BSc in Physics with Medical Applications

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

Queen’s BSc Physics with Medical Applications is designed for students who want to apply physics to healthcare, imaging, and diagnostics.
You’ll study core physics while exploring how it powers technologies like MRI, radiotherapy, and medical instrumentation—ideal for careers in medical physics, healthcare technology, or further clinical training.

Curriculum structure

Year 1: Core Physics and Scientific Foundations
You’ll begin with Classical Physics, Mathematics for Scientists, and Laboratory Physics, which build your understanding of mechanics, waves, and experimental techniques. Modules like Frontiers of Modern Physics and Physics and Communication introduce quantum ideas and develop your scientific writing and presentation skills.

Year 2: Expanding into Quantum and Medical Physics
This year includes Quantum Physics, Thermal Physics, and Electromagnetism, alongside Mathematical Physics and Laboratory Physics 2. You’ll also take Medical Physics, which introduces imaging techniques, radiation physics, and the physics of the human body.

Year 3: Specialisation and Independent Research
You’ll study Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, and Particle Physics, while deepening your medical focus through Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Physics. Your final-year Project in Physics allows you to investigate a topic of your choice, often aligned with Queen’s strengths in medical diagnostics or radiation therapy.

Focus areas: medical physics, quantum physics, nuclear physics, radiotherapy, medical imaging, scientific computing
Learning outcomes: apply theoretical and experimental methods; analyse medical data; use scientific software; communicate complex ideas; conduct independent research
Professional alignment (accreditation): accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP)
Reputation (employability rankings):

Top 170 globally for Physics and Astronomy (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)
94% of Physics graduates in employment or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey)
Queen’s ranked in the top 10 in the UK for research intensity (REF 2021)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Queen’s BSc Physics with Medical Applications gives students the chance to explore how physics powers healthcare—from imaging and diagnostics to radiotherapy and medical instrumentation.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in labs, use scientific software, and work on real-world problems that connect physics with clinical practice and biomedical innovation.

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

Laboratory Physics (Years 1 & 2): Develops experimental skills using modern equipment, with increasing complexity across mechanics, optics, and electromagnetism.
Medical Physics (Year 2): Introduces practical applications in imaging, radiation physics, and the physics of the human body.
Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Physics (Year 3): Offers hands-on experience with diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, including simulation and analysis of clinical systems.
Project in Physics (Year 3): A major independent research project where students investigate a topic of their choice, often aligned with Queen’s strengths in medical diagnostics or radiation therapy.
Scientific Software: Students use Python and MATLAB for data analysis, modelling, and simulation throughout the program.
Group Work and Communication: Modules like Physics and Communication build teamwork and presentation skills through collaborative assignments and scientific writing.
Access to Specialist Facilities: Includes the Centre for Nanostructured Media, Institute for Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT), and Queen’s Medical Physics Research Cluster.
Libraries and Study Spaces: Students benefit from the McClay Library and dedicated physics study areas within the School of Mathematics and Physics.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Queen’s BSc Physics with Medical Applications are uniquely positioned to bridge physics and healthcare—making them highly sought after in medical imaging, diagnostics, and clinical technology.
Typical roles include medical physicist, radiotherapy technician, clinical scientist, and biomedical software analyst. Here’s how Queen’s supports your future success:

Careers, Employability and Skills Service: Offers tailored support including career coaching, employer networking events, and access to the MyFuture platform for internships and graduate roles.
Graduate Outcomes: 94% of Physics graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Industry Connections: Queen’s collaborates with organisations such as the NHS, UK Atomic Energy Authority, and local med-tech firms through research and placement opportunities.
Accreditation Value: The degree is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP), supporting your path to Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status.
Graduate Employers: Alumni have gone on to work in hospitals, research labs, and healthcare technology companies across the UK and internationally.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often pursue MSc or PhD study in medical physics, biomedical engineering, or clinical science. Queen’s offers postgraduate options aligned with its research strengths in radiotherapy, diagnostic imaging, and computational modelling.