Medical Physics MSci

UCL’s MSci Medical Physics offers hands-on experience from day one, combining physics labs, clinical exposure, and real-world research. You’ll work with hospital-grade imaging systems, simulate physiological processes, and collaborate on projects that tackle real healthcare challenges. The program is jointly delivered by UCL Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering and UCL Physics & Astronomy, giving you access to two world-class departments and their facilities.

Here’s how the program brings medical physics to life:

• Practical Physics and Computing for Medical Physics 1 introduces Python programming and experimental techniques using imaging tools and data analysis software
• Introduction to Medical Imaging gives early exposure to technologies like MRI, CT, and ultrasound, with practical sessions linked to clinical applications
• Physics of the Human Body includes lab-based simulations of blood flow, lung function, and thermal regulation
• Biophysics explores biological polymers, membranes, and nerve signals through hands-on modeling and analysis
• Literature Review Project in Year 3 develops research skills by engaging with current scientific literature in medical physics and biomedical engineering
• Final-year Research Project connects you with UCL researchers and clinical partners, often involving work at University College Hospital (UCLH) or research centres like CMIC and the Institute of Healthcare Engineering
• Access to UCL’s Physics Teaching Laboratories, equipped for structured experiments in optics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism
• UCL Science Library offers extensive physics and medical imaging collections, journals, and digital databases to support your coursework and research
• Student projects often involve real-world healthcare scenarios, with opportunities to present findings and collaborate across disciplines

Graduates of UCL’s MSci Medical Physics are uniquely positioned to shape the future of healthcare — whether working directly with clinicians, developing new technologies, or advancing research. Typical roles include clinical scientist, medical imaging specialist, radiotherapy physicist, and biomedical researcher. The program’s strong clinical links and research focus make it a launchpad for impactful careers.

Here’s how UCL supports your next steps:

• UCL Careers Service offers tailored support including one-to-one coaching, employer-led events, and access to internships and graduate schemes in healthcare, research, and technology
• Graduate Outcomes data shows that many alumni work in hospitals, industry, or academia — contributing to patient care, innovation, and scientific discovery
• Paid summer internships, student ambassador schemes, and voluntary research placements offer early career experience within UCL’s Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering department
• Close partnerships with University College Hospital (UCLH), Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), and the Institute of Healthcare Engineering provide real-world exposure and collaborative research opportunities
• Institute of Physics accreditation ensures the MSci fully satisfies the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status — a long-term professional credential

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSci, many students continue with a PhD in Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, or related fields. The final-year research project and optional modules provide ideal preparation for doctoral study, whether at UCL or other top-tier institutions