MSc Medical Physics in Cancer Radiation Therapy

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Manchester

Program Overview

The MSc Medical Physics in Cancer Radiation Therapy is designed for students who want to apply physics directly to cancer diagnosis and treatment. You’ll gain a strong understanding of how radiation and imaging technologies are used in modern radiotherapy, while developing the analytical and research skills needed for clinical or research-focused careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Master’s Year):
Across the year, you’ll study the core physics behind radiotherapy and medical imaging, alongside radiobiology to understand how radiation affects cancer and healthy tissue. You’ll also explore advanced radiotherapy techniques and gain exposure to data science and AI tools used in medical physics. The programme culminates in a research project where you apply your knowledge to real-world problems in cancer radiation therapy.

Focus areas (in a string):

Radiotherapy physics, cancer imaging, radiobiology, advanced radiation techniques, data science in medical physics

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Apply physics to cancer treatment, understand radiation–tissue interactions, interpret medical imaging data, use computational tools in healthcare, conduct independent research

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The programme is developed with input from clinical scientists and aligns closely with professional expectations in medical physics and cancer radiation therapy training pathways.

Reputation (employability & research strength):

Delivered in a research-intensive university with strong links to leading cancer centres, the programme benefits from Manchester’s global reputation in science, healthcare, and interdisciplinary research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the MSc Medical Physics in Cancer Radiation Therapy at the University of Manchester, learning is firmly grounded in real clinical and research practice. You won’t just study how radiotherapy works — you’ll see how physics, imaging, and data science come together in modern cancer treatment. Teaching is delivered by a combination of university academics and practising clinical scientists, helping you understand how theory translates directly into patient care. A standout element of the course is its close connection with The Christie, one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, giving you exposure to world-class radiotherapy environments and cutting-edge technology.

This hands-on experience is developed through a range of practical opportunities:

Clinical and research-focused projects linked to The Christie, where students may work with advanced radiotherapy technologies such as MR-guided radiotherapy and proton therapy
Practical use of Python and data science tools, including machine learning techniques applied to real medical physics and imaging problems
Exposure to modern radiotherapy and imaging workflows, covering adaptive radiotherapy, image-guided treatment, and advanced cancer imaging techniques
A supervised research project, where you join an active research group and apply your skills to a real clinical or scientific challenge
Teaching led by clinical physicists and oncologists, offering direct insight into how physics supports cancer diagnosis and treatment
Access to extensive computing and library resources, supporting independent research, data analysis, and evidence-based learning throughout the programme

By the end of the course, you won’t just understand cancer radiation therapy in theory — you’ll have practical experience of how medical physics operates in real clinical and research settings, preparing you for clinical training pathways, research roles, or further academic study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Medical Physics in Cancer Radiation Therapy at the University of Manchester move into careers where physics directly improves patient care and advances cancer treatment. Many progress into roles such as Clinical Medical Physicist, Radiotherapy Physicist, Medical Physics Research Scientist, or Imaging and Data Specialist, working in hospitals, cancer centres, research institutes, and healthcare technology organisations.

Manchester actively supports your employability and long-term career growth:

Careers & Employability Service: You’ll have access to personalised career guidance, CV and interview support, skills workshops, and employer networking events throughout your studies and after graduation.
Strong clinical and research links: The programme’s close collaboration with The Christie, one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, gives you valuable exposure to real clinical environments and professional networks that can support future employment and research opportunities.
Strong demand for specialists: Radiotherapy plays a central role in modern cancer treatment, which continues to drive demand for skilled medical physicists across healthcare and research settings.
Professional and clinical relevance: The specialist training you receive aligns well with expectations for medical physics roles and provides a solid academic foundation for entry into structured clinical training pathways such as the NHS Scientist Training Programme.
Positive graduate outcomes: You’ll graduate with a strong mix of clinical insight, research experience, and computational skills that employers value in both healthcare and research-focused roles.

Further Academic Progression:
Many graduates choose to continue their studies with a PhD in medical physics, radiobiology, cancer science, or related interdisciplinary fields. The research-led nature of the programme, combined with close supervision and access to Manchester’s wider cancer research ecosystem, provides an excellent platform for doctoral study and long-term careers in academia or advanced research.