Masters of Science in Materials Physics (MSMP)

Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

31 January, 2024

Graduates of the master’s program, including MSMP program, are eligible to apply for a 3-year Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). Additionally, there is good news for spouses of international students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs, as Open Work Permits (OWP) will be available to them.

For the latest updates on Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), please visit here.

Exemption from IRCC Study Permit Cap for Master's Students

31 January, 2024

Despite the temporary cap imposed by IRCC on study permits, individuals pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees are exempt from this cap.

For more detailed information, please refer to the official news release.

About the MSMP Program

Master of Science in Materials Physics (MSMP) International Student Program (ISP) provides intensive, hands-on graduate training in advanced experimental, theoretical, and computational techniques of modern materials science. The program aims to prepare highly knowledgeable and skilled graduates, who will be trained as materials physicists who can work independently or in collaboration with others to fill jobs in industry, government agencies, research institutes and universities worldwide.

The program offers two options:

  • ISP course-based: 16-month (four term), and
  • ISP + MRP course-plus-project: 2-year (six term).

Note that the initial admission to the MSMP program is through the ISP course-based option.

Both options require participation in the Graduate Science Preparation Seminar (GSPS) prior to or concurrent with the start of the program. The primary focus of GSPS is to prepare international students, whose first language is not English, for the academic demands of graduate programs at Brock University. This intensive English Program has been designed specifically for MSMP and other graduate students in the Sciences, and focuses on effective communication skills in English, and on the development of English skills in professional contexts. In exceptional cases, students may be exempted from GSPS.

The MSMP program focuses on skills to identify important and critical problems and to use appropriate methods and techniques to address them. Students will also learn how to communicate their results to scientific as well as non-technical audiences, and to evaluate the business and societal impact of their work without prejudice. These goals will be achieved through graduate seminar presentations and through the production of detailed technical laboratory and term reports conforming to the rigorous standards of scientific and technical publications in the fields of materials science and technology.

Throughout four terms of study (typically Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer, Fall), MSMP (course-based) students are required to successfully complete ten half-credit courses. These include four theoretical courses, four experimental/laboratory courses, one computational course, and one research seminar course. Additionally, all students are expected to attend Departmental seminars. In addition to the aforementioned courses, students are required to take the GSPS course as well.

For full-time students enrolled in the Major Research Project (MRP), fulfilling course requirements within the ISP course-based program is crucial. All candidates are obligated to conduct, submit, and present a project that demonstrates proficiency in applying concepts in Materials Physics. Typically, this project is undertaken during the final two terms of study.

For additional information about the MSMP courses and degree requirements please visit MSMP – M.Sc. in Materials Physics

Contacts

Application deadline

Application for entry into the program may be made at anytime and will be considered when received until the program is full. It is advisable for applicants to submit their applications by the end of February preceding the start of the Fall program to allow sufficient time for the study permit application process.

How to apply

  1. Check that you satisfy the University requirements
  2. Check that you satisfy the MSMP program requirements:
    • a four-year Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, from an accredited University, in Physics or a closely related discipline, with an average of not less than B average over the last two years of full-time undergraduate study;
    • a sufficient knowledge of English as specified by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
    • Briefly, the following English preparation is expected of the students applying into the MSMP program:
      • IELTS Score: 6.5; DIRECT ENTRY to the program
      • IELTS Score: 6.0; PREPARATION: 14-week term of ESL studies (IELP Level 5), May to August; ENTRY POINT: Grad studies upon completion, in September
      • IELTS Score: 5.5; PREPARATION: Two 14-week terms of ESL studies (IELP Levels 4&5), January to August; ENTRY POINT: Grad studies upon completion, in September

Follow the above links to find out more about each of the preparatory programs.

  1. Submit your application via the online system of the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). Please note that you will be prompted at the completion of your online application to pay a non-refundable application processing fee (currently, $110 CAD), payable by credit card or internet banking. Further details may be found on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs website.
  2. You will be contacted by email (within one week) when we have received your paid application, informing you of the required application materials. This email will also provide you with your Brock Campus ID (it will look like xx15yy – 2 letters, 2 numbers, 2 letters) and instructions on how to log in to the Brock portal to monitor the status of your application and documents.

For Additional information about the application process details, please visit the “How To Apply” section on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs webpage.

Pre-masters option

Applicants holding an undergraduate degree without sufficient background in Physics, may be required to complete additional qualifying undergraduate courses prior to an admission into the MSMP program.

Pre-admissions evaluation

  • Students may contact us for a pre-admission evaluation. Be sure to attach electronic copies of all relevant transcripts and a brief statement of interest. We will arrange for a personal interview, via a suitable teleconference facility if necessary.
  • We encourage international students to visit Brock International for further information.

For tuition and fees’ information please visit https://brocku.ca/safa/tuition-and-fees/overview/graduate/

Please note that the MSMP is an International Master of Science Cohort Program. Please refer to the fees listed under the International Cohort Programs (ISP).  For additional details please visit the MSMP program webpage.

MSMP – Careers

Expected career fields for the MSMP graduates to explore include:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Biotechnology
  • Energy Sector
  • Electronics Industry
  • Metallurgy
  • Medical technology
  • Coatings Industry
  • Biomaterials