Course starts: September 2027 Location: London, Bloomsbury

Medical Physics MSci

This four-year MSci course provides a rigorous grounding in core physics alongside specialist training in its application to medicine. Taught jointly by UCL Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering and UCL Physics and Astronomy, it offers the rare opportunity to learn within two world-leading, research-intensive departments. Graduates gain the analytical, technical and interdisciplinary skills needed for wide-ranging careers in healthcare, scientific research, industry and beyond.

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Key information

Study mode
Full-time
Duration
4 academic years full time
Fees (2026/27)
UK: £9,790 per year
International: £42,700 per year
Application deadlines
13 January 2027. Applications close at 6pm UK time.
Applications may stay open after this UCAS Equal Consideration deadline, please check UCAS for details.
Course starts
September 2027
View 2026 entry
UCAS code
F350
Location
London, Bloomsbury
Department
Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering
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Entry requirements

Grades
A*AA
Subjects
A*A in Mathematics and Physics required (in any order). Preferred: Chemistry, Biology
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4

Contextual offer

Grades
AAB
Subjects
A in Mathematics and Physics required. Biology and Chemistry preferred.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4

At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

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 and International Education.

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. Access UCL is our contextual offer scheme for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. We assess your eligibility for Access UCL based on the information contained within your UCAS application. We review and update our Access UCL eligibility criteria and datasets every year, so please check the requirements for the year you plan to apply.

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

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.

About this course

This degree equips you with the scientific, analytical and practical skills needed to excel across a broad range of careers.

In Year One, you build a solid grounding in mathematics, classical and thermal physics, mechanics, waves, optics and acoustics. You also develop essential laboratory, data analysis and programming skills, and receive an inspiring introduction to the major medical imaging techniques used in modern hospitals, including X-ray and CT imaging, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and EEG.

In Year Two, you deepen your understanding of core physics through compulsory modules in quantum physics, statistical thermodynamics, electromagnetism and further mathematics and practical skills. You also begin to explore the physics of the human body, studying blood flow, lung function and temperature regulation, and develop your knowledge of biophysics, including biological polymers, membranes, nerve signals, and gas and fluid transport.

In Years Three and Four, you choose 11 optional modules (six in Year Three and five in Year Four) from an extensive selection across Medical Physics and advanced Physics topics, allowing you to specialise in the areas that most interest you and tailor your degree to your goals.
Year Three also includes an advanced experimental physics module and a group project linked to cutting-edge research within the UCL Physics and Astronomy department.

In Year Four, you undertake a substantial 45-credit individual research project within a Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering research group, contributing to state-of-the-art work in your chosen field.

We also offer a three-year Physics with Medical Physics BSc. The first two years are identical, and transfer between the courses is possible up to the end of Year Two.

Successful Medical Physics applicants combine strong scientific ability with a clear motivation to improve healthcare through the application of physics. An innovative approach helps you generate creative solutions, while an enquiring mindset enables you to navigate the complexities of this interdisciplinary field.

By choosing UCL, a university known for nurturing disruptive thinkers who make a positive impact on society, you will join a community committed to advancing healthcare through science, and to shaping the future of physics in medicine.

Course structure

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.

 A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

In Years One and Two all modules are compulsory.

In Year Three, you choose 90 credits from a range of modules, to tailor your studies to your interests. You will also take an advanced experimental Physics module and a group project associated with research happening in the Physics and Astronomy department.

Modules

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).

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. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Compulsory modules

Teaching is delivered through a blend of lectures, laboratory practicals and supervised problem-solving tutorials. Tutorials give you the chance to work through lecture material in more depth, tackle problems with expert guidance, and discuss new concepts in a small-group setting.

You’ll learn in a variety of settings and with different student cohorts, giving you the chance to meet peers with diverse backgrounds, interests and career aspirations. Most Medical Physics classes are small and highly interactive, creating an informal environment where you can easily ask questions and engage with staff. You may also join classes with medical, biomedical engineering or MSc students, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the field.

For your Physics modules, you’ll study alongside students from physics, astrophysics and theoretical physics programmes in larger lecture groups.

Research projects, including your final-year individual project, take place within active, well-equipped and internationally recognised research groups, and often involve collaboration with local hospitals.

Modules are normally assessed by a combination of coursework and end-of-year examinations.

The final-year individual project is assessed mainly via a scientific presentation and a dissertation.

Laboratory modules tend to be assessed via coursework and lab reports only, no end-of-year examinations.

Each week, you can expect around 20 hours of contact time through lectures, seminars, laboratories and tutorials, alongside assignments and guided study. You will also spend approximately 20 hours per week on independent learning and coursework, bringing your total study commitment to at least 40 hours per week.

A typical 15-credit module includes around 36–40 contact hours delivered across a ten-week term (excluding reading week).

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Study mode UK fee (2026/27) Overseas fee (2026/27)
Full time £9,790 £42,700

UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.

International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

It is expected that students will provide their own laptop that would allow them to have access to the Virtual Learning Environment used at UCL (Moodle), where students will access the module content and submit assignments. 

This device should also allow students to install certain pieces of software, e.g. to programme in Python. Laptops with 8GB RAM cost approximately £300-£400 and above (as of December 2025). 

You will require the approved model of calculator for use in exams. Currently this is either the Casio FX-85GT X or Casio FX-83GT X, which can be purchased for around £11 to £15. For details, please see the UCL examinations guide.

You might also be required to purchase stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying services. Indicative prices for printing can be found here.

For in-person teaching, UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. 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).

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.

Why study this course at UCL?

  1. World-leading departments: The course is offered jointly by the Departments of UCL Physics and Astronomy and UCL Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, giving you unique access to research and innovation in both physics and medicine.

  2. Global research excellence: UCL is ranked ninth globally (QS World University Rankings 2026) and was rated second in the UK for research power (REF 2021). You’ll be learning in an environment that’s pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation.

  3. Study on an accredited course: This course 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.

  4. Real-world impact: Work on cutting-edge healthcare technologies, such as MRI, CT, ultrasound, and radiation therapy devices, through modules and major research projects that connect you with clinical settings and industry.

  5. Tailor your journey: Choose to study a three-year BSc or a four-year MSci degree. You’ll choose from advanced optional modules to shape your studies around your interests.

Discover Uni

To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.

What this course will give you

Physicists are highly valued for their logical thinking, numerical ability and problem-solving skills; attributes that are in demand across many sectors. With a degree in medical physics, graduates typically move into clinical, industrial or research-focused roles.

Medical physicists work directly with clinicians and patients in hospital settings or take a research-led route developing innovative technologies and methods within industry or academia.

Alongside specialist medical physics careers, you will also have access to the broad range of opportunities open to all UCL physics graduates.

In recent years, our graduates have progressed into roles across hospitals, industry and academia. Many work directly with clinicians and patients in healthcare settings, while others focus on research and innovation, developing new techniques and technologies that advance medical physics (Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of graduates in the 2017–2023 cohorts).

Discover more about graduate destinations and explore the career paths taken by our alumni.

Professional accreditation

This course 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 the accredited Integrated Undergraduate Master’s degree MSci have fulfilled the educational requirements for CPhys status, while graduates of the accredited Bachelor’s degree BSc have partially fulfilled these requirements.

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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.

Applications 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

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

Apply for this course

You are applying for the Medical Physics MSci course. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.

Course starts: September 2027

UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.

Got questions? Get in touch

We are here to help. Get in touch with us for more information about our courses.

Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering

Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering

Click to email. medphys.teaching@ucl.ac.uk

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