Materials Science Ph.D.
A broad multi-disciplinary area of science, Materials Science seeks to advance the understanding, prediction, and application of the properties of matter. Through this program, offered jointly by Trent University and Ontario Tech University, students build on and incorporate fundamental science principles into their graduate level research project. Develop skills in project management and effective communication of technical information as you prepare for future-ready success in today’s modern environment of research and development in both the public and private sectors.
Our research-based M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs provide both a broad and integrated overview of materials science and the opportunity for in-depth study of a particular problem emphasizing either theory or experiment, under the guidance of a thesis advisor and a multi-disciplinary team of faculty from Trent University and Ontario Tech University. The program comprises coursework and a thesis and will lay the foundations required to excel in the modern work environment or in the pursuit of further academic inquiry.
Make big advances where Chemistry and Physics collide on a molecular level. Understand, predict, and apply the properties of matter in multiple disciplines. Through theory, investigation, and exploration, you will create new knowledge in this broad scientific field that intersects physics and chemistry – and encompasses nanotechnology, electronic materials, surface science, biomaterials, and materials characterization. Explore at the macroscopic level. Prepare on a grand scale for the future ahead.
Trent has been home to 2 Nobel Prize winners
10 Canada Research Chairs conduct innovative research at Trent
We are proud to be one of the top 3 greenest campuses in Canada
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 How to Apply: International 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 (ie. 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: Domestic or International pages and review Step 4, as well as review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Learn more about tuition & fees
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.
As of May 1, 2026, full-time international PhD students pay domestic tuition fees at the out-of-province rate.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Martic’s research interests include fundamental electrochemistry and bioanalytical chemistry for materials, biomedical, forensic and environmental applications.
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.
*Domestic applications remain open