Medical Physics MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Surrey

Program Overview

This MSc gives you a strong, practice-focused foundation in how physics underpins modern medical imaging and radiation-based treatments. It suits students who want to use physics to improve patient care, blending scientific depth with real clinical relevance.

Curriculum structure

You begin the year by strengthening your understanding of core topics such as Radiation Physics, Radiation Measurement, and Radiation Biology, while developing practical laboratory confidence through Experimental and Professional Skills for Medical Physics.

Mid-year, the course expands into both diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. You explore how imaging systems work in modules like Diagnostic Applications of Ionising Radiation Physics and learn about treatment-focused concepts in Therapy Physics. You’ll also study Non-ionising Radiation Imaging, covering technologies like MRI and ultrasound.

The year concludes with a substantial Research Project and Dissertation, giving you the chance to apply your knowledge to an in-depth medical-physics challenge.

Focus areas

Radiation physics, diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, non-ionising imaging (MRI, ultrasound), medical-device technology, computational modelling and image/data analysis.

Learning outcomes

You’ll graduate with a solid understanding of radiation interactions, imaging systems, dose measurement, clinical-technology operation, data and image analysis, and the ability to carry out high-level independent research.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM), aligning the degree with recognised professional standards in medical physics.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Surrey has a long-established reputation in medical physics education, producing graduates who go on to roles in hospitals, research centres and medical-technology companies. It is consistently recognised in UK league tables for strong employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the MSc Medical Physics at Surrey, your learning is grounded in real clinical practice and hands-on technical training. From the very start, you’ll work directly with radiation equipment, imaging systems and professional-grade laboratory tools, giving you the confidence to operate technology used in hospitals and research centres. The programme blends academic teaching with input from clinical experts, so you’re constantly learning how physics translates into real patient care and medical innovation.

Here’s how experiential learning comes to life at Surrey:

You’ll carry out practical experiments in Surrey’s specialist radiation and X-ray laboratories, where you’ll measure radiation dose, test imaging setups, and use the same instruments medical physicists rely on in practice.
The course includes structured digital-skills training using modelling, simulation and image-analysis software — including tools widely used for dose calculations, radiation-transport modelling and data processing.
You’ll be part of an active research community in medical, biological and radiation physics, giving you opportunities to observe or participate in research on imaging technology, detector systems and bio-medical applications.
Your Research Project and Dissertation offer a major hands-on experience, where you design and run your own study — whether that’s an experimental investigation, a computational project, or a clinically inspired analysis.
Throughout the year, guest speakers and teaching contributors from hospitals and industry help you understand real diagnostic and therapeutic workflows, emerging medical-device technologies and current challenges in healthcare physics.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Surrey’s MSc Medical Physics step into a field where physics directly improves lives. Many go on to roles such as Medical Physicist, Clinical Scientist, Radiation Safety Officer, or Imaging Specialist in hospitals, research centres and medical-technology companies. Because the programme is professionally accredited and designed around real clinical needs, employers recognise it as strong preparation for both scientific and healthcare-focused careers.

To help you move confidently into these opportunities, Surrey offers a supportive and well-connected environment:

The university’s Employability and Careers service provides personalised guidance, specialist workshops, mock interviews and career planning — and you can continue using these services for up to three years after graduation.
Physics graduates from Surrey benefit from consistently strong employability outcomes, with many securing roles in the NHS, private clinics, medical-device industries and research laboratories.
The programme’s accreditation by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) adds long-term professional value, especially if you’re aiming for clinical or regulatory roles where recognised training is essential.
Surrey maintains active partnerships with hospitals, research centres and technical organisations, giving students exposure to current medical-physics practice and future employment pathways.

Further Academic Progression:

If you decide to continue your studies, this MSc provides an excellent foundation for a PhD in Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Radiation Science or Imaging Technology. Graduates also move into specialist clinical training routes, professional certification pathways, or research positions in healthcare innovation and medical-device development.