UCAS code F355
This MPhys (Hons) programme is for those considering a career as a professional physicist with medical applications, research or industrial research and development. It covers a wider range of topics than the Physics with Medical Applications BSc and provides more research experience.
Physics is helping to advance medical diagnosis and treatment, helping us to live longer. This programme provides the perfect foundation for a career in medical physics, with options for a year in industry or a year abroad.
Physics research is helping us to live longer, healthier lives. It is helping us to develop new cures for disease and new ways to quickly diagnose health problems. For example, particle beams and detectors used in physics research have led to the development of proton cancer therapies and new diagnostic imaging technologies.
Combining the study of physics and selected topics in medical applications, this programme provides skills such as numeracy, problem solving, reasoning and communication that are attractive to the general employer, and it is an excellent preparation for a career in medical physics.
In addition to core physics modules, you will also take mathematics, computing and experimental physics modules in support of these studies. Staff from the local hospitals and medical research centres will also be involved in teaching.
This programme is available with a year in industry. Year three is spent on a paid placement within an organisation in industry, broadly defined. You will be supported by the Department of Physics throughout your placement, and you will be expected to complete a reflective written account of your experience.
This course is pending accreditation from the Institute of Physics (IoP).
This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics, which means it satisfies the academic requirements for Chartered Physicist status. The Institute of Physics is the professional body for physics in the UK and Ireland.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Build a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, computing and experimental science while developing the investigative and teamwork skills used by professional physicists. Through project-based learning, you’ll explore how physics is applied to real-world challenges and get an introduction to medical physics.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Deepen your understanding of modern physics while developing advanced experimental, computational and analytical skills. Through experimental physics and open-ended investigations, you’ll learn how physics can be used to address challenges in medicine, while considering the wider impact of scientific and technological innovation.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Apply your knowledge through independent investigations and advanced project work while tailoring your studies to your interests. You’ll develop the skills needed to tackle complex scientific challenges, while preparing for advanced research and professional careers.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MEDICAL APPLICATIONS (PHYS384) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Study advanced topics in modern and medical physics while undertaking a substantial research project. Working alongside leading researchers, you’ll develop specialist expertise in medical physics and apply your knowledge to challenges shaping the future of the application of physics to medicine.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FRONTIERS OF MEDICAL PHYSICS (PHYS425) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Our research-led teaching ensures you are taught the latest advances in cutting-edge physics research. Lectures introduce and provide the details of the various areas of physics and related subjects. You will be working in tutorials and problem-solving workshops, which are another crucial element in the learning process, where you put your knowledge into practice. They help you to develop a working knowledge and understanding of physics. All of the lecturers also perform world-class research and use this to enhance their teaching.
Most work takes place in small groups with a tutor or in a larger class where staff provide help as needed. Practical work is an integral part of the programmes, and ranges from training in basic laboratory skills in the first two years to a research project in the third or fourth year. You will undertake an extended project on a research topic with a member of staff who will mentor you. By the end of the degree, you will be well prepared to tackle problems in any area and present yourself and your work both in writing and in person. In the first two years, students take maths modules which provide the support all students need to understand the physics topics.
The main modes of assessment are coursework and examination. Depending on the modules taken you may encounter project work, presentations (individual or group), and specific tests or tasks focused on solidifying learning outcomes.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
You will attend lectures, as well as work in tutorials and problem-solving workshops. Practical work is carried out in laboratories, starting with basic skills and progressing to a research project.
Your course will be delivered by the Department of Physics.
Find out a little bit more about Physics at Liverpool.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Physics gives you a chance to explain how the world works, from the tiny, atomic scale to the large. I've enjoyed the practicals, getting to grips with handling the equipment and the scientific methods. I’ve developed a lot of skills that I will apply throughout my life.
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A physics degree is a great starting point for a physics related career, engineering and computing careers.
Physicists are trained to solve a wide range of problems. Our graduates have gone on to explore careers in such diverse areas: