Physics with Medical Applications MPhys

Physics studies how our Universe works, from the smallest atomic nucleus to the largest galaxy. Our MSci Physics with Medical Applications degree is aimed at students who want to learn about the application of physics to 21st-Century Medicine. Students undertaking this degree will obtain a thorough grounding in modern physics, but will also take modules that give them expertise in modern medical techniques, from MRI scans to radiation and nuclear applications. Students taking this degree are most likely to become medical physicists after graduation.

Physics with Medical Applications highlights

Student Experience

This 4-year integrated masters programme allows our students to advance their knowledge and skills to a much higher level of proficiency. The additional year also enables these capabilities to be applied in an extensive research project during which the students’ confidence and maturity grows markedly. This ultimately transforms the career prospects of our graduates

Global Opportunities

We participate in the IAESTE and Turing student exchange programmes, which enable students to obtain work experience in companies and universities throughout the world.

World Class Facilities

You will be taught in our new state-of-the-art teaching centre, containing specialist laboratory equipment and computer facilities. Students also use some of the research facilities in their final year projects, such as a telescope observatory on the roof of the main building, one of the most powerful university lasers in the world, and state-of-the-art nano-fabrication and characterisation facilities.

Internationally Renowned Experts

All of our faculty staff are research scientists in their own right; in the 2021 REF peer-review exercise, Physics Research Power was in the top 20 in the UK

Student Experience

In the 2023 National Student Survey physics scored above the benchmark in 6 out of 7 themes with a 94.9% positivity score on how well staff explained things.

Further Study Opportunities

You can join the Physics and Mathematics Society (PAMSOC) which organises events and trips throughout the year. You can also take advantage of the many events held within the Northern Ireland Science Festival each February, which School staff and postgraduate students heavily support. Many of our students also support other students by becoming peer mentors which qualifies them for the enhanced Degree Plus award.

Industry Links

All students in the school have the option to include a year in industry as part of their studies. This is a fantastic opportunity to see mathematics at work in the real world, and to enhance your career prospects at the same time. Possible placements will include companies in the finance and technology sectors, and indeed we maintain strong links with local companies who hire Physics graduates, for example Andor Technology, AquaQ Analytics, Seagate, General Electric, Medical Physics in The NHS.

Further Study Opportunities

Placement Year Students can take an optional placement year between years 2/3 or years 3/4 of their course. Completion of an approved placement will be acknowledged in your final degree certificate with the addition of the words "with placement year".

Professional Accreditations

Accredited by the Institute of Physics for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations, which partially fulfils the requirements to obtain the status of Chartered Physicist (CPhys).

Career Development

The most recent HESA data shows that over 95% of QUB physics graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation.

Student Experience

The School has the 3rd highest postgraduate research student satisfaction in the University.

The School of Mathematics and Physics was 3rd of 15 schools in the University in overall NSS score.