Physics is the natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts such as energy and force. It is conducted to disclose the structure of matter, interaction between matters, and the motion laws of matters in order to understand the universe. It results in many significant technologies and products.

The School of Physics at University of Electronic Science and Technology of China has the primary objective of advancing knowledge of physics and training of qualified manpower to acquire and develop an economy based on high technology. It is also involved in inter-disciplinary research with other branches of science as well as engaging in collaborative work with industry. Six fields, Theoretical Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Radio physics, Optics, Plasma Physics, and Quantum Physics and Quantum Information, have established their reputation for research excellence. Collaborations in research across national borders and disciplines have been built. The school intends to play a key role in the advancement of China into a high-tech era.

This programme offers excellent opportunities for students to further develop their potential as intellectual leaders for a wide range of career paths. They will not only acquire fundamental and emerging knowledge in physics, but also solve practical problems of relevance to industrial development.

1. Objectives

Candidates of Doctor of Philosophy in Physics are expected to have a profound knowledge in fundamental physics and experimental skills. They are also required to have a clear vision of cutting-edge research and emerging trends in physics. The candidates should be able to develop research projects and conduct research independently.

International candidates of Doctor of Philosophy in Physics are required to achieve an intermediate level of proficiency in Chinese to communicate in Chinese. They must take A Survey of China and Comprehensive Chinese.

2. Orientations 

1. Theoretical Physics

2. Condensed Matter Physics

3. Radio Physics

4. Optics

5. Plasma Physics

6. Quantum Physics and Quantum Information

3. Duration

The duration set for Ph.D candidates is 3 years full-time. An extension can be applied for by those who cannot finish their courses on time owing to objective causes, yet altogether 6 years is the last due.

4. Progression and Requirements

International students of Ph.D candidates can take 1) full-time training, i.e. the whole progression is done at UESTC, or 2) on-the-job training, i.e. finishing the course work at UESTC and completing the dissertation in their home country, with no less than 1 year to be spent at UESTC for the research work around the dissertation. Either way chosen, the dissertation defense should be done at UESTC.

The supervisor responsibility mechanism is adopted in the education for international Ph.D candidates. The supervisor is responsible for the student’s making of personal study plan, the choice of courses, and the completion of the degree thesis.

The minimum total credits for international students of Ph.D candidates is 14, Ph.D candidates should complete the course work of no less than a total of 12 credits (out of which at least 8 should be of the degree course categories), compulsory sections of no less than 2 credits. During the course work, according to specifications by the discipline, the student is to pass examinations held for the degree courses and examinations or assessments held for the other optional courses. Of all the degree courses, common core courses are compulsory. Ph.D candidates are allowed to choose 1~2 inter-disciplinary core courses as their degree courses under supervisors’ guidance. Degree courses can be taken to substitute non-degree courses, but not vice versa. International students of Chinese language abilities can apply to take courses given in Chinese to local full-time graduate students and acquire corresponding credits if pass.

Those who fail to meet the credit requirements will be denied the thesis defense.