PhD in Physics & Astronomy

• Scientific Contribution: The ability to develop and communicate original scholarly contributions that advance the field of physics or astronomy.
• Research Expertise: Proficiency in conducting high-level independent research, including the use of advanced experimental or computational techniques.
• Self-Learning: A strong capacity for autonomous knowledge acquisition, enabling the graduate to explore any specialized topic in depth.
• Global Collaboration: Preparedness to engage in international research activities and collaborations with global physics communities.
• Professional Communication: Advanced skills in technical English (reading, writing, and speaking) specifically for scientific dissemination. 

1. Conditions for acceptance in the Ph.D. are subjected to the admission requirements enumerated in the 15th article of the unified law organizing the graduate studies in Saudi universities.
2. The applicant must have a master degree in Physics or equivalent degree.
3. The student must obtain at least 500 score in the TOEFL test or its equivalents (iBT 61, IELTS 5). This condition may be waived for students applying from countries where English is a native language, or for those who got their M.Sc. degree from an English speaking countries.
4. The applicant must obtain a score of at least 600 in the GRE test subject Physics, or pass the departmental admission test.
5. Competitive applicants will be subjected to the departmental interview.

First Year – First Semester (Core Requirement)
PHYS652 – Advanced Quantum Mechanics – 3 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester (Specialization Courses)
ASTR550 – Fundamentals of Astrophysics – 3 Credit Hours
ASTR551 – Astronomical Techniques – 3 Credit Hours
ASTR553 – Structure and Evolution of Stars – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – First Semester (Specialization Courses)
ASTR554 – Galaxies – 3 Credit Hours
ASTR562 – Cosmology – 3 Credit Hours

Research Phase – Dissertation
PHYS799 – Doctoral Dissertation Research & Defense – (Full-Time Research Phase)

Total Coursework Requirement:
18 Credit Hours (Before Dissertation Phase)

Program Phases:

• Coursework Phase – 18 Credit Hours (2–3 Semesters)

• Comprehensive Examination

• Dissertation Research Phase (Typically 3–6 Years Total Program Duration)