Why PSI?
PSI is a different kind of physics master's training program aimed at ambitious and driven young minds who want to be at the cutting edge of science and discovery.
PSI could be the perfect fit for you if:
- You know you want to pursue theoretical physics, but have not yet committed to a sub-field such as cosmology, particle physics, or quantum information. The PSI program will expose you to the full breadth of theoretical physics in courses allowing you to discover your area of interest.
- You want to continue your studies with a PhD, working under the guidance of a Perimeter Faculty member.
- You value collaboration over competition, and are interested in conducting research-driven coursework alongside some of the world's leading theoretical physicists.
- You want to immerse yourself in theoretical physics, push your limits, and experience a once-in-a-lifetime physics "boot camp" among like-minded peers from around the globe.
"It's the ideal place to be for 10 months of intense work -- it's a very good way to kick-start a career." - Nima Afkhami-Jeddi, Graduate, PSI Class of 2014
"If I had extremely talented undergrads asking me what to do next, I would tell them to do the PSI program." - Nima Arkani-Hamed, physicist and past PSI Faculty
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ADMISSIONS and FUNDING
Each year approximately 30 adventurous and exceptional students from countries around the world are admitted to the PSI program.
Full scholarships are available to cover tuition, meals, accommodations, and other costs.
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WHEN IS PSI?
The PSI program starts in September and runs for 10 months to June of the following calendar year.
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COURSEWORK
PSI consists of four phases of coursework and a short research project. The course will advance:
- Preparatory topics: mathematical tools, numerical methods and theoretical physics concepts relevant for the subsequent phases of courses
- Core Topics: foundational graduate-level subjects, including quantum theory, general relativity, quantum field theory, statistical physics, and condensed matter
- Review courses: modern topics from fields such as cosmology, particle physics, gravitational physics, string theory, quantum information and condensed matter.
- Explorations courses: cutting-edge research topics from various specialized fields.
Students will advance their research skills through:
Winter School: a week-long, hands-on group research project in collaboration with selected researchers
Essay: each student undertakes a short research project supervised by a Faculty member, and produces an essay that is publicly presented and defended.
Assessment
Although all course grades are either "credit" or "no credit," PSI's approach to evaluation involves assessment throughout the year conducted by the PSI Fellows. This assessment is in the form of oral interviews (for core courses), homework assignments, and tutorial participation.
The goal is to encourage all students to achieve their potential and to avoid grade-chasing competition.
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Degree
Upon completion of PSI, successful graduates will receive both a Master of Science in Physics from the University of Waterloo and a Perimeter Scholars International Certificate from Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.
