Physics with Medical Physics BSc

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University College London

Program Overview

UCL’s BSc Physics with Medical Physics is a unique degree that combines the core principles of physics with their life-changing applications in medicine. It’s perfect for students who are passionate about science and want to explore how physics underpins technologies like MRI, CT, and radiotherapy — all while gaining the skills to work in healthcare, research, or innovation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year builds a strong foundation in classical physics, mathematics, and experimental skills, while introducing you to the medical side of the discipline. You’ll study Atoms, Stars and the Universe, Waves, Optics and Acoustics, and Thermal Physics and the Properties of Matter. Modules like Introduction to Medical Imaging and Practical Physics and Computing for Medical Physics 1 give you early exposure to hospital imaging technologies and Python programming.

Year 2
In second year, you’ll deepen your understanding of core physics with modules like Quantum Physics and its Application to Atoms and Molecules, Statistical Thermodynamics, and Electromagnetic Theory. You’ll also explore the Physics of the Human Body — covering blood flow, lung function, and thermal regulation — and Biophysics, where you’ll study biological polymers, membranes, and nerve signals. Mathematical Methods II and Developing Effective Communication 1 round out your technical and presentation skills.

Year 3
The final year is all about specialisation and research. You’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules to tailor your studies — from advanced imaging to radiation physics — and complete a major Research Project in Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering. This project connects you directly with UCL’s research community and clinical partners, giving you real-world experience in applying physics to healthcare challenges.

Focus Areas

Medical imaging, radiation physics, biophysics, human physiology, quantum physics, and computational methods.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will master core physics and mathematics, gain practical experience with medical technologies, and develop the analytical, computational, and communication skills needed for careers in healthcare, research, or industry.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP). It partially fulfills the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status, with a clear path to full professional recognition.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UCL ranks in the top 4 in the UK for Physics & Astronomy (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024). Its strong clinical and research partnerships — including with UCLH, CMIC, and the Institute of Healthcare Engineering — make this one of the UK’s most respected medical physics pathways.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This program is built around hands-on learning, giving students direct experience with hospital-grade imaging systems, computational tools, and real-world biomedical applications. From Python programming to clinical research projects, you’ll gain the practical skills needed to thrive in both medical and scientific environments. UCL’s central London location and close ties with hospitals and research institutes make this one of the most immersive physics-with-medicine degrees in the UK.

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 hospital imaging technologies
Introduction to Medical Imaging gives students early exposure to X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound systems, with real clinical context
Research Project in Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering in Year 3 connects students with active research groups and clinical applications
Physics of the Human Body explores biomechanics, blood flow, and thermoregulation through lab-based and computational methods
Biophysics covers biological polymers, membranes, and nerve signals, blending physics with life sciences
Access to UCL’s Physics Teaching Laboratories and Science Library, supporting both experimental and theoretical work
Close links with UCLH (University College London Hospitals) and institutes like the Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC) and UCL Institute of Healthcare Engineering, offering exposure to clinical research and innovation

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from UCL’s BSc Physics with Medical Physics are uniquely positioned at the intersection of science, technology, and healthcare. Many go on to impactful roles such as clinical scientist, medical imaging specialist, radiation physicist, or research associate in hospitals, industry, or academia. This degree equips you with both the analytical power of physics and the applied knowledge of medical technologies — a combination that’s in high demand.

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 across healthcare, research, and tech sectors
Graduate Outcomes Survey (2017–2021) shows alumni progressing into roles directly supporting clinicians and patients, or developing new technologies in research and industry
Institute of Physics accreditation provides a pathway toward Chartered Physicist (CPhys) status, a long-term professional credential recognised across scientific and healthcare fields
Strong industry and clinical links through UCL’s partnerships with University College London Hospitals (UCLH), the Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), and the UCL Institute of Healthcare Engineering, offering exposure to real-world innovation and research
Research-led teaching and final-year projects often involve collaboration with hospitals and active research groups, giving students a head start in both academic and applied careers

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc, many students continue with a Master’s degree (MSc) in Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, or related fields. UCL also offers a four-year Medical Physics MSci, which includes deeper research training and fulfills the full educational requirements for CPhys status — ideal for those considering a PhD or clinical scientist training.