Medical Physics

The Master's Degree Programme in Medical Physics at the University of Eastern Finland offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to prepare students for advanced professional roles in healthcare, medical research, and technological development related to medical imaging and radiation therapy. The program aims to equip students with a solid understanding of the physical principles underlying modern medical technologies, as well as the skills necessary for their practical application in clinical and research settings. Throughout the programme, students gain expertise in areas such as medical imaging modalities including X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound, as well as in radiation therapy technologies used in cancer treatment. The curriculum covers essential topics such as radiation safety, dosimetry, signal processing, image reconstruction, and biomedical instrumentation, ensuring that graduates are well-versed in both theoretical foundations and practical implementations.

The programme emphasizes a strong research component, enabling students to participate in cutting-edge projects within the university's state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborate with healthcare providers and industry partners. Students have opportunities to develop competencies in scientific methodology, data analysis, and project management, which are vital for careers in medical physics research, healthcare technology development, or regulatory roles. The programme also provides training in ethical considerations and patient safety, highlighting the importance of responsible practice in a clinical environment.

Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory exercises, project work, and internships, fostering a dynamic learning environment that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether in medical imaging, radiation therapy, or biomedical research. The programme culminates in a Master's thesis, where students demonstrate their ability to independently conduct scientific research and contribute valuable knowledge to the field.

Graduates of the Medical Physics programme at the University of Eastern Finland are equipped with the necessary expertise to pursue careers in hospitals, research institutions, or industry, or to continue their academic pursuits by enrolling in doctoral programmes. The university’s Helsinki campus provides access to a vibrant academic community and numerous networking opportunities, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving healthcare technology landscape. Through rigorous training and a focus on innovation, the programme seeks to foster highly qualified professionals capable of advancing medical physics and improving patient care worldwide.

The programme comprises lectures, seminars, e-learning and tutorials (in total of 120 ECTS). The  course content of the Master's programme in Medical Physics include:

• 3352571 Biomaterials, 5 ECTS.
• 3352575 Biomechanics, 5 ECTS.
• 3352573 Characterization of Materials, 5 ECTS.
• 3352541 Digital Image Processing, 5 ECTS.
• 3352603 Finite Element Methods, 5 ECTS.
• 4429209 Human Basic Anatomy and Radiology, 5 ECTS.
• 3352503 Nuclear Medicine Physics, 5 ECTS.
• 3352572 Material Techniques, 5 ECTS.
• 3352545 Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 5 ECTS.
• 3352576 Medical Approval Process, 5 ECTS.
• 3352543 Medical Signal Analysis, 5 ECTS.
• 3352601 Optimization, 5 ECTS.
• 3352501 Physics in Clinical Radiology, 5 ECTS.
• 3352502 Physics in Radiotherapy, 5 ECTS.
• 3352542 Signal Analysis, 5 ECTS.
• 3352544 Ultrasound Techniques in Medicine, 5 ECTS.
• 3352512 Advanced laboratory work 1, 2 and 3, 5 ECTS each.
• The clinical practicum (in total of 15 ECTS) will include training at the hospital, consisting of, e.g., quality assurance measurements, training in radiation dosage planning for cancer treatment, etc. Due to strict and busy clinical routines, some of the training will be performed after office hours. In addition, the clinical training will include a clinical research project performed in one of the selected areas: clinical neurophysiology, clinical physiology, oncology, or medical imaging. The clinical training is not compulsory and can be replaced also by training in some of the high class medical physics research groups in the department of Applied Physics or course work.
• Master of Science thesis (in total of 32 ECTS).

Qualified applicants should have taken an undergraduate (at least three years bachelor’s or equivalent) degree in science or engineering: the degree should include adequate studies in physics and mathematics. Additional studies in computer programming and human biology are considered as an asset.

The applicant must certify proficiency in English by submitting a valid TOEFL or PTE or at most 2 years old Academic IELTS certificate. The entrance requirements are:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
  • 580 points from the paper-based test (pBT) (min. 4.0 in writing)
  • 90 points from the internet-based test (iBT) (min. 22 points in writing)
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS): overall score 6.5 (min. 5.5 in writing)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): score 59

The applicant does not need to certify proficiency in English if he/she has secondary education conducted in English language in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or United States or Bachelor’s or Master’s degree conducted in English language in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or United States. Furthermore, the proficiency in English is accepted if secondary education is conducted in Nordic Country (Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark or Iceland) or the applicant has English as a language with minimum grade Magna Cum Laude Approbatur as a part of Finnish Matriculation Examination. Otherwise, also English as A1 language as part of International Baccalaureate examination with minimum grade 2 is accepted as a proof of proficiency in English.

Admission will be based on grades of the B.Sc. degree, amount of earlier studies in fields supporting the MedPhys programme, other possible studies, and on work experience and scientific merits on the area of studies (publications, patents, teaching experience). In additions and opportunity for interview is reserved.

The University of Eastern Finland will have a substantial number of scholarships available for students who are required to pay tuition fees in Master’s degree programmes offered in English. The scholarships will be available for the most talented fee-paying students. The scholarship can cover the tuition fee either in full (100%) or partially (80%).

Scholarships are awarded for two academic years on the condition of completing 55 ECTS credits per academic year. Students who were not awarded a scholarship when applying for admission to the university may still be eligible for a scholarship in their second year, provided that they have applied for a scholarship and completed the required 55 ECTS credits during the first academic year as detailed in the personal study plan.

In addition to the scholarship for studies, the faculties can grant an annual scholarship to cover the student’s living expenses during the two-year Master’s degree programme. In Finland students must be able to cover all their own living costs. Own finances are also one of the requirements for the Finnish residence permit, and finances need to be available permanently on the student's bank account for the whole period the permit is applied for. Financing one's stay and studies in Finland by working is not possible. For more information about residence permit, please see Migri.fi.

The Master’s degree program in Medical Physics at the University of Eastern Finland is designed to prepare students for advanced careers in the field of medical physics, which is a specialized discipline combining principles of physics and medicine to enhance healthcare and medical treatment. The program typically provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the physical principles behind diagnostic and therapeutic techniques used in modern medicine, including radiology, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine. Students are trained to apply physics theory to develop, evaluate, and optimize medical imaging technologies such as X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound, as well as radiation treatment planning for cancer therapy. The curriculum often includes core courses in medical physics, radiobiology, radiation safety, health physics, and biomedical engineering, supplemented by practical training in clinical environments to ensure students gain real-world experience.

The program emphasizes both theoretical learning and hands-on technical skills, often involving laboratory exercises, simulation-based training, and internships at hospital and medical research centers affiliated with the university. It aims to equip students with the critical skills needed for research positions, clinical diagnostics, medical device development, or regulatory roles within healthcare organizations. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to work alongside medical practitioners, engineers, and researchers to innovate and improve medical technologies and procedures.

Graduates of the program are expected to operate safely and effectively within medical environments, understanding the regulatory and ethical dimensions of medical physics practice. The program’s language of instruction is usually English, attracting international students interested in specializing in this important and growing field. Upon completion, graduates may pursue further research or doctoral studies, or start careers in hospitals, medical software companies, regulatory agencies, or academic institutions. The University of Eastern Finland maintains strong ties with healthcare providers and industry, providing students with opportunities for networking, research projects, and employment after graduation. Overall, the Medical Physics Master’s program at the University of Eastern Finland offers a rigorous and comprehensive education designed to meet the needs of modern healthcare and medical technology innovation.