MSc Programs

Minimum admission requirements:

  • An Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Science with at least a 75% standing

  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Physics subject test scores for all students who have completed their post-secondary education outside of Canada

    • Due to COVID-19, the Physics subject GRE test requirement is optional for admission. You may choose to include the results of GRE tests if you have taken them, but the tests are not required for admission.

  • Three references, two academic

  • Proof of English language proficiency, if schooling outside of Canada and not in an English-speaking country. TOEFL 90 (writing 25 speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

MSc Physics (Thesis option)

The MSc Physics (Thesis option) is a research-based MSc degree. Students work closely with a graduate supervisor (determined prior to admission) to perform original research in an area of Physics, culminating in an MSc thesis. Research areas include:

Program requirements: Four courses; research thesis; academic integrity module. For more information on program requirements, including, courses, visit the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

Funding to cover the cost of tuition and assist with living expenses is provided for students admitted to this graduate program (typically $21,000 or more per year after fees and tuition). Funding is provided for 6 terms.

MSc Physics (Nanotechnology Specialization)

The Nanotechnology specialization is a collaborative graduate program offered through six member departments in Science and Engineering, and the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN). Students take a diverse array of graduate courses in nanotechnology, in addition to core physics courses.

This program is a research-based MSc degree. Students work closely with a graduate supervisor (determined prior to admission) to produce original research in an area of Nanotechnology, such as Bio-nanotechnology, Soft Matter physics or Quantum Materials, culminating in an MSc thesis.

Program requirements: Four courses; research thesis; academic integrity module; nanotechnology seminar. For more information on program requirements, including, courses, visit the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

Funding to cover the cost of tuition and assist with living expenses is provided for students admitted to this program (typically $21,000 or more after fees and tuition). Funding is provided for 6 terms.

MSc Physics (Quantum Information Specialization)

The Quantum Information specialization is a collaborative graduate program offered through seven member departments in Science and Engineering, and the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC). Students enrolled in this program take core and specialized graduate courses in Quantum Information.

This program is research-based MSc degree. Students work closely with a graduate supervisor (determined prior to admission) to perform original research in an area of Quantum Information, culminating in an MSc thesis based on original research.

Program requirements: Four courses; research thesis; academic integrity module. For more information on program requirements, including, courses, visit the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

Funding to cover the cost of tuition and assist with living expenses is provided for students admitted to this program (typically $21,000 or more after fees and tuition). Funding is provided for 6 terms.

MSc Physics (Major Research Paper option)

The MSc Physics (Research paper option) program is principally course-based MSc degree with a minor research component. Students work with a graduate supervisor (determined prior to admission) to plan their degree and complete their research paper.

Program requirements; Seven courses; research paper; academic integrity module. For more information on program requirements, including courses, visit the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

This program does not include funding.

MSc Physics (Quantum Technology Coursework option)

This program is a new Master of Science degree in Physics with a specialization in Quantum Technology offered in partnership with the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and the Transformative Quantum Technologies Program (TQT).

This novel 12-month course-based program is aimed at preparing students with the knowledge and experimental skills to give them the understanding to drive the development and deployment of quantum technology. It will also feature hands-on learning on quantum platforms including superconducting electronics, atomic, molecular and optical systems, and solid state devices. The program will prepare graduates to join the growing quantum industry or to enter PhD programs.

Students will be part of IQC and the Department of Physics and Astronomy's community of over 300 quantum researchers, with access to seminars, outreach programs and labs at the forefront of quantum technology. Through TQT, students will be able to network with industry and startups in quantum technology and participate in independent projects in Quantum Technologies in the state of the art laboratories of IQC's members.

Program requirements: Eight courses including 3 graduate level laboratory courses in Quantum Technologies; academic integrity module. For more information on program requirements, including courses, visit the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

Full scholarships covering tuition and living costs will be offered to a limited number of students.

When applying through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), search for "Physics - MSc (Coursework)" and choose "Quantum Technology" in the "Graduate research field or Graduate specialization" dropdown menu. This program is a course-based MSc in Quantum Technology and distinct from the thesis-based MSc program in Quantum Information.