Graduate Program (test page)
Welcome to the Graduate Program of the Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Whether you're a current member of our department or considering joining us for graduate studies, you'll find important information below. If you have questions, please contact us at physics@dal.ca.
For Current Students, Faculty and Staff
Visit our internal Graduate Program myDal page for documents and forms.
For Prospective Students
Why Choose Dalhousie Physics and Atmospheric Science?
Join one of Canada’s top-ranked physics departments, with strengths in Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, Biophysics, Atmospheric Science, Astrophysics and Medical Physics. Our international community of students and faculty provides a rich, intellectually stimulating environment. You will work with exceptional researchers, contribute to cutting-edge science, and live in Halifax, a vibrant oceanside city with a thriving academic and cultural scene.
We offer thesis-based MSc and PhD degrees, strong financial support, and a structured path from application to graduation. This page outlines what you can expect from our programs and how to apply.
Learn with Top Professors in Their Fields
Our students have a range academic backgrounds including physics, atmospheric science, chemistry and engineering. We are proud to rank among the top Physics departments in Canada in research funding, giving students access to high-impact research opportunities.
Our Research Prospectus [pdf] provides an overview of our research areas. Details on graduate degrees, funding, and how to apply are given below.
CAMPEP Accreditation
All of our Medical Physics offerings are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs (CAMPEP).
Grad Degrees and Program Structure
We offer graduate programs in Physics (PHYC) and Medical Physics (MEDP), with thesis-based degrees at both the Master’s (MSc) and Doctoral (PhD) levels.
We do not offer course-based graduate degrees. However, we do offer two post-degree programs that may be of interest. The Diploma in Meteorology is designed for students who have completed a degree in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, or another quantitative discipline. In addition, a CAMPEP-accredited Certificate in Medical Physics is available to those who already hold a PhD in Physics and wish to qualify for medical physics residency programs.
Research: Students work year-round in their supervisor’s research group, supported by a Supervisory Committee. The program culminates in a thesis and oral defence. PhD students must also pass a Preliminary/Comprehensive Examination to assess their research proposal and foundational knowledge.
Courses:
- MSc students typically complete four 3-credit (one term) courses.
- PhD students complete three additional 3-credit (one term) courses beyond the MSc.
- Courses are normally taken in the first year (Fall and Winter terms).
- View our graduate courses.
Teaching: Graduate students contribute as teaching assistants (TAs) in undergraduate courses.
Seminars: All students participate in student seminar courses and attend the departmental seminar series for their research area.
Timeline:
- MSc: Typically completed in 2 years.
- PhD: Typically completed within 4 years (assuming a prior MSc).
Funding
We are proud to offer financial support to all full-time graduate students. Annual funding packages cover both living expenses and tuition:
- Minimum amount for living expenses: $24,000/year.
- Total stipend: ~$33,000/year on average, when tuition is included.
- International MSc students: Stipend is increased to cover higher tuition rates.
Support is drawn from internal and external scholarships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships and quality assurance funds. Supervisors may top up support from their own research grants.
Financial support is normally provided for two years for MSc students and four years for PhD students.
We strongly encourage students to apply for scholarships, which help extend the reach of our research funding. See the Faculty of Graduate Studies Scholarships and Bursaries page for a full list of awards and deadlines. Notable opportunities include:
- Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS-D): Deadline in early October
- Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M): Deadline in early December
- Dalhousie’s Harmonized Scholarship Process: Provides access to multiple scholarships with a deadline in mid-January
Canada Graduate Scholarships at the Doctoral level are now open to both domestic and international students.
How to Apply
1. Submit a Pre-Application:
- All prospective MSc, PhD and Medical Physics Certificate students should complete our online Pre-Application Form. Applicants to the Diploma in Meteorology should skip to step 3.
- The pre-application allows us to assess your eligibility and begin the supervisor matching process for research-based degrees.
- Pre-applications are not reviewed between May 1 and August 31.
2. Contact Potential Supervisors:
- After submitting your pre-application, you are encouraged to reach out to professors directly using the contact information in our Research Prospectus [pdf].
- Once a supervisor agrees to support your application, you will be invited to submit a formal application to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
3. Submit a Formal Application:
- Detailed instructions and deadlines are available here.
- Diploma in Meteorology applicants should follow the instructions here.
- If you've missed a deadline, contact us at physics@dal.ca to ask about space availability.
A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.3 scale is recommended for admission consideration.