MS Physics

Overview

Physics, being the most fundamental of sciences, continues to be at the forefront of scientific discoveries making strong connections with other disciplines, including chemistry, biology, engineering, information sciences, finance and mathematics. It is also contributing to many new technologies apart from helping us understand nature.

The Physics MS Programme at LUMS is carefully crafted to cater to local needs while recognising the evolving international trends in graduate level physics education. The curriculum places special emphasis on fundamentals. Learning derives from problem solving and aims at bringing out independent thinking skills. At the same time, the inter-disciplinary spirit at SBASSE is greatly cherished where exposition of physics applications in a multitude of allied areas.

Through our MS Programme, we envision providing a new generation of innovative researchers and quality teachers to Pakistan. Our graduates will find numerous opportunities working at research and teaching institutes in Pakistan and abroad as well as continuing with their Ph.D. at LUMS as well as other places across the globe. They can also find work in corporate sector. The department already enjoys an excellent record in placements of its undergraduates.

KEY FEATURES of the MS Physics Programme:

A carefully designed core curriculum to provide a solid grounding in the fundamentals of physics
Special emphasis on problem solving skills with a focus on rigour
Reputed faculty active in cutting edge research
Opportunities to work as research and teaching assistants
Opportunity to continue with fully funded Ph.D. at the department on passing the qualifying examination
Latest advancements in the field brought directly to classrooms
Research enriched education
Special emphasis on high quality teaching and development of physics pedagogy

* The medium of instruction at LUMS is English for all degree programmes offered. Assessments are accepted in English only.

Note:

Generous Financial Aid and Scholarships available for qualifying students.

Structure

Department of Physics

The Physics Department offers MS degree with Thesis as well as with course-work-only options. The course structure for MS in Physics is given in Table 13.

Table 13. Course requirements for MS in Physics

Sr. #	Category	Course Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
1	Core Courses	PHY 500	Graduate Physics Lab	3
2		PHY 501	Electrodynamics	3
3		PHY 512	Quantum Mechanics III	3
4		PHY 510 OR PHY 535	Advanced Statistical Mechanics OR Advanced Condensed Matter Physics	3
5		PHY 509A	Thesis - I	3
6		PHY 509B	Thesis - II	3
Credit hours requirement for Core courses = 18 for MS-by-thesis; 12 for MS-by-coursework
1	Elective Courses	PHY 632	Electronic Structure of Matter	3
2		PHY 612	Introduction to Quantum Information Science	3
3		PHY 532	Photovoltaic Devices	3
4		PHY 534	Nanoelectronic Devices	3
5		PHY 643	Advanced Topics in General Relativity	3
6		PHY 535	Advanced Condensed Matter Physics	3
7		PHY 510	Advanced Statistical Mechanics	3
8		PHY 518	Photonics Fundamentals	3
9		PHY 642	General Relativity	3
10		PHY 416	Principles of Optics	3
11		PHY 552	Particle and Nuclear Physics	3
12		PHY 537	Semiconductor Devices Fundamentals	3
13		PHY 538	Special Topics in Condensed Matter Physics	3
14		PHY 539	Introduction to Quantum Field Theory	3
15		PHY 532	Photovoltaic Devices	3
16		PHY 5112	Quantum Chemistry & Spectroscopy	3
17		PHY 504	Relativistic Electrodynamics	3
18		PHY 519	Symmetry Methods, Conservation Laws and Exact Solutions for Differential Equations	3
19		PHY 536	Advanced Atomic, Molecular and Laser Physics	3
Credit hours requirement for Elective courses = 12 for MS-by-thesis; 18 for MS-by-coursework.

Physics: Undergraduate course policy

Students can take any two 400 level courses from physics to fulfill the requirement for the course-work credit hours.

Physics: Elective courses from SSE

Students can take two 400 or above level graduate courses as electives, which are relevant to physics, within SSE with the written approval of DGPC. However, the total number of 400 level courses must not exceed two.

Important Dates

MS (Computer Science / Electrical Engineering / Mathematics / Physics / Biology / Chemistry)

Activity	Date
Online Application Deadline (PST)	15 Apr 2020	05:00 pm
Deadline to submit supporting documents	16 Apr 2020
Online Application Deadline (PST) -- LUMS UG Continuing Students	15 Apr 2020	05:00 pm
Deadline to submit supporting documents - LUMS UG Continuing Students	16 Apr 2020
Admission decisions	01 Jul 2020 to 31 Jul 2020

Notes:

The University reserves the right to change dates and deadlines for admissions. Please keep informed of any changes by visiting www.lums.edu.pk periodically as well as the LUMS online application site.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Fall 2020 Admissions

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria in order to be considered for admission to the Graduate Programme.

The Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) offers MS Programme in Physics of two years’ duration.

Admission is purely merit-based and rests solely on the following criteria:

Academic record;
Performance in the Admission Tests;
Completed and submitted application form and supporting documents by the stipulated deadline;
Interview Performance (if called)

Note: This is the minimum criteria that applicants need to fulfil in order to be eligible to apply. Fulfilment of this criteria does not guarantee admission to LUMS.

Academic Requirements for Fall 2020 Admissions

A minimum of 16 years of education is required for applying to the MS Programme in Physics.

Applicants are expected to have obtained their Bachelor’s (or Master’s) degree from the National or Foreign institutions that are accredited or recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan. Applicants who have obtained their degrees from institutions that are not listed with the HEC, Pakistan, will be required to obtain an Equivalence Certificate from the HEC. For further information, please visit: www.hec.gov.pk.

As a minimum academic performance, all applicants must have a CGPA of at least 2.4 (on a scale of 4) or at least 60% marks in all university-level degrees (i.e. 4 years Bachelor’s degree or 2 years BSc. degree and 2 years MSc. degree).

Applicants applying to the MS Programme in Physics must have their Bachelor’s (or Master’s) degree in any one of the following areas:

Physics
Mathematics
Computer Science
Materials Science
Optics
Engineering
Other closely related disciplines

Note:

Applicants completing their last degree by June 30, 2020 are also eligible to apply for MS Programme if they are meeting all minimum admission requirements at the time of submission of application.

Please note applicants need to provide the final official transcript by June 30, 2020 or they will not be considered for admission in MS Programme.

Admission Eligibility Criteria for LUMS SBASSE Continuing Students

BS - MS Programme

LUMS BS students graduating in 2020 from SBASSE with a Subject CGPA (SCGPA) of ≥ 3.0 in their BS degree are eligible to apply.

Following are the application categories:

SBASSE students who have obtained a Subject CGPA (SCGPA) of ≥ 3.0 in their BS degree are exempted from the LUMS Graduate Admissions Test (LGAT) and LUMS SBASSE Subject Test.
The application submission deadline for this category of students is April 15, 2020. Please note that the exemption from the LGAT and LUMS Subject test will only be granted if the SCGPA ≥ 3.0 requirement is met at the time of application submission.
Please visit the following link to apply for this Programme: https://admissions.lums.edu.pk
SBASSE students who have obtained a Subject CGPA (SCGPA) of ≥ 3.0 (at the time of application submission) in their BS degree applying across departments will be required to take the SBASSE Subject Test in the subject they want to pursue their MS in.
The application submission deadline for this category of students is April 15, 2020. The LUMS Graduate Admissions Test (LGAT) is waived off for this category of students but they must successfully register for LUMS SBASSE Subject Test through LUMS Online admission system on or before April 15, 2020.

Please note that the exemption from the LGAT will only be granted if the SCGPA ≥ 3.0 requirement is met at the time of application submission.

Note:

SBASSE students with a SCGPA of < 3.0 must take LGAT and SBASSE Subject Tests. They are expected to apply through the regular admission process. The application submission deadline for this category of students is April 15, 2020.

Please visit the following link to apply https://admissions.lums.edu.pk.

Admission Test Requirement for Fall 2020 Admissions

a. Local Applicants

Applicants to the MS Programme in Physics are required to take following two (2) admissions tests in order to be considered for Fall 2020 admission:

LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT); and
LUMS SBASSE Subject Test in Physics

Please visit the following link to apply https://admissions.lums.edu.pk.

Exemption for applicants who have taken Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Tests

Applicants who have taken the Graduate Record Examination GRE (General) (through the Educational Testing Service (ETS) USA) during the last two (2) years (i.e. after April 15, 2018) and obtained an aggregate score of 300 in the quantitative and verbal sections may choose not to take the LGAT.
Applicants who have taken the GRE Subject Test in Physics (through the Educational Testing Service (ETS) USA) during the last two (2) years (i.e. after April 15, 2018) and obtained a score at the 60th percentile or above may choose not to take the SBASSE Subject Test in Physics.

b. International Applicants

Applicants residing outside Pakistan are required to take following two (2) admissions tests in order to be considered for Fall 2020 admission:

GRE - General Test; and
GRE - Subject Test in Physics

For GRE registration, please visit www.ets.org.

GRE scores must be reported to LUMS officially from the testing agency. The college code for reporting GRE (General) and GRE Subject Test scores to LUMS is 0679.

Note:

LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) is comprised of Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical sections.
The LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) and the SBASSE Subject Test in Physics for Fall 2020 will be announced later.
LGAT and SBASSE Subject Test Scores will be valid only for One (1) academic year.
The LGAT and SBASSE Subject Test scores will be used for application evaluation, hence will not be disclosed to applicants.

Subject Test Guidelines:

Please visit the following link; Subject Test Guidelines

Supporting Documents Requirement for Fall 2020 Admissions

Applicants must complete and submit their online application form on or before April 15, 2020; 5:00 pm (PST). The application form can be accessed online at http://admissions.lums.edu.pk. In addition, all applicants are required to submit all supporting documents to the LUMS Admissions Office on or before April 16, 2020.

Waiving Recommendation Letters.

The applicants need to provide the names and contact details of referees and LUMS Admissions Office will contact them while processing admission applications.

Application Processing & LUMS Test Registration fee (if applicable)

The application processing fee of Rs.1200 (SBASSE MS/PhD Programmes).
LGAT & LUMS SBASSE Subject Test Registration Fee of Rs. 1000 (SBASSE MS/PhD Programmes).
The application processing fee of $81 for International applicants (SBASSE MS/PhD Programmes).
The application processing and LGAT & LUMS SBASSE Subject Test Registration Fee of $89 for International applicants (SBASSE MS/PhD Programmes).

Payment Procedure

After the successful submission of the online application form through the LUMS Online account on or before the application submission deadline, applicants will be able to print a system generated Application Processing and LUMS Test Registration (if applicable) Fee payment voucher. For further details regarding Fee payment options Click here

Proof of Payment

A stamped copy of the payment voucher or a confirmation email of an online banking transaction constitutes proof of payment. Applicants are required to send a copy of payment proof along with all other required supporting documents as ONE package on or before the stipulated deadline.

Applicants must print and paste the “Mailing label” on the envelope before sending it to the LUMS Office of Admissions. Applications or documents received after the stipulated deadline will not be processed.

Interview Performance

Shortlisted applicants may be called for an interview.

FAQs

What are the admission requirements for MS Programme?

Please visit the following link for the minimum eligibility criteria; https://admission.lums.edu.pk/graduate-programmes

Do you require any test for admission to the MS Programme?

Please visit the following link for admission test details; https://admission.lums.edu.pk/testing

How can I submit the application processing and test fee (if applicable)?

After the successful submission of the online application form you will be able to print a system generated Application Processing and LUMS Test Registration (if applicable) Fee payment voucher. Please print the fee voucher for making payments at Allied Bank Branches throughout Pakistan. The voucher can be paid:

Online, immediately by visiting https://admission.lums.edu.pk/student-payment-options-0 or

In cash by presenting the payment voucher along with the requisite amount at any Allied Bank branch throughout Pakistan.

By which date should applicants expect their Test Registration Cards to be delivered?

Test Registration Cards and instructions will be posted to the applicants' secure online application account and an email message will alert applicants that the Test Registration Card has been posted. It will be posted on applicants' online account one week before the test date.

I have submitted my online application & all required documents on time but I am unable to view my Test Registration Card?

If an applicant is unable to view his/her Test Registration Card despite completing all the requirements then he/she can write to us at helpdeskao@lums.edu.pk.

I have not yet received any confirmation email after the submission of my online application. What should I do?

You should recheck the completion and proper submission of your online application.

Is it possible to apply after the deadline?

Applications submitted after the deadlines are not accepted.

How do I inform about a change in the online application?

It is highly recommended to fill out the application form carefully. No changes can be made after the submission of online application. In sheer need an applicant can send the updated information to helpdeskao@lums.edu.pk with the specific header "Change in Application Form".

I have received my transcripts for Bachelor's/Master's but I do not have the degree. What should I do?

You should submit all your transcripts latest by the document submission deadline. Copy of your degree can be submitted later.

Is financial aid available for MS students?

Yes, financial aid is available on need basis.

How and when do I apply for financial aid?

You should apply for financial aid while submitting your online application. The application form for the financial assistance is within the online admission application.

Whom should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?

The recommendation letters can be from a faculty member who has had a reasonable opportunity to evaluate you academically.

Are there any specific quotas in admission?

Admission in LUMS MS Programme is purely merit based and there are no quotas.

Can my admission be deferred?

In truly exceptional circumstances the Graduate Programme Committee may grant a deferral. All requests should be made in writing and will be reviewed on a case to case basis.

How will you notify me regarding a decision on my application?

Final Admission decision will be communicated through an official letter; however, you can check your application status through your online account. Regretfully, we are unable to provide information regarding your application status by telephone or e-mail.

Do you have any age limit for the admission to the MS Programme?

No, there are no age restrictions.

May I appeal my admission decision or ask to have the decision explained?

The admission process is a well deliberated and thorough process. Each year we receive a large number of outstanding applications. Unfortunately, all of them do not qualify because of the limited number of available seats. The decision regarding admission is final.

If your application is unsuccessful you will also receive a letter informing you of this. Due to the volume of applications the University receive, it is not possible to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

Who is an International applicant?

A Foreign national who is not of Pakistani origin and does not have a Pakistani passport/NICOP/CNIC is eligible to apply to LUMS under its International Student Programme. Applicants holding dual nationality out of which one is Pakistani are not eligible to apply through LUMS International Student Programme.

What is the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan?

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan is an independent, autonomous, and constitutionally established institution of primary funding, overseeing, regulating, and accrediting the higher education efforts in Pakistan.
HEC is responsible for formulating higher education policy and quality assurance to meet the international standards as well as providing accrediting academic degrees, development of new institutions, and uplift of existing institutions in Pakistan.

How do I get equivalence from Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan?

International students can get equivalence through the following process: http://hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/Equivalence%20Degree%20Issuance.

Does LUMS offer campus accommodation to international students?

LUMS provides a well-maintained residential environment for International students.

What are the visa requirements for LUMS as an International applicant?

Please visit the link for visa requirements: https://international.lums.edu.pk/visa-and-travel#int-accbtn-1a.

Fees

Fee Structure for FY 2020-21

Particulars	Fall Semester	Spring Semester
	PKR	PKR
Admission Fee (One Time Charge)	81,500	-
Tuition Fee	175,800	175,800
Semester Registration Fee	26,900	26,900
General Security (Refundable - One Time Charge)	34,400	-
Total Fee	318,600	202,700

Hostel Fee

Particulars	Fall Semester	Spring Semester
	PKR	PKR
Hostel Fee (double occupancy)	45,000	45,000
Hostel Fee (triple occupancy)	30,000	30,000

Important Points

The above breakdown of fee structure is for Year 1 of the 2 Year MS Physics programme
Fees are payable by semester according to the schedule given in the Annual Fee bill.
Through an amendment in the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 by Finance Act 2013, advance tax (under section 236 I) shall be collected @ 5% on the entire amount of fee (if Student Payable exceeds PKR 200,000 per annum excluding the amount refundable).
Advance tax paid on fee is adjustable at the time of filing of Income tax return. LUMS will issue Advance Tax Certificate in this regard at year-end.
University fees are usually announced once each year, for the following academic year. However, tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.

Refund Policy

To learn more about the University's Refund Policy, please click here.

SUBMISSION OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

We are here to help and guide you through the admissions process during this time. You can continue to monitor this page for admissions related updates. Our campus is also providing general updates and resources as needed.

Our Campus is closed, but we're still here to help

Due to the country’s stay at home directive, LUMS campus is closed and no longer offering in-person visits. However, we're still working and available to answer your admission related questions! Feel free to email us at admissions@lums.edu.pk or contact us through Live web chat (Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PST).

Unfortunately, a few of our processes are unable to be done remotely. These are detailed below.

Submitting your supporting documents

All available documents can be submitted online through the LUMS Online Admission system. In case, few documents are not available/missing then applicants can seek help/extension by writing to the Admissions Office at admissions@lums.edu.pk.

Acknowledgement for documents receiving

We may not be able to accept postal mail or courier packages at this moment. If you had documents sent through such means recently, you will receive a system generated acknowledgement email of your submitted documents within two weeks’ time. If need be, Admissions staff will also contact you for the completion of supporting documents.

Recommendation Letter Waiver

If referees can send recommendation letters by email, they can email them directly to admissions@lums.edu.pk. If this cannot be done, please provide only names and contact details of referees and we will approach them directly, if the need arises.

Please feel free to contact admissions@lums.edu.pk, if further information is needed.

Wishing you health and safety!

MS Physics

Overview

KEY FEATURES of the MS Physics Programme:

Note:

Structure

Department of Physics

Table 13. Course requirements for MS in Physics

Physics: Undergraduate course policy

Physics: Elective courses from SSE

Important Dates

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Fall 2020 Admissions

Academic Requirements for Fall 2020 Admissions

Note:

Admission Eligibility Criteria for LUMS SBASSE Continuing Students

BS - MS Programme

Following are the application categories:

Note:

Admission Test Requirement for Fall 2020 Admissions

a. Local Applicants

Exemption for applicants who have taken Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Tests

b. International Applicants

Note:

Subject Test Guidelines:

Supporting Documents Requirement for Fall 2020 Admissions

Waiving Recommendation Letters.

Application Processing & LUMS Test Registration fee (if applicable)

Payment Procedure

Proof of Payment

Interview Performance

FAQs

Fees

SUBMISSION OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

We are here to help and guide you through the admissions process during this time. You can continue to monitor this page for admissions related updates. Our campus is also providing general updates and resources as needed.

Our Campus is closed, but we're still here to help

Submitting your supporting documents

Acknowledgement for documents receiving

Recommendation Letter Waiver

Admission Support

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