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Accessibility & LanguageMedical Physics (MSc)
MSc (Medical Physics)
College of Science and Engineering- Title of Award
- Master of Science
- Course Code
- MSC-PY
- Average Intake
- 20
- Delivery
- On Campus
- NFQ
- Level 9
- Award Type
- Major
- Next Intake
- September 2026
- Duration
- 1 year Full-time
- ECTS Weighting
- 90 ECTS
Why Choose This Course?
Course Information
Who is this course for?
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.
What will I study?
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, Biostatistics and Safety and Risk Management.
Core modules:
- Human Body Structure
- Fundamentals of Physiology
- Introduction to Biostatistics
- Clinical Instrumentation
- Radiation Fundamentals
- Medical Imaging
- Physics of Radiation Therapy
- Radiological Imaging Technology and Safety
- Introduction to Workplace Hazards in Healthcare
- Research Project
Optional Modules may include:
- AI Applications in Medical Physics
- Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
| Academic Year | Number of Applications | Numbers Offered Admission | Numbers Enrolled in Programme | Numbers Graduated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/16 | 48 | 13 | 9 | 8 |
| 2016/17 | 61 | 25 | 16 | 14 |
| 2017/18 | 50 | 33 | 22 | 22 |
| 2018/19 | 63 | 35 | 25 | 23 |
| 2019/20 | 53 | 30 | 19 | 20(inc 1 repeat) |
| 2020/21 | 56 | 40(inc 6 deferrals) | 20 | 20 |
| 2021/22 | 51 | 45 | 19 | 19 |
| 2022/23 | 38 | 31 | 12 | 12 |
| 2023/24 | 43 | 36 | 13 | 8 |
| 2024/25 | 73 | 50 | 26 | 25 |
| 2025/26 | 65 | 45 | 20 | tbd |
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (90 Credits)
RequiredSI2103: Fundamentals of Physiology
SI2103: Fundamentals of Physiology
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
Fundamental Physiology (SI210) is a blended learning 5 ECTS module that has been specifically created to provide students of Health & Safety Systems with some fundamental knowledge of human body function that is relevant to their course of study.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Appreciate the role of Physiology in a range of professional careers.
- Appreciate the concept of homeostatic mechanisms within the body or ‘body balance’.
- Understand the importance of water in the body, and the relevance of body fluid compartments.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how foreign substances or pathogens can gain access to the body to cause toxicity or disease, both at a systemic and at a cellular level.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the physiology of the common routes of toxin entry, including the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the physiology of the nervous system and some well-known examples of neurotoxins.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of how muscles work, and some musculoskeletal disorders that are common in the workplace.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the functions and composition of the blood and some common vascular disorders.
- Understand the fundamentals of how the heart works, and the electrocardiogram (ECG).
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of some mechanisms that the body uses to defend itself against disease and injury, including inflammation.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the physiological changes that occur in pregnancy, the development of a baby during pregnancy and the risks associated with teratogens.
Assessments
- Written Assessment (60%)
- Continuous Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module SI2103: "Fundamentals of Physiology" and is valid from 2024 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPH5122: AI Applications in Medical Physics
PH5122: AI Applications in Medical Physics
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This is a self-contained module designed to train the student into the fundamentals and applications of relevant AI methodologies in contemporary medical physics. Extensive use is made of the Python programming ecosystem in demonstrating and illustrating practical applications of these AI methodologies using differing medical physics contexts including medical imaging, radiotherapy and virtual clinical trials. This module directly addresses SDG 3:'Good Health and Well-Being' and SDG 4:'Quality Education' by providing a robust foundational understanding of how quantitative & AI methodologies can be used to optimise the resolution of complex, data intense problems confronted by practicing medical physicists, as well as developing intuitive skills in how best to engage and progress data science solutions that are transferable to resolving contemporary societal challenges.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Deploy effective programming skills using Python to preprocess and conduct exploratory analysis of medical physics related data products.
- Develop and deploy solutions using the Python programming and other cognate computational processing ecosystems to process image/time-series datasets, based around a solid understanding of the fundamental algorithms involved and their contextual relevance to contemporary medical physics applications.
- Develop and apply practical statistical and AI based solutions to complex data science problems in contemporary medical physics using the Python/R software ecosystems.
- Articulate and define the statistical properties of complex high-dimensional data & how to build, test and deploy a statistical/AI model based upon such data
- Design and implement clinical trials in support of precision medical physics applications, and the AI can play in their acceleration, expediting their potential impact for patient welfare.
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module PH5122: "AI Applications in Medical Physics" and is valid from 2024 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPH5110: Research Project
PH5110: Research Project
15 months long | Credits: 30
The student will conduct independent research on a clinical problem and summarise the research and results in a short thesis. The student will also be introduced to the concepts of ethics in research, publication and in medicine and the clinical practice.
Learning Outcomes
- Summarise the basic concepts of conducting independent research
- Define a clinical problem and a possible solution grounded in the application of physics in medicine to solve it
- Conduct in-depth literature research focused on the research problem
- Conduct the proposed research, taking account of appropriate timelines and available resources
- Write a 10,000 word thesis, appropriately referenced, which describes the research in detail
- Successfully interact with clinical staff of different disciplines
- Present the research at a standard which is comparable to that of a scientific meeting
- Summarise the main principles of ethics in research and publication
- Relate the concepts of ethics and ethics in medicine to the clinical practice
- Recognize ethical issues and deal with the issues in a systematic manner with special considerations of the ethical aspects of AI applications
- Recognise and solve professionalism and ethical issues in medical physics
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (20%)
- Research (80%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module PH5110: "Research Project" and is valid from 2024 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPH5104: Medical Imaging
PH5104: Medical Imaging
Semester 1 | Credits: 10
An overview and introduction of the physical basis and clinical utility of the major imaging modalities which can be found in modern health care.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand general role of imaging in healthcare
- Understand the theoretical basis of image formation including Fourier Transforms and reconstruction from Projections.
- Understand the basic theory of general projection radiography. Understand physics and engineering principles of x-ray equipment.
- Understand the basic theory of Computed Tomography Scanning. Understand physics and engineering principles of CT scanners. Understand Image reconstruction.
- Understand the basic theory of ultrasound. Understand physics and engineering principles of ulrasound equipment.
- Understand the basic theory of nuclear medicine. Understand physics and engineering principles of gamma ray detection, SPECT and PET scanning equipment.
- Understand the basic theory of Magnetic resonance Imaging. Understand physics and engineering principles of MRI equipment.
- Understand the basics of image processing
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Physical principles of medical imaging." by Perry Sprawls Madison
Publisher: Medical Physics Pub. - "The essential physics of medical imaging." by Jerrold T Bushberg Philadelphia
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins - "Physics of radiology" by Anthony B. Wolbarst,
Publisher: Medical Physics Pub
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPH5103: Radiation Fundamentals
PH5103: Radiation Fundamentals
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
An overview and introduction of the physics of the interaction of ionising radiation with matter and the theory and practice of measuring radiation. Calibration of medical irradiators
Learning Outcomes
- Understand basics of Atomic and Nuclear Physics. Radiation from charged particles.
- Understand production of X-ray generation. Concept of X-Ray quality. Attenuation of Photon Beams in Matter.
- Understand interaction of Photons with Matter. Interaction of Charged Particles with matter. Introduction to Monte Carlo techniques.
- Understand basic concepts of Dosimetry. Including Cavity Theory.
- Understand design and operation of Radiation Detectors. Practical aspects and operation of Ionization chambers, electrometers and other detectors.
- Introduce to the basic principles of patient dosimetry
- Provide an overview of image detector technology
Assessments
- Written Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Radiation dosimetry." by Frank H Attix; William C Roesch; Eugene Tochilin
Publisher: Academic Press 1966-69 - "The physics of radiology." by Harold Elford Johns John Robert Cunningham
Publisher: Charles C. Thomas
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredAN230: Human Body Structure
AN230: Human Body Structure
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
Human Body Structure is delivered by the anatomy department to students at the first, second and masters level in university for whom anatomy is not a core degree element who require a sound basic knowledge of the structure of the human body. The content will cover topics including the following: * Organisation of human body, anatomical terminology, the principles of support and movement, the control systems of the human body, maintenance and continuity of the body and finally, biomechanics and functional anatomy of the limbs.
The module will be comprised of lectures delivered in person or online as appropriate.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Established a sound basic knowledge of the organization and structure of the human body including the location and anatomical relations of the major organ systems
- Developed a basic understanding of the principles of support and movement, the control systems of the body, maintenance and continuity of the human body.
- Understand and describe the biomechanics and functional anatomy of the human limbs and musculoskeletal system
- Explain how specific aspects of human anatomy relate to your field of study
- Begun to develop your ability to look up and synthesize anatomical subject matter in a self-directed manner
Assessments
- Written Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Introduction to the human body" by Gerard J. Tortora, Bryan Derrickson.
ISBN: 9781118583180.
Publisher: New York; Wiley - "Human Anatomy" by Michael McKinley,Valerie O'Loughlin,Ronald Harris,Elizabeth Pennefather-O'Brien
ISBN: 9780073525730.
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math
Chapters: 2025-08-12T00:00:00
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredST314: Introduction to Biostatistics
ST314: Introduction to Biostatistics
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This course will introduce students to modern statistical concepts and thinking by providing a practical introduction to statistical theory and practice. The importance and practical usefulness of statistics in biomedical and clinical environments will be demonstrated through a large array of case studies. Students attending this course will be encouraged and equipped to apply simple statistical techniques to design, analyse and interpret studies in a wide range of disciplines while adhering to the principles of reproducible research and report writing.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Write R scripts for data wrangling to clean, filter and transform data.
- Apply basic approaches to summarise random variables from the Bernoulli distribution and Normal distributions.
- Write R code for Exploratory Data Analysis to summarise data numerically (centre and spread) and graphically (bar charts, line, area, boxplots, histograms, density plots, scatterplots).
- Apply methods for Inference using the Central Limit Theorem for interval estimation and hypothesis testing.
- Fit and validate statistical models to investigate the relationships between variables.
- Apply the Principles of Reproducible Research in report writing using R Markdown.
Assessments
- Written Assessment (80%)
- Continuous Assessment (20%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module ST314: "Introduction to Biostatistics" and is valid from 2025 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPH5120: Radiological Imaging Technology and Safety
PH5120: Radiological Imaging Technology and Safety
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
An overview of the Science of Risk and Safety. Basic concepts of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation safety. Quality Assurance
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Understand concepts of radiation safety in the workplace.
- Understand concepts of radiation shielding.
- Understand patient dose calculation in diagnostic radiology and has ability to use dedicated software for this.
- Understand quality assurance principles and quality control in diagnostic radiology.
- Understand basic concepts of safety with artificial optical radiation (lasers UV).
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module PH5120: "Radiological Imaging Technology and Safety" and is valid from 2024 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPH5121: Introduction to Workplace Hazards in Healthcare
PH5121: Introduction to Workplace Hazards in Healthcare
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module aims to provide students with an introduction to skills required to anticipate, evaluate and control workplace hazards including radiation safety issues
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the importance of the role of occupational health and safety risk assessment and the relevance of exposure measurement.
- Identify, locate and interpret health and safety legislation, guidance and standards relevant to the measurement and control of workplace hazards
- Identify, locate and interpret primary legislation and associated best practice and guidance governing safety in the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation in Ireland
- Describe techniques used to evaluate exposure risk from physical, chemical and biological hazards in the work environment
- Interpret and communicate occupational exposure data
- Appreciate the need for suitable workplace exposure control
- Appreciate the need for continuous professional development and the role of professional ethics in this area
- Understand basic concepts of Risk and Safety management and assessment in a hospital setting.
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Monitoring for health hazards at work." by J.W. Cherrie, R.M. Howie and S. Semple.
Publisher: Blackwell Science. - "Occupational Hygiene" by K. Gardiner and J.M. Harrington (Ed’s)
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPH5102: Clinical Instrumentation
PH5102: Clinical Instrumentation
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
An overview of the role of physical phenomena and the way these are measured in the hospital.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the physiological processes which give rise to physical signals which can be measured.
- Relate the basic theory of electrical measurement of biophysical signals to the design of electrophysiological instrumentation.
- Describe the basics of bio-fluid mechanics and the measurement of flow
- Explain the physics of the senses such as cutaneous and chemical sensors, auditory and vision sensing. Describe concepts of psychophysics.
- Apply electrical safety within the context of electromedical equipment
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Medical physics and biomedical engineering" by B. H Brown (Brian H.);
Publisher: Institute of Physics Pub. C1999 - "Biomedical engineering fundamentals" by Joseph D. Bronzino
Publisher: 1937-Boca Raton : CRC/Taylor & Francis
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredPH5105: Physics of Radiotherapy
PH5105: Physics of Radiotherapy
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
An overview of the basics of the physics of radiotherapy.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand interaction of a single beam of radiation in a scattering medium
- Understand basic concepts of treatment planning for combinations of photon beams.
- Be able to operate a Treatment Planning computer, prepare a treatment plan and interpret the results.
- Understand the interaction of particle beams with matter including electrons and heavy charged particles.
- Understand the physics and engineering principles of radiation treatment machines with an emphasis on linear accelerators
- Understand the concept of relative dosimetry
- Understand the basic principles of dose calculation algorithms
- Understand the concept of brachytherapy
- Understand concepts of dosimetry with unsealed source isotopes.
- Understand the basic concepts of radiobiology as it applies to radiotherapy
- Understand the calibration of radiotherapy machines
Assessments
- Written Assessment (50%)
- Continuous Assessment (50%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "The physics of radiation therapy," by Faiz M. Khan Baltimore, MD
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins - "adiation oncology physics : a handbook for teachers and students." by Ervin D Podgorsak; International Atomic Energy Agency.
Publisher: International Atomic Energy Agency. - "The physics of radiology." by Harold Elford Johns John Robert Cunningham.
Publisher: Charles C. Thomas
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
- University of Galway’s MSc in Medical Physics was 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.
- Longest running Medical Physics MSc programme in Ireland.
- The course 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.
- The MSc programme provides on an annual basis up to two write-up stipends for students whose projects are deemed to have publication potential. The stipends extend over a 2-month period, commencing after thesis submission.
- The course has been successful in its aims in providing individuals with a good grounding in Medical Physics.
- A recent survey showed that around 75% of graduates had found employment in a Medical Physics-based career. This includes those who have pursued or are pursuing a PhD. About 20% are employed abroad, in countries like the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand.
- The demand for qualified Medical Physicists in Ireland and abroad has remained high. This is due to several factors. Firstly, there has been an expansion of the number of Radiotherapy and Imaging facilities worldwide with additional expansion of existing facilities. Additionally, new regulations regarding protection against hazards of ionizing radiation also lay down requirements for additional medical physicists, namely the Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM which was signed into Irish law on 5th February 2019 by Minister Richard Bruton (S.I. No. 30 of 2019, Radiological Protection Act 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2019). This directive lays down basic safety standards (BSS) including the education, training and recognition of the medical physics expert (MPE) but also gives recommendations on workforce planning in clinical settings.
- The Programme is ideally suited to those wishing to pursue a career in Hospital Physics and Clinical Engineering. The MSc course is designed in such a way that it should provide for entry into existing training schemes for medical physicists, both in Ireland and further afield. The course has been accredited by CAMPEP, the North American Commission for the Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programmes (www.campep.org). This allows graduates from the course entry into US clinical residency programmes as mandated by the American Board of Radiology, a requirement for entry in the profession in the USA.
- Other job opportunities exist in the Medical Device and Health Care industry, Research and Development, and Health and Safety and Teaching. Suitable candidates can enroll for PhD studies where training in research methods is provided.
University of Galway’s MSc in Medical Physics was 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.
In September 2025 the MSc Medical Physics programme was reaccredited by CAMPEP until 2030.
CAMPEP accreditation enables graduates to apply to clinical residency programmes both in Ireland and North America, and for the American Board of Radiology exams.
How will I learn?
The MSc in Medical Physics is taught through lectures, self-directed learning, tutorials, and practical, hands-on exercises to ensure a comprehensive educational experience.
How Will I Be Assessed?
Throughout the programme, your progress is assessed through vivas and end-of-semester examinations. A small research project accounting for about 30% of the overall marks is assessed through a presentation and a thesis to be submitted.
Disseminations from the research project write-up stipends:
- McLaughlin, O., Martyn, M., Kleefeld, C. and Foley, M., 2023. Investigation of temperature dependence of inorganic scintillators using the HYPERSCINT research platform. Radiation Measurements, 164, p.106936.
- Conlon, D., Connolly, J., Galal, M., Ahmed, I., Foley, M. and Kleefeld, C., 2023. Analysis of CyberKnife intracranial treatment plans using ICRU 91 dose reporting: A retrospective study. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics, 24(6), p.e13932.
- O'Shea, K., Coleman, L., Fahy, L., Kleefeld, C., Foley, M.J. and Moore, M., 2022. Compensation for radiotherapy treatment interruptions due to a cyberattack: An isoeffective DVH‐based dose compensation decision tool. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics, 23(9), p.e13716.
- Shaharuddin, S., Hart, A., Bazalova-Carter, M., Beaulieu, L., Giguere, C., Kleefeld, C. and Foley, M.J., 2022, May. Evaluation of scintillation detectors for ultrahigh dose-rate x-ray beam dosimetry. In Optical Sensing and Detection VII(Vol. 12139, pp. 170-177). SPIE.
- Mc Laughlin, O., Martyn, M., Kleefeld, C. and Foley, M.J., 2022, May. Evaluating the temperature dependence of an inorganic scintillator detector using the HYPERSCINT research platform. In Optical Sensing and Detection VII(Vol. 12139, pp. 178-184). SPIE.
- Connolly, D., Sands, G., Winter, H., Foley, M.J. and Kleefeld, C., 2021. A comparison of treatment planning techniques for low-dose-rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy. Brachytherapy, 20(2), pp.410-419.
- Byrne, K., Alharbi, M., O'Keeffe, S., Kleefeld, C., Bazalova-Carter, M. and Foley, M., 2020, April. Novel inorganic scintillating detectors and their applications in small animal irradiators: measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. In Optical Sensing and Detection VI (Vol. 11354, pp. 141-149). SPIE.
- Davey, K., Moore, M., Cleary, S., Kleefeld, C. and Foley, M.J., 2019. Off‐axis dose distribution with stand‐in and stand‐off configurations for superficial radiotherapy treatments. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics, 20(10), pp.142-151.
Course queries:
christoph.kleefeld@universityofgalway.ie
Programme Director(s):
Dr Christoph Kleefeld,
Associate Professor in Physics
School of Natural Sciences
College of Science and Engineering
E: christoph.kleefeld@universityofgalway.ie
T: +353 91 542 870
Accreditations & Awards
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Studying BSc Physics with Biomedical Physics at University of Galway was a rewarding experience that provided me with a strong theoretical foundation in physics and its applications in healthcare. This foundation inspired me to pursue the MSc in Medical Physics, which was a transformative period in my academic journey. Through the MSc, I deepened my knowledge in specialised areas such as medical imaging and radiotherapy, gaining hands-on experience with advanced technologies and techniques.
Ciara Muldoon
Graduate
I’m a physics graduate from DCU and came to the University of Galway in 2018 to study the MSc in Medical Physics. I was drawn to the CAMPEP accreditation and the chance to combine my interests in physics, biology and anatomy. The programme gave me broad exposure to radiotherapy, imaging, nuclear medicine and clinical practice. The research opportunities were the highlight. I received a young investigator grant to work in British Columbia, producing research that directly led to my current role as a research medical physicist at the University of Maryland.
Kevin Byrne
Research Medical Physicist, University of Maryland.
Meet our Employers
Entry Requirements and Fees
Minimum 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 also be considered.
Garda vetting/police clearance is required for this programme.
Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.
English Language Entry Requirements (
For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.
More information on English language test equivalency are available here.
Supporting Documents
You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.
You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.
Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.
You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.
Closing Dates
For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.
Notes
- You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
- Browse the FAQ'ssection for further guidance.
- 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.
Fees for Academic Year 2026/27
| Course Type | Year | EU Tuition | Student Contribution | Non-EU Tuition | Levy | Total Fee | Total EU Fee | Total Non-EU Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Full Time | 1 | €8,900 | €34,500 | €140 | €9,040 | €34,640 |
For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27). 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.
Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships
This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if:
- You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
- You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.
An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal opens in November each years and is available here. Applications will close on the 30th September each year. Full details available here.
Global Scholarships
University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.
Application Process
Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.
Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.
Further Information
Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.
Why University of Galway?
World renowned research led university nestled in the vibrant heart of Galway city on Ireland's scenic West Coast.
Contact the College of Science and Engineering
University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91 TK33
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Meet Our Alumni
The Interface between Physics and Medicine
The MSc in Medical Physics prepares graduates for scientific roles in healthcare by providing a solid grounding in the physical principles that underpin modern medical practice. The programme highlights how key physics concepts are applied in medicine, with a particular focus on ionizing radiation for diagnosis and treatment. Students also receive introductory clinical training to see how these principles work in real healthcare settings.
Accredited by CAMPEP, the North American Commission for the Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programmes, the MSc allows graduates to apply for US clinical residency programmes required by the American Board of Radiology. Graduates also progress into careers across the medical device sector, healthcare industries, research and development, health and safety, and education.
