Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Medical Radiation Physics at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The Medical Radiation Physics course builds on the highly successful research partnerships between the College of Medicine and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board, including the Institute of Life Science and Centre for NanoHealth initiatives, and ongoing work in Monte Carlo-based radiotherapy modelling and dosimeter development, body composition, tissue characterisation and novel modes of the detection of disease with state-of-the-art CT and MRI facilities.
On the Medical Radiation Physics MSc, you will gain the necessary knowledge and understanding of fundamental aspects of the use of radiation in medicine, in order that you are conversant in medical terms, human physiology and radiation mechanisms.
A direct link to clinical practice is provided through hands-on instruction with equipment used routinely in the hospital setting, which will prepare you for research in a rapidly changing field, including tuition in computer-based modelling, research methodology and the ethical dimensions associated with medical research.
The Medical Radiation Physics programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM).
The Medical Radiation Physics programme is modular in structure. Students must obtain a total of 180 credits to qualify for the degree. This is made up of 120 credits in the taught element (Part One) and a project (Part Two) that is worth 60 credits and culminates in a written dissertation. Students must successfully complete Part One before being allowed to progress to Part Two.
Part-time Delivery mode
The part-time scheme is a version of the full-time equivalent MSc in Medical Radiation Physics scheme, and as such it means lectures are spread right across each week and you may have lectures across every day. Due to this timetabling format, the College advises that the scheme is likely to suit individuals who are looking to combine this with other commitments (typically family/caring) and who are looking for a less than full-time study option.
Those candidates seeking to combine the part-time option with full-time work are unlikely to find the timetable suitable, unless their job is extremely flexible and local to the Bay Campus.
Timetables for the Medical Radiation Physics programme are typically available one week prior to each semester.
Modules on the Medical Radiation Physics course can vary each year but you could expect to study:
• Introduction to the Practice of Medical Physicists and Clinical Engineers
• Nanoscale Simulation
• Physics of the Body
• Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology
• Research Methods
• Radiation Protection
• Radiation Physics
• Radiotherapy Physics
• Medical Imaging
• Advanced Radiotherapy
• MSc Research Project
The Medical Radiation Physics course has been accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM). IPEM is the professional body that works with physical science, engineering and clinical professionals in academia, healthcare services and industry in the UK and supports clinical scientists and technologists in their practice through the provision and assessment of education and training.
The close proximity of Swansea University to two of the largest NHS Trusts in the UK outside of London, as well Velindre NHS Trust (a strongly academic cancer treatment centre), offers the opportunity for collaborative research through student placements.
The academic staff of this discipline have always had a good relationship with industrial organisations, which are the destination of our medical engineering graduates. The industrial input ranges from site visits to seminars delivered by clinical contacts.
The Medical Radiation Physics course will prepare you for research and clinical practise in a rapidly changing field, including tuition in computer modelling, human engineering and the medico-legal issues they imply. It will enable you to develop the potential to become leaders, defining and influencing medical practise.
For a medical physicist career path, the role includes opportunities for laboratory work, basic and applied research, management and teaching, offering a uniquely diverse career. In addition there is satisfaction in contributing directly to patient treatment and care.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Non-Medical Prescribing aims to prepare Allied Health Professionals to practice within current non-medical prescribing legislation.
There will be two cohorts per year (subject to sufficient interest and professional body approval), starting in March and September each year. The Spring cohort will run every Wednesday from March to November (No lectures during August) and the Autumn cohort will be taught every Tuesday from September to the following March.
Professional body approval from the Healthcare Professions Council has been granted for Independent prescribing for Chiropodists/podiatrists, physiotherapists and therapeutic radiographers and for Supplementary prescribing, diagnostic radiographers.
The Non-Medical Prescribing course is not available to international students.
All of whom are looking to develop prescribing practice within a clinical setting.
The Non-Medical Prescribing course is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and competency required to undertake the role of an independent or supplementary non-medical prescriber. The course has been designed for allied health professionals to develop prescribing practice within a clinical setting.
The Non-Medical Prescribing programme comprises of two core modules: SHGM05 -Clinical Assessment and Decision Making in Non-Medical Prescribing which is 40 credits at level 7 and SHGM06 - Pharmacology principles and practice which is 20 credits at level 7. Both of these modules must be successfully completed to gain this qualification in Non-Medical Prescribing for Allied Health Professionals.
The Non-Medical Prescribing programme is taught at the St. David’s Park site in Carmarthen. Teaching takes place one day a week over the academic year. You are also required to have 96 hours of clinical practice with a designated medical mentor from which you will need to evidence the learning that has occurred.
The Non-Medical Prescribing for Allied Health Professionals teaching team:
The College of Human and Health Sciences has a vibrant postgraduate community with students drawn from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. The College is known for its friendly, welcoming and supportive environment, which combined with its extensive facilities, state-of-the-art technology and superb beachside location, helps to ensure that students benefit from an exceptional student experience.
Facilities
In addition, students have access to a wide range of excellent facilities and equipment for realistic workplace experiences.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Non-Medical Prescribing aims to prepare nurses and midwives to practice within current non-medical prescribing legislation.
There will be two cohorts per year (subject to final professional body approval), starting in March and September each year. The Spring cohort will run every Wednesday from March to November (No lectures during August) and the Autumn cohort will be taught every Tuesday from September to the following March.
Unfortunately the Non-Medical Prescribing for Nurses and Midwives course is not available to international students.
Nurses or midwives who wish to develop prescribing practice within a clinical setting.
The Non-Medical Prescribing for Nurses and Midwives course is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and competency required to undertake the role of an independent or supplementary non-medical prescriber. The Non-Medical Prescribing course has been designed for multiple disciplines to learn together to develop prescribing practice within a clinical setting.
The Non-Medical Prescribing for Nurses and Midwives programme comprises of two core modules: SHGM26 -Clinical Assessment and Decision Making in Non-Medical Prescribing which is 40 credits at level 7 and SHGM27 - Pharmacology principles and practice which is 20 credits at level 7. Both of these modules must be successfully completed to gain this qualification.
The Non-Medical Prescribing for Nurses and Midwives programme is taught at the St. David’s Park site in Carmarthen. Teaching takes place one day a week over the academic year. It is a professional requirement that you also have 96 hours of clinical practice with a designated medical mentor from which you will need to evidence the learning that has occurred.
The Non-Medical Prescribing for Nurses and Midwives teaching team:
The College of Human and Health Sciences has a vibrant postgraduate community with students drawn from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. The College is known for its friendly, welcoming and supportive environment, which combined with its extensive facilities, state-of-the-art technology and superb beachside location, helps to ensure that students benefit from an exceptional student experience.
Facilities
In addition, students have access to a wide range of excellent facilities and equipment for realistic workplace experiences.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Non-Medical Prescribing aims to prepare pharmacists to practice within current non-medical prescribing legislation.
There will be two cohorts per year (subject to sufficient interest and professional body approval), starting in March and September each year. The Spring cohort will run every Wednesday from March to November (No lectures during August) and the Autumn cohort will be taught every Tuesday from September to the following March. Please contact the Non-Medical Prescribing programme manager on [email protected] to discuss which cohort may be more appropriate for you.
Unfortunately the Non-Medical Prescribing for Pharmacists course is not available to international students.
Pharmacists who wish to develop prescribing practice within a clinical setting.
The Non-Medical Prescribing for Pharmacists course is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and competency required to undertake the role of an independent non-medical prescriber. The course has been designed for multiple disciplines to learn together to develop prescribing practice within a clinical setting.
The full Postgraduate Certificate in Non-Medical Prescribing for Pharmacists programme comprises one 40 credit module, SHGM22 Non-medical prescribing and one 20 credit module, Pharmacology principles and practice (NMC) SHGM23. The non-medical prescribing qualification annotated by the General Pharmaceutical Healthcare Council can be achieved by successful completion of a stand-alone 40 credit module, ‘Non-medical prescribing’ - SHGM22. Students wishing to complete the full Post Graduate Certificate in Non-Medical Prescribing for Pharmacists must also complete an optional 20 credit module, Pharmacology principles and practice (NMC) SHGM23.
The Non-Medical Prescribing for Pharmacists programme is taught at the St. David’s Park site in Carmarthen. Teaching takes place one day a week over the academic year.
The Non-Medical Prescribing for Pharmacists teaching team:
The College of Human and Health Sciences has a vibrant postgraduate community with students drawn from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. The College is known for its friendly, welcoming and supportive environment, which combined with its extensive facilities, state-of-the-art technology and superb beachside location, helps to ensure that students benefit from an exceptional student experience.
Facilities
In addition, students have access to a wide range of excellent facilities and equipment for realistic workplace experiences.
Our MSc Medical Virology course covers the medical and molecular aspects of virology, bacteriology and mycology, as well as immunity to infection and epidemiology.
In the era of AIDS, avian and swine influenza, and other emerging viral infections, the importance of medical virology as a co-discipline with medical microbiology is increasingly being recognised.
You will explore the current issues and concepts in medical virology, and acquire the academic and practical skills necessary to make independent, informed judgements in relation to these issues.
A unique feature of our course is the focus on practical, laboratory-based teaching; you will spend time in the laboratory, learning how to be a virologist.
At the end of our course, you will be prepared for a career in clinical sciences or academic or industrial research.
This course runs alongside our MSc Medical Microbiology course.
We aim to provide you with an understanding of and expertise in microbiology, with a particular focus on medical virology.
You will develop an understanding of the scientific basis of established and novel medical virology concepts, as well as the specialist knowledge, practical skills and critical awareness required to pursue a career in medical virology.
IBMS accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and meets the requirements for registration with the Science Council as a Chartered Scientist (CSci).
Extensive practical learning
The lab-focused nature of this course means you will gain maximum exposure to both the practical and theoretical aspects of a wide range of clinically relevant pathogens, helping develop practical skills that are valued by potential employers.
Various study options
You can study either full-time or part-time on both the MSc and PGDip routes, enabling you to fit learning around your other commitments if needed.
This course is delivered by academics from the University and NHS specialists in infectious disease and medical microbiology.
You will learn via a range of methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and comprehensive practical classes.
We use both face-to-face sessions and blended learning methods, with some material delivered and assessed online.
Find out more by visiting the postgraduate teaching and learning page.
You will be assessed via continual assessment and formal theory and practical examinations.
The course consists of 120 credits of taught material and followed by a 60-credit research project (MSc only). Some units are shared with the MSc Medical Microbiology course. The taught units are as follows:
Shared units
Course-specific units
All MSc students carry out a three-month research project in medical virology.
Full-time (FT) students take the above units and research project in Year 1. Part-time (PT) students can undertake the MSc over two years, one full semester per year.
This course is based in Stopford Building on Oxford Road, where you will find state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories, a student common room and good access to University computing clusters.
You will attend lectures across the University campus.
You will be able to access a range of facilities throughout the University.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service .
Our graduates typically find employment in the NHS and related organisations, or as medical microbiologists in industrial and pharmaceutical settings.
In addition, many graduates progress to PhD study and a research or academic career.
The course is also useful if you work or plan to work in developing countries that need expertise in the existing and emerging virological and microbiological challenges facing developing communities.
Our MSc is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
Our Medical Physics MSc programme is well-established and internationally renowned. We are accredited by IPEM (Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine) and we have trained some 1,000 medical physicists, so you can look forward to high-quality teaching during your time at Surrey.
The syllabus for the MSc in Medical Physics is designed to provide the knowledge, skills and experience required for a modern graduate medical physicist, placing more emphasis than many other courses on topics beyond ionising radiation (X-rays and radiotherapy).
Examples of other topics include magnetic resonance imaging and the use of lasers in medicine.
You will learn the theoretical foundations underpinning modern imaging and treatment modalities, and will gain a set of experimental skills essential in a modern medical physicist’s job.
These skills are gained through experimental sessions in the physics department and practical experiences at collaborating hospitals using state-of-the-art clinical facilities.
Why not discover more about our programme in our video?
This programme is studied full-time over one academic year. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation project. Part-time studemts study the same content over 2 academic years.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that all modules are compulsory, there are no optional modules, and may be subject to change.
Common room
A student common room is available for the use of all Physics students.
Computers
The University has an extensive range of PC and UNIX machines, full internet access and email. The University has invested in resources to allow students to develop their IT skills. It also has an online learning environment, SurreyLearn. Computers are located in dedicated computer rooms. Access to these rooms is available 24 hours per day.
Hounsfield Prize
A prize of £200 is awarded annually for the best dissertation on the Medical Physics programme. Sir Hounsfield was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1979 for his work on Computed Tomography.
Mayneord Prize
A prize of £200 in memory of Professor Valentine Mayneord will be awarded to the student with the best overall performance on the Medical Physics course. Professor Mayneord was one of the pioneers of medical physics, who had a long association with the Department and encouraged the growth of teaching and research in the field.
Knoll Prize
A prize of £300 in memory of Professor Glenn Knoll is awarded annually to the student with outstanding performance in Radiation Physics and Radiation Measurement on any of the department's MSc programmes. Professor Knoll was a world-leading authority in radiation detection, with a long association with the department
IPEM Student Prize (MSc Medical Physics)
A prize of £250 is awarded annually to a student with outstanding performance in their dissertation.
The programme integrates the acquisition of core scientific knowledge with the development of key practical skills with a focus on professional career development within medical physics and related industries. The principle educational aims and outcomes of learning are to provide participants with advanced knowledge, practical skills and understanding applied to medical physics, radiation detection instrumentation, radiation and environmental practice in an industrial or medical context. This is achieved by the development of the participants’ understanding of the underlying science and technology and by the participants gaining an understanding of the legal basis, practical implementation and organisational basis of medical physics and radiation measurement.
We give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities and through our international research collaboration. Hence, it may be possible to carry out the dissertation project abroad.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.