- Medical Physics
MSc — 2025 entry Medical Physics
Can the application of concepts, theories and methods of physics save lives? On our Medical Physics MSc, which attracts a diverse range of UK and international students, you’ll explore this question, discovering the latest techniques which are extending the limits of medicine.
Why choose
this course?
We have trained more than 1,000 medical physicists and we’re accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM), so you can look forward to high-quality teaching during your time here.
There are generous external funding opportunities available for students on this course. This includes the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, which aims to help increase the number of women in the nuclear field, and the Bursary Scheme offered by The Nuclear Industry Benevolent Fund. See Funding for more information.
Statistics
94%
of our physics postgraduate students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA).
Accreditation
EDI status
What you will study
The syllabus for our MSc will provide you with the knowledge, skills and experience required of a graduate medical physicist.
Our course places more emphasis than many other similar programmes on topics beyond ionising radiation (X-rays and radiotherapy), allowing you to study areas such as magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and the use of lasers in medicine.
You’ll learn the theoretical foundations of modern imaging and treatments, and you’ll acquire a set of experimental skills that are essential to a medical physicist’s job. You’ll gain these through experimental sessions in our newly refurbished radiation laboratories, as well as through practical experiences using state-of-the-art clinical facilities at collaborating hospitals.
Professional recognition
MSc - Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM).
Accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM).
Academic performance prizes
Hounsfield Prize
A prize of £200 is awarded annually for the best research dissertation in the field of medical physics by a student on this MSc. Sir Godfrey Hounsfield was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1979 for his work on Computed Tomography.
Mayneord Prize
A prize of £200 in memory of Professor Valentine Mayneord is awarded to the student with the best overall performance on this MSc. Professor Mayneord was one of the pioneers of medical physics, who had a long association with Surrey and encouraged the growth of teaching and research in the field.
Glen Knoll Prize
A prize of £300 in memory of Professor Glenn Knoll is awarded annually to a student with outstanding performance in radiation physics and radiation measurement on any of the physics MSc courses. Professor Knoll was a world-leading authority in radiation detection with a long association with Surrey.
IPEM Student Prize
A prize of £250 is awarded to a student on this MSc for outstanding performance in their dissertation.
Equality and diversity
We are committed to fostering the next generation of physicists in an environment that is diverse and inclusive, ensuring equal opportunities for all, independent of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other protected characteristics.
We’re a member of the Institute of Physics’ equality and diversity initiative, Project Juno, which rewards physics departments for promoting gender equality in physics. We are proud to have been awarded Juno Champion status.
We also have an active Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) group within the School of Mathematics and Physics, which aims to grow the diversity of our student body and ensure a welcoming environment for everyone.
Teaching Assistant Scheme
Every year, our Teaching Assistant Scheme enables MSc students in the Department to earn while they study, providing teaching support to undergraduate students. Teaching assistants are involved in a range of duties, including laboratory supervision, in-class tutorial support and support with computing classes. Find out more about the Teaching Assistant Scheme.
Full-time students complete four modules per semester, while part-time students typically complete two modules per semester.
The dissertation topics are normally allocated towards the end of the spring semester. Dissertation project work will be carried out during the summer period. Part-time students will work on their dissertation in the summer of their second year.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff, meaning all modules are comprised of multiples of 15 credits, up to a maximum of 120 credits.
Course options
Year 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
These lectures describe in detail the principles of radiation detection, measurement and dosimetry.
View full module detailsLectures provide a detailed and systematic overview of atomic and nuclear physics including basic energetics of radioactive decay. An introduction on interactions of radiation with matter and introductory material describing detector operation.
View full module detailsThis course starts with an overview of human biology, followed by a discussion of the nature of the interaction of ionising and non-ionising radiation with biological systems. The course emphasises the effects at the cellular level and the impact that this has on the individual and across the population. The behaviour and effects of ingested and inhaled radionuclides are also covered.
View full module detailsThe module will provide students with practical skills and background knowledge needed to work in a clinical setting. It includes two seminars/workshop on research ethics and intellectual property and a set of radiation laboratory experiments.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
All students aiming for the MSc degree qualification undertake an MSc dissertation project. Students choose a project either from a list of proposed topics within the University, or in some cases arrangement is made for the project to be undertaken in industrial, research or hospital-based environment. The majority of part-time students arrange to undertake the project in their place of work. Students are assigned a supervisor relating to the project chosen. Students undertaking their project outside of the University are assigned both an internal and an external supervisor. The work is assessed as follows: Project write-up A write up of no more than 40 pages in total, including title page, brief abstract, text, diagrams and references must be submitted. Supervisors will give guidance on the layout of the project and the first draft of material where appropriate. When referencing in your written work, you should use the Harvard referencing system unless otherwise directed by the Module Co-ordinator. Further information relating to referencing in your work, can be found on the University Library website at http://www.surrey.ac.uk/library/subject/bibref/
View full module detailsRadiations of various types are widely used for therapeutic purposes. The bulk of hospital physicists work with ionising radiation and hence the topic is fundamental for anyone entering the profession. In this module, an introduction is given to radiotherapy systems, for beam delivery, guidance and dosimetry. Around one-third of the module is then devoted to a number of key uses of non-ionising radiation in delivery of various therapies, with sources based on laser light, uv and high-intensity focused ultrasound.
View full module detailsIonising radiation is widely used for diagnostic purposes, and multi-modality imaging is now becoming ubiquitous. The majority of hospital physicists work with ionising radiation and hence the topic is fundamental for anyone entering the profession. In this module, an introduction is given to imaging systems and image perception. Detailed lectures then cover X-radiography, X-ray computed tomography, radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear medicine. The lectures will be supported by an assessed nuclear medicine practical and by tutorials in image processing and image registration.
View full module detailsThe module is designed to give students knowledge of the basic physics that underpins nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR / MRI) and ultrasound, together with details of common imaging strategies.It delivers material on the basic principles of NMR and medical MRI . It also provides an introduction to ultrasound, a major non-ionising radiation imaging modality, with lectures complemented by three laboratory sessions.
View full module detailsThe module is aimed at giving students an understanding of the use of computers in the broader context of medical physics. This will range from the use of Monte Carlo modelling using TOPAS for dosimetry and experimental design, to the use of Python to code simple problems related to image processing and data science. In addition, they will learn the importance of data security and data governance with specific application to a clinical context.
View full module detailsYear 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
These lectures describe in detail the principles of radiation detection, measurement and dosimetry.
View full module detailsLectures provide a detailed and systematic overview of atomic and nuclear physics including basic energetics of radioactive decay. An introduction on interactions of radiation with matter and introductory material describing detector operation.
View full module detailsThe module will provide students with practical skills and background knowledge needed to work in a clinical setting. It includes two seminars/workshop on research ethics and intellectual property and a set of radiation laboratory experiments.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
Ionising radiation is widely used for diagnostic purposes, and multi-modality imaging is now becoming ubiquitous. The majority of hospital physicists work with ionising radiation and hence the topic is fundamental for anyone entering the profession. In this module, an introduction is given to imaging systems and image perception. Detailed lectures then cover X-radiography, X-ray computed tomography, radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear medicine. The lectures will be supported by an assessed nuclear medicine practical and by tutorials in image processing and image registration.
View full module detailsThe module is aimed at giving students an understanding of the use of computers in the broader context of medical physics. This will range from the use of Monte Carlo modelling using TOPAS for dosimetry and experimental design, to the use of Python to code simple problems related to image processing and data science. In addition, they will learn the importance of data security and data governance with specific application to a clinical context.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
n/A
Year 2
Semester 1
Compulsory
This course starts with an overview of human biology, followed by a discussion of the nature of the interaction of ionising and non-ionising radiation with biological systems. The course emphasises the effects at the cellular level and the impact that this has on the individual and across the population. The behaviour and effects of ingested and inhaled radionuclides are also covered.
View full module detailsThe module will provide students with practical skills and background knowledge needed to work in a clinical setting. It includes two seminars/workshop on research ethics and intellectual property and a set of radiation laboratory experiments.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
All students aiming for the MSc degree qualification undertake an MSc dissertation project. Students choose a project either from a list of proposed topics within the University, or in some cases arrangement is made for the project to be undertaken in industrial, research or hospital-based environment. The majority of part-time students arrange to undertake the project in their place of work. Students are assigned a supervisor relating to the project chosen. Students undertaking their project outside of the University are assigned both an internal and an external supervisor. The work is assessed as follows: Project write-up A write up of no more than 40 pages in total, including title page, brief abstract, text, diagrams and references must be submitted. Supervisors will give guidance on the layout of the project and the first draft of material where appropriate. When referencing in your written work, you should use the Harvard referencing system unless otherwise directed by the Module Co-ordinator. Further information relating to referencing in your work, can be found on the University Library website at http://www.surrey.ac.uk/library/subject/bibref/
View full module detailsRadiations of various types are widely used for therapeutic purposes. The bulk of hospital physicists work with ionising radiation and hence the topic is fundamental for anyone entering the profession. In this module, an introduction is given to radiotherapy systems, for beam delivery, guidance and dosimetry. Around one-third of the module is then devoted to a number of key uses of non-ionising radiation in delivery of various therapies, with sources based on laser light, uv and high-intensity focused ultrasound.
View full module detailsThe module is designed to give students knowledge of the basic physics that underpins nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR / MRI) and ultrasound, together with details of common imaging strategies.It delivers material on the basic principles of NMR and medical MRI . It also provides an introduction to ultrasound, a major non-ionising radiation imaging modality, with lectures complemented by three laboratory sessions.
View full module detailsGeneral course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester.
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week, and in subsequent semesters, two weeks prior to the start of semester.
Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from Academic Administration.
Location
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
As a graduate of this course, you’ll have skills that are highly sought after for working at the interface between physics and medicine, with an emphasis on advanced technologies.
Graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of employees, including:
- NHS
- Institute of Cancer Research
- Elekta Ltd
- GE Healthcare
- GlaxoSmithKline Ltd.
Other employers include UK and international universities, hospitals and government organisations.
94 per cent of our physics postgraduate students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA).
Claire Ramsey
Student - Medical Physics MSc
"There are a lot of external speakers on the course, including from the Royal Surrey Hospital and the National Physical Laboratory. They really help to widen your understanding of medical physics applications."
Andrew Oswin Ratnam
Student - Medical Physics MSc
"In the second semester, we visited Queen Alexander Hospital in Portsmouth and Royal Surrey County Hospital which helped me decide what to do for my career."
UK qualifications
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in chemistry, engineering, biomedical engineering or physics, or a recognised equivalent international qualification.
We'll also consider relevant work experience if you don't meet these requirements.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other element.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of ways.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning process may mean you can join a course without the formal entry requirements, or at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please contact the Admissions team with any queries.
Study and work abroad
There may be opportunities to acquire valuable European experience by working or conducting research abroad during your degree or shortly afterwards.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
Fees per year
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate courses.
September 2025 - Full-time - 1 year
- UK
- £11,400
- Overseas
- £24,900
September 2025 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK
- £5,700
- Overseas
- £12,500
- If you are on the two-year part-time masters programme, the annual fee is payable in Year 1 and Year 2 of the programme
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2025-26 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule (students on an unstructured self-paced part-time course are not eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan).
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be October/November of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
- Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis: cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices.
Additional costs
Commuting (local travel expenses): Unable to specify amount - Potentially travel costs for the dissertation which may be reimbursable.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
External funding opportunities are available for MSc students on this course through the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP), which provides funding for female students for tuition and living costs.
Physics MSc students also have the opportunity to earn while they study through the MSc Teaching Assistant Scheme.
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
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Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyPlease note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyAdmissions information
Once you apply, you can expect to hear back from us within 14 days. This might be with a decision on your application or with a request for further information.
Our code of practice for postgraduate admissions policy explains how the Admissions team considers applications and admits students. Read our postgraduate applicant guidance for more information on applying.
About the University of Surrey
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- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
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Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
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