BSc Physics with Medical Physics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Cardiff University

Program Overview

Cardiff’s BSc Physics with Medical Physics is ideal for students who want to apply physics to healthcare, imaging, and radiation science.
You’ll study core physics alongside specialist modules in medical diagnostics and radiation protection—perfect for those interested in careers in the NHS, medical technology, or further study in healthcare physics.

Curriculum structure

Year 1: Foundations in Physics and Mathematics
You’ll begin with Mechanics and Matter, Electricity, Magnetism and Waves, and Mathematical Methods for Physicists 1 & 2, which build your understanding of classical physics and mathematical modelling. You’ll also take Experimental Physics and Computational Skills for Problem Solving, gaining hands-on lab experience and programming basics. Optional modules include Introduction to Astrophysics or Medical Physics—the latter introducing key healthcare applications.

Year 2: Core Physics and Medical Applications
This year deepens your knowledge with Introductory Quantum Mechanics, Thermal and Statistical Physics, and Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics. You’ll also study Scientific Programming, Optics, and Physics in Action: Real-World Problem Solving. The medical focus begins to sharpen with the optional Medical Physics module, covering imaging and radiation therapy principles.

Year 3: Specialisation in Medical Physics
You’ll explore advanced topics like Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Solid State Physics, and Particle Physics and Special Relativity. The medical emphasis continues with Radiation Protection and Diagnostic Radiology Physics, which covers X-ray imaging, CT, and radiation safety. You’ll also complete a 30-credit Physics Project, often focused on a medical physics topic, with opportunities to collaborate with NHS or research partners.

Focus areas: radiation physics, diagnostic imaging, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, radiation protection, healthcare technology
Learning outcomes: apply physics to medical imaging and radiation safety; conduct experiments; analyse data; use scientific programming; communicate technical concepts
Professional alignment (accreditation): accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP)
Reputation (employability rankings):

1st in the Russell Group for teaching, learning opportunities, and academic support in Physics (NSS 2024)
8th in the UK for Physics (The Guardian University Guide 2025)
95% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Cardiff’s BSc Physics with Medical Physics blends rigorous scientific training with real-world healthcare applications, giving students the chance to explore how physics powers modern medicine.
From your first year, you’ll build practical lab and coding skills, and by your final year, you’ll be working with diagnostic imaging, radiation protection, and independent research—ideal preparation for careers in medical physics or further study in healthcare science.

Here’s how Cardiff delivers experiential learning for this program:

Experimental Physics (Year 1): Develops core lab skills in measurement, error analysis, and data interpretation using modern equipment.
Computational Skills for Problem Solving: Introduces programming and numerical methods using Python, preparing students for simulation and modelling tasks.
Intermediate Practical Physics (Year 2): Expands lab experience with more complex experiments in optics, quantum mechanics, and condensed matter.
Physics in Action: Real-World Problem Solving: Connects theory to application through group-based challenges and case studies.
Scientific Programming: Builds proficiency in coding and algorithmic thinking for physics applications.
Medical Physics Modules: Include Radiation Protection and Diagnostic Radiology Physics, covering X-ray imaging, CT, and radiation safety.
Final-Year Physics Project: A 30-credit independent research project where students investigate a topic of their choice, often focused on medical physics and supported by Cardiff’s research strengths.
Libraries and Study Spaces: Access to the Science Library and dedicated physics study areas within the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Cardiff’s BSc Physics with Medical Physics are uniquely prepared to apply scientific expertise in healthcare, diagnostics, and radiation safety.
This program opens doors to careers as medical physicists, radiation protection specialists, imaging analysts, and healthcare technologists—especially within the NHS and medical research sectors. Here’s how Cardiff supports your future success:

Careers and Employability Service: Offers tailored support through the School of Physics and Astronomy, including CV guidance, employer networking, and interview preparation.
Graduate Outcomes: 95% of Cardiff physics graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22).
Industry Connections: Cardiff collaborates with NHS Wales and research centres focused on medical imaging and radiation science, giving students exposure to clinical applications.
Accreditation Value: The degree is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), supporting your path to Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status.
Graduate Employers: Alumni have progressed into roles within the NHS, private healthcare providers, and medical technology companies.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often pursue MSc or PhD study in medical physics, radiation science, or healthcare technology. Cardiff offers postgraduate options aligned with clinical physics, including routes into NHS clinical scientist training and doctoral research in imaging and radiation protection.