MSc Physics and Engineering in Medicine by Distance Learning
Distance-Learning Tutor: Mr Billy Dennis
The purpose of our MSc programme is to provide a theoretical and practical knowledge base for those with an interest in developing an interdisciplinary approach to science and engineering applied to healthcare, with particular emphasis on those seeking careers as medical physicists or biomedical engineers in hospitals, industry or universities.
Our MSc by Distance Learning is the only distance learning medical physics course in the UK accredited by IPEM, and won UCL teaching awards in 2013 and 2014. The course was launched in Autumn 2011, produced its first graduates in 2014, and currently has 8 graduates and 25 students completing their multi-year studies. The programme is completely flexible to suit personal circumstances and is normally completed over 3-4 years, with a fifth year available as contingency.
The MSc by distance-learning involves completing the same examinations, coursework and research project that campus-based students study on the Radiation Physics stream. The course is delivered online through lecture videos coupled with additional materials and interactive learning resources. A specialist distance-learning tutor works with students throughout the year to provide help when required and help facilitate their learning. A bespoke and flexible tutorial system provides regular feedback to distance learners to help develop skills for research and the workplace while ensuring students are prepared for examinations.
This page is to help provide information to those who might be unfamiliar with education by distance learning. The distance learning route has been accredited by IPEM as matching the same high quality as the on-campus MSc. It continues to develop new ways to give our students an outstanding learning experience, helping to learn key skills for their future careers. It is the only distance learning MSc accredited by IPEM.
Why study with us?
The MSc Research Project provides an opportunity to conduct research supervised by the department’s world leading academics. The Research Excellence Framework in 2014 rated the department’s research as 95% 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’) and UCL was the top-rated university in the UK for research strength. Students will be joining the largest group of biomedical engineers in the UK.
Learn more about the scope of the department's research, and browse case studies, here.
- How does it relate to the On-Campus MSc?
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Students study the same modules as campus-based students on the IPEM Accredited Radiation Physics stream, and complete matching coursework and examinations to achieve an identical qualification – “MSc in Physics and Engineering in Medicine (Radiation Physics stream)”. Students interact with the same world-leading lecturers as campus-based students, only by online resources, email and Skype rather than in person.
- How is it different to the campus-based MSc?
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The distance learning (DL) route has an enhanced set of learning resources from which you can study and includes regular contact with a specialised distance learning tutor to guide you through your studies and provide extra help. The enhanced resources developed by the distance learning team have now started to be used by on-campus students, giving DL students the opportunity to interact with their on campus cohorts.
The most significant differences between the on-campus and DL routes are structural:
- A dedicated distance learning personal tutor available to contact at any time, by email, Skype or telephone.
- Distance Learning Induction – All first year DL students spend their first two weeks using all the interactive learning tools you will need to study by distance learning. The induction also includes a taster tutorial, a mathematics primer and lots of information about how you can get the most out of your studies.
- The Distance Learning timetable – Whereas campus-based students study each module over a single academic term (October-December or January-March), DL students spread each module’s study over the first two academic terms (October – March). This allows for greater integration of learning between modules being studied simultaneously and creates flexibility to fit in with your personal study schedule.
- Tutorial checkpoints – are organised at regular occasions throughout the year. DL students are expected to submit work in December, February and March. Feedback is given and students then meet with the distance learning tutor to discuss their work, progress on the course and identify any areas where they might want additional support.
- Programme Structure
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Distance learning masters students study on the IPEM Accredited Radiation Physics stream. The links to the module descriptors on this programme are set out below:
- Flexible Study Up to 5 Years
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The MSc course by distance learning is normally studied over 2-4 years, with a 5th year as contingency. The number of modules studied each year varies depending on student preference.
Set out below is an example of how a student can complete the MSc in three years of flexible study:
- Distance Learning Testimonial
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Wei
Wei studied the MSc via the distance learning route (2012-2015) while initially residing in Hong Kong.
"I am always happy to go back to studies and continue
my professional development. I enjoyed studying via the recorded lectures from
the knowledgeable professors from UCL. The best thing was that I did not need
to be on the campus; I could go to the lecture virtually and study anywhere at
any time as long as I had internet access. So I am very thankful to UCL for providing this chance to further
upgrade my skills as I learned practical skills in my hospital."
The full testimonial from Wei can be found here.
- Admissions
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Admissions Tutor: Dr Martin Fry
Fees can be found on the course listing page.
We generally require an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) in a relevant undergraduate
degree such as physics or an engineering discipline for entry. We do
accept applicants with a 2:2 degree, or with considerable workplace or
related healthcare qualifications, but we may ask such applicants to
meet online with the admissions tutor or a member of the course team for
guidance on preparation for studying on our MSc once they have applied.
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Radiation Physics at graduate level
- why you want to study this programme at UCL
- whether you have relevant industrial or workplace experience
- how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
- where you would like to go professionally after your degree
If you are unsure about the relevance of your qualifications or experience please contact us at pg-medphys@ucl.ac.uk.
MSc programmes start at the end of September and the
deadline for applications for 2017/18 is midnight on 28th July 2017. We
recommend overseas students apply no later than the end of June.
- Fees & Funding
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Fees
Information on our fees for each of courses can be found below.
Funding
- Virtual Open Day April 2017
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Click here to watch our MSc Virtual Open Day from April 2017
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