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.
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
- September or January
- 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 MoreStage 1
Compulsory Courses
Students must take the following courses.
- Biomedical and Professional Topics in Healthcare Science (BP5512)
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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.
- Imaging in Medicine (BP5513)
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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.
- Radiation in Medicine (BP5514)
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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.
- Computing and Electronics in Medicine (BP5515)
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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.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)
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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’.
Stage 2
Compulsory Courses
Students must take the following courses.
- Radiotherapy and Radiation Physics (BP5907)
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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.
- Nuclear Medicine & Positron Emission Tomography (BP5902)
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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.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (BP5903)
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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.
- Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection (BP5906)
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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.
Stage 3
Compulsory Courses
- MSc Project (BP5016)
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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.
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £27,000 Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Home / RUK £11,845 Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year
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.
Fee Information
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
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 InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
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.
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
International Applicants
Careers
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 Hugh Seton
- Dr Gordon Waiter
- Dr Roger Staff
- Dr Stephen McCallum
- Mr George Cameron
- Programme Coordinator
- Professor Andy Welch
Information About Staff Changes
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.
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