Program Overview

Medical Physics, MSc

Introduction

Our MSc in Medical Physics will improve your knowledge of how technology can help diagnose disease, while you learn about all the major aspects of physics as applied in the modern clinical/health environment. The programme is delivered in partnership with NHS Grampian.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• BP5025 - Core Biomedical Physics Skills
• BP5017 - Biomedical and Safety Topics in Healthcare
• BP5020 - Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection

Stage 2

Compulsory Courses

• BP5526 - Project Part 1 - Medical Physics
• BP5524 - Radiotherapy
• BP5516 - Computing and Information Technology in Medicine

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

• BP5926 - Project Part 2 - Medical Physics
• BP5911 - Nuclear Medicine and PET
• BP5910 - MRI and Ultrasound

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc Medical Physics

Programme Fees

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Related Programmes

• Medical Imaging

How You'll Study

• Our Medical Physics programme is taught through traditional lectures and practicals with some courses making use of seminars and specialised practical sessions.
• Many lectures are recorded and can be viewed again by students when required.

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lab Work
• Lectures
• Research
• Seminars

Assessment Methods

• Students are evaluated through continuous assessment in the form of essays, laboratory practicals, individual and group presentations and written examinations.
• The MSc project is assessed by a thesis and oral presentations of the project findings.

Why Study Medical Physics?

• The University and the adjacent teaching hospital are home to cutting-edge medical technology, including a new £2m PET-CT scanner, a brand new radiotherapy centre with state-of-the-art linac treatment machines, as well as 3T and 1.5T MRI scanners.
• You will have the opportunity to contribute to the continued research within the department expanding knowledge of medical imaging technology and techniques such as Fast-Field Cycling MRI, functional MRI of the brain and PET scanning.
• You will be immersed in a clinical culture and environment at the Foresterhill Health Campus, which includes a large teaching hospital and the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition.
• You will be part of a select group of students being taught by academics who are active researchers and key opinion leaders.
• The MSc will help you establish a professional network and provide access to those working in the field of medical physics to assist you with career development.
• The University places a strong emphasis on developing students’ applied skills and expertise, so that your qualifications and experience are closely aligned to employers’ needs.
• The University of Aberdeen has been delivering Medical Physics programmes for over 30 years and was the first place in the world to build and conduct a whole body MRI scan.

Entry Requirements

• Physical science or Engineering second-class Honours degree. Minimum 2:2, 60% or GPA 2.4/4 or 3.0/5 overall.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• CV
• Degree Certificate
• Degree Transcript
• Personal Statement

Careers

• Completing the MSc programme in Medical Physics at the University of Aberdeen will provide you with a solid base to pursue a career in healthcare and science, within hospitals, academic institutions and industry.
• Some of the career options available to you include:
  • Further study (PhD)
  • Academic jobs in university settings, e.g. lecturer, researcher
  • Medical device risk management
  • Jobs in hospital-based medical physics
  • Radiation physics specialist

Industry Links

• NHS Grampian
• GE Healthcare
• Philips Healthcare
• Siemens Healthcare

Accreditation

• Accredited by the IPEM

Supported by the NHS

• The MSc Medical Physics is a partnership between the University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian and can form the academic component of the training required by staff who want to work in the NHS.

Our Experts

• The programme will be delivered by an experienced, multidisciplinary team of internationally renowned researchers and NHS staff.
• Programme Coordinator: Professor Andy Welch
• Other Experts:
  • Dr Gordon Waiter
  • Dr Roger Staff
  • Dr Stephen McCallum
  • Mr George Cameron

Facilities

• MRI Scanner
• Clinical PET scanner
• Foresterhill Health Campus