Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Ecole Polytechnique ENSTA Ecole des Ponts ENSAE Télécom Paris Télécom SudParis
Share

PhD track in Physics

PhD track in Physics
Program

PhD track in Physics

ECTS Credits

120 (first two years)

Language

English

Orientation

Research

Location

Palaiseau Campus and partner institutions

Course duration

two years (coursework period), followed by a three-year dissertation phase

Course start

September

Degrees awarded

Master’s degree (after the first two years), PhD (on completion of the dissertation)

WHY ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?

Asset n° 1

Get ready for a PhD by starting research at an early stage

Asset n°2

Be closely associated with the research activities carried out in a world-renowned innovation cluster

Asset n°3

Benefit from individual and personalized supervision by a faculty member

As our world faces tremendous challenges related to environmental needs, energy, transport, information technologies, biotechnology or space engineering, physics provides both a means to address some of the most urgent societal issues and a marvelous intellectual challenge. Physics, in synergy with chemistry, materials science, biology, pure and applied mathematics, computer science, mechanical engineering or economics has been and will remain the driving force for technological progress. Thanks to its versatile methodologies it is moreover a key tool even for problems that are inherent to these neighboring disciplines. Last but not least, physics harbors some of the most mind-bugling scientific revolutions of the last century, such as quantum mechanics or relativity, providing us breathtaking insights into the structure of matter, the nature of light, the life of stars or the Big Bang. Modern research is both a consequence and a direct continuation of this intellectual adventure, continuing the quest for understanding the world around us.

The Institut Polytechnique de Paris with its world-class Research Center covering all fields of physics as well as its interfaces with chemistry, pure and applied mathematics, biology, mechanical engineering, computer science or economics provides a unique environment for students motivated by a PhD Track program.

This five-year PhD Track starts with a two-year period with advanced courses related to the chosen field of study. Students also participate in research projects carried out by Institut Polytechnique de Paris Laboratories involved in the track and attend research seminars. Supervised by faculty or senior  researchers, they benefit from first-class research experience. At the end of the second year, the students who meet the academic requirements receive a Master Degree. Those who have achieved outstanding results and identified a thesis subject and a supervisor in one of the involved Labs are allowed to start a three-year PhD program.

 

Objectives

  • Provide a coherent training program to students attracted by research, from theory and modeling to experimental physics and applications in various domains
  • Acquire a high level knowledge of the scientific basis related to physics or plasma physics and to their applications
  • Choose a specialization among a variety of fields related to theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, mathematical physics, statistical physics, high-energy physics, biophysics, nanosciences, macroscopic physics and complex systems, lasers and optics, thermonuclear fusion, laser-produced plasmas, space plasmas and low-temperature plasmas, within the rich offer of IP Paris.
  • Integrate into the world of research by spending time within the research Labs, conducting a research project under the supervision of a faculty member, writing a research report and preparing a first manuscript for publication in an international peer-reviewed journal.

The five-year curriculum of the PhD track trains students in cutting-edge research for them to pursue international careers in prestigious universities or leading companies in their domain.

The first two years of the PhD track are based on the Physics [1] Masters year 1 and year 2 at Institut Polytechnique de Paris. Every year, the program of every student has to be discussed and validated by his/her tutor, who is a member of the IP Paris faculty. According to the student’s specialization wishes, the course program will be individualized as much as possible.

The academic year of M1 physics is divided in three periods. During quarters 1 and 2 students will follow courses and participate to Research Projects in the laboratories of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris.  During quarter 3 students will complete a research internship in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories or in an external institute (which could be in France or abroad).

Quarter 1

Students choose three core courses and one optional course among the ones that correspond to their major. Note that depending on the major, some core courses are mandatory. The optional course can be replaced by a Research Project in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories (to be defined on site). 

 

Core courses

Mandatory

Relativistic field theory

5 ECTS

English

Astrophysics

5 ECTS

English

Mandatory
Physics of elementary particles

5 ECTS

English

Quantum optics I: Lasers

5 ECTS

English

Quantum physics of electrons in solids

5 ECTS

English

Elective courses

Numerical physics

5 ECTS

English

Cosmology

5 ECTS

English

Group theory

5 ECTS

English

Core courses

Relativistic field theory

5 ECTS

English

Astrophysics

5 ECTS

English

Quantum optics I: Lasers

5 ECTS

English

Quantum physics of electrons in solids

5 ECTS

English

Atomic and molecular physics

5 ECTS

English

Elective courses

Numerical physics

5 ECTS

English

Cosmology

5 ECTS

English

Material design

5 ECTS

English

Core courses

Quantum optics I: Lasers

5 ECTS

English

Quantum physics of electrons in solids

5 ECTS

English

Physique des objets biologiques

5 ECTS

Français

Surfaces molles

5 ECTS

Français

Elective courses

Numerical physics

5 ECTS

English

Material design

5 ECTS

English

Core courses

Relativistic field theory

5 ECTS

English

Quantum optics I: Lasers

5 ECTS

English

Mandatory

Quantum physics of electrons in solids

5 ECTS

English

Atomic and molecular physics

5 ECTS

English

Elective courses

Numerical physics

5 ECTS

English

Group theory

5 ECTS

English

Material design

5 ECTS

English

Quarter 2

Students choose three core courses and one optional course among the ones that correspond to their major. Note that depending on the major, some core courses are mandatory. The optional course can be replaced by a Research Project in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories (to be defined on site). 

Core courses

Mandatory

Perturbative quantum field theory

5 ECTS

English

Mandatory
Advanced Particle physics

5 ECTS

English

General relativity

5 ECTS

English

Elective courses

Experimental high energy physics

5 ECTS

English

Black holes

5 ECTS

English

General relativity

5 ECTS

English

Core courses

Quantum optics II: photons

5 ECTS

English

Optoelectronics

5 ECTS

English

Thermonuclear fusion

5 ECTS

English

Mesoscopic and topological matter

5 ECTS

English

Elective courses

Experimental high energy physics

5 ECTS

English

Black holes

5 ECTS

English

Non-linear optics

5 ECTS

English

Spintronic

5 ECTS

English

Trends in material science

5 ECTS

English

Physics of the environnement

5 ECTS

English

Nuclear reactors

5 ECTS

English

Quantum information

5 ECTS

English

Core courses

Optoelectronics

5 ECTS

English

Mesoscopic and topological matter

5 ECTS

English

Nanomaterials

5 ECTS

Français

Complex systems

5 ECTS

Français

Polymers, membranes and cells

5 ECTS

Français

Semiconductors

5 ECTS

Français

Elective courses

Spintronic

5 ECTS

English

Trends in material science

5 ECTS

English

Quantum information

5 ECTS

English

Core courses

Mandatory

Quantum optics II: photons

5 ECTS

English

Mesoscopic and topological matter

5 ECTS

English

Semiconductors

5 ECTS

English

Quantum informatics

5 ECTS

English

Elective courses

Spintronic

5 ECTS

English

Trends in material science

5 ECTS

English

Quantum information

5 ECTS

English

Quarter 3 - Internships

During the third quarter, students will follow one of the internships proposed by the program associated with the corresponding major. These internships of 4-6 months will take place at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or other institutions of excellence abroad. The internship is worth 20 ECTS

  • Fields and particles
  • Astrophysics and cosmology

Lasers, Quantum optics and Plasma

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Semiconducting devices
  • Soft Matter, complex fluids and biomechanics
  • Lasers, Quantum optics and Plasmas
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Semiconducting devices
  • Quantum technologies and quantum materials

Partner laboratory

For updated information on current research projects and contact details of faculty members working in these areas, applicants are invited to check out the webpages of the laboratories as well as of the “Ecole Universitaire de Recherche” (EUR) in Plasma Science and Training (Plasma_ST).

Admission requirements

Academic prerequisites

Completion of a Bachelor in physics, with highest honors, at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or equivalent in France or abroad.

Evidence of research potential is essential as the main goal of such a PhD program is to train first class researchers.

Students who have completed the first year of an equivalent program may be directly admitted into the second year (4-year PhD program).

Language prerequisites

A certificate of proficiency in English (level B2) is required (TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge ESOL), except for native speakers and students who previously studied in English.

How to apply

Applications are exclusively online. You will be required to provide the following documents:

  • Transcript 
  • Two academic references (added online directly by your referees)  
  • CV/resume 
  • Statement of purpose indicating which 2 choices of research subjects among the one listed on this page under the section "PhD Track Research Projects"

You will receive an answer in your candidate space within 2 months following the closing date of the application session. 

Fees and scholarships

Registration fees are available here

Find out more about scholarships

Please note that fees and scholarships may change for the following year.

Applications and admission dates

Coordinator

General enquiry

When applying to the PhD Tracks in Physics, you should describe your preferred fields of study and research in your motivation letter. You are ecouraged to choose two preferred PhD Track subjects among the list below. Since the posted offers do not cover the full spectrum of our activities, you can also visit the web pages of the 11 laboratories (CPHT, IPVF, LLR, LOA, LOB, LPICM, LPMC, LPP, LSI, LULI, Omega) affiliated to the physics department and indicate the research lines that interest you the most.

PhD Track research projects in "Physics"

 

Description

As our world faces tremendous challenges related to environmental needs, energy, transport, information technologies, biotechnology or space engineering, physics provides both a means to address some of the most urgent societal issues and a marvelous intellectual challenge. Physics, in synergy with chemistry, materials science, biology, pure and applied mathematics, computer science, mechanical engineering or economics has been and will remain the driving force for technological progress. Thanks to its versatile methodologies it is moreover a key tool even for problems that are inherent to these neighboring disciplines. Last but not least, physics harbors some of the most mind-bugling scientific revolutions of the last century, such as quantum mechanics or relativity, providing us breathtaking insights into the structure of matter, the nature of light, the life of stars or the Big Bang. Modern research is both a consequence and a direct continuation of this intellectual adventure, continuing the quest for understanding the world around us.

The Institut Polytechnique de Paris with its world-class Research Center covering all fields of physics as well as its interfaces with chemistry, pure and applied mathematics, biology, mechanical engineering, computer science or economics provides a unique environment for students motivated by a PhD Track program.

This five-year PhD Track starts with a two-year period with advanced courses related to the chosen field of study. Students also participate in research projects carried out by Institut Polytechnique de Paris Laboratories involved in the track and attend research seminars. Supervised by faculty or senior  researchers, they benefit from first-class research experience. At the end of the second year, the students who meet the academic requirements receive a Master Degree. Those who have achieved outstanding results and identified a thesis subject and a supervisor in one of the involved Labs are allowed to start a three-year PhD program.

 

Objectives

  • Provide a coherent training program to students attracted by research, from theory and modeling to experimental physics and applications in various domains
  • Acquire a high level knowledge of the scientific basis related to physics or plasma physics and to their applications
  • Choose a specialization among a variety of fields related to theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, mathematical physics, statistical physics, high-energy physics, biophysics, nanosciences, macroscopic physics and complex systems, lasers and optics, thermonuclear fusion, laser-produced plasmas, space plasmas and low-temperature plasmas, within the rich offer of IP Paris.
  • Integrate into the world of research by spending time within the research Labs, conducting a research project under the supervision of a faculty member, writing a research report and preparing a first manuscript for publication in an international peer-reviewed journal.

The five-year curriculum of the PhD track trains students in cutting-edge research for them to pursue international careers in prestigious universities or leading companies in their domain.

The first two years of the PhD track are based on the Physics [1] Masters year 1 and year 2 at Institut Polytechnique de Paris. Every year, the program of every student has to be discussed and validated by his/her tutor, who is a member of the IP Paris faculty. According to the student’s specialization wishes, the course program will be individualized as much as possible.

The academic year of M1 physics is divided in three periods. During quarters 1 and 2 students will follow courses and participate to Research Projects in the laboratories of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris.  During quarter 3 students will complete a research internship in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories or in an external institute (which could be in France or abroad).

Quarter 1

Students choose three core courses and one optional course among the ones that correspond to their major. Note that depending on the major, some core courses are mandatory. The optional course can be replaced by a Research Project in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories (to be defined on site). 

 

Core courses

Mandatory

Relativistic field theory

5 ECTS

English

Astrophysics

5 ECTS

English

Mandatory
Physics of elementary particles

5 ECTS

English

Quantum optics I: Lasers

5 ECTS

English

Quantum physics of electrons in solids

5 ECTS

English

Elective courses

Numerical physics

5 ECTS

English

Cosmology

5 ECTS

English

Group theory

5 ECTS

English

Core courses

Relativistic field theory

5 ECTS

English

Astrophysics

5 ECTS

English

Quantum optics I: Lasers

5 ECTS

English

Quantum physics of electrons in solids

5 ECTS

English

Atomic and molecular physics

5 ECTS

English

Elective courses

Numerical physics

5 ECTS

English

Cosmology

5 ECTS

English

Material design

5 ECTS

English

Core courses

Quantum optics I: Lasers

5 ECTS

English

Quantum physics of electrons in solids

5 ECTS

English

Physique des objets biologiques

5 ECTS

Français

Surfaces molles

5 ECTS

Français

Elective courses

Numerical physics

5 ECTS

English

Material design

5 ECTS

English

Core courses

Relativistic field theory

5 ECTS

English

Quantum optics I: Lasers

5 ECTS

English

Mandatory

Quantum physics of electrons in solids

5 ECTS

English

Atomic and molecular physics

5 ECTS

English

Elective courses

Numerical physics

5 ECTS

English

Group theory

5 ECTS

English

Material design

5 ECTS

English

Quarter 2

Students choose three core courses and one optional course among the ones that correspond to their major. Note that depending on the major, some core courses are mandatory. The optional course can be replaced by a Research Project in one of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris laboratories (to be defined on site). 

Core courses

Mandatory

Perturbative quantum field theory

5 ECTS

English

Mandatory
Advanced Particle physics

5 ECTS

English

General relativity

5 ECTS

English

Elective courses

Experimental high energy physics

5 ECTS

English

Black holes

5 ECTS

English

General relativity

5 ECTS

English

Core courses

Quantum optics II: photons

5 ECTS

English

Optoelectronics

5 ECTS

English

Thermonuclear fusion

5 ECTS

English

Mesoscopic and topological matter

5 ECTS

English

Elective courses

Experimental high energy physics

5 ECTS

English

Black holes

5 ECTS

English

Non-linear optics

5 ECTS

English

Spintronic

5 ECTS

English

Trends in material science

5 ECTS

English

Physics of the environnement

5 ECTS

English

Nuclear reactors

5 ECTS

English

Quantum information

5 ECTS

English

Core courses

Optoelectronics

5 ECTS

English

Mesoscopic and topological matter

5 ECTS

English

Nanomaterials

5 ECTS

Français

Complex systems

5 ECTS

Français

Polymers, membranes and cells

5 ECTS

Français

Semiconductors

5 ECTS

Français

Elective courses

Spintronic

5 ECTS

English

Trends in material science

5 ECTS

English

Quantum information

5 ECTS

English

Core courses

Mandatory

Quantum optics II: photons

5 ECTS

English

Mesoscopic and topological matter

5 ECTS

English

Semiconductors

5 ECTS

English

Quantum informatics

5 ECTS

English

Elective courses

Spintronic

5 ECTS

English

Trends in material science

5 ECTS

English

Quantum information

5 ECTS

English

Quarter 3 - Internships

During the third quarter, students will follow one of the internships proposed by the program associated with the corresponding major. These internships of 4-6 months will take place at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or other institutions of excellence abroad. The internship is worth 20 ECTS

  • Fields and particles
  • Astrophysics and cosmology

Lasers, Quantum optics and Plasma

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Semiconducting devices
  • Soft Matter, complex fluids and biomechanics
  • Lasers, Quantum optics and Plasmas
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Semiconducting devices
  • Quantum technologies and quantum materials

Partner laboratory

For updated information on current research projects and contact details of faculty members working in these areas, applicants are invited to check out the webpages of the laboratories as well as of the “Ecole Universitaire de Recherche” (EUR) in Plasma Science and Training (Plasma_ST).

Admission requirements

Academic prerequisites

Completion of a Bachelor in physics, with highest honors, at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or equivalent in France or abroad.

Evidence of research potential is essential as the main goal of such a PhD program is to train first class researchers.

Students who have completed the first year of an equivalent program may be directly admitted into the second year (4-year PhD program).

Language prerequisites

A certificate of proficiency in English (level B2) is required (TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge ESOL), except for native speakers and students who previously studied in English.

How to apply

Applications are exclusively online. You will be required to provide the following documents:

  • Transcript 
  • Two academic references (added online directly by your referees)  
  • CV/resume 
  • Statement of purpose indicating which 2 choices of research subjects among the one listed on this page under the section "PhD Track Research Projects"

You will receive an answer in your candidate space within 2 months following the closing date of the application session. 

Fees and scholarships

Registration fees are available here

Find out more about scholarships

Please note that fees and scholarships may change for the following year.

Applications and admission dates

Coordinator

General enquiry

When applying to the PhD Tracks in Physics, you should describe your preferred fields of study and research in your motivation letter. You are ecouraged to choose two preferred PhD Track subjects among the list below. Since the posted offers do not cover the full spectrum of our activities, you can also visit the web pages of the 11 laboratories (CPHT, IPVF, LLR, LOA, LOB, LPICM, LPMC, LPP, LSI, LULI, Omega) affiliated to the physics department and indicate the research lines that interest you the most.

PhD Track research projects in "Physics"