Bachelor of Science - EIS (Medical and Radiation Physics)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wollongong

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how physics can directly improve people’s lives, this major is a fantastic choice. The Medical and Radiation Physics specialisation combines core physics with real healthcare applications — teaching you how radiation is used safely and effectively in medical imaging and cancer treatment, while building strong analytical and technical skills along the way.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Strong Foundations in Science

Your first year is all about building confidence in the fundamentals. You’ll study core subjects like Fundamentals of Physics, Mathematics, and Human Structure and Function, giving you a solid grounding in mechanics, waves, calculus, and basic anatomy. This year connects physics theory to the human body early on — which is exactly what makes this major unique.

Year 2 – Understanding Radiation and Modern Physics

In second year, things become more specialised and exciting. You’ll take subjects such as Advanced Modern Physics, Radiation Physics, and Vibrations, Waves & Optics, where you explore how radiation interacts with matter and how it can be measured and controlled. You’ll also strengthen your problem-solving skills through electromagnetism and applied mathematical techniques — essential tools for medical and imaging physics.

Year 3 – Clinical Applications and Advanced Topics

By third year, you’re working at an advanced level. Subjects like Detection of Radiation: Neutrons, Electrons and X Rays and Physics of Radiotherapy bring everything together, showing you how radiation is used in real clinical environments. You’ll also deepen your understanding of quantum and nuclear physics, preparing you for careers in hospitals, research labs, or further postgraduate study.

Focus Areas (in a string):

Medical radiation physics, radiation detection and instrumentation, diagnostic imaging physics, radiotherapy physics, nuclear and quantum physics applications, mathematical modelling.

Learning Outcomes (in a string):

Apply advanced physics principles to medical technologies, analyse radiation interactions with matter, operate and evaluate radiation detection systems, solve complex quantitative problems, communicate scientific findings clearly in healthcare and research contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The program aligns with standards of the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) and provides a strong academic pathway toward professional medical physics careers and postgraduate accreditation.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

The University of Wollongong is consistently recognised globally for science and research excellence, and its strong industry links support graduates moving into healthcare technology, research institutions, and advanced scientific roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re choosing this degree, you won’t just be sitting in lecture halls — you’ll get your hands on real physics tools and work in labs that mirror professional research and clinical environments. From day one, practical components are built into nearly every subject so you learn by doing, and as you progress you’ll engage with real equipment used for radiation detection, imaging, and treatment, often guided by experts from hospitals and research centres. You’ll also have opportunities to visit world-class facilities and build experience that employers value most: connecting theory to practice in complete confidence.

Here’s what that experiential learning looks like in this program:

Undergraduate physics laboratories in the School of Physics where you gain hands-on experience working with photon, neutron and charged particle physics experiments — strengthening your experimental techniques and measurement confidence.
Field trips to accelerator and research facilities such as the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), giving you exposure to large-scale radiation technologies beyond campus.
Industry and hospital integration, with professional medical physicists from major hospitals contributing to practical classes, guest lectures, and co-supervision of project work — which means you learn how physics is applied in clinical and diagnostic settings.
Practical components embedded in coursework, where every subject includes significant hands-on work that complements theory and helps you master real-world skills for instrumentation, measurement, and programming.
Optional internships and industry projects that connect you with potential employers and give you valuable work experience before you graduate.
Access to research culture, including links with research centres like the Centre for Medical Radiation Physics, where you can participate in cutting-edge work and explore research topics alongside expert staff.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this program puts you on a clear path into exciting careers where physics meets healthcare, research and technology. Many alumni go on to roles like medical physicist, diagnostic imaging specialist, or radiation safety consultant — roles that are in demand in hospitals, research labs and industry settings. With the solid practical, analytical and technical skills you gain here, you’re not just job-ready — you’re future-ready too:

Career roles you could step into right after graduating:
- Medical Physicist or Radiation Physicist
- Diagnostic Imaging Technologist or Medical Imaging Specialist
- Radiation Protection Officer or Radiation Safety Consultant
- Research Assistant or Science Specialist in health-tech fields
University career services support: UOW’s Careers Central offers personalised career coaching, resume building, mock interviews and industry networking events to help you secure internships and graduate positions in your field.
Employment stats & salary insights: Science & Mathematics programs at UOW have strong graduate satisfaction, and about 58% of graduates move into full-time roles soon after finishing, with average early-career salaries around AUD 59,000–70,000 (and often higher with specialised roles or postgraduate training).
Industry partnerships: UOW works closely with organisations like ANSTO and CSIRO, and has clinical associations with major hospitals, giving you exposure to real hospital physics environments and research collaborations throughout your studies.
Long-term accreditation value: The program is recognised by professional bodies in physics and medical sciences, strengthening your credibility for future postgraduate training and clinical roles.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates are equipped not just with technical expertise, but with teamwork, analytical and communication skills that employers in health, research and technology sectors are actively seeking.