The Department of Physics at Carleton University offers master’s programs in particle physics and medical physics. 

The department is research-intensive, and degrees are thesis-based, involving a research project which builds on the courses taken. 

MSc programs are linked through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Physics (OCIP) with the University of Ottawa, allowing both universities to offer a broad spectrum of physics programs that complement each other. 

Programs at the University of Ottawa focus on condensed matter physics, photonics and biophysics. 

Learn more about Ottawa-Carleton Joint Institutes.

Fields of Specialization

• Medical Physics
• Particle Physics

Faculty Research Highlights

• Phenomenology of elementary particles, hadron physics, string theory
• Detector instrumentation and design, physics simulation, experimental operations and data analysis on world-acclaimed projects
• Medical imaging physics: MRI, PET and nuclear medicine, x-ray
• Cancer therapy physics: Radiation dosimetry and radiotherapy
• Medical biophysics: Radiation biology

• Academic/Official Transcripts
• Language Proficiency (If Applicable)
• Passport or Visa Documents
• Resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Statement Of Intent
• Letters Of Reference

• 4-year (honours) bachelor’s degree
• B+ or better in your major subjects
• B- or better overall

Applicants for MSc in Physics should have an Honours BSc in Physics or a BEng in Engineering Physics. A Combined Honours BSc degree is usually also appropriate preparation. 

These include Hons BSc Physics + Math, Hons BSc Physics + Computer Science, Hons BSc Physics + Chemistry, and Hons BSc Physics + Biology.

Applicants with a BEng degree that is not in Engineering Physics are not usually prepared for graduate studies in Physics because, typically, these programs do not include physics after the first year. 

Applicants interested in the MSc Physics program in medical physics should note that an undergraduate degree in medical radiation technology or in clinical radiation physics is insufficient preparation. 

Master's applicants with a strong academic record but lacking the equivalent of the final year of Honours BSc in Physics, such as graduates of a BSc Major in Physics, may be considered for a Qualifying Year. 

This consists of two terms of courses at the senior undergraduate level to fill gaps in physics education. There is no financial support. Towards the end of the Q-year, one applies again for MSc studies. 

Please note that if the Q-year has been successfully completed, one should be able to submit a stronger application, but there is no guarantee of admission into the MSc.