Swansea University

What you'll study

This programme combines core physics, radiation science and healthcare practice. Early years build a foundation in classical and modern physics, anatomy and physiology, radiation interactions and basic instrumentation. You will study modules covering radiation physics, dosimetry, imaging physics (including X‑ray, CT and nuclear medicine principles), radiotherapy physics and radiation protection.

• Fundamental physics and mathematics for healthcare applications
• Radiation physics and radiation-matter interactions
• Principles of diagnostic imaging and image quality
• Radiotherapy physics, treatment planning and dosimetry
• Radiation safety, legal and ethical frameworks
• Practical laboratory classes in measurement, calibration and instrumentation
• Data analysis, computing and modelling relevant to medical physics
• Research methods and a substantial individual research project in the final year

Teaching methods include lectures, practical laboratory sessions in specialist medical physics facilities, seminar work, problem-based learning and clinical visits to local hospital physics departments. The final year project gives experience of research or applied development, supervised by academic staff or clinicians.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a strong grounding in science and mathematics. Typical entry routes include A-levels with at least one science or maths subject, BTEC qualifications in a relevant scientific area, or the International Baccalaureate. Applicants without traditional qualifications but with relevant work, voluntary or clinical experience may also be considered through the mature student route.

Standard requirements also include good GCSE passes (or equivalent) in English and mathematics. Selection may take into account personal statements and references that demonstrate an interest in both physics and healthcare.

Career prospects

Graduates gain the scientific and practical skills needed for roles supporting medical imaging and radiotherapy services. Common career paths include positions in NHS clinical physics departments as healthcare science assistants or associates, roles in manufacturers of medical imaging and radiotherapy equipment, opportunities in radiation protection and regulatory bodies, and employment in research laboratories.

Many graduates choose to continue to postgraduate study or professional training. Popular next steps are specialised MSc programmes, doctoral research, or entry to vocational clinical scientist training pathways that lead to registration as a Clinical Scientist. The degree therefore provides a solid foundation for both immediate technical employment and longer-term professional development within healthcare science.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea offers hands-on training within a university that maintains close links with regional NHS clinical physics departments, providing opportunities for clinical visits, placements and collaborative projects. The programme is delivered by staff with expertise in medical and radiation physics, and students have access to laboratories and equipment tailored to healthcare science teaching.

The university environment supports interdisciplinary work across life sciences, engineering and medicine, so students benefit from collaborative research groups and industry links. Swansea’s location gives ready access to local hospital partners for applied experience and opportunities to engage with real-world clinical problems while developing transferable technical and professional skills.