GradDip Medical Physics

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 60)

Medical Physics is the branch of physics that applies the concepts and principles of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. The MSc in Medical Physics is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in Medical Physics, either in a clinical environment or in research. 

Careers & Employability

The programme provides an accepted route to enter a career in Medical Physics. It is also a stepping-stone to PhD research in areas such as diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology physics, nuclear medicine, radiation protection and radiobiology. Prospective employers include Medical Physics Departments in hospitals and clinics across Ireland and abroad, medical device manufacturers and regulatory bodies.

Curricular information is subject to change


Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

Entrance to this programme requires a PhD degree in physics or a related discipline with a significant physics content. 

Medical Physics is the branch of physics that applies the concepts and principles of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. The Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in Medical Physics, either in a clinical environment or in research. The programme provides a strong foundation in diagnostic imaging physics, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology physics and radiation protection, as well as the essential anatomy and physiology knowledge required to understand a patient’s anatomical structure and physiological processes. 

We aim to produce high quality medical physics graduates who possess the basic and applied scientific knowledge, in addition to the excellent research and communication skills necessary to progress in their career. The programme is strongly supported by teaching hospitals through curriculum delivery and the provision of research project opportunities. Indeed, a significant proportion of the curriculum is delivered by practising clinical medical physicists who bring the latest knowledge and practice in the field.  We strive to produce highly motivated, independent thinkers who meet the high standards necessary for progression into medical physics residency and/or further education and research, and are endowed with professional values including scientific integrity and ethical behaviour.

We encourage and educate our students to become active, lifelong and autonomous learners with good prospects of employment in healthcare sectors related to medical physics or for further research. The student learning is supported through lectures, practical work, team projects and seminars. A variety of assessment strategies are employed, including classical written examinations, written assignments, presentations, interviews and case studies. By making use of a blended learning approach, group assignments encourage collaborative and interpersonal skill development, requiring team work, discussion and communication of finding via group presentations. These skills are considered essential for developing the required professional and communication skills expected for a medical physicist. 

The programme is offered as a part-time two-year Graduate Diploma (T345) or a full-time one-year programme (T344). 

  • Describe the state-of-the-art technology, knowledge and skills in medical physics.
  • Possess the knowledge of physics, mathematics and other sciences required for a career in medical physics
  • Understand the role of patient safety in the clinical practice of medical physics.
  • Understand how research and inquiry lead to the creation of new knowledge.
  • Critically evaluate research and scholarship in medical physics.
  • Present scientific findings both orally and in written form.
  • Address research topics of current relevance.
  • Communicate effectively and possess the interpersonal skills that are necessary to function in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Act in a professional and ethical way as required for a career as a medical physicist.
  • Understand the importance of how career-long continuing education to keep scientific knowledge and skills current, and to appraise the scientific literature in a largely autonomous manner.
  • Draw on a suite of transferrable skills including critical thinking, problem solving, scientific report writing, communication skills, team-work and independent work.

GradDip Medical Physics (T344) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 6700
nonEU    fee per year - € 19400

GradDip Medical Physics (T345) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 3350
nonEU    fee per year - € 9780

***Fees are subject to change

Places will be offered to candidates with a strong foundation in basic physics, as demonstrated by the achievement of an undergraduate or graduate degree in Physics or a degree in an Engineering discipline with a coursework component equivalent to a minor in physics. A minimum of an upper second-class honours or equivalent will be normally required for entry, although students with a strong physics background and lower second class honours degree may be accepted.

Students who do not have English as their first language should meet UCD requirements for English Language.

Faculty Profile Dr Seán Cournane

Dr Seán Cournane is Director of the Centre for Physics in Health and Medicine (CPHM) and a clinical medical physicist at St Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH). He specialises in Diagnostic Imaging physics, with particular interests in nuclear medicine, ultrasound imaging and therapy, novel Positron Emission Tomography (PET) tracers and radionuclide therapy.

The following entry routes are available:

GDip Medical Physics FT (T344)
Duration
1 Years
Attend
Full Time
Deadline
Rolling*
GDip Medical Physics PT (T345)
Duration
2 Years
Attend
Part Time
Deadline
Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised