Medical Physics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for UK Students

PhDs in Medical Physics aim to make use of physics concepts to improve the diagnosis, treatment and management of medical conditions. Long-term research goals may include using imaging technologies to monitor cancer treatment, designing new types of radiation therapy and improving imaging methods to aid the surgical planning of complex cases.

What's it like to study a PhD in Medical Physics?

As a PhD student in Medical Physics, you'll work closely with medical professionals and clinicians to help improve the care and treatment of patients. You'll likely divide your time between lab-based research, clinical training and teaching modules. You will be encouraged to publish your research and may be asked to submit a thesis to a leading academic journal at the end of your study.

Possible research areas include:

• Nanotechnology in medicine
• Tissue engineering
• Bioimaging
• Radiation physics
• Physics-based imaging

Your research may involve using optical, electrical and nuclear technology to help diagnose and treat diseases. You may also have access to clinical facilities at your university or local hospitals.

Entry requirements for a PhD in Medical Physics

The minimum entry requirement for a PhD in Medical Physics is usually a 2:1 undergraduate degree in Physics and a Masters degree in Physics or related field. A Masters may sometimes be a possible entry qualification if it is focused in areas such as medical physics.

PhD in Medical Physics funding options

Most PhDs in Medical Physics in the UK are funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), which provides a tuition fee waiver and a living cost stipend. Depending on the research topic, you may be required to join a specific project or apply for an independent funding package.

Some PhDs in Medical Physics have a funding option where it is mandatory for students to join a project. However, if you are applying for an independent package, you may be required to prove that your research meets certain academic criteria before you can be considered for funding.

PhD in Medical Physics careers

PhD graduates in Medical Physics often go on to careers in academia, medical technology and pharmaceuticals. You may also work in sectors such as forensics, nuclear energy, security and defence.