Medical Physics

The MSc in Medical Physics at University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive and cutting-edge program designed to prepare students for a career in the dynamic field of medical physics and biomedical imaging. This programme provides a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of physics as they apply to medicine, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills essential for clinical and research applications. Throughout the course, students explore a broad range of topics including radiation biology, imaging techniques, radiation therapy, medical instrumentation, and healthcare technology management. The curriculum is delivered by leading experts in the field, combining lectures, laboratory work, and clinical placements to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.

UCL’s Medical Physics MSc is tailored for graduates with a background in physics, engineering, or related disciplines, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and competencies required for professional practice in hospitals, research institutions, and industry. The program emphasizes the development of analytical skills, technical proficiency, and an understanding of the regulatory and ethical considerations relevant to medical physics practice. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and clinical facilities, enabling hands-on experience with imaging equipment, radiation treatment planning systems, and quality assurance protocols.

Part of the program’s unique strength lies in its integration with UCL’s affiliated hospitals and healthcare providers, providing students with valuable opportunities for clinical training and real-world problem solving. Graduates of this MSc are well-positioned to pursue careers as clinical medical physicists, research scientists, or further academic study through doctoral research. UCL’s Medical Physics MSc is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and its commitment to innovation, making it an ideal choice for students aspiring to contribute to advances in medical science and healthcare technology.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

We offer the option of studying a three-year Physics with Medical Physics BSc or a more in-depth four-year Medical Physics MSci programme. The first two years of study for both programmes are identical and transfer between the two is possible up to the end of the second year. We advise applying for the MSci initially which makes it easier to defer your decision.
In the first year, you will receive an exciting introduction to all the major medical imaging techniques employed in modern hospitals, including X-ray imaging, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, nuclear isotope imaging and electroencephalography.

In your second year, you will explore the physics of the human body - covering such topics as blood flow, lung function and thermal regulation - and biophysics, in which you will focus on topics including biological polymers, gas and fluid transport processes, membranes and nerve signals.

During years three and four you will choose three medical physics modules each year from a range of options and, in your final year, you will work on a major project with one of the department's research groups.

A levels

Grades

AAA-AAB

Subjects

Mathematics and Physics required; grade A in Mathematics preferred.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

36-38

Subjects

A score of 17-18 points in three higher level subjects including Mathematics and Physics (grade 6 in Mathematics preferred), with no score lower than 5.

The MSc in Medical Physics at University College London offers a variety of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for UK, EU, and international students vary and are set annually; prospective students should consult the university's official website for the most current figures. In addition to tuition costs, students should consider living expenses, which include accommodation, food, transportation, and personal costs, typically estimated to be around £15,000 to £20,000 per year depending on lifestyle and location. UCL provides several financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, bursaries, and loans. Merit-based scholarships are available for outstanding applicants and are often awarded based on academic achievement and potential contribution to the university community. Some scholarships are specific to international students, while others are open to domestic applicants. Additional funding can be obtained through government loans and grants, especially for UK residents, via the Student Loans Company and other governmental schemes. UCL also offers work placements, part-time jobs, and assistantships, which can help students offset expenses while gaining valuable experience. International students are encouraged to seek external funding sources from their home country, including government sponsorships, scholarships, or private foundations. It is advisable for students to start their financial planning early, using the university’s official financial aid resources and external scholarship databases. UCL's financial support services provide personalized advice and assistance in securing funding opportunities. Overall, financing a Master’s degree in Medical Physics at UCL requires careful planning and consideration of various funding streams, grants, and personal budgeting to ensure a smooth academic experience without financial hardship.

The MSc in Medical Physics at University College London (UCL) is a highly specialized program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in the application of physics principles to medicine. This interdisciplinary course draws on UCL's strengths in medical research, physics, and healthcare technology, offering a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates for careers in clinical medical physics, healthcare technology development, or further academic research.

The program covers a broad spectrum of topics including radiation physics, imaging techniques such as MRI and CT, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, tissue dosimetry, and medical instrument design. It combines theoretical lectures with laboratory sessions, clinical placements, and project work, giving students hands-on experience in both research environments and real-world clinical settings. This practical approach ensures that students are well-versed in the principles of radiation safety, quality assurance, and the regulatory frameworks governing medical physics practice.

Students are encouraged to develop strong research skills through a substantial MSc research project, often conducted in collaboration with leading hospitals and research institutes. This project allows candidates to investigate current challenges in medical physics, contribute to scientific knowledge, and develop critical problem-solving skills. UCL's facilities include state-of-the-art imaging and radiation laboratories, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and discovery.

The program is suitable for graduates with a background in physics, engineering, or related disciplines who aim to specialize further in medical physics. It also provides a pathway to professional accreditation from relevant bodies such as the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM). Graduates of the MSc in Medical Physics from UCL are equipped to work in hospital medical physics departments, medical device companies, or pursue doctoral research.

Admission requirements typically include a strong academic background in physics or engineering and relevant prior experience. The program emphasizes critical thinking, technical proficiency, and interdisciplinary collaboration, key skills for a successful career in the rapidly evolving healthcare technology sector. UCL offers a rich academic environment, with opportunities for interdisciplinary projects, collaborations with hospital partners, and access to cutting-edge research and clinical facilities.

Overall, the MSc in Medical Physics at UCL aims to develop highly skilled professionals capable of applying physics principles to improve patient care, advance medical research, and contribute to innovative healthcare solutions. The program duration is generally one year full-time or part-time options may also be available, designed to suit the needs of working professionals or international students. Graduates leave well-prepared to meet the challenges associated with modern medical physics and to take on leadership roles within the healthcare sector.