MPhil Physics
What an MPhil in Physics involves, research areas, careers in research and industry, and which universities offer it in Pakistan.
Quick Facts
| Degree Level | MPhil |
|---|---|
| Discipline | Physics |
| Offered By | 21 universities in our directory |
| Typical Duration | 2 years |
An MPhil in Physics is a two-year research master’s in theoretical or experimental physics, combining advanced coursework with an original research thesis.
Research Areas
Common specialisations include condensed matter and materials physics, particle and high-energy physics, nuclear physics, photonics, optics and laser physics, plasma physics, astrophysics, and computational and theoretical physics. Experimental and theoretical paths differ substantially in day-to-day work and in the facilities they require — worth weighing carefully when choosing a research group.
MPhil or MS?
Pakistani universities use both titles for the two-year research master’s that follows a four-year bachelor’s degree, and HEC treats them as equivalent 18-year qualifications. MPhil is the more traditional designation and is usually the more research- and thesis-weighted of the two; MS is more common at newer and private institutions and sometimes offers a coursework-heavy track. Several universities admit to both through a single stream — check which designation applies to your discipline and whether a thesis is compulsory, since that determines your eligibility and readiness for PhD study.
Career Scope in Pakistan
Pakistan maintains a substantial institutional base for physics research, and national research organisations, laboratories and research-active universities are the principal employers for postgraduate physicists. Applied destinations include the nuclear and energy sectors, optics and photonics, electronics and semiconductors, materials development, and scientific instrumentation and metrology.
A significant share of physics postgraduates also move into computational and quantitative roles — data science, modelling and quantitative analysis — where the mathematical and programming training transfers directly and typically pays better than entry-level laboratory positions. An MPhil is the standard prerequisite for doctoral study.
Admission Requirements
A minimum of 16 years of education in a relevant discipline, plus the university’s subject test and usually an interview. Check the specific programme page for current requirements and deadlines.
Where You Can Study This
- 21 universities
- 14 cities
- 15 public
- 6 private
| University | City | Sector | Duration | Fees whole programme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences & Technology | Islamabad | Public | 2 Years | — |
| Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan | Dera Ghazi Khan | Public | — | — |
| Government College University, Lahore | Lahore | Public | — | 328,500 (2026) |
| Hazara University | Mansehra | Public | — | — |
| Khushal Khan Khattak University | Karak | Public | — | — |
| Mirpur University of Science & Technology | Mirpur | Public | 2 Years | 281,550 (2024-25) |
| Quaid-i-Azam University | Islamabad | Public | 2 years | — |
| Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University | Peshawar | Public | — | — |
| The Women University | Multan | Public | 2 Years | 174,300 (Undated fee tables) |
| University of Buner | Bunair | Public | — | — |
| University of Narowal | Narowal | Public | 2 Years | 203,500 (Prospectus 2026) |
| University of Okara | Okara | Public | 2 years | — |
| University of Peshawar | Peshawar | Public | 2 years | — |
| University of Sahiwal | Sahiwal | Public | — | — |
| Women University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir | Bagh | Public | — | — |
| Forman Christian College | Lahore | Private | — | — |
| Grand Asian University, Sialkot | Sialkot | Private | — | — |
| Lahore Garrison University | Lahore | Private | — | 371,440 (2026-27) |
| Minhaj University | Lahore | Private | — | — |
| Riphah International University | Islamabad | Private | 2 Years / 32 Credit Hours | — |
| University of Lahore | Lahore | Private | 2 years | 522,500 (2026-27) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an MPhil and an MS?
Both are two-year research master's degrees and HEC treats them as equivalent 18-year qualifications. MPhil is the more traditional designation and usually more thesis-weighted; MS is more common at newer and private universities and sometimes offers a coursework-heavy track.
What careers follow an MPhil in Physics in Pakistan?
Research positions at national research organisations, laboratories and universities, plus applied roles in the nuclear and energy sectors, optics and photonics, electronics and semiconductors, materials and instrumentation. Many graduates also move into data science and quantitative analysis.