Aidan Mackenzie
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.
This programme is available to start in January or September. Apply now
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
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen has an internationally renowned reputation and an enviable history in developing new techniques for medical imaging, including being the first place in the world to build a whole-body sized Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner and conduct a diagnostic MRI scan.
On this MSc programme you will study such specialisms as nuclear medicine (which includes learning about diagnosing disease using radioactive tracers), radiotherapy, medical electronics and MRI. The programme is aimed at individuals who want to obtain an MSc from a top tier UK University. Applicants typically include recent physics and engineering graduates, people who are on the NHS Medical Physicists training programme and those in employment as medical physicists and radiologists.
This programme is available to start in September or January.
Available Programmes of Study
The Medical Physics programme covers the full range of applications of physics to healthcare, including diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy. The curriculum is based on the requirements of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK and the programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM).
- MSc
-
Medical Physics
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen MoreMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen More
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
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.
The MSc enables you to learn outside the classroom in our state-of-the-art facilities, including MRI scanners, the John Mallard Scottish PET Centre and the recently opened radiotherapy centre. This will enable you to apply both theory and practice to medical physics projects. You will also have many opportunities to engage with staff from the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition and Foresterhill Health Campus, one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe.
Some of the teaching methods employed in the programme include:
- Tutor-based support throughout
- Insight into current medical physics projects
- Research-led teaching taught by key opinion leaders
On-going support is provided by the University’s dedicated team of experienced researchers, who will be tutoring you.
Much of the teaching on this course involves participatory research work. Students are expected to engage with research work as well as classroom teaching and independent study in their own time.
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.
Each course throughout the programme is assessed by continuous assessment in the form of practical write-ups, essay assignments, student presentations and written examinations.
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. All of these facilities are used during the MSc.
- 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.
- The Queen’s Anniversary Prize was awarded to the University in recognition of its achievements in developing new medical imaging techniques.
What Our Students Say
Khalid Alhamad
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Physical science or Engineering second-class Honours degree. Minimum 2:2, 60% or GPA 2.4/4 or 3.0/5 overall.
Please check the In My Country pages to find out if your degree is equivalent.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate
The CAH3 code for this degree is CAH07-01-01. Students who need a visa to live or study in the UK must to apply for ATAS clearance. The ATAS clearance certificate must be valid when you apply for a visa to enter the UK. To find out if you need to apply for ATAS clearance, please visit http://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
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
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025Careers
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. You will develop the knowledge, understanding and practical insight that will enable you to help diagnose and treat disease using techniques such as nuclear medicine, MRI, medical electronics and computer technology and radiotherapy.
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
An MSc in Medical Physics from the University of Aberdeen will show employers that you have a broad knowledge base, first-hand research experience and the relevant skills required to bring value to their organisation. Links with the University, the John Mallard Scottish PET Centre and the Foresterhill Health Campus will enhance your credibility and help establish your reputation as a contributor to essential research projects.
The MSc programme meets the educational requirements of the Part I Training Scheme for Medical Physicists and Clinical Engineers in the UK’s National Health Service.
Career Opportunities
- Medical Device Risk Manager
- Medical Physicist
- Postgraduate Researcher
- Radiation Physics Specialist
- Researcher
Industry Links
NHS Grampian
GE Healthcare
Philips Healthcare
Siemens Healthcare
Accreditation
This degree holds accreditation from
- Accredited by the IPEM
Our Experts
The programme will be delivered by an experienced, multidisciplinary team of internationally renowned researchers and NHS staff.
- Other Experts
- Dr Gordon Waiter, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Roger Staff, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Stephen McCallum, The University of Aberdeen
- Mr George Cameron, The University of Aberdeen
- Programme Coordinator
- Professor Andy Welch, The University of Aberdeen
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
MRI Scanner
Our 3.0 T Philips Achieva research MRI scanner, is located in the Lilian Sutton Building (LSB) at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) on the Foresterhill Health Campus.
Clinical PET scanner
The clinical PET scanner (a GE Discovery STe PET CT) is located in a purpose built facility, adjacent to the tracer development facility, nuclear medicine and MRI units.
Foresterhill Health Campus
The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX