Physics and Engineering in Medicine MSc

One of the strongest aspects of this MSc is how deeply it immerses you in the real-world environments where medical physics and engineering are practiced. UCL’s Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering department works closely with major London hospitals and research centres, so you’re not just learning concepts — you’re seeing how they come to life in clinical and laboratory settings. Throughout the year, you’ll gain hands-on experience with the technologies, tools and analytical methods that drive today’s medical innovations.

Here’s how you’ll learn by doing:

• Specialist teaching labs: You’ll work directly with biomedical imaging and ultrasound equipment, radiation physics tools, and computational modelling platforms that reflect current clinical practice.

• Clinical exposure: Many teaching sessions draw on examples from NHS partner hospitals, giving you insight into how imaging and radiotherapy systems are used with actual patients.

• Computing and data analysis: Through modules such as Computing in Medicine, you’ll gain practical experience with programming, simulation and image processing — skills widely used in hospital and research settings.

• Research-led learning: UCL’s world-class research culture shapes your experience, and your dissertation project places you inside an active research group, often working alongside clinicians, physicists and engineers.

• Interdisciplinary teamwork: The programme brings together students from different scientific backgrounds, allowing you to collaborate on problem-solving tasks and contribute ideas from multiple perspectives.

• Access to advanced facilities: As part of UCL’s Faculty of Engineering Sciences, you benefit from cutting-edge laboratories, medical imaging suites, teaching spaces, and libraries that support both clinical science and engineering innovation.

Graduates of this MSc step into a sector where skilled medical physicists, imaging specialists and biomedical engineers are in high demand. Many students go on to work in hospitals, research centres or medical technology companies, while others follow clinical training routes or join cutting-edge research teams. Typical roles include clinical scientist in medical physics, radiotherapy physicist, medical imaging specialist, and R&D engineer in medical devices or healthcare technology — all areas where UCL graduates are well recognised.

UCL’s reputation and long-standing partnerships give you a strong launchpad for your career, and your experience working with real clinical technologies makes you immediately valuable to employers. Here’s how UCL supports your next steps:

• Strong employability support: UCL Careers provides tailored guidance, employer events, interview preparation and access to specialist STEM career advisors throughout the year.

• Excellent graduate outcomes: Alumni from this programme frequently progress into NHS clinical scientist training, PhD research positions, hospital imaging teams and advanced roles in medical technology companies.

• Industry and clinical partnerships: UCL’s close connections with major London hospitals and medical research institutes give students exposure to real clinical environments and introduce them to future employers.

• Professional recognition: The course includes pathways aligned with expectations of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM), adding long-term credibility for roles in clinical science and healthcare technology.

• Reputation that travels with you: UCL’s global standing — consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide — strengthens your profile whether you pursue clinical training, research roles or industry positions.

Further Academic Progression:

If you’re considering continuing your studies, this MSc places you in an excellent position to pursue a PhD in Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering or Applied Physics, either at UCL or another leading institution. Many students also progress into clinical scientist training programmes or advanced research fellowships, building on their dissertation work and connections made during the degree.