MRes Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering

The MRes at UCL is built around real, hands-on scientific work. From the very beginning, you step into the environment of working medical physicists and biomedical engineers — designing experiments, working with clinical-grade equipment, and collaborating with researchers and clinicians. You’ll be spending much of your time in specialist laboratories and research groups, developing skills that mirror the way professionals create new imaging methods, therapeutic technologies, and biomedical devices. This is a programme where you learn by doing, with access to advanced tools across UCL’s engineering and medical ecosystem.

Here’s what that practical experience looks like in action:

• Specialist research labs and clinical facilities: You’ll work with equipment used in radiotherapy, MRI, proton therapy, X-ray and optical imaging, ultrasound and medical instrumentation — much of it shared with UCL’s partner hospitals.

• A major research project at the centre of the degree: The 120-credit MRes project gives you the chance to design your own investigations, run experiments or simulations, analyse real data, and contribute to ongoing research within the department.

• Practice-focused optional modules: Whether you’re studying Medical Imaging, Biomedical Ultrasound, MRI and Biomedical Optics, Computing in Medicine, Medical Electronics, Radiotherapy Physics or Medical Robotics, each module helps you build relevant technical skills for your chosen pathway.

• Collaboration with clinicians and engineers: Because the department works closely with healthcare partners, students often gain insight into clinical needs, device development workflows, and the realities of working in medical technology.

• Advanced computational and analytical tools: Many projects and modules involve image analysis, modelling, signal processing or control systems — giving you experience with the digital tools that drive modern biomedical engineering.

Graduates from UCL’s MRes in Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering step into the field with strong scientific training and hands-on research experience, making them competitive for roles across healthcare technology, clinical science, and research. Many move into positions such as clinical scientist, biomedical engineer, medical-device R&D engineer, or research associate in hospitals or MedTech companies. It’s a degree that gives you both immediate employability and long-term flexibility in a rapidly growing sector.

Here’s how UCL supports your next step:

• Personalised careers support: UCL’s careers and employability team offers guidance on applications, interview preparation, and employer events — all tailored to science, healthcare and engineering pathways.

• Strong graduate outcomes: Alumni from this department often join NHS clinical physics units, medical-device companies, biomedical engineering firms, and research institutions, reflecting the practical and interdisciplinary skills gained during the MRes.

• Connections with hospitals and industry: The department works closely with major teaching hospitals and MedTech partners, giving you access to networks that can lead to placements, collaborations or early-career opportunities.

• A qualification with real long-term value: The MRes provides research-intensive training recognised across the healthcare and technology sectors, making it an excellent foundation for specialist roles or future academic progression.

• Career directions shaped by real research: Many graduates move directly into medical physics, clinical engineering, device development or research teams — all areas where UCL’s name and training carry real weight.

Further Academic Progression:

If you want to continue into advanced research, the MRes sets you up exceptionally well for a PhD — either at UCL or at other top universities. With a major research project already completed, you’ll be ready to pursue doctoral work in medical imaging, biomedical engineering, radiotherapy physics, device development, or other specialised areas.