Graduate
Materials Science
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- Doctorate (Ph.D.)
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- Peterborough
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- Fall & Winter & Summer
At a glance:
- Degree Doctorate (Ph.D.)
- Campus Peterborough
- Program is Offered Fall & Winter & Summer
- Study Options Part time/Full time
- Length Dissertation: 4 years
- Guaranteed Funding Yes (for eligible students)
- Applications Open Fall intake: September 11 Winter intake: February 1 Spring intake: June 1
- Application Deadline Fall intake: February 1 Winter intake: June 1 Spring intake: October 1
- Deposit Required No
- Graduate Studies Contact materials@trentu.ca
- Apply Now Stay in Touch
The Trent Advantage
Study materials science at the intersection of chemistry and physics through doctoral research spanning multiple disciplines and scales of matter.
Build on your materials science expertise through advanced research exploring how chemistry and physics shape the properties and applications of matter. Offered jointly by Trent University and Ontario Tech University, this Ph.D. program provides opportunities for in-depth study across nanotechnology, electronic materials, surface science, biomaterials, and materials characterization while developing research expertise to create new knowledge in materials science. Prepare for academic and research careers in public and private sector research and development.
- Work alongside expert faculty at both universities, drawing on multidisciplinary perspectives to guide your research.
- Develop advanced research skills through theory, investigation, and exploration of a focused materials science problem.
- Access specialized research environments at Trent, including the Trent Centre for Materials Research and the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research (TCBR).
World Class Facilities
Trent Centre for Materials Research
Explore materials research through the Trent Centre for Materials Research, which brings together faculty and graduate students in Chemistry and Physics to foster collaboration, research exchange and exposure to experimental and theoretical approaches through seminars and research partnerships.
Program Types
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Thesis
Complete advanced research in materials science through theoretical or experimental approaches. Building on your M.Sc. (or equivalent), in this Ph.D. program you will complete graduate coursework, a qualifying examination, and a thesis focused on a particular research problem, working with faculty from Trent University and Ontario Tech University throughout your doctoral studies.
Career Paths
In Their Own Words
The research-oriented Materials Science program at Trent University provided me with the opportunity to explore my curiosities, engage deeply with science, and make new discoveries. The faculty and staff were incredibly supportive, and my graduate studies were filled with exciting and meaningful moments that I will always cherish. Additionally, the beautiful Trent environment, with its stunning views of the river and nearby nature parks, made the experience even more memorable. Currently, I am a staff engineer at Lumentum.
Jeremy Porquez
Materials Science Ph.D. Alum. Staff Engineer, Lumentum
Faculty Spotlight
Meet some of Trent's world-class professors and researchers.
Dr. Sanela Martic
Associate Professor
Dr. Martic’s research interests include fundamental electrochemistry and bioanalytical chemistry for materials, biomedical, forensic, and environmental applications.
Dr. Carlo Bradac
Associate Professor
Dr. Bradac’s research focuses on quantum materials and their applications for optics, photonics, and metrology. His recent work also explores novel statistical and machine learning-based methods that improve measurement speed and accuracy in (quantum) sensing applications ‘afflicted’ by data scarcity, noise and decoherence.
Admissions
Trent has clear pathways for graduate students to apply and be admitted to study for their master's or doctorate at either of our campuses. Please review admission requirements for your program before applying.
Eligibility Requirements
- M.Sc. degree in an applicable discipline (suitability will be assessed on a case by case basis)
- Minimum average of B+ (77%) or equivalent overall in the master's degree
Eligibility Requirements
- M.Sc. degree in an applicable discipline (suitability will be assessed on a case by case basis)
- Minimum average of B+ (77%) or equivalent overall in the master's degree
- Proof of English Proficiency: All international applicants must provide proof of an adequate level of English proficiency, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Please visit our International Applicant Resource page for details on English Language Proficiency requirements.
- A GRE test score is not required for admission into this program
All applicants, domestic and international, must submit the following documents to complete their application:
- Transcripts: Unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts
- 2 letters of reference: Academic references are preferred; however, professional references will be accepted. Reference forms will be emailed to the referees that you have appointed on OUAC
- Plan of Study/Personal Statement: 1-2 pages outlining your objectives in a graduate program. Any specific research interests, relevant experiences, and/or career aspirations can be included
- Detailed Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of Citizenship (i.e. copy of passport or birth certificate)
- Supervisor: A potential supervisor must be chosen as an admission requirement for this program. Please list your supervisor on your OUAC application and discuss this in your plan of study. Please visit the program's Faculty and Research page for a listing of faculty and areas of research. Applicants are responsible for reaching out to a faculty member
For more information on submitting transcripts, re-sending reference links and other application questions, please visit our How to Apply page and review Step 4, as well as review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Tuition Estimate
Estimate your tuition, ancillary fees, and potential entrance scholarships based on your program, residency status, and academic average.
Tuition Fees
Base tuition fee for the Environmental & Life Sciences (Ph.D.) and Materials Science (Ph.D.) programs
$8,252.00
Funding Package
Minimum funding package for eligible Environmental & Life Sciences (Ph.D.) and Materials Science (Ph.D.) students
$-26,000.00
Ancillary Fees
Mandatory ancillary fees
$1,329.00
Total:
$ -16,419.00
* The tuition details and scholarships listed are for domestic students only. International applicants should contact the financial aid office directly for equivalent guidance.
Financial Matters
As of May 1, 2026, full-time international PhD students pay domestic tuition fees at the out-of-province rate.
Eligible full-time students are offered minimum funding packages during their funded period of $26,000 annually. This includes a Graduate Teaching Assistantship employment offer valued at approximately $13,000 annually. Specific funding details are included in individual admission letters.
Students are supported in competing for external awards during their studies, such as the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. A full list of external awards is available on our Scholarships & Awards page.