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Medical Physics (MSc)

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Course Overview
Key Facts
Course Outline
Why Choose This Course?
Course Fees
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Gordon Sands—What Our Students Say The Students' View

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.

September 2015: University of Galway’s MSc in Medical Physics is the first European MSc programme to be awarded accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programmes (CAMPEP) and the second programme worldwide. Read more here.

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

L–R: Dr Christoph Kleefeld (Clinical director MSc in Medical Physics), Ryan Muddiman, Morgan Healy, Kevin Byrne, Sthuthi Medepalli, Michael Moran, David Connolly & Dr Mark Foley (Academic director MSc in Medical Physics).

2019 Medical Physics postgraduate scholars

Med Physics scholars

L–R: Dr Christoph Kleefeld (Clinical Director, MSc in Medical Physics), Ryan Muddiman, Morgan Healy, Kevin Byrne, Sthuthi Medepalli, Michael Moran, David Connolly & Dr Mark Foley (Academic Director, MSc in Medical Physics).

2019 Walton scholarship award—Kevin Byrne
2019 van der Putten scholarship award—David Connolly
2019 George Johnstone Stoney scholarship award—Michael Moran
2019 Postgraduate International Merit scholarship award—Sthuthi Medepalli
2019 Postgraduate scholarship—Morgan Healy & Ryan Muddiman

Absent from the picture were international student scholarship holders Anwar Beleehan & Rawan Tawatti.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. Selection is based on the candidate's academic record at under-graduate level and their aptitude for the course. Candidates may be interviewed to determine suitability.

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Assssments take the form of assignments, essays, presentations and conventional exams. There is an increasing emphasis on self-directed learning. A small research project counts for about 30% of the overall marks.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

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.

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

Up to 20

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

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

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

Course code

MSC-PY

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.

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Why Choose This Course?

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.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€8,890 p.a. (including levy) 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€8,750 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€34,000 p.a. (€34,140 including levy) 2025/26

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.