collageThis MSc programme is designed for students with an interest in the physics and engineering aspects of technology that are applied in modern medicine.
To find out core information about this degree, such as entry requirements, programme length and cost, visit the UCL prospectus site.
Course information
Students study in detail the engineering and physics principles that underpin modern medicine, and learn to apply their knowledge to established and emerging technologies in medical imaging and patient monitoring. The programme covers the engineering applications across the diagnosis and measurement of the human body and its physiology, as well as the electronic and computational skills needed to apply this theory in practice.
After applying to the MSc programme, students choose one of three specialised streams:
- Radiation Physics (RP)*
- Biomedical Engineering and Medical Imaging (BEMI)
- Medical Image Computing (MIC)
*Accredited by the UK Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM). Available for both campus and distance-learning deliveries.
Students can study the MSc, completing 180 credits (120 taught course credits and 60 credit research project) or the Postgraduate Diploma, completing 120 credits (120 taught course credits). All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a research report of up to 10,000 words, a poster and an oral presentation. Module selection depends on the stream being studied and the desired career path.
Stream selection takes place after programme induction (not during the application stage). In selecting routes and optional modules, students will be guided by the programme director and academic staff members.MSc Physics and Engineering in Medicine: Radiation Physics
This programme is particularly suitable for students with an interest in radiation physics and cancer radiotherapy. The typical student on this programme has a BSc(Hons) in Physics, and wants to become a hospital-based clinical scientist.
Compulsory Modules
- Biomedical Ultrasound (MPHY0018)
- Clinical Practice (MPHY0027)
- Medical Device Enterprise Scenario (MPHY0033)
- Medical Imaging with Ionising Radiation (MPHY0016)
- MRI and Biomedical Optics (MPHY0019)
- MSc Research Project (MPHY0035)
- Ionising Radiation Physics: Interactions and Dosimetry (MPHY0032)
- Radiotherapy Physics (MPHY0028)
- Computing in Medicine (MPHY0020)
Optional Modules
This IPEM-accredited programme has a fixed diet. A non-accredited version of the stream is available with optional modules.
MSc Physics and Engineering in Medicine: Biomedical Engineering and Medical Imaging
This programme is particularly suitable for students with an interest in applying engineering skills to medical problems. The typical student on this stream has a BEng(Hons) in Mechincal Engineering, and wants to become a biomedical engineer working in industry or research.
Compulsory Modules
- Biomedical Ultrasound (MPHY0018)
- Clinical Practice (MPHY0027)
- Medical Device Enterprise Scenario (MPHY0033)
- Medical Imaging with Ionising Radiation (MPHY0016)
- MRI and Biomedical Optics (MPHY0019)
- MSc Research Project (MPHY0035)
- Medical Electronics and Control (MPHY0029)
Optional Modules
- Computing in Medicine (MPHY0020)
- Programming Foundations for Medical Image Analysis (MPHY0030)
- Applications of Biomedical Engineering (MPHY0039)
- Materials for Orthopaedic Medical Devices (MPHY0023)
- Research Software Engineering with Python (MPHY0021)
- Computer-Assisted Surgery and Therapy (MPHY0026)
MSc Physics and Engineering in Medicine: Medical Image Computing
This programme is particularly suitable for students with good computing skills, and an interest in medical imaging and AI. The typical student on this stream has a BTech in Computer Science & Engineering or a degree in a similar subject. They may want to go on to undertake a PhD, and work in a research lab within academia or research.
Course detail
Description
Our course is ideal if you are a graduate of the physical and engineering sciences who wants to gain a broad view of the field and to specialise in medical physics/engineering. The modules are also recognised by the UK National Health Service. You will study alongside trainee clinical scientists who undertake the modules of this MSc to fulfil the academic component of their training to become state registered clinical scientists.
Recent awards
- Medical Physics Zone winner (2015)
- SRP Young Professional Award (2015)
- UK Mercia Award for Medical Engineering (2015, 2017)
- King’s Experience Global Award (2016)
- Healthcare Science Rising Star Award (2016, 2017)
- IPEM Academic Early Career Award (2017)
- IPEM Quantitative MRI conference best oral presentation (2018)
Further literature
Course format and assessment
Teaching
You will receive approximately 400 contact hours, which includes lectures, seminars, tutorials and feedback with our expert staff. We will expect you to undertake approximately 800 hours of self-study.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work
Assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and exams.
In a typical module, coursework contributes approximately 30% and examinations approximately 70% to your final mark.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Course accreditation
Accredited by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) for specific combinations of modules (Medical Physics (MP) or Clinical Engineering (CE) streams).
Regulating body
King’s College London is regulated by the Office for Students.
Entry requirements & how to apply
| Minimum requirements | 2:1 | Minimum 2:1 degree in a physical or engineering science or equivalent. |
|---|---|---|
| International requirements | Visit our admissions webpages to view our International entry requirements. | |
| English Language requirements | Band D | Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements. |
Application procedure
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £70 applies.
Each application is assessed by at least two academics. Selection is on the basis of an application form and references. Selected applicants may be interviewed in person, by telephone or by alternative arrangements.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes | A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). Please provide information to support your application (work experience, conference/seminar presentations, other interest in medical physics/engineering etc) and a list of the optional modules you are most interested in. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| Reference | Yes | Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Yes | You are required to submit a CV (Resume) of 2 pages maximum. |
Application closing date
We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible. Our first application deadline is the 31 March 2020. After this date, applications will remain open if places are available, but programmes will be closed as soon as they are full. For programmes with spaces remaining, no further applications will be accepted from non-EU (Overseas) nationals after 31July 2020 or from UK/EU nationals after 28 August 2020.
Please note you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you apply after the first application deadline and places are filled before the final deadlines above and we are unable to process more offers.
Fees and funding
- Full time Home/EU fees: £12,750 per year (2020/21)
- Full time overseas fees: £26,550 per year (2020/21)
- Part time Home/EU fees: £6,375 per year (2020/21)
- Part time overseas fees: £13,275 per year (2020/21)
Students starting their programme in 2020/21 who are eligible to pay EU fees will pay the same rate of tuition fees as UK students. This will apply for the duration of their programme, but may be subject to change by the UK Government for subsequent cohorts from 2021/22.
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
When you receive an offer for this course you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. The deposit will be credited towards your total fee payment.
The UK/EU deposit is £500.
The INTERNATIONAL deposit is £2,000.
- If you receive an offer before 1 June 2020, payment is due by 30 June 2020.
- If you receive an offer between 1 June 2020 and 30 June 2020, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 July 2020 and 31 July 2020, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer on or after 1 August 2020, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer in late August, payment is due within 2 days of receiving the offer.If you are a current King’s student in receipt of the King’s Living Bursary you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you can also expect to pay for:
- books if you choose to buy your own copies
- clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- library fees and fines
- personal photocopies
- printing course handouts
- society membership fees
- stationery
- travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
- graduation costs.
Career prospects
The majority of our students are employed during the first year of graduation. More than 70 per cent continue to work in healthcare and some are already established as leading specialists. The majority have been employed in the NHS; some have also been employed in leading academic institutions and industry.
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