Overview

The Physics and Astronomy M.Sc. at the University of Victoria provides students with a rigorous foundation in advanced physical principles and astronomical research. This programme is designed to transition scholars from undergraduate study into high-level independent research through a combination of core graduate units and a supervised thesis. Students benefit from a structured academic environment where progress is closely monitored by a dedicated supervisory committee to ensure timely completion.

Why Physics and Astronomy at the University of Victoria?

The university offers a collaborative research environment where students are assigned a provisional supervisor from the outset. The Faculty of Science provides access to specialised technical services and unique research initiatives, such as the CREATE programmes in Quantum Computing and New Technologies for Canadian Observatories. Students are integrated into a vibrant academic community with active outreach, diverse research areas, and strong links to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 2801 per semester
National fee: CAD 2221 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires students to maintain a high academic standard, with a focus on both general physics knowledge and specific area specialisation. Modules may include:

Physics
Astronomy
Mathematics
Quantum Computing
New Technologies for Canadian Observatories
Medical Physics
Research Project
Thesis

Careers with Physics and Astronomy

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse professional paths in scientific research, academia, and industry. The department maintains an active alumni network on LinkedIn to support career development and professional networking. Potential career trajectories include roles in observatory operations, quantum technology development, medical physics, and advanced data analysis across various scientific sectors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Quantum Mechanics
Classical Electrodynamics
Solid State Physics
Data Analysis Techniques for Physics & Astronomy
Radiotherapy Physics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-03 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-05 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-05-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-06 00:00:00

More details

Applications are strongly encouraged to be submitted at least 2 months before the proposed date of entry. International students should apply even earlier.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Victoria, Canada

Disciplines

Physics Astronomy & Space Sciences View 14 other Masters in Astronomy & Space Sciences in Canada

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The normal prerequisite for all programs is a (UVic equivalent) Honours degree in Physics, Astronomy or related subjects. Students admitted to the MSc program, but with backgrounds judged to be less than that of a UVic Honours degree (e.g. a Major degree), are normally required to take additional undergraduate courses in Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics to satisfy the stated prerequisite.
In your application, please include transcripts from all the institutions you have attended, two assessment reports, your current CV, and Statement of Purpose. International applicants only: Please include TOEFL or IELTS results. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page if you have any questions about whether you need to send TOEFL, IELTS, or GRE results.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Victoria and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

5602 CAD / year

≈ 5602 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

4442 CAD / year

≈ 4442 CAD / year

Living costs

Victoria

Canada

1490 - 2092 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Physics and Astronomy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Victoria

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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