Aidan Mackenzie

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.
**Please note that there will be no January 2024 intake for this programme. The next January intake of this programme will be January 2025, the September intakes are running as normal.
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.
Please note that the next January intake of this programme will be January 2025, the September intakes are running as normal.
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).
Students must take the following courses.
15 Credit Points
This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, in order to develop a basic understanding of cells, tissues and organs and how they may be altered by disease. The course also includes a range of topics around Professional Issues, Management of Medical Physics, Statistics and Safety.
15 Credit Points
This course provides instruction in the basic physics and engineering principles of imaging techniques used in medicine. It also provides an overview of the range of applications of imaging techniques in the modern medical environment. The course covers Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography, Radiodiagnosis (X-ray imaging), Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasound Imaging.
15 Credit Points
This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of radiation physics, including the mechanisms of interaction of radiation with matter. The basic concepts and techniques of radiation therapy are covered, as are the fundamentals of radiation protection. Applications of non-ionising radiation in medicine are also covered.
15 Credit Points
This course provides an introduction to computing and information technology as applied to medical physics and medical imaging, including an introduction to medical image processing techniques. Hands-on learning is provided to build confidence with computer software. The course also covers basic concepts of analogue and digital electronics and their application in a clinical setting.
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Students must take the following courses.
15 Credit Points
This course covers all aspects of radiotherapy physics including radiobiology of radiotherapy treatment, charged particle therapy, dosimetry, treatment planning, brachytherapy, radiotherapy equipment, quality assurance, safety and radiation protection in radiotherapy. In addition to attending lectures and tutorials, students spend time in the state-of-the-art Radiotherapy department of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, to attend demonstrations in CT treatment planning, gynaecological brachytherapy, megavoltage beam data acquisition and linear accelerator QA.
15 Credit Points
You will gain hands-on experience of a modern gamma camera during the practical. Departmental visits allow access to state-of-the-art imaging systems and radioisotope production facilities. Lectures are delivered by experienced clinical staff and leading academics. They reflect current best clinical practice and provide content around research methods and analysis techniques. This ensures the course remains current and reflects the full range of applications of the technique. It provides an overview of career possibilities in medical imaging applications of radiation and provides a knowledge base to make informed choices around future careers or study.
15 Credit Points
The wide range of related subjects covered, including basic Magnetic Resonance Imaging theory, practical applications and hands on experience, gives you a broad understanding of Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
You will be in the advantageous position of learning in an environment that was pivotal in the early development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and continues to contribute to its development.
The lecturers will be academics who are leading researchers, to ensure the course content is rooted in today’s best practice and science.
15 Credit Points
The Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection Deeper Study will give you to opportunity to learn about a wide range of diagnostic modalities used in clinical practice, such as computed and digital radiography, fluoroscopy, CT and mammography. You will also learn about Radiation Protection legislation in the UK and how this is applied. The course will include hands-on practical work in ARI where you will have the opportunity to use x-ray equipment and a variety of detectors. This course provides a solid knowledge base for going on to work in a medical physics department.
60 Credit Points
This course comprises a research project, lasting approximately 13 weeks (including write-up time). The project is intended to encourage development of interest in a particular aspect of the overall field of study. The student will also develop an understanding of research methods and skills including information retrieval, planning a work schedule and organisation of a working routine. Other transferrable skills that will be developed include initiative and independent thought by the student as well as the communication skills required for production of a thesis and for delivery of an oral presentation on the project.
Please refer to our InfoHub Tuition Fees page for fee information for this programme, or contact study@abdn.ac.uk.
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
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:
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.
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.
Please note that the next January intake of this programme will be January 2025, the September intakes are running as normal.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
NHS Grampian
GE Healthcare
Philips Healthcare
Siemens Healthcare
The programme will be delivered by an experienced, multidisciplinary team of internationally renowned researchers and NHS staff.
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
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.
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.
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.