Master of Medical Physics

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Master of Medical Physics at The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ideal for students who want to use physics and technology to make a difference in healthcare. The programme teaches students how medical physicists contribute to areas such as medical imaging, cancer treatment, radiation safety and healthcare innovation through a combination of advanced coursework and research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students build a strong foundation in medical physics through subjects such as Anatomy and Biology for Medical Physicists, Medical Imaging Physics, Radiation Biology and Protection, Radiotherapy Physics and Radiation Physics and Dosimetry. These subjects help students understand how physics is used in hospitals for medical scans, radiation treatments and ensuring patient safety.

Year 2:
Students focus on applying their knowledge through the Medical Physics Dissertation, where they complete a research project under academic supervision. Students can also explore areas such as Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Computational Modelling and Biostatistics, helping them understand how emerging technologies and data-driven approaches are shaping the future of healthcare.

Focus Areas:

Medical imaging, radiotherapy, radiation safety, radiation dosimetry, healthcare technology, computational methods and medical physics research.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop the technical knowledge and practical skills required to apply physics in healthcare settings. They learn how to work with medical technologies, analyse complex problems, conduct research and communicate scientific findings effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Master of Medical Physics at UWA is accredited by the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM), providing graduates with a recognised pathway towards professional medical physics careers.

Reputation:

UWA is one of Australia’s leading research universities, offering students access to a strong healthcare and research environment. Through connections with hospitals, research centres and medical physics professionals, students gain exposure to real-world applications of medical physics.

Official Programme:
Master of Medical Physics – The University of Western Australia

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Medical Physics at UWA provides students with practical experience by combining advanced physics concepts with real healthcare applications. Students learn how medical physics is used in areas such as diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy and radiation protection through specialist coursework, laboratory sessions, research projects and exposure to clinical environments. The programme also gives students the opportunity to learn from experienced medical physicists through UWA’s strong connections with hospitals and healthcare organisations.

Students gain practical experience through:

Clinical and laboratory-based learning in areas such as Medical Imaging Physics, Radiation Biology and Protection, Radiotherapy Physics, and Radiation Physics and Dosimetry, helping students understand how medical technologies are used for diagnosis and treatment.
Research dissertation projects in medical physics, where students investigate a specialised topic and develop independent research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Practical exposure through UWA’s partnerships with Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and private medical physics centres across Perth, where students learn from practising clinical medical physicists.
Learning within a professional medical physics environment connected with Radiation Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, giving students insight into different healthcare applications of physics.
Access to specialist medical physics facilities, including practical learning opportunities at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, where students can observe and engage with clinical equipment used in healthcare.
Development of computational and analytical skills through units such as Computational Methods for Physics, supporting the use of mathematical and computational approaches in modern healthcare technology.
Opportunities to collaborate with researchers and healthcare professionals through UWA’s medical physics research environment.
Access to EZONE UWA, a collaborative innovation hub designed to support technology-focused learning, teamwork and industry interaction.

These experiences help students graduate with the technical knowledge, clinical awareness and research skills needed to progress towards careers in medical physics, healthcare technology and related scientific fields.

Facilities and research environment:
UWA Medical Physics Group, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, UWA Health Campus and EZONE UWA.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Medical Physics at UWA prepares students for careers where physics, technology and healthcare come together. Graduates can work in hospitals, research institutions, healthcare companies and government organisations, contributing to areas such as medical imaging, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine and radiation safety. Typical career pathways include Medical Physics Registrar, Clinical Medical Physicist, Radiation Safety Officer, and Research & Development Scientist.

Students can progress into professional roles through:

Medical Physics Registrar Pathway: The programme provides the knowledge and problem-solving skills required for entry into the ACPSEM Training, Education and Accreditation Program (TEAP) in areas such as radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging and nuclear medicine. TEAP positions are paid and competitive, leading towards qualification as a clinical medical physicist.
Research and Development Opportunities: Graduates can move into research roles within universities, scientific organisations and healthcare technology companies, with opportunities to continue into PhD or postdoctoral research pathways.
Radiation Safety and Government Roles: Graduates may work as Radiation Safety Officers, Scientific Officers or Dosimetry Officers in hospitals, government bodies and industries where radiation safety expertise is required.
Career Support at UWA: Students can access UWA career services that support employability through career advice, job preparation, networking opportunities, industry connections and professional development activities.
Strong Healthcare Partnerships: Students benefit from UWA’s connections with healthcare providers including Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and private medical physics centres across Perth, where students learn from practising clinical medical physicists and gain insight into real healthcare applications.
Employment Outcomes: UWA Medical Physics reports that 100% of Master’s graduates who have published their research are employed and/or continued further study within three months of graduation, highlighting the strong career and academic opportunities available to graduates.
Long-Term Professional Value: The programme is accredited by the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM), giving graduates a recognised foundation for professional medical physics training pathways.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Master of Medical Physics, students interested in research can continue into a PhD in Medical Physics or a related field. Graduates may also pursue further specialised research in areas such as medical imaging, radiation therapy, biomedical technology, artificial intelligence in healthcare or radiation science.