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

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.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

1 year full-time.

Next start date September 2025



Closing Date

No set closing date. Offers made on a continuous basis.

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.