Medical Physics MSci
London, Bloomsbury
Medical Physics MSci (2023)
This four-year programme offers an extra year over the Physics with Medical Physics BSc in which you will extend your knowledge by taking additional advanced modules. You are advised to apply for the MSci programme initially but transfer between the BSc and MSci is possible during the first two years.
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2022/23)
Overseas tuition fees (2022/23)
Programme starts
September 2022Application deadline
26 Jan 2022UCAS course code
Entry requirements
- Grades
- AAA
- Subjects
- Mathematics and Physics required at grade A.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5.
Contextual offer information
- Grades
- AAB more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- Mathematics and Physics required at grade A.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5.
- Points
- 38
- Subjects
- A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects including grade 6 in Mathematics and Physics, with no score lower than 5. The programme will accept either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 36 more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects including grade 6 in Mathematics and Physics, with no score lower than 5. Grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics required. The programme will accept either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.
UK applicants qualifications
For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:
Equivalent qualification
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades AAA to include Mathematics and Physics.
A,A,A at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher). Mathematics and Physics at Advanced Higher required.
D3,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Mathematics and Physics required.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
International applications
In addition to A level and International Baccalaureate, UCL considers a wide range of international qualifications for entry to its undergraduate degree programmes.
Access and widening participation
UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates
UCL Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPCs) are intensive one-year foundation courses for international students of high academic potential who are aiming to gain access to undergraduate degree programmes at UCL and other top UK universities.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
English language requirements
The English language level for this programme is: Standard
- Show details
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If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency. Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.
Course overview
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 topics such 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.
What this course will give you
We have close links to several major teaching hospitals and our staff work side-by-side with doctors and health professionals.
With our highly rated research, the expert knowledge of our staff will be of direct benefit in the lectures and teaching sessions you attend.
Most medical physics classes are small (fewer than 35 students) providing you with an informal, interactive teaching environment in which you can easily raise questions.
The programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) providing the first step to chartered physicist status.
Teaching and learning
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 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 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Upon successful completion of 480 credits, you will be awarded a MSci (Hons) in Medical Physics.
Modules
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Compulsory module(s)
- Mathematical Methods I
- Practical Physics and Computing 1
- Classical Mechanics
- Atoms, Stars and the Universe
- Waves, Optics and Acoustics
- Mathematical Methods II
- Thermal Physics and the Properties of Matter
- Introduction to Medical Imaging
- Developing Effective Communication 1
Optional modules
All first year modules are compulsory.
Compulsory module(s)
- Quantum Physics
- Mathematical Methods III
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Practical Physics 2
- Statistical Physics of Matter
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Introduction to Biophysics
- Physics of the Human Body
- Developing Effective Communication 2
Optional modules
All second year modules are compulsory.
Compulsory module(s)
- Experimental Physics
- Physics Group Project
Optional modules
Students must choose 6 optional modules from the two groups below, with a minimum of 2 modules from each group.
Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Modules:
- Applications of Biomedical Engineering
- Computing in Medicine
- Medical Electronics and Neural Engineering
- Medical Imaging with Ionising Radiation
- MRI and Biomedical Optics
- Physiological Monitoring
- Treatment with Ionising Radiation
- Biomedical Ultrasound
Physics and Astronomy Modules:
Listed here.
Students are also able to take an appropriate module outside of those listed above at the discretion of the Programme Tutor.
Compulsory module(s)
- Research Project in Medical Physics
Optional modules
Students must choose a minimum of 3 modules from the below Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering options, as well as 2 modules from the belove Physics and Astronomy options.
Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering modules (must choose 3):
- Physiological Monitoring
- Medical Imaging with Ionising Radiation
- Biomedical Ultrasound
- MRI and Biomedical Optics
- Computing in Medicine
- Research Software Engineering with Python
- Information Processing in Medical Imaging
- Computer Assisted Surgery and Therapy
- Programming Foundations for Medical Image Analysis
- Medical Electronics and Neural Engineering
- Treatment Using Ionising Radiation
- Applications of Biomedical Engineering
- Machine Learning in Medical Imaging
Physics and Astronomy modules (must choose 2):
Listed here.
Your learning
Assessment
Modules are normally assessed by a combination of coursework and end-of-year examination.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
The foundation of your career
Physicists tend to be logical, numerate problem solvers and there is a demand for people who have developed such skills in a wide range of careers. Following a degree in medical physics, students tend to pursue careers in clinical, industry or research settings.
Medical physicists can work in hospitals directly with clinicans and their patients, or take a research approach and develop new techniques and technologies within industry or academia.
Employability
Our degrees are accredited by the Institute of Physics and, as well as a career in medical physics, you will have access to the same wide diversity of careers as with any other UCL physics degree.
UCL is committed to helping you get the best start after graduation. Read more about how UCL Careers and UCL Innovation and Enterprise can help you find employment or learn about entrepreneurship.
Accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics. Holders of accredited degrees can follow a route to Institute of Physics membership and the Chartered Physicist (CPhys) professional qualification. Graduates of accredited Integrated Undergraduate Master's (MPhys or MSci) degrees have fulfilled the educational requirements for CPhys status, while graduates of accredited Bachelor's (BSc) degrees have partially fulfilled these requirements.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2022/23) | 9,250 (2022/23) |
| Tuition fees (2022/23) | 32,100 (2022/23) |
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2022/23 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2022/23 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/funding-your-studies.
Additional costs
This programme does not have any additional costs outside of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying.
A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Funding your studies
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Scholarships
The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.
Next steps
Your application
Your application will be especially interesting to us if you can demonstrate your interest in the medical applications of physics and engineering. You should be motivated by a desire to apply your training to the pursuit of improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Relevant work experience, project work and your knowledge of issues and current affairs surrounding this field will assist your application.
How to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Selection
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit UCL and tour the two departments in which your teaching will take place. During your visit you will be able to view our facilities and meet staff and current students.
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Got questions? Get in touch
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