Frequently Asked Questions for prospective MSc students

Why study for an MSc in Medical Physics and Bioengineering?

Our MSc degrees are all aimed to give you the basic understanding of medical physics, medical engineering and medical computing which you would need to work in the field. This is an expanding field, with academic, clinical and industrial employment routes after graduation.

What about your MSc streams in Radiation Physics (RP), Biomedical Engineering and Medical Imaging (BEMI) and Medical Image Computing (MIC)?

Our new MSc in Physics & Engineering in Medicine (PEM) at UCL was established in 2010 and brings together these three streams into a new administrative structure. Students from each stream study together for the core modules but specialise later in their course for other options they prefer.

Why study at UCL?

UCL is consistently ranked as one of the world's top universities, and we are one of the largest departments of Medical Physics and Bioengineering in Europe, with links to a large number of active teaching hospitals and research institutes. Most of our modules are taught by research-active academics from UCL and clinical physicists from the nearby UCL Hospital (UCLH). Our courses are well established and well respected. You can choose between courses which are primarily designed for physicists, engineers or computer scientists.

How well established is the MSc?

The UCL Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering is a world-famous department having claimed several major discoveries in the field, including the design of the standard radiotherapy ‘Farmer’ dosemeter, the first computer treatment planning system and recently the first neonatal map of brain functional activity using optical tomography.  Indeed the department had the world’s first Professor of Medical Physics, Prof. Sidney Russ, based here in 1920.  Graduates of the MSc have gone on to become leading names in many areas of the discipline across the world.

How will the MSc be assessed?

An MSc consists of 8 taught modules with an additional research project. Most of these are assessed by examination, though some are assessed by coursework. One module is assessed by oral examination.

What will the MSc cost me?

Our fees are listed here.

Is any funding available?

Some funding may be available for eligible students for the MSc in Medical Image Computing. Please contact msc-enquiries@medphys.ucl.ac.uk for further information.

What career paths do your MScs typically lead to?

Our alumni have found work predominantly in academia, hospital employment and in industry.

How do I apply for your MSc?

Please complete and submit an application form along with two references.

What deadlines should I know about?

MSc programmes start at the end of September and application forms should be submitted ideally before the end of July. In some circumstances applications arriving after that date can still be considered.

What are the entry requirements?

We generally require a 2:2 in a relevant undergraduate degree. If you are unsure, please contact us at msc-enquiries@medphys.ucl.ac.uk.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information about our MSc degrees, please see our webpages for current MSc students, or contact us at msc-enquiries@medphys.ucl.ac.uk. 

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