Welcome

After admission to our graduate program, a recommended course of study and research is prepared for the student. For a fully qualified candidate this usually consists of the following requirements.

It is hoped that the information in these pages will answer many of your questions about our research and graduate programs in physics and engineering physics. If you have questions, desire more information on our graduate or research programs, or wish to obtain application materials please feel free to contact our graduate chair. 

The University of Saskatchewan was established in 1907 and now has an enrolment of more than 25,000 students. The university is located on a 1,000 hectare site along the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon; a beautiful, self-sufficient city with a population of 270,000. Students who are seeking an alternative to the confinement of Canada's major urban areas will enjoy the open spaces and freedom of Saskatoon without sacrificing the benefits associated with larger cities.

The Department of Physics and Engineering Physics offers graduate programs leading to MSc and PhD degrees in Physics or in Engineering Physics. Our department has a strong commitment to its research programs and facilities. Graduate students work closely with their supervisors, participate in all aspects of research, and are recognized for their important contributions to our research programs. This results in an environment where students can obtain excellent training in their discipline. Combined enrolment in our MSc and PhD programs ranges between 60 and 70 students. 

The research activities of our faculty members and research scientists include strong international collaborations. The research specialties of our department include experimental, observational or theoretical aspects of the following fields: 

Major physics research facilities at the University of Saskatchewan include:

MSc Requirements

  • 12 credit units (a 3 credit unit course has a duration of approximately 12 weeks) of courses, including Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, and classes in their chosen specialty
  • Completion of a comprehensive examination within 12 months of entering our graduate program. The examination consists of an oral and written report reviewing the aspects of physics or engineering physics appropriate to the student's research.
  • a thesis which demonstrates a contribution to knowledge in physics or engineering physics
  • An undergraduate (usually a BSc) degree in physics, astronomy, or engineering physics from a recognized college or university, with a minimum of a 70% average in the last two years of undergraduate studies. 
  • Proficiency in English, as evidenced by the applicant's undergraduate training or standardized testing (TOEFL examination of equivalent) 

Students must have taken a course in both Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetic Theory during their undergraduate degree.

Our department encourages the completion of an MSc degree in 2 years

PhD Requirements

  • a minimum of 9 credit units of courses for candidates who have completed an MSc degree.
  • Completion of a comprehensive examination within 12 months of entering our graduate program. The examination consists of an oral and written report reviewing the aspects of physics or engineering physics appropriate to the student's research.
  • an open seminar on the candidate's research prior to preparation of a thesis
  • a thesis consisting of an original contribution to knowledge in physics or engineering physics which is of sufficient quality to warrant publication
  • An MSc degree in physics or engineering physics from a recognized college or university. 
  • Applicants should show the potential to successfully pursue research. 
  • Proficiency in English, as evidenced by the applicant's undergraduate or graduate training or standardized testing (TOEFL examination of equivalent) 

Students must have taken a course in both Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetic Theory during their MSc degree.

In exceptional cases, a student may be permitted to directly enter the PhD program after completing one year in our MSc program.

Our department encourages the completion of a PhD degree within 3 years after an MSc degree.

International Students

International students should include supplementary information as an indication of their potential to pursue graduate work.

The language of instruction and examination at the University of Saskatchwan is English. Applicants for admission whose first language is not English must, therefore, present evidence of proficiency in English prior to initial registration. Evidence of proficiency in English as evidenced by the applicant's undergraduate or graduate training or approved standardized testing (TOEFL examination or equivalent) is necessary. 

Application Procedures

Applications may be submitted to the below address at any time during the year.  There is no deadline for applications.

A complete application package consists of the following items. 

  • Step by step application procedure and online application can be found here.
  • Complete, official transcripts of your college or university academic records 
  • Three letters of recommendation can be sent either directly from professors or others familiar with your academic training or submitted online. You will provide their email address when you complete your online application.
  • An official record of your TOEFL or English equivalent scores 
  • Any relevant supplementary information such as ( CV., letter of intent, etc,) in support of your application will be requested by your potential supervisor

Student Financial Support

Full financial support is available for well-qualified applicants. Financial support for graduate students in our department is provided by the combination of various scholarships and research grants from students' thesis supervisors. 

Additional scholarships for some targeted groups might be available from College of Graduate Studies and Research (CGSR). If you are accepted into our graduate program, details of financial support will be communicated to you by your thesis supervisor. 

Further information is available from Departmental Action Plan for Graduate Scholarships (see below). 

Graduate Affairs Chair

Department of Physics and Engineering Physics
University of Saskatchewan 
116 Science Place
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2
Canada

Current Graduate Chair

Sasha Koustov