Medical Physics

Course Overview

This MSc programme is designed to meet the demand for qualified medical physicists. It is primarily geared toward training for physicists in the application of radiation physics in medicine but maintains a reasonable exposure to key aspects of clinical engineering so that students receive a comprehensive knowledge of the application of the physical sciences and engineering to medicine.



The course is unique in that it is closely integrated with the University Hospital Galway.

The majority of lectures and course materials are delivered by hospital staff.

The course provides a unique opportunity to see the operation of a busy academic hospital.



Course Outline

The MSc consists of a fairly intense programme of lectures, workshops, laboratory sessions, tutorials and self-directed learning, followed by a four to five-month research project. The syllabus contains modules covering traditional Medical Physics topics, such as Radiation Fundamentals, and Hospital and Radiation Safety, but also provides an introduction to other areas like Clinical Instrumentation, Modules in Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Informatics and Safety and Risk Management.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required SI2103: Fundamentals of Physiology

Required PH5122: AI Applications in Medical Physics

Required PH5110: Research Project

Required PH5104: Medical Imaging

Required PH5103: Radiation Fundamentals

Required AN230: Human Body Structure

Required ST314: Introduction to Biostatistics

Required PH5120: Radiological Imaging Technology and Safety

Required PH5121: Introduction to Workplace Hazards in Healthcare

Required PH5102: Clinical Instrumentation

Required PH5105: Physics of Radiotherapy

Optional PH333: Quantum Physics

Optional BES5102: Cell & Molecular Biology: Advanced Technologies

Optional PH338: Properties of Materials

Optional PH339: Radiation and Medical Physics

Optional PH335: Nuclear & Particle Physics

Graduates must hold at least a Second Class Honours, Level 8 degree (or equivalent international qualification) in physics or experimental physics, electronic engineering, or another relevant discipline as determined by the College of Science. Candidates with a primary degree without honours and with three years’ relevant and appropriate practical experience may be also considered.



Additional Requirements

Garda vetting/police clearance is required for this programme.



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Candidates with a primary degree without honours and with three years’ relevant and appropriate practical experience may be also considered.

How to apply

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.



Online Application

Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").

1 year full-time.

Next start date: September 2024.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specifed closing date*. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.

Career Opportunities

The course has been successful in its aims in providing individuals with a good grounding in Medical Physics. A recent survey of graduates showed that around 75% of them had found employment in a Medical Physics-based career. This includes several individuals who have pursued or are pursuing a PhD. About 20% are employed abroad, in countries like the UK , the US, Australia and New Zealand.