Physics - Medical Physics

Medical Physics is the branch of physics that applies the concepts and principles of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. The MSc in Medical Physics is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in Medical Physics, either in a clinical environment or in research.

Vision & Values Statement
Medical Physics is the branch of physics that applies the concepts and principles of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. The Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in Medical Physics, either in a clinical environment or in research. The programme provides a strong foundation in diagnostic imaging physics, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology physics and radiation protection, as well as the essential anatomy and physiology knowledge required to understand a patient's anatomical structure and physiological processes.

We aim to produce high quality medical physics graduates who possess the basic and applied scientific knowledge, in addition to the fundamental written and oral communication skills necessary to progress in their career. Our learning environment is strongly supported by teaching hospitals through curriculum delivery and relies on practising medical physics staff with a deep level of expertise. We strive to produce highly motivated, independent thinkers who meet the high standards necessary for progression into a medical physics career and/or further education and research, and are endowed with professional values including scientific integrity and ethical behaviour.

We encourage and educate our students to become active, lifelong and autonomous learners with good prospects of employment in healthcare sectors related to medical physics or for further research. The student learning is supported through lectures, practical work, team projects and seminars. The programme includes presentations and lectures from practising medical physicists giving students the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field. A variety of assessment strategies are employed, including classical written examinations, written assignments, presentations and case studies.

The programme is offered as a part-time two-year Graduate Diploma (T345) or a full-time one-year programme (T344).

Med. Sciences for Biomed.Engin ANAT20090
Data Science in Python (MD)COMP47670
Biostatistics IPHPS40190
Radiological Physics PHYC40980
Detectors and Dosimetry PHYC40990
Medical Imaging Physics IPHYC41000
Radiation Oncology Physics IPHYC41010
Radiation Protection & Safety PHYC41020
Medical Imaging Physics IIPHYC41030
Radiation Oncology Physics IIPHYC41040
Radiobiology & Ethics PHYC41050
Cross Sectional Anatomy RDGY41220

Places will be offered to candidates with a strong foundation in basic physics, as demonstrated by the achievement of an undergraduate or graduate degree in Physics or a degree in an Engineering discipline with a coursework component equivalent to a minor in physics. A minimum of an upper second-class honours or equivalent will be normally required for entry, although students with a strong physics background and lower second class honours degree may be accepted.

Students who do not have English as their first language should meet UCD requirements for English Language.

How to apply:
The following entry routes are available:
GDip Medical Physics FT (T344)
Duration
1 Years
Attend
Full Time
Deadline
Rolling*

GDip Medical Physics PT (T345)
Duration
2 Years
Attend
Part Time
Deadline
Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.

1 Year full-time, 2 Years part-time

Careers & Employability
The programme provides an accepted route to enter a career in Medical Physics. It is also a stepping-stone to PhD research in areas such as diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology physics, nuclear medicine, radiation protection and radiobiology. Prospective employers include Medical Physics Departments in hospitals and clinics across Ireland and abroad, medical device manufacturers and regulatory bodies.