This course is available through the following application route(s)
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 with a PhD in Physics, or who are undertaking a PhD in Physics, who wish to pursue a career in Medical Physics, either in a clinical environment or in research.
The programme, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programmes (CAMPEP), 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.
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.
The programme provides an accepted route to enter a career in Medical Physics. CAMPEP accreditation allows graduates to apply for CAMPEP residency programmes in Ireland and internationally.
Prospective employers include Medical Physics Departments in hospitals and clinicals across Ireland and abroad, medical device manufacturers and regulatory bodies.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
ANAT20090 | Med. Sciences for Biomed.Engin | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYC40980 | Radiological Physics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYC40990 | Detectors and Dosimetry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYC41000 | Medical Imaging Physics I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYC41010 | Radiation Oncology Physics I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYC41080 | Physics Data Analysis (Python) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
COMP47670 | Data Science in Python (MD) | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYC41020 | Radiation Protection & Safety | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYC41030 | Medical Imaging Physics II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYC41040 | Radiation Oncology Physics II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHYC41050 | Radiobiology & Ethics | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
RDGY41720 | Advanced Cross Sectional Anatomy | Spring | 5 |
The programme is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programmes (CAMPEP).
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.
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. Further, candidates must also be enrolled in or have completed a PhD in Physics.
Students who do not have English as their first language should meet UCD requirements for English Language.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
Entrance to this programme requires a PhD degree in physics or a related discipline with a significant physics content.
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Medical Physics:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | T344 Medical Physics Graduate Diploma Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught |
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | T345 Medical Physics Graduate Diploma Part-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply |