PhD Physics and Astronomy at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Programme overview

The department offers PhD study with active research in biophysics, medical physics, condensed-matter, nuclear, neutrino, quantum field and theoretical particle physics, general relativity, and astronomy and astrophysics. Candidates pass a doctoral written exam, a preliminary oral exam, complete two semesters of teaching experience and defend a PhD thesis.

Faculty: The Graduate School | Department: Department of Physics and Astronomy | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chapel Hill, NC, United States

What you will study

Students pass the written exam in four of seven core courses (PHYS 701, 712, 721, 741; ASTR 711, 712, 719), complete a research or literature review paper, take PHYS 510 and PHYS 885, and complete four additional elective courses generally numbered 600 or higher.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School minimum (applies to all graduate programmes): a four-year bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited institution completed before graduate study begins and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better; application via the Graduate School online application with transcripts, three recommendation letters, statement of purpose and CV, plus any programme-specific tests/materials; international applicants add a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test score; admission decisions are made by each programme.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applicants apply for a start term; fall is the main start term. Very few programmes admit new students for spring or summer terms.

Graduate applications and payment must be received by the deadline of the academic programme applied to, which varies by programme; the application closes at 11:59pm Eastern Time on the deadline date. The Graduate School recommends complete applications by December 15, 2026 for full fellowship consideration.

Apply through the official page: https://gradschool.unc.edu/admissions/instructions/

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