useful statistics and data on higher education in the UK. We have looked at the data from the Destination of Leavers 2016/17 survey to provide information specific for Physics Doctorates:

The graph below shows the destination of 2016/17 leavers with research based postgraduate qualifications in physical sciences. This portrays a very promising picture for Physics doctorates, with 92% of leavers are in work or further study.

The table below presents the destination (sorted by standard industrial classification) of 1015 students entering employment in the UK with doctorates in Physical Studies, from 2012/13 to 2016/17. It can be seen that PhD postdocs have a wide range of career paths, though jobs in education, professional, scientific and technical activities, and manufacturing are common.

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PhD Physics Course, Admission 2024, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus, Fees, Career

Ph.D. in Physics is a three to a six-year-long full-time research programme that teaches or expands on research skills and knowledge. Students pursuing a Ph.D. must choose a topic and conduct a considerable study on it. Physics is a research-oriented academic subject that is offered at all levels of education.

Highlights: Ph.D Physics

Eligibility criteria of ph.d. physics, admission process of ph.d physics, top entrance exam for ph.d in physics, cut-off for top colleges, skills required for ph.d in physics, syllabus of ph.d physics, fee structure of ph.d physics, scope of ph.d physics, career options after ph.d physics, benefits of studying ph.d physics, salary after ph.d physics, list of top 10 ph.d in physics colleges in india with fees, top private ph.d in physics colleges in india with fees, top government phd physics colleges in india with fees.

The main topics covered in the area of Physics are Classical, Relativistic, and Quantum Physics. Ph.D. is a doctoral degree with an academic focus and comprises research-based areas with their practical applications. The Ph.D in Physics programme is designed for applicants who want to learn Physics at an advanced level.

Students must know the colleges offering Ph.D in Physics, some of the top colleges include Acharya Institute of Bangalore, Alagappa Government Arts College Karaikudi, and Amity University. Students must check the admission details and appear for relevant entrance examinations such as UGC NET or any other exam specified by the institute.

Candidates aspiring to pursue Ph.D. in Physics must meet the eligibility criteria of the Ph.D in Mathematics course before applying for the admissions. The career options in the field of Ph.D Physics are Physicist, Teacher, and Data Analyst. Students are advised to choose career options based on their interests and aptitude.

The requirements for a PhD in Physics vary by the higher education institution. Those with a master's degree in Physics or similar disciplines are eligible for a PhD in physics. Mentioned below are some of the general eligibility requirements of the Ph.D in Physics course required by many popular institutes.

• A Master’s degree such as M.Sc in Physics from a reputed university is required.
• It is necessary to have a master's degree with a minimum of 50 per cent, the aggregate percentage can vary depending on the institute but it remains almost the same for every institute.
• Some institutes may conduct their own aptitude tests, personal interview or group discussion as per the admission process of the institute.

Admission requirements for a Ph.D. programme in Physics differ by university. Students are accepted into a range of colleges based on their scores in their entrance exam and Master’s Degree. Many colleges primarily accept students who have completed research projects and have received letters of recommendation. Mentioned below is the admission process for a Ph.D. Physics course.

• Candidates can apply for PhD Physics admission directly at the higher education institution by carefully filling out the application form and submitting the relevant documentation.
• Students can also apply by visiting the college's website, completing the online PhD Physics degree form, and emailing the required documents along with the course fees.

Many colleges offer admission to the Ph.D Physics based on entrance examinations, the most popular entrance exam is UGC NET. Some colleges may conduct their admission tests, such as aptitude tests, personal interviews or group discussions. Mentioned below is the top entrance exam for Ph.D Physics accepted by many institutes in India.

UGC NET : UGC-NET is a national-level entrance examination conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) two times in a year. The score of the exam is accepted by many colleges for their Ph.D. programmes in different specialisations. Mentioned below are the important pointers regarding the UGC-NET exam.

• UGC NET Admit Card
• UGC NET Syllabus
• UGC NET Exam Pattern
• UGC NET Result
• UGC NET Cutoff
• UGC NET Preparation Tips
• UGC NET Eligibility
• UGC NET Application

The cut-off for a PhD in Physics is a set of criteria used to assess an applicant's merit or entrance exam result. Those who score below the cut-off, rank, or grades are admitted to the college to their desired course. The Ph.D in Physics cutoff for each college is determined by the number of applications and the difficulty of the entrance exam.

To comprehend and improve their academic experience, candidates must have various skills to be able to fully benefit from the course and make a successful career in the field of Physics. Candidates require a combination of soft and hard skills in the field of Physics. Mentioned below are the skills required in the field of Ph.D in Physics.

• Observational Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Experiential Learning
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Technical Skills

Depending on the college, the curriculum of PhD Physics differs and is a branch of science that studies the physical structure of matter, both living and nonliving, and how different substances interact with one another. Mentioned in the table below is the course syllabus of the Ph.D Physics degree programme.

The fees of a Ph.D Physics course depends on the institute but, students wishing to apply to the Ph.D Physics course must check the fee details of the course, the admission to these institutes is based either on the entrance examination or direct admission. The fee of a Ph.D Physics course generally ranges from Rs. 3,310 to Rs. 8.41 Lakhs.

Graduates with a Ph.D. in Physics have the degree, skills, and hands-on training necessary to pursue a variety of employment in the physics field. Teaching at a university level and performing research in the corporate or educational sectors are two alternatives. Several physics graduates go on to engage in research jobs in a variety of industries.

Several Indian companies recruit PhD physics students. The educational achievements and skills of Ph.D. Physics graduates determine their career and employment opportunities based on their grades. Some of the work prospects of PhD Physics graduates are mentioned below.

Physicist : Physicists are well-educated professionals who are involved in the study and application of power, motion, and energy. Doctorate degrees in astrophysics or physics-related subjects are required for the majority of physicist professions, and some positions may also require postdoctoral expertise. Physicists work in technology development in government agencies, academic institutions, and laboratories.

Teacher : A Teacher is a qualified professional who uses academic study to impart knowledge to students. Students learn through a planned curriculum that incorporates a variety of subjects and activities with the assistance of teachers. By providing adequate education and ethical principles during the early stages of learning and development, a teacher can play a crucial influence in moulding a nation's destiny.

Professor: A professor is someone who teaches students at a university or college level in a certain field of study. A professor, in most situations, is an expert in a field that he teaches at the university level. Professors with experience and knowledge in their fields are qualified to conduct studies and produce research papers in their fields.

Quality Controller : A quality controller is somebody who works in software development, and manufacturing. A quality controller in a software development country is in charge of performing tests, creating bug reports, testing the widget, and returning the code to the development team to solve the issues. A quality controller records their results by writing a report.

Top Recruiters:

• Reliance Industries Limited
• HCL Technologies

There are various benefits of pursuing a Ph.D Physics course, candidates after completing this course can work as a Professor, Researcher, or a Physicist. The applicants learn various soft and hard skills such as Analytical Skills, Observation skills, Research skills, and Good communication skills that are very important for their future careers in the wide field of Physics.

The salary after completing a Ph.D Physics course depends on the company, its location, the skills and experiences of the person, and the job profile applied by the candidate. There are many career options available after the Ph.D Physics course, mentioned below are the average salaries of some of the top career options.

Source : AmbitionBox

Many colleges in India offer Ph.D in Physics degree programmes, the admission to these institutes is based either on the entrance exam or merit score based on their recent qualifying exam. Mentioned below are the top private and government Ph.D Physics colleges in India along with their respective fees.

Several private academic institutions across the country offer Ph.D. Physics programmes. Admission is based on prior academic achievements as well as the results of the admission examinations. Some of India's best private PhD Physics schools are listed in the table below.

Several government institutes offer Ph.D Physics courses in India, government institutes are known to provide quality education while charging affordable fees. There are many government institutes in India offering PhD Physics courses, mentioned below are the top government colleges offering PhD Physics colleges in India along with their respective fees.

Ph.D Physics is a doctoral level degree programme of a maximum of six years, candidates interested in pursuing the Ph.D Physics programme must meet the eligibility requirements of the course and follow the admission process carefully. After completing the course, students can opt for various career options such as Physicist, Physics Teacher, Professor or a Lecturer, and Quality Controller.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

PhD in Physics is a three to a five-year-long full-time research programme that teaches or expands on research skills and knowledge.

Several physics graduates go on to engage in research jobs in a variety of industries, like education, the aerospace and automobile sectors, security, the government sector, healthcare, energy, materials, technologies, computation, and information technology.

The average cost of a PhD Physics programme is between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 4,00,000, based on the type of institution.

Students must pursue a masters degree in physics from a recognised university is required for a PhD Physics. 

For PhD Physics, students must complete a 10+2 exam from a recognised board.

The PhD Physics is a three to five-year-long programme.

To gain knowledge and improve their learning experience, students need a wide range of abilities. Observational skills, experimental skills, ad hoc learning, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, and technical skills are only a few examples.

Some of the top colleges which offer PhD Physics degrees are JMI New Delhi - Jamia Millia Islamia, IIT Bombay - Indian Institute of Technology, LPU Jalandhar - Lovely Professional University, Christ University, Bangalore, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, IIST Thiruvananthapuram - Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, IIT Madras - Indian Institute of Technology, ICT Mumbai - Institute of Chemical Technology, NIT Trichy - National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, IIT Delhi - Indian Institute of Technology.

There are various career options after a PhD Physics degree. Some of the careers are Teacher, Professor, Quality Controller, Data Analyst.

Some of the top organisations that hire PhD Physics graduates include Reliance Industries Limited, HCL Technologies, Accenture, IBM, Infosys, Verizon, Amazon, Capgemini, TCS, L&T, InfoTech, Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia University, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

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PhD Program

A PhD degree in Physics is awarded in recognition of significant and novel research contributions, extending the boundaries of our knowledge of the physical universe. Selected applicants are admitted to the PhD program of the UW Department of Physics, not to a specific research group, and are encouraged to explore research opportunities throughout the Department.

Degree Requirements

Typical timeline, advising and mentoring, satisfactory progress, financial support, more information.

Applicants to the doctoral program are expected to have a strong undergraduate preparation in physics, including courses in electromagnetism, classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics, optics, and mathematical methods of physics. Further study in condensed matter, atomic, and particle and nuclear physics is desirable. Limited deficiencies in core areas may be permissible, but may delay degree completion by as much as a year and are are expected to remedied during the first year of graduate study.

The Graduate Admissions Committee reviews all submitted applications and takes a holistic approach considering all aspects presented in the application materials. Application materials include:

• Resume or curriculum vitae, describing your current position or activities, educational and professional experience, and any honors awarded, special skills, publications or research presentations.
• Statement of purpose, one page describing your academic purpose and goals.
• Personal history statement (optional, two pages max), describing how your personal experiences and background (including family, cultural, or economic aspects) have influenced your intellectual development and interests.
• Three letters of recommendation: submit email addresses for your recommenders at least one month ahead of deadline to allow them sufficient time to respond.
• Transcripts (unofficial), from all prior relevant undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Admitted applicants must provide official transcripts.
• English language proficiency is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. The various options are specified at: https://grad.uw.edu/policies/3-2-graduate-school-english-language-proficiency-requirements/ Official test scores must be sent by ETS directly to the University of Washington (institution code 4854) and be received within two years of the test date.

For additional information see the UW Graduate School Home Page , Understanding the Application Process , and Memo 15 regarding teaching assistant eligibility for non-native English speakers.

The GRE Subject Test in Physics (P-GRE) is optional in our admissions process, and typically plays a relatively minor role.  Our admissions system is holistic, as we use all available information to evaluate each application. If you have taken the P-GRE and feel that providing your score will help address specific gaps or otherwise materially strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit your scores. We emphasize that every application will be given full consideration, regardless of whether or not scores are submitted.

Applications are accepted annually for autumn quarter admissions (only), and must be submitted online. Admission deadline: JANUARY 5, 2024.

Department standards

Course requirements.

Students must plan a program of study in consultation with their faculty advisor (either first year advisor or later research advisor). To establish adequate breadth and depth of knowledge in the field, PhD students are required to pass a set of core courses, take appropriate advanced courses and special topics offerings related to their research area, attend relevant research seminars as well as the weekly department colloquium, and take at least two additional courses in Physics outside their area of speciality. Seeking broad knowledge in areas of physics outside your own research area is encouraged.

The required core courses are:

In addition, all students holding a teaching assistantship (TA) must complete Phys 501 / 502 / 503 , Tutorials in Teaching Physics.

Regularly offered courses which may, depending on research area and with the approval of the graduate program coordinator, be used to satisfy breadth requirements, include:

• Phys 506 Numerical Methods
• Phys 555 Cosmology & Particle Astrophysics
• Phys 507 Group Theory
• Phys 557 High Energy Physics
• Phys 511 Topics in Contemporary Physics
• Phys 560 Nuclear Theory
• Phys 520 Quantum Information
• Phys 564 General Relativity
• Phys 550 Atomic Physics
• Phys 567 Condensed Matter Physics
• Phys 554 Nuclear Astrophysics
• Phys 570 Quantum Field Theory

Graduate exams

Master's Review:   In addition to passing all core courses, adequate mastery of core material must be demonstrated by passing the Master's Review. This is composed of four Master's Review Exams (MREs) which serve as the final exams in Phys 524 (SM), Phys 514 (EM), Phys 518 (QM), and Phys 505 (CM). The standard for passing each MRE is demonstrated understanding and ability to solve multi-step problems; this judgment is independent of the overall course grade. Acceptable performance on each MRE is expected, but substantial engagement in research allows modestly sub-par performance on one exam to be waived. Students who pass the Master's Review are eligible to receive a Master's degree, provided the Graduate School course credit and grade point average requirements have also been satisfied.

General Exam:   Adequate mastery of material in one's area of research, together with demonstrated progress in research and a viable plan to complete a PhD dissertation, is assessed in the General Exam. This is taken after completing all course requirements, passing the Master's Review, and becoming well established in research. The General Exam consists of an oral presentation followed by an in-depth question period with one's dissertation committee.

Final Oral Exam:   Adequate completion of a PhD dissertation is assessed in the Final Oral, which is a public exam on one's completed dissertation research. The requirement of surmounting a final public oral exam is an ancient tradition for successful completion of a PhD degree.

Graduate school requirements

Common requirements for all doctoral degrees are given in the Graduate School Degree Requirements and Doctoral Degree Policies and Procedures pages. A summary of the key items, accurate as of late 2020, is as follows:

• A minimum of 90 completed credits, of which at least 60 must be completed at the University of Washington. A Master's degree from the UW or another institution in physics, or approved related field of study, may substitute for 30 credits of enrollment.
• At least 18 credits of UW course work at the 500 level completed prior to the General Examination.
• At least 18 numerically graded UW credits of 500 level courses and approved 400 level courses, completed prior to the General Examination.
• At least 60 credits completed prior to scheduling the General Examination. A Master's degree from the UW or another institution may substitute for 30 of these credits.
• A minimum of 27 dissertation (or Physics 800) credits, spread out over a period of at least three quarters, must be completed. At least one of those three quarters must come after passing the General Exam. Except for summer quarters, students are limited to a maximum of 10 dissertation credits per quarter.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 must be maintained.
• The General Examination must be successfully completed.
• A thesis dissertation approved by the reading committee and submitted and accepted by the Graduate School.
• The Final Examination must be successfully completed. At least four members of the supervisory committee, including chair and graduate school representative, must be present.
• Registration as a full- or part-time graduate student at the University must be maintained, specifically including the quarter in which the examinations are completed and the quarter in which the degree is conferred. (Part-time means registered for at least 2 credits, but less than 10.)
• All work for the doctoral degree must be completed within ten years. This includes any time spend on leave, as well as time devoted to a Master's degree from the UW or elsewhere (if used to substitute for credits of enrollment).
• Pass the required core courses: Phys 513 , 517 , 524 & 528 autumn quarter, Phys 514 , 518 & 525 winter quarter, and Phys 515 , 519 & 505 spring quarter. When deemed appropriate, with approval of their faculty advisor and graduate program coordinator, students may elect to defer Phys 525 , 515 and/or 519 to the second year in order to take more credits of Phys 600 .
• Sign up for and complete one credit of Phys 600 with a faculty member of choice during winter and spring quarters.
• Pass the Master's Review by the end of spring quarter or, after demonstrating substantial research engagement, by the end of the summer.
• Work to identify one's research area and faculty research advisor. This begins with learning about diverse research areas in Phys 528 in the autumn, followed by Phys 600 independent study with selected faculty members during winter, spring, and summer.
• Pass the Master's Review (if not already done) by taking any deferred core courses or retaking MREs as needed. The Master's Review must be passed before the start of the third year.
• Settle in and become fully established with one's research group and advisor, possibly after doing independent study with multiple faculty members. Switching research areas during the first two years is not uncommon.
• Complete all required courses. Take breadth courses and more advanced graduate courses appropriate for one's area of research.
• Perform research.
• Establish a Supervisory Committee within one year after finding a compatible research advisor who agrees to supervise your dissertation work.
• Take breadth and special topics courses as appropriate.
• Take your General Exam in the third or fourth year of your graduate studies.
• Register for Phys 800 (Doctoral Thesis Research) instead of Phys 600 in the quarters during and after your general exam.
• Take special topics courses as appropriate.
• Perform research. When completion of a substantial body of research is is sight, and with concurrence of your faculty advisor, start writing a thesis dissertation.
• Establish a dissertation reading committee well in advance of scheduling the Final Examination.
• Schedule your Final Examination and submit your PhD dissertation draft to your reading committee at least several weeks before your Final Exam.
• Take your Final Oral Examination.
• After passing your Final Exam, submit your PhD dissertation, as approved by your reading committee, to the Graduate School, normally before the end of the same quarter.

This typical timeline for competing the PhD applies to students entering the program with a solid undergraduate preparation, as described above under Admissions. Variant scenarios are possible with approval of the Graduate Program coordinator. Two such scenarios are the following:

• Students entering with insufficient undergraduate preparation often require more time. It is important to identify this early, and not feel that this reflects on innate abilities or future success. Discussion with one's faculty advisor, during orientation or shortly thereafter, may lead to deferring one or more of the first year required courses and corresponding Master's Review Exams. It can also involve taking selected 300 or 400 level undergraduate physics courses before taking the first year graduate level courses. This must be approved by the Graduate Program coordinator, but should not delay efforts to find a suitable research advisor. The final Master's Review decision still takes place no later than the start of the 3rd year and research engagement is an important component in this decision.
• Entering PhD students with advanced standing, for example with a prior Master's degree in Physics or transferring from another institution after completing one or more years in a Physics PhD program, may often graduate after 3 or 4 years in our program. After discussion with your faculty advisor and with approval of the Graduate Program coordinator, selected required classes may be waived (but typically not the corresponding Master's Review Exams), and credit from other institutions transferred.
• Each entering PhD student is assigned a first year faculty advisor, with whom they meet regularly to discuss course selection, general progress, and advice on research opportunities. The role of a student's primary faculty advisor switches to their research advisor after they become well established in research. Once their doctoral supervisory committee is formed, the entire committee, including a designated faculty mentor (other than the research advisor) is available to provide advice and mentoring.
• The department also has a peer mentoring program, in which first-year students are paired with more senior students who have volunteered as mentors. Peer mentors maintain contact with their first-year mentees throughout the year and aim to ease the transition to graduate study by sharing their experiences and providing support and advice. Quarterly "teas" are held to which all peer mentors and mentees are invited.
• While academic advising is primarily concerned with activities and requirements necessary to make progress toward a degree, mentoring focuses on the human relationships, commitments, and resources that can help a student find success and fulfillment in academic and professional pursuits. While research advisors play an essential role in graduate study, the department considers it inportant for every student to also have available additional individuals who take on an explicit mentoring role.
• Students are expected to meet regularly, at a minimum quarterly, with their faculty advisors (either first year advisor or research advisor).
• Starting in the winter of their first year, students are expected to be enrolled in Phys 600 .
• Every spring all students, together with their advisors, are required to complete an annual activities report.
• The doctoral supervisory committee needs to be established at least by the end of the fourth year.
• The General Exam is expected to take place during the third or fourth year.
• Students and their advisors are expected to aim for not more than 6 years between entry into the Physics PhD program and completion of the PhD. In recent years the median time is close to 6 years.

Absence of satisfactory progress can lead to a hierarchy of actions, as detailed in the Graduate School Memo 16: Academic Performance and Progress , and may jeopardize funding as a teaching assistant.

The Department aims to provide financial support for all full-time PhD students making satisfactory progress, and has been successful in doing so for many years. Most students are supported via a mix teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs), although there are also various scholarships, fellowships, and awards that provide financial support. Teaching and research assistanships provide a stipend, a tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits. TAs are employed by the University to assist faculty in their teaching activities. Students from non-English-speaking countries must pass English proficiency requirements . RAs are employed by the Department to assist faculty with specified research projects, and are funded through research grants held by faculty members.

Most first-year students are provided full TA support during their first academic year as part of their admission offer. Support beyond the second year is typically in the form of an RA or a TA/RA combination. It is the responsibility of the student to find a research advisor and secure RA support. Students accepting TA or RA positions are required to register as full-time graduate students (a minimum of 10 credits during the academic year, and 2 credits in summer quarter) and devote 20 hours per week to their assistantship duties. Both TAs and RAs are classified as Academic Student Employees (ASE) . These positions are governed by a contract between the UW and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and its Local Union 4121 (UAW).

Physics PhD students are paid at the "Assistant" level (Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant) upon entry to the program. Students receive a promotion to "Associate I" (Predoctoral Teaching Associate I or Predoctoral Research Associate I) after passing the Master's Review, and a further promotion to "Associate II" (Predoctoral Teaching Associate II or Predoctoral Research Associate II) after passing their General Examination. (Summer quarter courses, and summer quarter TA employment, runs one month shorter than during the academic year. To compendate, summer quarter TA salaries are increased proportionately.)

• UW Physics Department fact sheet .
• MyPhys , UW Physics Department intranet with policies and information for enrolled students.
• UW Graduate School information for students and postdocs.
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Physics Doctor of Philosophy

The PhD in Physics is a challenging program designed to provide an in-depth look at the foundational areas of modern Physics as a basis for the selection of an area of research specialization which becomes the focus of a PhD thesis.  For students meeting the qualifications upon entering the program, the first two years are structured around classroom and lab instruction, supplemented by research projects and regular interaction with multiple research groups within the Department. Attendance at colloquia and seminars is either required or strongly encouraged.  Once a student has met the requirements for PhD candidacy and has been selected to work with a PhD advisor, the emphasis shifts to full-time research with the expectation of the completion and defense of a PhD thesis, typically within 2 to 4 years. For complete and explicit details regarding admission to the program and progress toward a graduate degree, please check out the links in the menu at left. 

For funding and award information, please visit the  Graduate Student Funding Opportunities page .

An applicant seeking to pursue graduate study in the College may be admitted as either a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. Policies and procedures of Graduate Studies govern the process of Graduate admission. These may be found in the  Graduate Studies  section of the online catalog.

We notify applicants of admissions decisions as early as possible. Initial decisions for the Fall Semester are typically sent by the end of January, and final notification to all applications is usually sent by May. For the Spring semester, initial decisions are typically sent in November with final notification to all applicants being sent in December. We send admissions decisions exclusively via email through Slate. We do not share admissions information over the phone, and we do not share reasons for denial of admission. If admitted to the program, please indicate your decision to accept or decline our offer through Slate using the link in your admissions decision email.

Applicants should also review the  Physics and Astronomy Department requirements for Graduate Admission.

PhD Information

• Course Requirements
• Suggested Course Schedule
• Additional Requirements
• Important Information
• Preliminary Candidacy
• Comprehensive Exam
• Post-Comprehensive Enrollment
• Dissertation Defense
• Dissertation Defense - Honors

• Graduate School
• Prospective Students
• Graduate Degree Programs

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD)

Canadian immigration updates.

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is a broad-based department with a wide range of research interests covering many key topics in contemporary physics, astronomy, and applied physics. We are a vibrant community that engages in a wide range of research directions, from probing the origin of the universe to exploring emergent phenomena in complex systems, that provide deep insights into the nature of the universe and practical solutions that will help define the world of tomorrow. Departmental research activities are supported by several computing and experimental facilities, and excellent electronics and machine shops.

Our graduate programs include approximately 200 graduate students, working on experiments and theory in research fields that include: Applied Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, Atomic/Molecular/Optics, Biophysics, Condensed Matter, Cosmology, Gravity, Medical Physics, Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics, and String Theory.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at UBC is noted for the excellence of its research and its high academic standards and integrity. It is one of the largest and most diverse physics and astronomy departments in Canada. We are constantly rated as one of the top Physics & Astronomy programs in the world. Much of the Department's research is enhanced by local facilities such as the TRIUMF National Laboratory, the Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory (AMPEL), and the BC Cancer Agency, UBC, and associated teaching hospitals, in addition to many specialized research laboratories housed within the Department. There is a great deal of collaboration and overlap of interests among the various groups.

Each year, our faculty bring over $20 million in research grants. This enables us to maintain world-class research laboratories and computational facilities, attract distinguished post-doctorate researchers, and support highly skilled engineers and technicians whose expertise is critical to our research.

A degree in Physics can give you the ability to work out a whole variety of problems, and leaves room to take up nearly anything afterwards. UBC’s Physics program offered the opportunity to teach and work with the dynamic and fun UBC Physics and MRI research community, which all made me excited to pursue my graduate work here.

Sharada Balaji

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 90

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

2) Meet Deadlines

3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

From September 2024 all full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

• 55 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 55 students was $8,283.
• 66 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 66 students was $18,834.
• 6 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 6 students was $1,873.
• 82 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 82 students was $9,894.
• 14 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 14 students was $25,857.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

108 students graduated between 2005 and 2013: 2 graduates are seeking employment; for 11 we have no data (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016). For the remaining 95 graduates:

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, alumni on success.

Michael Hoff

Job Title Assistant Professor

Employer University of Washington

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times, upcoming doctoral exams, thursday, 16 may 2024 - 9:30am - room 203, monday, 24 june 2024 - 12:30pm - room 200.

• Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Aronson, Meigan (heavy-ferromagnetic compounds; charge density waves; magnetic nanoparticles)
• Berciu, Mona (Electronic and magnetic properties of condensed matter and supraconductivity; Physical sciences; condensed matter theory; polarons, bipolarons; strongly correlated systems)
• Boley, Aaron (Astronomy and Astrophysics; Planet formation, protoplanetary disk evolution, formation of meteorite parent bodies)
• Bonn, Douglas Andrew (Condensed matter, high temperature superconductors, microwave measurements, crystal growth)
• Bryman, Douglas (Particle physics, experimental; Experimental Particle Physics; Applied physics; physics)
• Burke, Sarah (Scanning probe microscopy, organic materials, nanoscale materials, surface physics, photovoltaics )
• Choptuik, Matthew (Theoretical physics, Relativity/Computational Physics )
• Damascelli, Andrea (Electronic structure of solids, strongly correlated electron systems, low dimensional spin systems, thin films and nanostructures, transition metal oxides, high-Tc superconductors, linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopies, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, synchrotron based spectroscopies., Electronic structure of novel complex systems in nanostructured materials)
• Dierker, Steve (Physical sciences; Collective dynamics of condensed matter systems; Dependence on reduced dimensionality, strong interactions, disorder, and mesoscale structure)
• Folk, Joshua (Physical sciences; 2D materials and Vanderwaals heterostructures; Quantum electronics; Thermodynamics of quantum systems; Strongly correlated phenomena; Topological phenomena; Quantum transport)
• Franz, Marcel (Condensed matter theory )
• Gay, Colin (Experimental subatomic physics, Beyond Standard Model physics, Extra dimensions)
• Gladman, Brett (Astronomy, Planetary Science, meteorites, astrobiology, Solar system formation and evolution)
• Hallas, Alannah (Physical sciences; quantum phenomena; magnetism; Materials design and discovery; Quantum materials)
• Halpern, Mark (Cosmology, Cosmic background radiation, history of star formation, measuring the geometry and contents of the Universe, satellites, balloon-borne telescopes, the physics of music, Physics of music, Cosmic Microwave Background, Physical Cosmology, Star formation history)
• Hasinoff, Michael (Low-energy particle physics)
• Hearty, Christopher (Particle physics, experimental; Experimental Particle Physics; e+e- collider; Physics beyond the Standard Model; Dark sector; dark matter)
• Heyl, Jeremy (Astronomical and space sciences; Physical sciences; Astrophysics; Black Holes; Neutron Stars; quantum phenomena; Quantum-Field Theory; Stellar; Stellar Physics)
• Hickson, Paul (cosmology, galaxies, telescopes, adaptive optics., Astronomy, astrophysics, Galaxies, clusters, instrumentation, adaptive optics)
• Hinshaw, Gary (cosmology, cosmic background radiation, Cosmology, Measuring diffuse background radiations)
• Jones, David (Atomic, optical and molecular physics,Ultrafast Optics, Spectroscopy)
• Karczmarek, Joanna (Physical sciences; Emergent spacetime and gravity; Matrix models; Noncommutative geometry; String theory)
• Leslie, Sabrina
• Lister, Alison (Particle physics, experimental; Large Hadron Collier (LHC); ATLAS experiment; Search for physics beyond the standard model; top quarks; dark matter; Machine Learning; Long-lived particles)
• Madison, Kirk (Condensed matter, atomic, molecular and optical physics )

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

• Towards improving radiotherapeutic treatment of the parotid glands : a cross-modality investigation
• Four dimensional dose calculations and planning strategies for dynamic tumour tracking treatments
• Direct entropy measurements in mesoscopic systems : from proof of concept to the Kondo regime
• Topological superconductivity in twisted cuprates and device applications inspired by their Josephson physics
• Topics in numerical relativity
• From growth to TR-ARPES of C₆₀ : a prototypical OPV system
• Quantum chaos in conformal field theories
• Resurrecting the N = 20 shell closure and upgrades to the TITAN measurement Penning trap
• A journey into computational protein design : simulation methods, physical origins of disease, and therapeutic design for neurodegenerative diseases and COVID19
• Relaxation dynamics in a molecular ultracold plasma : control and modeling
• Refinement of the first r-process abundance peak via high-precision mass measurements
• Longitudinal relaxation dynamics in white matter : experiments in NMR and MRI
• A detection of cosmological 21 cm emission from CHIME in cross-correlation with the eBOSS Lyman-𝜶 forest
• New Raman scattering enhancement methods with potential for improving the detection of breath VOCs
• Electron-phonon coupling in insulators : beyond the Migdal limit

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Science in Physics (MSc)

Same Academic Unit

• Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physics (PhD)
• Master of Applied Science in Engineering Physics (MASc)
• Master of Science in Astronomy (MSc)
• Master of Science in Medical Physics (MSc)

Further Information

Specialization.

Physics provides research opportunities in many subfields of physics, including

• applied physics : this effort has spawned a number of spin-off companies.
• medical physics : be involved in a broad range of medical physics research in the areas of radiation therapy, medical imaging, biomedical optics and radiation biophysics.
• biophysics : the application of quantitative principles and methods to biological systems.
• nuclear and particle physics : the aim of subatomic physics is to understand matter and the fundamental forces in the universe and ultimately form a Theory of Everything.
• astronomy and astrophysics : study stars, galaxies, the material in between, and the Universe as a whole.
• atomic, molecular, and optical physics : this field is rapidly expanding and serves as the basis for many modern technological innovations.
• condensed matter physics is concerned with understanding and exploiting the properties of solids and liquids and the large area that this covers makes it the largest field of contemporary physics.
• theoretical physics : Gravity and Relativity, String Theory, High Energy Physics, and Condensed Matter Theory, to Quantum Information and Biophysics

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Rane Simpson

UBC is a fantastic institution in an amazing country. Add to this that it is home to the nations premier environment for nuclear physics experiments, and you will have a picture that describes why UBC was my number one destination for graduate studies.

Joshua MacEachern

In my undergrad, I really got great insight to how incredible the researchers in our physics/astronomy department (and the rest of UBC) are. Two of the cosmology faculty on the team that I joined at UBC (including my supervisor) won a Fundamental Breakthrough Prize in Physics in 2018. Their work on...

Paul Herringer

I get excited about all kinds of physics, not just my field of specialization, so I wanted to find a department with a wide variety of research topics. I was also able to find a supervisor whom I work well with in a field that suits my research interests. Last but not least, there are very few...

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PhD Program

**new** graduate student guide, expected progress of physics graduate student to ph.d..

This document describes the Physics Department's expectations for the progress of a typical graduate student from admission to award of a PhD.  Because students enter the program with different training and backgrounds and because thesis research by its very nature is unpredictable, the time-frame for individual students will vary. Nevertheless, failure to meet the goals set forth here without appropriate justification may indicate that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD, and will therefore prompt consideration by the Department and possibly by Graduate Division of the student’s progress, which might lead to probation and later dismissal.

Course Work

Graduate students are required to take a minimum of 38 units of approved upper division or graduate elective courses (excluding any upper division courses required for the undergraduate major).  The department requires that students take the following courses which total 19 units: Physics 209 (Classical Electromagnetism), Physics 211 (Equilibrium Statistical Physics) and Physics 221A-221B (Quantum Mechanics). Thus, the normative program includes an additional 19 units (five semester courses) of approved upper division or graduate elective courses.  At least 11 units must be in the 200 series courses. Some of the 19 elective units could include courses in mathematics, biophysics, astrophysics, or from other science and engineering departments.  Physics 290, 295, 299, 301, and 602 are excluded from the 19 elective units. Physics 209, 211 and 221A-221B must be completed for a letter grade (with a minimum average grade of B).  No more than one-third of the 19 elective units may be fulfilled by courses graded Satisfactory, and then only with the approval of the Department.  Entering students are required to enroll in Physics 209 and 221A in the fall semester of their first year and Physics 211 and 221B in the spring semester of their first year. Exceptions to this requirement are made for 1) students who do not have sufficient background to enroll in these courses and have a written recommendation from their faculty mentor and approval from the head graduate adviser to delay enrollment to take preparatory classes, 2) students who have taken the equivalent of these courses elsewhere and receive written approval from the Department to be exempted. 

If a student has taken courses equivalent to Physics 209, 211 or 221A-221B, then subject credit may be granted for each of these course requirements.  A faculty committee will review your course syllabi and transcript.  A waiver form can be obtained in 378 Physics North from the Student Affairs Officer detailing all required documents.  If the committee agrees that the student has satisfied the course requirement at another institution, the student must secure the Head Graduate Adviser's approval.  The student must also take and pass the associated section of the preliminary exam.  Please note that official course waiver approval will not be granted until after the preliminary exam results have been announced.  If course waivers are approved, units for the waived required courses do not have to be replaced for PhD course requirements.  If a student has satisfied all first year required graduate courses elsewhere, they are only required to take an additional 19 units to satisfy remaining PhD course requirements.  (Note that units for required courses must be replaced for MA degree course requirements even if the courses themselves are waived; for more information please see MA degree requirements).

In exceptional cases, students transferring from other graduate programs may request a partial waiver of the 19 elective unit requirement. Such requests must be made at the time of application for admission to the Department.

The majority of first year graduate students are Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) with a 20 hour per week load (teaching, grading, and preparation).  A typical first year program for an entering graduate student who is teaching is:

First Semester

• Physics 209 Classical Electromagnetism (5)
• Physics 221A Quantum Mechanics (5)
• Physics 251 Introduction to Graduate Research (1)
• Physics 301 GSI Teaching Credit (2)
• Physics 375 GSI Training Seminar (for first time GSI's) (2)

Second Semester

• Physics 211 Equilibrium Statistical Physics (4)
• Physics 221B Quantum Mechanics (5)

Students who have fellowships and will not be teaching, or who have covered some of the material in the first year courses material as undergraduates may choose to take an additional course in one or both semesters of their first year.

Many students complete their course requirements by the end of the second year. In general, students are expected to complete their course requirements by the end of the third year. An exception to this expectation is that students who elect (with the approval of their mentor and the head graduate adviser) to fill gaps in their undergraduate background during their first year at Berkeley often need one or two additional semesters to complete their course work.

Faculty Mentors

Incoming graduate students are each assigned a faculty mentor. In general, mentors and students are matched according to the student's research interest.   If a student's research interests change, or if (s)he feels there is another faculty member who can better serve as a mentor, the student is free to request a change of assignment.

The role of the faculty mentor is to advise graduate students who have not yet identified research advisers on their academic program, on their progress in that program and on strategies for passing the preliminary exam and finding a research adviser.  Mentors also are a “friendly ear” and are ready to help students address other issues they may face coming to a new university and a new city.  Mentors are expected to meet with the students they advise individually a minimum of once per semester, but often meet with them more often.  Mentors should contact incoming students before the start of the semester, but students arriving in Berkeley should feel free to contact their mentors immediately.

Student-Mentor assignments continue until the student has identified a research adviser.  While many students continue to ask their mentors for advice later in their graduate career, the primary role of adviser is transferred to the research adviser once a student formally begins research towards his or her dissertation. The Department asks student and adviser to sign a “mentor-adviser” form to make this transfer official.  

Preliminary Exams

In order to most benefit from graduate work, incoming students need to have a solid foundation in undergraduate physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, special relativity, thermal and statistical physics and quantum mechanics, and to be able to make order-of-magnitude estimates and analyze physical situations by application of general principles. These are the topics typically included, and at the level usually taught, within a Bachelor's degree program in Physics at most universities. As a part of this foundation, the students should also have formed a well-integrated overall picture of the fields studied. The preliminary exam is meant to assess the students' background, so that any missing pieces can be made up as soon as possible. The exam is made up of 4 sections, as described in the  Preliminary Exam Policy *, on the Department’s website.  Each section is administered twice a year, at the start of each semester. 

Entering students are encouraged to take this exam as soon as possible, and they are required to attempt all prelims sections in the second semester. Students who have not passed all sections in the third semester will undergo a Departmental review of their performance. Departmental expectations are that all students should successfully pass all sections no later than spring semester of the second year (4th semester); the document entitled  Physics Department Preliminary Exam Policy * describes Departmental policy in more detail. An exception to this expectation is afforded to students who elect (with the recommendation of the faculty mentor and written approval of the head graduate adviser) to fill gaps in their undergraduate background during their first year at Berkeley and delay corresponding section(s) of the exam, and who therefore may need an additional semester to complete the exam; this exception is also further discussed in the  Preliminary Exam Policy * document.

* You must login with your Calnet ID to access Physics Department Preliminary Examination Policy.

Start of Research

Students are encouraged to begin research as soon as possible. Many students identify potential research advisers in their first year and most have identified their research adviser before the end of their second year.  When a research adviser is identified, the Department asks that both student and research adviser sign a form (available from the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North) indicating that the student has (provisionally) joined the adviser’s research group with the intent of working towards a PhD.  In many cases, the student will remain in that group for their thesis work, but sometimes the student or faculty adviser will decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate.  Starting research early gives students flexibility to change groups when appropriate without incurring significant delays in time to complete their degree.

Departmental expectations are that experimental research students begin work in a research group by the summer after the first year; this is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged.  Students doing theoretical research are similarly encouraged to identify a research direction, but often need to complete a year of classes in their chosen specialty before it is possible for them to begin research.  Students intending to become theory students and have to take the required first year classes may not be able to start research until the summer after their second year.  Such students are encouraged to attend theory seminars and maintain contact with faculty in their chosen area of research even before they can begin a formal research program. 

If a student chooses dissertation research with a supervisor who is not in the department, he or she must find an appropriate Physics faculty member who agrees to serve as the departmental research supervisor of record and as co-adviser. This faculty member is expected to monitor the student's progress towards the degree and serve on the student's qualifying and dissertation committees. The student will enroll in Physics 299 (research) in the co-adviser's section.  The student must file the Outside Research Proposal for approval; petitions are available in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

Students who have not found a research adviser by the end of the second year will be asked to meet with their faculty mentor to develop a plan for identifying an adviser and research group.  Students who have not found a research adviser by Spring of the third year are not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  These students will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining their situation and their plans to begin research.  Based on their academic record and the documentation they provide, such students may be warned by the department that they are not making adequate progress, and will be formally asked to find an adviser.  The record of any student who has not identified an adviser by the end of Spring of the fourth year will be evaluated by a faculty committee and the student may be asked to leave the program. 

Qualifying Exam

Rules and requirements associated with the Qualifying Exam are set by the Graduate Division on behalf of the Graduate Council.  Approval of the committee membership and the conduct of the exam are therefore subject to Graduate Division approval.  The exam is oral and lasts 2-3 hours.  The Graduate Division specifies that the purpose of the Qualifying Exam is “to ascertain the breadth of the student's comprehension of fundamental facts and principles that apply to at least three subject areas related to the major field of study and whether the student has the ability to think incisively and critically about the theoretical and the practical aspects of these areas.”  It also states that “this oral examination of candidates for the doctorate serves a significant additional function. Not only teaching, but the formal interaction with students and colleagues at colloquia, annual meetings of professional societies and the like, require the ability to synthesize rapidly, organize clearly, and argue cogently in an oral setting.  It is necessary for the University to ensure that a proper examination is given incorporating these skills.”

Please see the  Department website for a description of the Qualifying Exam and its Committee .   Note: You must login with your Calnet ID to access QE information . Passing the Qualifying Exam, along with a few other requirements described on the department website, will lead to Advancement to Candidacy.  Qualifying exam scheduling forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.   

The Department expects students to take the Qualifying Exam two or three semesters after they identify a research adviser. This is therefore expected to occur for most students in their third year, and no later than fourth year. A student is considered to have begun research when they first register for Physics 299 or fill out the department mentor-adviser form showing that a research adviser has accepted the student for PhD work or hired as a GSR (Graduate Student Researcher), at which time the research adviser becomes responsible for guidance and mentoring of the student.  (Note that this decision is not irreversible – the student or research adviser can decide that the match of individuals or research direction is not appropriate or a good match.)  Delays in this schedule cause concern that the student is not making adequate progress towards the PhD.  The student and adviser will be asked to provide written documentation to the department explaining the delay and clarifying the timeline for taking the Qualifying Exam.

Annual Progress Reports

Graduate Division requires that each student’s performance be annually assessed to provide students with timely information about the faculty’s evaluation of their progress towards PhD.  Annual Progress Reports are completed during the Spring Semester.  In these reports, the student is asked to discuss what progress he or she has made toward the degree in the preceding year, and to discuss plans for the following year and for PhD requirements that remain to be completed.  The mentor or research adviser or members of the Dissertation Committee (depending on the student’s stage of progress through the PhD program) comment on the student’s progress and objectives. In turn, the student has an opportunity to make final comments. 

Before passing the Qualifying Exam, the annual progress report (obtained from the Physics Student Affairs Office in 378 Physics North) is completed by the student and either his/her faculty mentor or his/her research adviser, depending on whether or not the student has yet begun research (see above).  This form includes a statement of intended timelines to take the Qualifying Exam, which is expected to be within 2-3 semesters of starting research.  

After passing the Qualifying Exam, the student and research adviser complete a similar form, but in addition to the research adviser, the student must also meet with at least one other and preferably both other members of their Dissertation Committee (this must include their co-adviser if the research adviser is not a member of the Physics Department) to discuss progress made in the past year, plans for the upcoming year, and overall progress towards the PhD.  This can be done either individually as one-on-one meetings of the graduate student with members of the Dissertation Committee, or as a group meeting with presentation. (The Graduate Council requires that all doctoral students who have been advanced to candidacy meet annually with at least two members of the Dissertation Committee. The annual review is part of the Graduate Council’s efforts to improve the doctoral completion rate and to shorten the time it takes students to obtain a doctorate.)

Advancement to Candidacy

After passing the Qualifying Examination, the next step in the student's career is to advance to candidacy as soon as possible.  Advancement to candidacy is the academic stage when a student has completed all requirements except completion of the dissertation.  Students are still required to enroll in 12 units per semester; these in general are expected to be seminars and research units.  Besides passing the Qualifying Exam, there are a few other requirements described in the Graduate Program Booklet. Doctoral candidacy application forms can be picked up in the Student Affairs Office, 378 Physics North.

Completion of Dissertation Work

The expected time for completion of the PhD program is six years.  While the Department recognizes that research time scales can be unpredictable, it strongly encourages students and advisers to develop dissertation proposals consistent with these expectations.  The Berkeley Physics Department does not have dissertation defense exams, but encourages students and their advisers to ensure that students learn the important skill of effective research presentations, including a presentation of their dissertation work to their peers and interested faculty and researchers.

• Department of Physics >
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PhD in Physics

Every PhD in Physics recipient is expected to acquire:

• Comprehensive understanding of core physics principles in the subjects of classical mechanics; electrodynamics; statistical mechanics; and quantum mechanics; and in-depth knowledge in the area of doctoral research
• Broad knowledge of contemporary physics developments
• Independent research skills in formulating and solving original physics problems
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Students must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in formal graduate courses approved by the Department of Physics. Courses in PHY 598, PHY 599, and all PHY 600 level courses do not count toward this requirement. Students must maintain an overall GPA minimum of 3.0 (equivalent to a grade of "B") for all courses leading to the degree.

The UB College of Arts and Sciences is committed to recruiting the very best PhD students and preparing doctoral students for career success. 

Minimum Course Requirements

All PhD candidates must take and pass the following graduate courses with an average grade equivalent to "B" or higher:

• Classical Dynamics (PHY 509)
• Electrodynamics (PHY 513)
• Quantum Mechanics I and II (PHY 507, 508)
• Statistical Mechanics (PHY 519)
• Graduate Lab (PHY 551 or 552)

Of the remaining 12 required credits, student may take only graduate level courses. The following two courses are required:

• Colloquium (PHY 601 1st year and PHY 602 2nd year)
• Research Ethics

PHY 503 and 504, as well as any undergraduate courses taken for graduate credits, are excluded.  Students who must take remedial or undergraduate courses during the first two semesters will require more than two years to complete their course work.  

Comprehensive Exam

Within 24 months (four semesters) of enrollment as a full-time graduate student, every student in the PhD track is required to pass the Comprehensive Examination. Students are permitted a maximum of two attempts.

The Comprehensive Examination consists of a written reseach proposal, a research presentation and an oral examination on research and course preparation (Sample questions on High Energy Physics ,  Condensed Matter Physics ) . For further details please see the  Graduate Physics Handbook.

Thesis Committee Composition

Students must choose their Major Professor and PhD committee members by filling out the  Thesis Advisor Form  no later than 24 months after enrollment in the graduate program. The Major Professor (or one of the co-Major Professors) must be a regular faculty member in the Department of Physics. The Major Professor must also be a member of the Graduate School Faculty who holds the rank of Assistant Professor or higher. Failure to choose an advisor may result in losing Departmental financial support.

The PhD Committee should consist of two or more faculty members (in addition to the Major Professor) chosen by the student with approval from the Graduate Studies Committee. All committee members should demonstrate active engagement in research during the last five years. When possible, at least one committee member should work in a field or research similar or relevant to the student's thesis topic. Faculty from other UB departments may also serve on the committee. The same criteria regarding research apply for the selection of committee members outside the Department of Physics.

For further information, please consult the  Graduate Student Handbook  or contact Dr. Priya Banerjee , Director of Graduate Studies. 

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

• Doctoral Programs

Physics PhD Degree

Northwestern graduate Vesna Mitrovic, now a Full Professor at Brown University, works with a magnet capable of generating a 3.5-Tesla field.

Update (9/21/23): GRE score submission is optional for the master's and Physics PhD programs

Learn how to apply here

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

PhD students in Physics must pass the following core courses or demonstrate that they have passed equivalent courses elsewhere:

• One quarter of classical mechanics (Physics 411-0)
• Three quarters of quantum mechanics (Physics 412-1,2,3)
• Two quarters of classical electrodynamics (Physics 414-1,2)
• One quarter of statistical mechanics (Physics 416-0)

Can the core courses be waived?

Students who wish to have core courses waived must supply the Director of Graduate Studies with material from the relevant graduate coursework at a previous institution.

How many electives do students take?

Students must complete six elective courses in physics or astronomy. At least 4 of the 6 electives must be completed by the end of the Spring term of the student's second year. Descriptions of our graduate courses are available   here .

PHD QUALIFYING

Students must maintain a B (3.0) average in the core courses (see above for details) to qualify for candidacy.

An oral exam will be administered by the Graduate Curriculum Committee for any student who does not maintain a B (3.0) average in the core courses.

RESEARCH AND THE THESIS

When do students start doing research.

We encourage students to become engaged in research as early as possible in their studies. Incoming students on University Fellowship support are especially encouraged to begin part-time research in their first year. To acquaint themselves with the research opportunities in the department, most new students work with one of the faculty during the summer of their first year of graduate study. (However, there is no requirement to do so.)

When do students choose an advisor?

Students may choose a thesis advisor and/or topic at any point in their first two years.

When is the Candidacy Exam (Prospectus)?

A proposed thesis topic must be defended before a faculty committee no later than by the end of the student's fourth (4th) year at Northwestern.

How long does it take students to complete the degree?

The thesis must be defended by no later than the end of the student's ninth (9th) year at Northwestern.

The median number of years to completion is six (6) years.

Can students receive their Master's degree along the way?

Yes, students may apply to receive a Master's degree en route to their PhD degree. This may be helpful on applications for outside funding.

PROGRAM HANDBOOK

For more information on the program and what to expect, please see the   Program Handbook .

FURTHER QUESTIONS?

Contact the   Graduate Program Assistant .

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Ph.D Physics

Ph.D Physics is a three to five-year-long doctorate course that deals with physics and also has disciplines like Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics, Laser Physics, Particle Physics, and so on. There are many job opportunities available to students after completion of PhD in Physics degree. Some of the popular roles include Lab Supervisor, Subject Matter Expert, Researcher & Technician, Teacher & Lecturer, Scientist, Consulting Physicist, Senior Physicist, Technical Writer, Scientific Officer cum Tutor.

Ph.D Physics Course Details

About phd physics.

Wikipedia explains PhD in Physics course details as “Physics is the natural science that studies matter, its motion and behaviour through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its main goal is to understand how the universe behaves.” PhD in Physics course duration ranges between three to five years, depending on the specialization.

Table of Contents

• PhD Physics Eligibility Criteria
• PhD Physics Admission Process
• Popular PhD Physics Entrance Exams
• Top PhD Physics Colleges
• Fees Structure for PhD Physics
• Syllabus and Subjects for PhD Physics
• Why Choose a PhD Physics?

Preparation Tips for PhD Physics

• PhD Physics Salary

Career Options After PhD Physics

• Skills to Excel

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Physics Course

PhD in Physics admission is given to the students based on them meeting the eligibility criteria. The eligibility for PhD in Physics includes students must possess a bachelor's Degree, M.Phil. degree or M.Sc Physics or Material Science with at least 60% total score. Additionally, part of the eligibility for PhD in Physics is the entrance exams. PhD physics eligibility does not have an age limit.

How To Get Admission in a PhD Physics Course? 

PhD in Physics in India admission can be done through online and offline methods. The PhD in Physics courses admission online can be done through the college website. And the offline method is through going to the admission office and submitting the official paperwork. The course falls under the umbrella of  PhD and thus the admission process does not change according to the specialization. Mentioned below are the details of the admission process in general:

How to Apply?

To apply to the PhD Physics course, students must visit the official website of the college and find out the exact requirements. To apply to the course, students can either fill the admission form online or they can visit the admission form in person. After filling the forms, the students must pay the admission fee and submit all the required documents.

Selection Process

 Based on the scores obtained in the entrance exam combined with scores obtained in under graduation and other national level exams the university will release a rank list, based on which students are called for a counselling session. Some Universities provide admissions via direct method/ management quota, which is based on skills possessed and marks obtained at the undergraduate level.

Popular Entrance Exams for PhD Physics

According to the PhD Physics course details, admission in the PhD Physics course is not provided unless aspirants pass the entrance exams. PhD Physics full form is Doctor of Philosophy in Physics. Following are a few such entrance exams:

A Quick Glance at the PhD Physics Entrance Exams

PhD Physics entrance exams details can be found online by going to the college website. When pursuing the course, it is very important that the students ensure that they research the general pattern of the exams. Listed below are the general guidelines for these exams:

• These exams are Computer-Based Test
• The question paper will have Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).
• Duration is 180 minutes.

Top 10 PhD Physics Colleges in India

There are plenty of best institutes for PhD Physics in India that provide students with all the vital faculty and facilities they need to gain a good education. Some of the best colleges for PhD in Physics are listed below: 

Fee Structure for PhD Physics 

PhD in Physics course fee is not fixed and can vary according to many factors. The factors which affect the PhD in Physics fees in India include the PhD Physics duration, location, faculty, and facilities. The average fees structure for the best universities for PhD in Physics in India is around INR 2.5 - 5 LPA.

Syllabus and Subjects for PhD Physics 

Doctorate of Philosophy or PhD Physics is a three to five years doctorate program. Students seek a full-time frame of free exploration, students with research abilities, and expert information. The course has both core and elective subjects as part of the curriculum. The PhD in course subjects are:

• Quantum Optics and Laser Physics
• Matter Physics
• Solid State Physics and Materials Science
• High Energy Physics
• Nonlinear Optics
• Electronic Science.

Read More On  PhD Physics Syllabus and Subjects

Why Choose PhD Physics?

Students often wonder about PhD Physics course details before choosing the course. Before deciding on a career, students come across queries like, "What is a PhD in Physics course?" and "Why choose a PhD Physics degree?”. To clearly understand answers to these questions and know more about PhD Physics course, we have framed the following three pointers:

What is PhD Physics All About?

PhD Physics course prepares the students for research, topic specialists in a particular field of their advantage, and opens professional scopes for them in numerous areas. The PhD Physics course focuses on Physics and also has disciplines like Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics, Laser Physics, Particle Physics, and so on. This course concentrates on the characteristic laws in optics, traditional and quantum mechanics, power and attraction, stargazing and astronomy, biomedical material science, etc. The PhD Physics course comprises research-based subjects.

What Does a PhD Physics Graduate Do?

The PhD in Physics duration in India is between three to five years, depending on the specialization and research students choose to pursue. PhD Physics is a research-based degree and the syllabus is an overview of the Physics subjects and research topics are based on the candidate's quest for exploration.

Physicist: A Physicist is a theoretical analyst and researcher. They develop ideas using mathematical modelling techniques and computer simulation. They make predictions and explain behaviours. experimental research – design controlled experiments to test how well theories stand up.

Reasons Why PhD Physics Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

PhD in Physics doctorate degree will help candidates to work in various sectors like educational, medical services, drug(pharmaceutical), research sectors, and so forth. The candidates will get opportunities to improve research skills, collaborative findings, analytics abilities, and other areas of specialization. Overall a PhD Physics helps the graduates to pursue their career path in both academic and corporate sectors.

Demand: There is a considerable demand for the graduates of this role in the job market. The graduates through their education are able to learn the concepts in great detail and depth, due to which they become experts in their field and specialization.

Read More On  PhD Physics Jobs

When pursuing a PhD Physics course, it is an essential requirement for the students to prepare themselves for the course and the exams. Listed below are some of the essential tips that the students should take: 

Get to know the Syllabus: The syllabus of the course is one of the essential factors which a student should focus upon as this helps a student to focus during the time of the examination.

Make a Plan: Make a course plan that can help the student to plan according to the study of the work which enables them to keep both balanced.

Connect With Fellow Students and Experts: Start connecting with peers and experts who can help you with providing a clear idea of the course along with scope and knowledge exchange that might help you to excel in this course.

Keep Updated: It is required for the students to keep themselves on the latest Hotel Management techniques used by popular names in the field.

Salary of a PhD Physics Graduate

The average PhD Physics salary in India is around INR 5 - 7 LPA [Source: PayScale]. This salary can change and increase due to many factors like education, designation, and location. Graduates can further increase this salary by obtaining higher education.

Read More On  PhD Physics Salary

There are plenty of job opportunities available for the PhD in Physics graduates. They can work in both the public and private sectors. Owing to the knowledge and level of education the graduates get, the graduates are able to handle very difficult job roles. The most common roles the graduates work as are:

• Lab Supervisor
• Subject Matter Expert
• Researcher & Technician
• Teacher & Lecturer
• Consulting Physicist
• Senior Physicist
• Technical Writer
• Scientific Officer cum Tutor

Skills That Make You The Best PhD Physics Graduate

There are many skills that PhD Physics graduates need to have to ensure that they succeed in their careers. Some of these skills are listed below:

• Flexible Temperament
• Ability to Work Under Pressure
• Time Management Skills
• Quantitative Ability Skills
• Logical Reasoning Skills
• Scientific Skills
• Research Skills

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PhD in Physics, Statistics, and Data Science

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Many PhD students in the MIT Physics Department incorporate probability, statistics, computation, and data analysis into their research. These techniques are becoming increasingly important for both experimental and theoretical Physics research, with ever-growing datasets, more sophisticated physics simulations, and the development of cutting-edge machine learning tools. The Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Statistics (IDPS)  is designed to provide students with the highest level of competency in 21st century statistics, enabling doctoral students across MIT to better integrate computation and data analysis into their PhD thesis research.

Admission to this program is restricted to students currently enrolled in the Physics doctoral program or another participating MIT doctoral program. In addition to satisfying all of the requirements of the Physics PhD, students take one subject each in probability, statistics, computation and statistics, and data analysis, as well as the Doctoral Seminar in Statistics, and they write a dissertation in Physics utilizing statistical methods. Graduates of the program will receive their doctoral degree in the field of “Physics, Statistics, and Data Science.”

Doctoral students in Physics may submit an Interdisciplinary PhD in Statistics Form between the end of their second semester and penultimate semester in their Physics program. The application must include an endorsement from the student’s advisor, an up-to-date CV, current transcript, and a 1-2 page statement of interest in Statistics and Data Science.

The statement of interest can be based on the student’s thesis proposal for the Physics Department, but it must demonstrate that statistical methods will be used in a substantial way in the proposed research. In their statement, applicants are encouraged to explain how specific statistical techniques would be applied in their research. Applicants should further highlight ways that their proposed research might advance the use of statistics and data science, both in their physics subfield and potentially in other disciplines. If the work is part of a larger collaborative effort, the applicant should focus on their personal contributions.

For access to the selection form or for further information, please contact the IDSS Academic Office at  [email protected] .

Required Courses

Courses in this list that satisfy the Physics PhD degree requirements can count for both programs. Other similar or more advanced courses can count towards the “Computation & Statistics” and “Data Analysis” requirements, with permission from the program co-chairs. The IDS.190 requirement may be satisfied instead by IDS.955 Practical Experience in Data, Systems, and Society, if that experience exposes the student to a diverse set of topics in statistics and data science. Making this substitution requires permission from the program co-chairs prior to doing the practical experience.

• IDS.190 – Doctoral Seminar in Statistics and Data Science ( may be substituted by IDS.955 Practical Experience in Data, Systems and Society )
• 6.7700[J] Fundamentals of Probability or
• 18.675 – Theory of Probability
• 18.655 – Mathematical Statistics or
• 18.6501 – Fundamentals of Statistics or
• IDS.160[J] – Mathematical Statistics: A Non-Asymptotic Approach
• 6.C01/6.C51 – Modeling with Machine Learning: From Algorithms to Applications or
• 6.7810 Algorithms for Inference or
• 6.8610 (6.864) Advanced Natural Language Processing or
• 6.7900 (6.867) Machine Learning or
• 6.8710 (6.874) Computational Systems Biology: Deep Learning in the Life Sciences or
• 9.520[J] – Statistical Learning Theory and Applications or
• 16.940 – Numerical Methods for Stochastic Modeling and Inference or
• 18.337 – Numerical Computing and Interactive Software
• 8.316 – Data Science in Physics or
• 6.8300 (6.869) Advances in Computer Vision or
• 8.334 – Statistical Mechanics II or
• 8.371[J] – Quantum Information Science or
• 8.591[J] – Systems Biology or
• 8.592[J] – Statistical Physics in Biology or
• 8.942 – Cosmology or
• 9.583 – Functional MRI: Data Acquisition and Analysis or
• 16.456[J] – Biomedical Signal and Image Processing or
• 18.367 – Waves and Imaging or
• IDS.131[J] – Statistics, Computation, and Applications

Grade Policy

C, D, F, and O grades are unacceptable. Students should not earn more B grades than A grades, reflected by a PhysSDS GPA of ≥ 4.5. Students may be required to retake subjects graded B or lower, although generally one B grade will be tolerated.

Unless approved by the PhysSDS co-chairs, a minimum grade of B+ is required in all 12 unit courses, except IDS.190 (3 units) which requires a P grade.

Though not required, it is strongly encouraged for a member of the MIT  Statistics and Data Science Center (SDSC)  to serve on a student’s doctoral committee. This could be an SDSC member from the Physics department or from another field relevant to the proposed thesis research.

Thesis Proposal

All students must submit a thesis proposal using the standard Physics format. Dissertation research must involve the utilization of statistical methods in a substantial way.

PhysSDS Committee

• Jesse Thaler (co-chair)
• Mike Williams (co-chair)
• Isaac Chuang
• Janet Conrad
• William Detmold
• Philip Harris
• Jacqueline Hewitt
• Kiyoshi Masui
• Leonid Mirny
• Christoph Paus
• Phiala Shanahan
• Marin Soljačić
• Washington Taylor
• Max Tegmark

Can I satisfy the requirements with courses taken at Harvard?

Harvard CompSci 181 will count as the equivalent of MIT’s 6.867.  For the status of other courses, please contact the program co-chairs.

Can a course count both for the Physics degree requirements and the PhysSDS requirements?

Yes, this is possible, as long as the courses are already on the approved list of requirements. E.g. 8.592 can count as a breadth requirement for a NUPAX student as well as a Data Analysis requirement for the PhysSDS degree.

If I have previous experience in Probability and/or Statistics, can I test out of these requirements?

These courses are required by all of the IDPS degrees. They are meant to ensure that all students obtaining an IDPS degree share the same solid grounding in these fundamentals, and to help build a community of IDPS students across the various disciplines. Only in exceptional cases might it be possible to substitute more advanced courses in these areas.

Can I substitute a similar or more advanced course for the PhysSDS requirements?

Yes, this is possible for the “computation and statistics” and “data analysis” requirements, with permission of program co-chairs. Substitutions for the “probability” and “statistics” requirements will only be granted in exceptional cases.

For Spring 2021, the following course has been approved as a substitution for the “computation and statistics” requirement:   18.408 (Theoretical Foundations for Deep Learning) .

The following course has been approved as a substitution for the “data analysis” requirement:   6.481 (Introduction to Statistical Data Analysis) .

Can I apply for the PhysSDS degree in my last semester at MIT?

No, you must apply no later than your penultimate semester.

What does it mean to use statistical methods in a “substantial way” in one’s thesis?

The ideal case is that one’s thesis advances statistics research independent of the Physics applications. Advancing the use of statistical methods in one’s subfield of Physics would also qualify. Applying well-established statistical methods in one’s thesis could qualify, if the application is central to the Physics result. In all cases, we expect the student to demonstrate mastery of statistics and data science.

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PhD in Physics

• Updated on  
• Apr 28, 2023

A Doctorate of Philosophy or PhD in Physics is a natural science course that involves the study of laws of nature and matter. This doctoral program generally runs for 3-years but the course duration may vary from one university to another. Being an interdisciplinary field, the knowledge gained while pursuing PhD in Physics can be put to use in other fields like nuclear sciences, astronomy, Electronics, etc. This doctoral program provides with you an array of areas to specialize in. Some of which are Biophysics, Nanomaterials, Robotics, Semiconductors, Kinetics, Advanced Thermodynamics, Condensed Matter Physics, Artificial Intelligence , Photonics, Quantum Mechanics, Ferromagnetic Materials, and Nuclear Physics. This blog aims to elaborate on the various essentials of a PhD in Physics including the eligibility criteria, syllabus, and top universities to pursue this course.

This Blog Includes:

• PhD in Physics: Skills Required

PhD Physics Syllabus

Phd in physics: eligibility criteria, phd physics admission process, universities abroad to pursue phd in physics, universities in india to study phd in physics, career prospects after phd in physics, phd in physics : skills required.

Before detailing the central features of a PhD in Physics, let us understand the skills required to ace in this field: 

• Strong Research Skills: As a PhD student, you will be required to define a problem, identify its sources and look for probable solutions. 
• Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: Having an analytical attitude, you will be able to easily comprehend large volumes of data, evaluate and defend the topics, approach problems systematically, and draw conclusions.
• Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: From conducting meetings and collaborating on new projects to mentoring students and colleagues, a candidate pursuing PhD in Physics will have to put these skills to effective use.  
• Project Management and Organizational Skills: Conducting research work at the doctoral level is a tedious process as you will be required to complete many projects in tandem. It thus becomes important to identify goals, set realistic targets, and work towards achieving the goals. 
• Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills: As a doctorate student, you will be required to share complex research findings in a concise way through poster presentations, research papers, conference talks, and teaching. Having a strong grasp of language will assist in writing detailed thesis and reports and presenting them to scholars across the globe.

Also Read: MPhil in Physics

The admission process for enrolling in a doctoral program in physics is very holistic. The candidate not only has to satisfy the eligibility requirements but should also have a good number of quality research papers and patents. Even though the eligibility criteria to pursue a  PhD in English differs from one university to another, there are some common requirements accepted across most of the higher educational institutes:

• The candidates should hold an M.Sc. or M.Phil. degree in Physics or Material Science.
• They must have secured 60 % or the equivalent. 
• A valid score in English Proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS is required. 

Apart from this, the candidate also has to submit a Statement of Purpose(SOP) , Letter of recommendation (LOR) , Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), and Transcripts. 

The admissions process for a student interested in pursuing a PhD in physics in India will be very different from that required by universities abroad. Admission to the PhD Physics program is determined by entrance exams such as the CSIR/ UGC-JRF , CSIR/UGC, JEST/ GATE , etc. Personal interviews will be used to further identify the qualified candidates. Some institutions also offer direct admission to deserving applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% overall.:

The application procedure will rely on the requirements of the university of your desires. But these are the steps you ought to take:  

• Give Leverage Edu a call, and the team of experts will assist you in narrowing down the top universities. Make sure you send your application to several universities. 
• Gather all necessary documents. 
• Consider the deadlines and begin the applications for housing, student visas, and scholarships/student loans.
• Accept the offer letter.
• Don’t forget to have your visa authorized.

Here is a list of some of the universities offering a PhD in Physics :

• JMI New Delhi – Jamia Millia Islamia
• IIT Bombay – Indian Institute of Technology
• LPU Jalandhar – Lovely Professional University
• Christ University, Bangalore
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata
• IIT Madras – Indian Institute of Technology
• IISc Bangalore – Indian Institute of Science

Also Read: Career in Physics

A PhD in Physics degree opens an array of career opportunities in both India and abroad. You can work in government and private organizations in various roles. Below mentioned are some of the most suitable job profiles you can work in :

• Professor /Lecturer
• Scientific or Technical Writer
• Patent Attorney
• Nuclear Engineer
• Consulting Physicist
• Research Scientist
• Medical Science Liasion
• Intellectual Property Rights Professional
• Data analyst
• Astrophysicist
• Meteorologist
• Geophysicist
• Nanotechnologist
• Radiation protection Practitioner
• Telecommunications researcher

If not the generic fields, a PhD in Physics degree holder can also work in some alternative, non-Academic work profiles like:

• Market Research Analyst
• Intelligence Analyst
• Quantitative Analyst
• Venture Capitalist
• Healthcare Information Specialist
• Operations Research Analyst

Ans: With an average yearly compensation of INR 8 LPA, graduates with a PhD in physics will be well-positioned to obtain research or physicist-level positions.

Ans: Students have a wide range of career options to choose from, including those as a Senior Research Scientist, Industrial R&D Lab professionals, Lecturers & Professors, Author & Writer, Journalist, Editor & Critics, Human Services Workers, Independent Consultant, Philosophical Journalist, and more.

Ans: Doctor of Philosophy or PhD Physics is a 3-year doctorate program

We thus have familiarised you with the important details regarding PhD in Physics. If you have a university in mind but are not sure about how to get started with the admission process then don’t worry. You can contact Leverage Edu. The counselors and mentors will help you browse through the best universities and will make your study abroad journey smooth.

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How to Get a Ph.D. in Physics

Last Updated: August 22, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Sean Alexander, MS . Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 148,120 times.

Physics can be an exciting field to go into! You can pursue a career in academics, in government research, or in the private sector. To start on the road to getting a PhD, develop your science and math skills. If you're still in high school and college, you have ample time to focus on your science education; if not, don't be deterred. Even without a science degree, you can find and apply to a PhD program of your choice. After that, all you need to do is complete your PhD program; it's not an easy task, but it's one you can achieve if you set your mind to it.

Developing Your Education in High School and College

• It can help to find a role model. If there are physicists in your community, try contacting them to see if they'll help you in your pursuit. Many may be willing to have you shadow them for a period of time.
• Don't forget to invest time in math classes, as well, as math is essential to physics.
• Make sure you are well-rounded, though. To do well on college entrance exams, it helps to be proficient in as many subjects as possible.

• To do well on these exams, you'll need to prep ahead of time. Your school may offer prep courses, but you can also purchase study guides that have practice tests. Taking practice tests gives you an idea of what the actual exam will be like, so you can go into the test with less anxiety. [3] X Research source

• Though not necessary, it can help to know whether you want to go into theoretical or experimental physics, though it's not a requirement. [4] X Research source

• Ask your professors about opportunities in your college and surrounding area.

Applying to a Graduate Program

• You do not need to be a genius to get a PhD. Graduate school is hard work, but success depends on your dedication more than on your ability.

• Like the SAT and ACT, you can find any number of prep courses and prep materials for the GRE. You can also find practice tests to take online.

• Keep in mind that in some cases, schools will collapse a master's program and PhD into one program. So when you choose a master's program, you may very well be choosing your PhD program, as well.
• 4 Try to meet and talk to physicists. Look into physics talks for the general public in your area or contact a physics department directly. Most places will be happy to give you information and point you to resources about graduate programs.

Determining Your Research Focus

• Take the time to gain some experience. Apply for lab positions so you can get a feel for what it's like to do research in a lab full time.

• Choosing a school with professors whose research you enjoy is a great way to focus your work. As your work gets more individual, you want to work with professors who have similar interests.

• Submit all the appropriate paperwork for your application, including your transcripts, academic references, and your basic application. [10] X Research source
• In many cases, you'll need to write a personal statement or research proposal, as well.

Working on Your PhD

• Try to focus classes on the area you want to write on.
• Outside of class, read as much as you can in your area.

• The best way to get started is to attend department functions so you can start getting to know your professors better, as well as their interests.
• It can also help to talk with older students informally, so you can get an idea of who will be a good fit for you.

• Part of managing your time well is learning to shift your schedule when you need to. If something is taking longer than it should, realize you'll need to cut something else from your day.

• You should also take advantage of courses teaching things like writing grant proposals, which is a great skill to have.

Researching and Writing Your Dissertation

• If you're still looking, consider taking classes with potential advisors. You can also ask to meet with them, though be sure to do your research ahead of time by reading articles the professor has published.
• "What are your expectations for a research student?"
• "How do you offer criticism?"
• "How often will we meet?"
• "How quickly will you get back to me with revisions?"
• Once you've narrowed down your choices, approach the professor and ask them to be your research advisor. If you have an interdisciplinary project, you may need more than one advisor.

• Start with the outline. You fill in the verbiage last, usually. Figure out what you need to say, and divide it into chapters. Work on the supporting figures next. You'll need plenty of figures and tables to support your conclusions. Additionally, reviewers on your committee may not read every word, but they usually look at all of the figures and read the captions to get the gist of what's going on.
• When you write, only write. Give yourself a time span where you allow yourself no option of doing anything else but writing. Sometimes it helps to write in the same office/coffee shop/etc. with another student working on their thesis, if you both can keep each other on task. You can take breaks together and take the heat off a bit.

• However, by the time you're doing your defense, your paper should have been reviewed multiple times by your advisor, which means you shouldn't have any trouble passing.

Expert Q&A

• Don't let money hold you back. Most physics departments will support their students through teaching assistantships or research assistantships. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Is your interest more focused on learning or on doing science?
• Would you enjoy actively doing research in physics? All programs require you to take classes or pass exams, but most of your work during a PhD program will be dedicated to doing research.
• What would you pursue once you get a PhD? If what you are after is a particular job or line of work, consider whether you need a PhD for it.
• Are you comfortable with spending a few additional years in a university? Most PhD programs in the United States will take 5-6 years on average.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://mkaku.org/home/articles/so-you-want-to-become-a-physicist/
• ↑ https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-act
• ↑ Sean Alexander, MS. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 14 May 2020.
• ↑ https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/?WT.ac=grehome_greabout_b_150213
• ↑ https://www.elsevier.com/connect/9-things-you-should-consider-before-embarking-on-a-phd
• ↑ http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/pcphpdphy/apply
• ↑ http://web.eecs.umich.edu/~imarkov/advisor.html
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2015/12/07/what-its-like-to-get-a-phd-in-experimental-physics/#43b503524fe0
• ↑ http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2012/08/what_is_the_value_of_a_science_phd_is_graduate_school_worth_the_effort_.html

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School of Physics, Engineering and Technology

PhD in Physics

Our research community nurtures close to 150 research students, covering everything from nuclear physics and astrophysics to the physics of life. Join our rich and thriving academic community and deliver projects on key research areas in physics.

Your research

As a doctoral student, the focus of your work will be an independent research project.

You'll be part of one of our leading research groups, which bring together expertise in fields such as condensed matter and materials physics , nuclear physics , plasma and fusion science and technologies , physics of life , and quantum science and technologies .

[email protected] +44 (0)1904 322236

Related links

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• School of Physics, Engineering and Technology funding
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Supervision

We encourage you to find out about our academics and get to know how their work and expertise fit your interests before applying. You will be supervised on a one-to-one basis by a member of academic staff and your progress will be continually guided by a supervisor and a thesis advisory panel.

Our academic staff are happy to answer any questions on their research interests or discuss a project you might have in mind.

Find a supervisor

Research excellence

Our physics research is ranked 13th in the UK according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021).

Committed to equality

We are proud to hold an Athena Swan Silver award in recognition of the work we do to support gender equality in science.

Fantastic facilities

Gain access to our state-of-the-art research and laboratory spaces, working with world-renowned physicists to drive progress in science, industry and policy.

Training and support

Our research programmes combine training in specialist areas with wider scientific skills. We provide training which will equip you with skills in a wide range of research methods, supporting your growing expertise and enhancing your employability.

Alongside your research, taught modules will help you develop specialist skills and relate your project to developments in the field. You'll choose from a wide range of Masters and undergraduate modules in specialist areas to complement your research.

You'll also take part in a transferable skills programme, covering soft and hard skills.

Course location

This course is run by the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology.

You will be based on Campus West . Most of your training and supervision meetings will take place here, though your research may take you further afield.

Entry requirements

You should have, or expect to obtain, an MPhys degree at 2:1 or above, or an MSc in Physics.

We will also consider applicants with a Masters in a closely related field, applicants who have relevant industry experience, and applicants with a BSc at 2:1 or above where sufficient relevant experience can be demonstrated.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

Careers and skills

Your PhD will help to extend your qualifications by training you to complete research in a specific area of experimental, computational or theoretical physics. You will become equipped with transferable skills around creativity and innovation, mathematics and problem solving to become an expert in your field, prepared for the next stage in your career.

Our dedicated careers team offer specific support including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside of your research work.

Career opportunities

• Software developer
• Principal data scientist
• Product engineer
• Academic researcher
• Lecturer or teacher

Apply for this course

Apply for this course (Distance Learning)

Find your supervisor

Advertised research projects

If you are applying for an advertised research project, please include the project name in your application. You should contact the project leader in advance, who may also ask you to submit a full research proposal.  Advertised research projects may be funded or self-funded, as indicated in the advert.

Find a project

Research proposals

If you are not applying for a particular research project, you should contact the member of the academic staff you wish to work with, who may provide you with a research/project outline.

The research proposal needs to describe the nature of your proposed study and give some indication of how you will conduct your research. The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that you and your potential supervisor(s) have matching research interests. The proposal should be 250 to 350 words in length. It must be in English, and be your own words.

Scholarships and funding

PhD Physics: Details, Admission, Top Colleges, Entrance Exams, Syllabus, Jobs and Salary

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics or PhD Physics is a 3-6 years doctorate course for candidates who want to pursue research in Physics in various domains of physics namely Condensed Matter Physics, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Particle Physics, Quantum Optics, Laser Physics, Materials Science, High Energy Physics, Theoretical Physics and so on.

The basic eligibility for PhD Physics is MSc Physics with minimum of 60% marks from a recognized university. As per latest UGC guidelines now a student can join PhD after four years Bachelor’s degree with minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade.

Admission to PhD Physics is either based on entrance or performance in various entrance exams namely CSIR NET, JEST and GATE etc.

There are verities of job profiles available after completing PhD Physics such as Scientist, Professor or Lecturer, Researcher etc. The average salary offered to candidates holding PhD Physics ranges between INR 2-20 Lakhs per annum in various sectors like Education, Research, and Lab etc.

Most candidates prefer working as Professors in colleges or institutes or coaching centres. Some candidates prefer going for Post Doctorate with reputed international or national institutes.

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PhD Physics: Course Highlights

Phd physics top institutes.

Some of the top institutes in India providing PhD Physics are:

PhD Physics: Distance Education

PhD Physics distance education is not valid as per the UGC Guidelines. You can go for part time PhD if you are employed. There are many institutes including the top ones which offer part time PhD programs.

PhD Physics Course Structure and Syllabus

Student admitted into PhD in Physics course has to do coursework before starting their research works.

Some Common Papers in PhD in Physics Coursework

• Research Methodology
• Theoretical Physics
• Experimental Physics
• Research and Technical Communication
• Departmental Elective (Depends on institutes)
• Research field related Subjects (As per your field of research)

After Coursework candidates has to do research work on their area of interest.

PhD Physics Admission Process

Most of the universities conduct their own PhD entrance exam or they shortlist candidates based on performance in entrance examinations namely CSIR NET, JEST and GATE etc.

Shortlisted candidates have to appear for interview for PhD in Physics selection.

Steps for Merit-Based Admission or Entrance Exempted Catgory:

• Colleges publish notice of PhD admission on their website.
• Check notification and if you meet the minimum eligibility criteria fill the application form.
• Colleges declare and publish merit lists based on cut-off marks in various National Exams like CSIR NET, JEST and GATE etc. on their website.
• Shortlisted candidates would have a personal round of interviews based on subject specialization.
• After the interview they will publish list for final admission.

Steps for Entrance Based Admission:

• The university/college publish dates of entrance examination, application form, admit card download etc. on their respective websites.
• Candidates satisfying minimum eligibility criteria must fill up the application form and appear foe entrance exam.
• The exam conducting body publishes the list of successful candidates with their respective marks on the website.
• Successful candidates are called for interview for further selection process.
• After that they publish list for final admission.

PhD Physics Eligibility Criteria

Every institute/university may have different eligibility criteria, some common are

• Candidates who have completed their post-graduation in Physics or relevant subjects from a recognized university.
• Candidates with M.Phil. in Physics or related subjects are eligible to apply.
• Candidates must hold a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination.

Every institute/university releases their eligibility criteria when the admission notification is released.

PhD Physics Entrance Exams

Some of the important PhD in Physics Entrance Exams are –

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Career Options after PhD Physics

After successful completion of the PhD in Physics there are many career options. They can seek employment in sectors like Research, Medical, Healthcare, Chemical, Educational, Engineering, or can be employed in areas like research administration, university administration, science reporting, technical management, and marketing, etc.

Most Preferred Jobs after PhD Physics are

• School Lecturer
• College/ university Lecturer
• Lecturer in Coaching Centres
• Researcher/Scientist

Some of the major job profiles associated with the PhD in Physics, along with the average salary are as follows:

PhD Physics: Full Form, Admission, Top colleges, Syllabus, Jobs

Shruti Sharma

Content Curator

• 29 April, 2024 : NIPER Ahmedabad PG and PhD Admission 2024 is Open based on NIPER JEE 2024. Apply till May 24, 2024.
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• 20 April, 2024 : THSTI Ph.D Admission 2024 is Open till April 30, 2024.

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics or PhD Physics is a 3-5 years doctorate course for candidates who prefer to do independent research on various domains in physics namely Solid State Physics, Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics, Particle Physics, Quantum Optics and Laser Physics and so on.

Most institutes look for candidates with a minimum of 60% marks in PG preferably in Physics or Material Science from a recognized university. Some elite institutes even prefer MPhil in relevant subjects as basic criteria for admission.

Admission to PhD Physics is either based on merit or performance in various entrance exams namely CSIR/UGC-JRF, CSIR/UGC, JEST/GATE, etc. Top institutes offering PhD Physics are IGNOU, Amity University, Pondicherry University and many more. The average fee would cost around INR 15,000 - INR 20,000.

Some of the common job profiles available after completing PhD Physics are offered as Scientist, Professor and Lecturer, Researcher, Independent Consultant, etc. The average salary offered to candidates holding PhD Physics ranges between INR 2-20 Lakhs per annum. While many candidates prefer working as Professors in colleges or institutes, some others prefer going for Post Doctorate with reputed international or national institutes while few others prefer working as Independent Consultant.

Table of Content

• PhD Physics Course Highlights
• About the PhD Physics Course

PhD Physics Admission Process

• PhD Physics Eligibility
• PhD Physics Entrance Exams

PhD Physics Distance Education

6.1  PhD Physics Distance Education Top Colleges

PhD Physics Syllabus

• PhD Physics Top Colleges in India 
• PhD Physics Jobs

PhD Physics FAQs

Phd physics: course highlights, about phd physics.

• PhD Physics is a doctorate program offering research exposure in various domains of Physics viz. Solid State Physics, Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics, Particle Physics, Quantum Optics, and Laser Physics, etc. 
• Some of the common subjects available in the common scope of physics are Research Methodology and Statistics, Numerical Methods and Simulation, Electrodynamics, etc.
• Candidates successfully completing this course work as Lecturer & Professor, Senior Research Scientist, Independent Consultant, etc at an average salary of INR 2,00,000- 20,00,000 per annum.

Admission into PhD Physics is either based on merit or performance in the entrance examination. Some institutes offer admission based on merit while others offer admission based on performance in entrance examinations namely CSIR/UGC-JRF, CSIR/UGC, JEST/ GATE, etc.

Steps for Merit-Based Admission:

• Colleges publish notice of admission on their website at the end of April or the beginning of March.
• Candidates satisfying the minimum eligibility criteria must visit the respective college website and fill the application form online.
• Colleges declare and publish merit lists based on cut-off marks on their website.
• Enlisted candidates would have a personal round of interviews based on subject specialization.
• Candidates who clear the interview must visit the respective college and complete the necessary formalities for final admission.

Steps for Entrance Based Admission:

• The various exam conducting bodies publish dates of entrance examination, application form submission dates, dates of admit card download on their respective websites.
• Candidates satisfying minimum eligibility criteria must fill up the online application form of the entrance exam by sharing essential information followed by paying the requisite application fee.
• Candidates must download their admit cards from the respective website well in advance before the entrance exam.
• The exam conducting body publishes the list of successful candidates with their respective marks on the website.
• Successful candidates are called for counseling followed by an interview for college selection.
• Post counseling candidates must visit the respective college and complete all essential formalities for final admission.

Eligibility

• Candidates who have completed their post-graduation in relevant subjects from a recognized university.
• Candidates with post-graduation or M.Phil. preferably in Physics or Material Science are eligible to apply.
• Candidates must hold a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in the last qualifying examination.

Entrance Exams

• Most institutes that offer PhD Physics in distance education mode are of 5 years duration but this may extend depending on the availability of the candidate and the professor under whose supervision the candidate is undergoing his/ her research activity.
• PhD Physics in distance education mode is best suited for working professionals who cannot dedicate themselves to full-time PhD Physics courses either due to work-life or personal issues or fees charged in regular mode.
• A few of the institutes offering PhD Physics in distance education mode are IGNOU, Nalanda Open University, Amity University, Sikkim Manipal University, etc.
• Most institutes offering PhD Physics in distance education mode offer admission based on merit with an average fee ranging between INR 15,000 - 20,000.

Top Colleges offering PhD Physics

Jobs on offer after phd physics.

Ques. What are the various areas of research available in PhD Physics?

Ans. Various Indian and foreign universities offer a wide variety of domains for research activity in PhD Physics which is listed below:

• Molecular physics
• Astrophysics
• Condensed matter physics
• Optical physics
• High energy/ particle physics

Ques. Suggest a few foreign universities offering PhD Physics?

Ans. Some of the preferred foreign universities for pursuing PhD Physics are as follows:

• Cornell University, USA
• Southern Illinois University, USA
• Heidelberg University, Germany
• University of Auckland, New Zealand
• University of Bristol, UK
• University of New South Wales, Australia

Ques. What are the recruitment areas for a candidate with PhD Physics?

Ans. Some of the common areas of recruitment after completion of PhD in Physics are educational institutes, consulting, healthcare, IT, finance, etc.

Ques. What are the future scopes of pursuing higher education after completing PhD Physics?

Ans. Most candidates pursuing PhD Physics are inclined to research activities and opt for pursuing PostDoc from some renowned foreign university to gain relevant experience in their research field of study. After completion of Post Doctorate activity, these candidates work as Scientists with top research organizations or join the academic world.

Ques. Mention some must-read books for a candidate pursuing PhD Physics?

Ans. Some of the must-read books for a candidate PhD Physics are listed below:

• Concept of Physics written by HC Verma
• Fundamentals of Physics written by Halliday Resnick and Walker
• An Introductory Course of Particle Physics written by Palash B. Pal
• Problems on General Physics written by IE Irodov
• University Physics written by Francis W. Sears, Hugh D. Young, Roger Freedman, Mark Zemansky

Ques. What are the job responsibilities of a Physicist after completion of PhD Physics?

Ans. A candidate working as a Physicist after completing PhD Physics is involved in studying the universe and formulating scientific theories along with publishing scholarly journals about their research work in addition to offering expert knowledge in designing new scientific equipment.

Ques. Which one is preferable- a B.Tech in Radio Physics or a PhD in Radio Physics?

Ans. Both the courses are designed as per prevailing industry and academic standards and practice. But the choice depends on the interest of the candidate who is willing to pursue such courses. A B.Tech in Radio Physics is more of an application of radiophysics for industrial use while a PhD in Radio Physics deals with research work in the field of radiophysics dealing with high profile and harmful radioactive elements.

Ques. Who are the best candidates for pursuing PhD Physics?

Ans. Apart from an inclination of mind into research activity, candidates must possess the following skills to pursue PhD Physics:

• Analytical Skill
• Writing Skill
• Collaborative finding skill

Ques. Name some colleges offering PhD Physics based on performance in the entrance exam in India?

Ans. Below is listed a few of the colleges offering PhD Physics based on entrance examination marks:

• IISc, Bangalore
• Indian Institute of Technology
• Birla Institute of Technology and Science
• Jamia Millia Islamia University

Ques. Is it worthwhile to pursue PhD Physics online?

Ans. PhD in any field of study requires extensive research work along with frequent interaction with professor or guide for gaining necessary input for completion of research activity and submitting thesis paper. Though very recently few institutes are offering PhD Physics in online mode, but provide benefit and essential knowledge in the relevant field of study in the long run. Physics itself is such a subject that requires extensive hard work and regular study in the field coupled with voracious mathematical calculations and hypothesis analysis. Thus it is always beneficial to devote time in full-time PhD Physics.

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PhD in Physics

Drive Innovation That Matters

A PhD in Physics from Clarkson University gives you the training and resources to become an independent scholar in a specialized subfield. Through the program, you will apply advanced knowledge in core areas of classical mechanics, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics to uncover out-of-the-box solutions. You will gain the theoretical foundations to conduct experimental investigations with a high degree of expertise. By the time you graduate, you will be ready to lead research teams in academia or industry. 

Why Earn a PhD in Physics From Clarkson University?

The PhD in Physics offers rigorous research training and complex coursework meant to challenge your understanding of the field. You will be able to choose from different specialization areas to deepen your expertise and tackle a wider set of issues through interdisciplinary work with faculty and peers across campus.

One of the hallmarks of our department is the personalized attention we offer students. We keep our class sizes small, encouraging collaboration and solutions that require teamwork. Your research advisor will provide comprehensive guidance, and you will further benefit from a friendly and open relationship with other faculty members. We value your input and ideas and treat you as a fellow scholar.

Despite our size, we offer the resources of a much larger university. You will have access to state-of-the-art research centers and the opportunity to participate in innovative projects led by a diverse team of experts. You will also gain valuable teaching experience by working with undergrads as a teaching assistant or in other capacities. 

What You'll Learn 

The PhD in Physics consists of a minimum of 90 credit hours. At least six of those credit hours should be taken outside the department and at least six of those credit hours should be dedicated to seminars.

Within two years of full-time study, or 66 credit hours if you are a part-time student, you will take the required Comprehensive Exam. The topics covered in the exam include classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermal physics, quantum mechanics and modern physics (relativity, nuclear and solid-state).

As for specializations, you can develop one from the following areas:

• Biophysics 
• Chemical Mechanical Planarization 
• Computational Physics 
• Physics Education 

Credit Hours and Courses:

• A minimum of 90 credit hours beyond BS. Minimum 3 academic years’ full-time graduate study (or the part-time equivalent); 2 years in residence at Clarkson. A four-part Physics Survey Test is used to determine initial coursework.  A maximum of 30 credits (with B or higher grade) can be transferred from an MS degree. Coursework - no less than 33 credits, including at least 6 credits taken outside the department and at least 6 credits of seminar. Each semester prior to the completion of 78 credits, full-time students in residence at Clarkson must successfully complete PH683 or PH684. Maximum credit hours per year - 30 (12 in fall, 12 in spring and 6 in summer; or, 15 in fall and 15 in spring). Only 500 and upper-level courses are accepted.
• Full-time student status: 9 credits per semester until <9 credits remain to complete 90 credits. After completing 90 credits, students will register for 1 credit hour of project/thesis, be in residence, and be actively engaged full-time in completing the project/thesis.

Academic Standing and Other Requirements:

• A minimum average grade of B, and at least a B grade in each of the core courses (PH661, PH663, PH664, PH670 and PH669); The requirement for PH664 and PH670 can be fulfilled any time during the study, and the student’s advisor can approve replacements of these two courses by other advanced graduate courses in the student’s chosen research field.
• Satisfactory progress toward the degree. Academic progress is evaluated at the end of each term by the Physics Graduate Committee Chair in collaboration with the student’s advisor.
• Students with GPA falling below 3.000 will be placed on academic warning. These students will return to academic good standing if their GPA is 3.000 or higher at the end of their next term.
• Students must select a thesis topic and be assigned to a research advisor no later than the second semester of graduate study. The Physics Chair approves the appointment of a research advisor. Research projects primarily guided by faculty outside the physics department requires a physics co-advisor assigned by Physics Chair.
• Satisfactory completion of the Comprehensive Exam is required within two years of full-time study after admission to the PhD program or, for part-time students, before completing 66 credits. If the comprehensive exam is failed twice, the student will be dropped.
• The Physics Comprehensive Examination has two parts, each part four hours long, usually given during the first two weeks of each spring semester. The topical coverages are based on those of upper-level undergraduate physics courses offered at Clarkson, and include: Part I: Classical Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Optics; Part II: Thermal Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Modern Physics (relativity, nuclear, solid state).
• By the end of the third year of study, the student writes a PhD research proposal and defends a doctoral topic before a thesis committee composed of at least 5 members. The proposal must be submitted to the thesis committee at least 10 working days before the oral defense. This exam should demonstrate that the thesis topic is of doctoral quality and that the student’s background is adequate to carry out the proposed research. A unanimous decision of the committee is required for passing. The thesis committee (selected by the student’s advisor and approved by the Physics Chair and the Dean of A&S) should include no less than 4 Clarkson faculty (at least 3 from physics) of assistant professor rank or higher and possessing an earned doctoral degree. At least one member must be from a department other than physics. With the provost’s approval, the thesis committee may include an external examiner with appropriate credentials from another university or industry.
• The final PhD examination involves an oral defense of the written doctoral dissertation before the thesis committee. The exam committee must receive thesis copies at least 10 working days before the oral defense.
• Typical program length is 5 years. All work for the PhD degree must be completed within 7 years after passing the Physics Comprehensive Examination.
• For additional information about University Requirements, students should consult Clarkson University’s current Graduate Regulations and Graduate Catalog.

Program Outcomes

After completing the Physics PhD Program at Clarkson University, students will be able to:

• Make use of advanced knowledge acquired from core areas of Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics.
• Develop research plans and conduct experimental/ theoretical/ computational investigations in areas of their technical expertise.
• Take part in collaborative projects involving diverse teams of participants.
• Analyze, interpret and effectively communicate results of research topics both orally (e,g., in conference presentations) and in writing (e.g., in technical reports and journal publications).
• Demonstrate familiarity with current literature and practices in their field of specialization with a general understanding of scientific and ethical responsibilities.
• Develop investigative plans, carry out research projects and mentor students/trainees. 

Our faculty undertake innovative research in physics and interdisciplinary projects that help advance our understanding of the world. As a student, you will benefit from their mentorship and work closely with them in a collaborative and encouraging environment. Learn more about their experience and areas of specialization.

Meet Our Faculty  

The major areas of emphasis in our department include:

• Astrophysics 
• Bio- and Nano-technology
• Energy Storage 
• Materials Physics
• Nanoscale Systems 
• Nanotechnology 
• Network Theory 
• Physics Education
• Soft Matter and Polymer Physics 

As a student, you have access to Clarkson University centers like the Reynolds Observatory, the Physics Team Design Lab, the Laboratory for Electroanalytical Characterization of Materials and the Computational Laboratory. 

A complete application consists of the following:

• Online Application Form.
• Statement of purpose.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Official transcripts.
• General GRE is required.
• Minimum test score requirements: TOEFL (80) and TOEFL Essentials (8.5), IELTS (6.5), PTE (56) or Duolingo English Test (115).
• The English language-testing requirement is not waived based on language of instruction, nor do we accept university certificates. English testing is waived if an applicant has a degree from a country where English is the Native Language. Click here to see the list of these countries.

Prerequisites: Applicants must have a BS or equivalent degree in physics or a closely related subject. Applicants are expected to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of application. Furthermore, applicants should have achieved a grade of "B+" or better in all physics and math subjects taken.

For those seeking Teaching or Research Assistantships:

• A GRE score of at least 319 is recommended (minimum verbal score of 156 and minimum quantitative score of 163).
• GRE Physics Subject Test scores are not required but are recommended.
• International applicants should have a minimum score of 26 in each section of the TOEFL, 7.0 on each band of the IELTS (with a minimum Speaking band of 7.5) or comparable PTE or Duolingo English Test scores.

MS students interested in pursuing the PhD will be required to sit for the placement test offered by the Department of Physics. This is offered annually in August. This score, in addition to prior academic record, publications and teaching performance, will be considered prior to formal admittance into the PhD program.

Most current graduate students are supported by Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships. A full appointment covers the 30 credit hours of tuition and provides a stipend that covers estimated living expenses. Discuss opportunities and how to apply with the department staff and/or program coordinator directly.

We host a variety of seminars and lectures throughout the year with visiting professors, industry leaders and other professionals widely recognized in the field.

The program is held on our main campus in Potsdam, New York. Many of our full-time, research-based master's and PhD programs are housed here, as well. You will be in close proximity to research facilities, onsite laboratories and other resources.

Potsdam Campus

Career Possibilities

The PhD program at Clarkson University provides the rigorous training and research-heavy experience required to enter the world of academia. With your degree, you can apply to professorships and positions in prestigious research centers.

You will also graduate with skills that are attractive to employers in the science and tech industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physicists is expected to grow faster than average in the next decade.

The degree can open doors in the following industries and facilities:

• Observatories
• Private industry
• Research laboratories

Recent Employers

Recent Clarkson PhD in Physics graduates have been employed by companies such as:

• Applied Materials
• Intel Corporation
• Global Foundries
• Lockheed Martin
• Micron Technology

Request Info Apply Now

| STEM OPT Eligible

Graduate Admissions Email: [email protected] Phone: 518-631-9831

Interested in learning more about the PhD in Physics? Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions today with your questions.

Find out more about the Physics Department .

Explore Related Programs

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Mathematics

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Deepen your expertise.

Gain specialized knowledge, conduct original research and qualify for a wide range of academic and industry opportunities with a PhD in Physics from Clarkson.

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Farewell to phd scholar saurabh mundra., admissions 2017, iccd3 2-4 march 2017- some glimpses, department of pharmacy at bits pilani, pilani camp..., applications are invited from the eligible candida..., jrf position in dst-rajasthan project (dr. anupama..., jrf position in industry sponsored project on “n..., phd admission in i sem 2018-19, bits m. pharm-2018 advertisement, applications are invited from suitable candidates ..., dr anil jindal conferred with eudragit award 2017 ..., mr. ginson george (ph.d. scholar working with dr. ..., bits admission test – 2019 “bitsat-2019..., phd short listing criteria, phd admission in i sem 2019-20, jrf positions under dr. deepak chitkara and dr. an..., jrf for “the office of principal scientific advi..., dst inspire fellowship to mr. prashant auti (phd r..., dr. p.d. sethi memorial national award 2019 confer..., call for research position (jrf / srf) in indo-aus..., ph.d admission in first semester 2021-22, world pharmacist day celebrated on 25th september ..., applications are invited from interested and motiv..., mr. arihant kumar singh, phd scholar working with ..., mr. s n c sridhar (ph.d research scholar working w..., phd admission in ii sem 2018-19, jrf position in an icmr sponsored project under dr..., dr. atish t. paul conferred the “best professor ..., guest lecture delivered by dr. sanyog jain, associ..., miss arisha mahmood (m.pharm, ii semester ) won th..., jrf position under dr. anupama mittal in icmr spon..., jrf position under dr. paul atish tulshiram in dst..., jrf position under prof. ranendra n. saha (pi) &am..., mr. kishan s italiya (ph.d. research scholar) work..., a two day workshop on pharmacokinetic & pharma..., ph.d admission in first semester 2020-21, pharmacist day celebrated at department of pharmac..., international virtual conference on drug discovery..., 03 phd scholars (department of pharmacy) selected ..., virtual conference on regulatory aspects and intel..., prof. rajeev taliyan conferred the nams membership..., miss violina kakoty, phd scholar working with prof..., ms. paramita saha (ph.d. scholar working under dr...., virtual conference on pharmacy: always trusted for..., deepak kumar sahel, phd scholar with prof. deepak ..., deepak kumar sahel, ph.d. student working with pro..., ms. shreeya p shah (b. pharm. 2ndyear) working wit..., disso research presentations india (drpi) 2022, department of pharmacy, bits pilani has organised ..., dr. raj kumar gupta visited raman research instit....

10 August, 2023 | Pilani

Dr. Manjula Devi visited IISC Bangalore for a coll...

“fp7-people-irses msnano network”, which is be..., recently department of physics has started its own..., international project on msnano of european commis..., international workshop on data analytics & app....

3 August, 2023 | Pilani

INDO – CHILE Workshop on BIG Data

Workshop on blockchain technology and applications, congratulations to dr. mamta devi sharma for her s....

1 August, 2023 | Pilani

Congratulations to Dr. Bintu Kumar for his success...

Welcome dr. nitika grover in the department of che..., congratulations to dr. jyothi yadav for her succes..., congratulations to dr. chikkagundagal k. mahesha f..., congratulations to dr. amol prakash pawar for his ..., heartiest congratulation to manisha for receiving ..., congratulation to prof. indresh kumar for receivin..., one jrf/project associate-i position is available ..., applications are invited from highly motivated and..., chemistry department seminar are held on every thu..., aspects of effective teaching.

22 July, 2023 | Hyderabad

20 July, 2023 | Hyderabad

The Indian Mathematical Society (IMS)-2023

19 July, 2023 | Hyderabad

13 June, 2023 | Pilani

Learn more about BITS-RMIT Higher Education Academ...

9 June, 2023 | Pilani

BITS Pilani invites applications to register for P...

11 May, 2023 | Pilani

Admission to Ph.D Programmes

2 May, 2023 | Hyderabad

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

20 April, 2023 | Pilani

President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Bhushan, In...

28 March, 2023 | President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, to our Chancellor Dr. Kumar Mangalam Birla at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

BITS Law School, Mumbai Campus

9 March, 2023 | Mumbai

26 January, 2023 | Pilani

74th Republic Day Celebrations at BITS Pilani K K ...

26 January, 2023 | K K Birla Goa

Floral Tribute to Shri G D Birlaji on 71st Founder...

National startup investor day celebrated by bits p....

18 January, 2023 | K K Birla Goa

“9th International Conference on Mathematics �...

9 January, 2023 | K K Birla Goa

National Symposium on Convergence of Chemistry �...

3 January, 2023 | Hyderabad

2 Day National Workshop on Challenges in Welding a...

Chancellor’s medal winners 2022.

2 January, 2023 | Dubai

International conference on ‘Aggregation-Induced...

24 December, 2022 | K K Birla Goa

BPDC Wins The BEST ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY – ...

19 December, 2022 | Dubai

Heartiest congratulation to sumit for receiving th...

16 December, 2022 | Pilani

BPDC’s Wall Street Club Secures the Top Posi...

16 December, 2022 | Dubai

Utilizing microbiome science to improve host healt...

26 November, 2022 | Pilani

AUTO Ltd. SCHOLARSHIP Announcement

24 November, 2022 | Pilani

FDP on Sustainability in Civil Engineering begins ...

21 November, 2022 | Pilani

Programmable DNA nanodevices to instruct biologica...

19 November, 2022 | Pilani

SPARKS 2022

31 October, 2022 | Dubai

Identifying risk predictors for Cardiovascular Dis...

31 October, 2022 | Pilani

GANDHI JAYANTI

28 October, 2022 | Dubai

Studying the mechanisms underlying anti-inflammati...

26 October, 2022 | Pilani

Chemistry department has organized DST-STUTI works...

15 October, 2022 | Pilani

Innate immune recognition of bacterial toxins

14 October, 2022 | Pilani

Cell Counting As A Part Of The Animal Cell Technol...

27 September, 2022 | Pilani

5 September, 2022 | Pilani

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

30 August, 2022 | Pilani

ICON-BITS-2023

25 August, 2022 | Pilani

22 August, 2022 | Pilani

Convocation 2022, Pilani Campus

Independence day celebration- 2022.

15 August, 2022 | Pilani

Drosophila eye model to study patterning and dise...

2 May, 2022 | Pilani

Informatics-Driven Advances in Biological Sciences

2 March, 2022 | Pilani

Lung cancer and Lung cancer screening

8 February, 2022 | Pilani

Sleep modulation by glial transporters in Drosophi...

23 October, 2021 | Pilani

Applications of Synthetic Biology in Metabolic Eng...

Engineering analysis of living systems.

15 June, 2021 | Pilani

Genesis issue

24 April, 2021 | Pilani

The joys and sorrows of any life in science

6 March, 2021 | Pilani

Deeper exploration of cellular heterogeneity with ...

22 February, 2021 | Pilani

Biomolecular interactions measurement using Thermo...

12 February, 2021 | Pilani

A Demo on ‘FPLC’

29 January, 2021 | Pilani

Indian Workshop on Applied Deep Learning (IWADL201...

15 December, 2019 | Pilani

One day Workshop on Blockchain Technology and Appl...

10 November, 2019 | Pilani

International conference on Intelligent Human Comp...

12 December, 2016 | Pilani

Department of Physics, BITS Pilani has successfull...

5 November, 2015 | Pilani

“International Conference on Soft Materials&...

6 October, 2014 | Pilani

Indo-Chile Workshop on Big Data 2014 (ICWBD)

4 June, 2014 | Pilani

The Department of Physics, BITS Pilani, Pilani Cam...

23 March, 2014 | Pilani

Department of Physics, BITS Pilani organized a wor...

7 March, 2014 | Pilani

“Proton acceleration by circularly polarized...

8 July, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Tapomoy Guha Sarkar taught a course on General...

1 July, 2013 | Pilani

“Thermal studies on materials: A case study...

20 June, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Tapomoy Guha Sarkar visited the Department of ...

10 June, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Navin Singh has delivered an invited lecture o...

30 March, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Anshuman Dalvi has delivered an invited lectu...

Research paper titled “conformational and or....

25 March, 2013 | Pilani

26 February, 2013 | Pilani

“Program on CP Violation in elementary parti...

19 February, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Jayendra N Bandyopadhyay has delivered Colloqu...

Dr. jayendra n bandyopadhyay has delivered prestig....

18 February, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Jayendra N Bandyopadhyay has delivered an ivi...

25 January, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Madhukar Mishra has recently given a talk on &...

18 January, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Jayendra N Bandyopadhyay has delivered an invi...

6 January, 2013 | Pilani

Dr Subhashis Gangopadhyay presented a paper title...

3 January, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Tapomoy Guha Sarkar participated in the ASTRON...

19 December, 2012 | Pilani

Workshop on Introduction to Graphs and Geometric A...

22 January, 2009 | Pilani

Pilani, K K Birla Goa, Hyderabad

Department of Physics, consisting of 20 faculty members, is actively involved in the advanced research area and teaching programs (M.Sc. (Physics, PhD and Minor in Physics) of the institute.

Research Areas

The Department lays special emphasis on research work in various areas of specialization that include:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Astronomy and Cosmology
• Statistical Physics and Complex Systems
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Nuclear and Particle Physics
• Optical and Plasma Physics 
• M.Sc. (Physics) or Equivalent Degree with a minimum of 60% marks.
• Shortlisted Candidates will be called for a written test which will be followed by an interview.
• Candidates who have cleared the CSIR-JRF will be exempted from the written test.
• Candidates working in reputed Govt. and Private organizations can apply for a part time PhD program.
• Monthly Institute Fellowship of Rs. 28,000 (if M.Sc. or EquivalentDegree) will be provided initially to the full-time PhD students which will be enhanced from time to time subject to performance.
• Hyderabad Campus: Click here to view the Poster
• Full-time PhD students admitted into the PhD program are eligible to be considered for an Institute fellowship of Rs. 28,000 or Rs. 31,000 per month in the first year based on their qualifications at the time of admission.
• Students admitted with M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm./MBA/M.Phil. or an equivalent Degree are eligible to receive an Institute fellowship of Rs. 31,000/-.
• Students admitted with M.Sc./B.E./B.Pharm. or an equivalent degree are eligible to receive an Institute fellowship of Rs. 28,000/-. These students on successful completion of coursework will receive Rs. 31,000/- from the Semester following the one in which the course work was completed.
• Higher fellowship may be made available in subsequent years. Consideration for Institute fellowship will be as per Institute norms. It will be obligatory on the part of every admitted Full time student to undertake 8 to 10 hours (per week) of work as assigned to him/her by the institute.

To learn more about the Ph.D admissions process at BITS Pilani, please visit the website https://www.bitsadmission.com

Anshuman Dalvi

Professor, Department of Physics, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Condensed Matter

Aritra Banerjee

Assistant Professor, Department of Physics

Mathematical Physics, Theoretical High Energy Physics

Assistant Professor

Condensed Matter Physics (Experiment)

Arun Venkatesh Kulkarni

Theoretical Physics, Nuclear Physics, Numerical E and M, Physics Teaching

Bhavesh Chauhan

Assistant Professor , Department of Physics. BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Neutrino Phenomenology, High Energy Phyiscs, Dark Matter

Biswanath Layek

Associate Professor, Department of Physics, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Particle Physics

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• Medical Physics (Optional)

The Department of Physics at the University of South Florida expresses an inclusive vision of applied physics.  Some of us collaborate with engineers, others with mathematicians.  In between, we always keep in mind the applications both of physics and of the results of our research.  Applied Physics seeks both fundamental knowledge and new ideas that benefit society.  Our research strengths include (but are not limited to) materials science, solid-state and condensed-matter physics, computational physics, biophysics, spectroscopy, and optics.  Our graduates find employment in academia, national laboratories, hospitals, finance, and industry.

Accreditation The Ph.D. degree program in “Applied Physics with an emphasis in medical-physics” has been accredited since 2015 by the Commission on the Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, CAMPEP.

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

• three letters of recommendation
• a statement of purpose
• GRE General Test scores required, GRE Physics Subject Test scores recommended.

Applicants for admission to the Ph.D. program must indicate whether they are requesting the medical-physics concentration option.

Students Entering with Prior Master’s Degrees from Other Institutions Students entering with a prior master’s degree from an institution other than USF must complete a minimum of 45 credit hours.  The Director of Graduate Studies will evaluate coursework and may waive specific requirements with the substitution of other approved graduate coursework. However, at least six structured courses (18 credit hours) approved by the Director of Graduate Studies must be completed at USF in a discipline related to the Ph.D. Degree.

Curriculum Requirements

Total Minimum Hours: 72 credit hours post-bachelor’s

• Core Requirements - 12 Credit Hours
• General Option or Concentration Option - 18 Credit Hours
• Other Courses - 18 Credit Hours
• Dissertation - 24 Credit Hours

For students entering with a prior non-USF master’s degree: Total Minimum hours: 45 Credit Hours post-master’s

• Additional Structured courses - 6 Credit Hours
• Industrial Practicum or Medical Option Alternative - 3 Credit Hours
• Dissertation Research - 24 Credit Hours

Note: students entering with a prior master’s degree may need more than 45 credit hours to satisfy all competencies.

Core Courses (12 Credit Hours)

• PHZ 5115 Methods of Theoretical Physics I Credit Hours: 3
• PHY 6346 Electromagnetic Theory I Credit Hours: 3
• PHY 6645 Quantum Mechanics I Credit Hours: 3
• PHY 6536 Statistical Mechanics Credit Hours: 3

General Option or Concentration

Students complete either the General Option or the Concentration.

General Option (18 Credit Hours)

At least an additional six (6) graduate-level classes, of which at least five (5) are in Physics graduate-level classes (excluding research and seminars) not used to fulfill other requirements. Contact the department for a current list of approved courses. Any graduate-level class intended to count towards the degree and taken outside the department requires prior approval by the graduate director.

Medical-Physics Concentration Option (18 Credit Hours)

The Concentration is administered jointly by the Department of Physics of the University of South Florida and the Medical Physics Faculty Group of the Moffitt Cancer Center.

Students in the medical-physics concentration must perform medical physics research leading to a dissertation and a minimum of two papers submitted to peer- reviewed journals before graduation.  In addition, the following courses are required:

• PHZ 6736 Radiological Physics and Dosimetry Credit Hours: 3
• PHZ 6730 Radiobiology for Physicists Credit Hours: 3
• RAT 6628 Radiation Therapy Physics Credit Hours: 3
• RAT 6686 Radiation Protection and Safety Credit Hours: 3
• RAT 6616 Medical Imaging Credit Hours: 3
• GMS 6605 Basic Medical Anatomy Credit Hours: 3

Other Required Courses - 18 Credit Hours

All students must complete 18 credit hours of other coursework.  This includes:

• PHZ 7940 Industrial Practicum Credit Hours: 3

Students in the medical physics concentration can substitute PHZ 7945 Clinical Practicum in Medical Physics     (3 Credit Hours) for the Industrial Practicum.

An additional 15 credit hours, which may include additional electives, seminars, or  PHY 7910 Directed Research   , is required to meet the minimum of 72 credit hours (post-bachelor’s degree).

Doctoral Qualifying Examination:

The Doctoral Qualifying Examination consists of two parts: The Credentials Certification and the Dissertation Proposal. Following successful completion of these two parts, the student may submit the paperwork for doctoral candidacy. The student’s presentation of the Dissertation Proposal may occur at any time after successful completion of the Credentials Certification.

• Credentials Certification The Student, in consultation with his/her research advisor, will assemble a supervisory committee consistent with the rules of the Office of Graduate Studies. It is the responsibility of the supervisory committee to evaluate the student’s academic and research accomplishments and potential according to departmental standards, and if these are met, to certify that the student may proceed to the next step. Contact the Department for details.
• Dissertation Proposal – To become a Ph.D. Candidate, the student must present a written dissertation proposal and successfully defend that proposal to the supervisory committee. Contact the Department for details.

Dissertation (24 Credit Hours)

• PHY 7980 Dissertation: Doctoral Credit Hours: 2-12 (2-9 credits for this program)

The candidate will conduct original and significant research, describe that research and the results in a doctoral dissertation and defend that dissertation in an oral presentation to the supervisory committee. The defense is open to the public and must be scheduled according to the regulations of the Office of Graduate Studies.

College of Arts and Sciences » Programs and Degrees » Doctoral Degrees » Physics

Why study Physics?

The physics graduate program emphasizes cutting edge research and education, resulting in orginal published work, and preparing our students for university, national lab, or industrial/corporate employment. A full range of courses are offered, including many research level advance courses. Physics faculty work closely with graduate students, mentoring them in a variety of areas, including condensed matter, high energy, and particle physics, astrophysics, physics education, etc. Students also benefit from weekly seminars, colloquia, group meetings and collaborations with other students and postdocs in large externally funded research groups.

Admission Requirements

The minimum required GPA for graduate study is 3.0. Applicants should take the General GRE, and are strongly encouraged to take the Physics GRE subject area test for international applicants. Applicants without Physics GRE subject area test scores must provide other evidence of outstanding achievement and promise. There are no minimum required GRE scores for admission. Instead, we consider your scores, overall record, and letters of recommendation to make the admission decision. 

Visit the  Physics website  or contact the program directly for information about application requirements or to inquire about materials that need to be submitted when applying to this program.

If you would like to submit an electronic application for the Physics program, please visit our  On-Line Graduate School Application  and complete the form.

• Guide: Physics PhD

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Find related programs in the following interest areas:.

• Natural Science & Math

Program Code: 15DOC-PHYS-PHD

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Ph.D. and Integrated Ph.D. programs in physics

IMSc offers Ph.D. and Integrated Ph.D. programs in physics.

Applicants for the Ph.D. program should have completed a masters' degree in physics by the time they join the program.

Applicants for the Integrated Ph.D. program should have completed a bachelor's degree in physics or a B.E./B.Tech degree by the time they join the program.

Admission to both these programs will be opened to students who have qualified for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) of the UGC-CSIR NET examination or Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) or the Joint Entrance Screening Test  (JEST) [see details below].

The last date for submitting applications  for the programs -- 21 April 2024 .

Last date for submission for reference letters -- 1 May 2024 .

Note : Receipt of a complete application before the deadline does not guarantee an interview spot. Based on the applications we receive, we will shortlist candidates for the in-person interview; shortlist to be announced soon after last date of applications.

ADMISSIONS 2024

Selection interviews:

• Interviews for admission to the physics Ph.D. and Integrated Ph.D. programs at IMSc, to be held in-person.
• Interviews for IPhD program: 13-15 May 2024 --  List of candidates shortlisted for interviews
• Interviews for IPhD program: 20-22 May 2024 --   List of candidates shortlisted for interviews
• Interviews for PhD program: during week of 20 May 2024

For admission to the physics Ph.D. and Integrated Ph.D. programs, an applicant should have qualified one of the following examinations securing a rank as indicated below.

Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST)

• At the time of the interview, you are required to produce a valid JEST scorecard.
• for applying to the PhD program, the cutoff rank is 191 (JEST 2024)
• for applying to the IPhD program, the cutoff rank is 92 (JEST 2024)

UGC-CSIR NET Examination

• Only those who have qualified for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) are eligible to apply.
• Those who have qualified for only Lecturership are not eligible.
• At the time of your interview, you are required to produce a valid letter from CSIR-UGC in which you are informed of your qualification as JRF.
• for applying to the PhD program, the cutoff rank is 125 (NET June & December 2023)

GATE qualified candidates

• At the time of the interview, you are required to produce a valid GATE scorecard.
• for applying to the PhD program, the cutoff rank is 100 (GATE 2024)

This page was last updated on 26/04/2024. Any further updates or changes to the schedule would be notified here. Please keep checking this website regularly.

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Louisiana Will No Longer Require Students to Fill Out FAFSA to Graduate

Experts say high school seniors are more likely to go to college if they complete the financial aid form, but the state sees privacy issues with mandating it.

By Ann Carrns

High school seniors are more likely to attend college if they complete the federal financial aid form known as the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

But the state that was the first to require students to fill out the form to graduate, Louisiana, has reversed course and dropped the mandate, after state officials decided it was too intrusive. For now, Louisiana appears to be an outlier.

“I have not heard of other states considering repeal,” said Bill DeBaun, senior director of data and strategic initiatives with the National College Attainment Network, a nonprofit organization working to expand college access. (The network prefers to call such practices “universal FAFSA” policies, rather than “mandatory,” because all states with the requirement allow students and their parents to opt out if they don’t want to fill out the form.)

“We know FAFSA completion and enrollment are associated with each other,” Mr. DeBaun said. Filing the form allows students to get their share of federal grants .

At least 11 other states followed Louisiana’s lead and adopted similar policies or are scheduled to apply them in coming years, he said.

Unlike Louisiana, where education officials adopted the requirement as an administrative policy effective in 2018, many of the other states enacted it by law, so rescinding it would require legislative action, said Peter Granville, a fellow at the Century Foundation, a think tank, who studies federal and state efforts to increase college access and affordability.

Louisiana’s action came as a surprise, Mr. Granville said, because its policy had been “remarkably” successful, raising the state’s FAFSA completions more than 20 percent in just one year and narrowing the filing gap between high- and low-income school districts. The state ended last year’s filing cycle first in FAFSA completions, according to the college attainment network’s tracker.

The FAFSA is administered by the Education Department. It collects financial details from students and their families and is used to determine if they qualify for federal aid like need-based Pell grants, student loans and work-study programs to help pay for college. States and colleges also use the form to award their own grants and scholarships. Students, with their parents, file the form when applying to college and resubmit it each year they are enrolled.

This year, the FAFSA filing process has been plagued by delays, administrative errors and technical problems. A major revamp of the form and its financial aid formula, meant to simplify the form and make more grant aid available for students, went badly awry , making it difficult for many students to file the form. As of April 12, the number of high school seniors completing a FAFSA nationally was down 36 percent from a year earlier, according to the attainment network’s analysis of federal data.

States with universal filing policies were put under added pressure because of the FAFSA problems, Mr. DeBaun said. Some states are creating workarounds. Texas said that this year, proof of simply submitting a FAFSA would meet the requirement.

The messy FAFSA overhaul, however, wasn’t mentioned as a factor when the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education repealed the requirement on March 6. At a committee meeting the day before the vote, Cade Brumley, Louisiana’s superintendent of education, cited concerns about requiring parents to share financial information with the federal government and said graduation should be tied to academic criteria — and not depend on filling out financial aid forms or waivers.

Students will still receive financial aid information from school counselors, Dr. Brumley said, but won’t have to wait for their parents to fill out the FAFSA to graduate. “Basically, it’s moving it from an opt out to an opt in,” he told the full board.

Dr. Brumley, who became superintendent in 2020 and was reappointed in January, said in an interview that being seen as a state leader in FAFSA completions wasn’t necessarily positive if it meant “invading the privacy of families” or increasing student debt.

“We are simply trying to protect the liberty of our families,” he said.

He noted that the state last year passed legislation requiring high school students to take a financial literacy course, which will include information on loans and managing debt, starting with the class of 2026-27.

Caroline Roemer, executive director of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools, told the board that she worried that without the requirement, the state would “go back to the bottom of the list” of FAFSA completion rankings. Before the policy was enacted, she said, fewer than half of Louisiana’s high school seniors completed the form.

Louisiana’s FAFSA completion rate for the 2014-15 school year was about 48 percent, compared with a national rate of 55 percent, according to a 2016 state report . (The state board adopted the policy in 2015, and it took effect in the 2017-18 school year.)

Ms. Roemer said in an interview that she was disappointed that the committee had jettisoned the requirement, especially since families could opt out: “You could say no.” One reason for the policy, she said, was to make sure that minority students received proper counseling about financial aid and post-high school opportunities.

“Black and brown kids were not getting the information,” she said. “We have a history.”

Asked about that, Dr. Brumley said guidance given to school systems “is colorblind.”

Mia Gonzales Washington, director of the New Orleans College and Career Attainment Network, an initiative of the Cowen Institute at Tulane University that offers professional development for high school counselors, teachers and other professionals, said the repeal was “unfortunate.” Most financial information requested on the FAFSA is also included in federal tax returns, which can be transferred into the form, she said.

If you are filing tax returns, “the government already has your financial information,” she added. “It’s really difficult to understand the rationale.”

Here are some questions and answers about the FAFSA and college financial aid:

What states have universal FAFSA policies?

In addition to Louisiana , where the policy remains in place for this year’s graduating class, at least six other states have a requirement tied to graduation: Illinois, Alabama, Texas, California, Indiana and New Hampshire, according to the attainment network. Four states — Connecticut, Nebraska, New Jersey and Oklahoma — plan to require it starting with the class of 2025, and Kansas is scheduled to begin a requirement in 2028.

In New York, the budget just approved by the Legislature includes a plan to require school districts to make sure all students complete federal or state financial aid forms, or sign a waiver stating that they are “aware of available aid but choose not to pursue it,” according to a news release from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office. (School districts will enforce the rule. If students do not fill out the application or opt out, they will still be able to graduate.) The policy takes effect in August, for the class of 2025.

What about financial aid packages this year for graduating high school seniors?

Because of the botched FAFSA update, many students and families are still waiting for official financial aid offers, even as the traditional May 1 deadline for committing to a college approaches. A survey of members of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators this month suggested that fewer than half of colleges had sent out aid offers to some or all accepted students, and that 44 percent had not begun packaging offers at all. Some schools have extended their commitment deadlines to give students time to review offers.

How much does it cost to attend college?

The turmoil around the FAFSA comes amid growing concern about student debt and the cost of attending college. The average published, or “sticker,” price for tuition, fees, housing and meals at a four-year private college was $56,190 for the 2023-24 school year, compared with about $24,000 for an in-state student at a public college, according to the College Board. The published cost of a year at some private colleges is soon to reach $100,000 , although most students don’t pay full price because of financial aid and discounts.