MSc Medical Physics with Radiobiology

Department of Oncology, University of Oxford

The Department of Oncology's mission is to improve cancer care through research and teaching. We employ multidisciplinary approaches from physics, biology, chemistry and mathematical modelling to investigate DNA biology and epigenetics, cell and environmental biology of tumour tissue, and both systemic and local immunological responses in cancer. The department offers an established, world-leading, graduate training programme. Our degree courses focus on expanding scientific knowledge, with particular emphasis on therapies involving drug discovery or action and therapies used in combination with radiotherapy.

About the Course

The MSc in Medical Physics with Radiobiology is a one-year, full-time course run by the Department of Oncology at the University of Oxford, delivered by world-leading academics and clinical scientists. The main aim of this course is to discuss how ionising and non-ionising radiation are used in clinical practice, both in the context of radiotherapy and medical imaging. This is combined with principles of radiobiology at molecular and cellular level, to give graduates a better understanding of the effects of radiation than is achieved in other medical physics courses. This course is designed for individuals interested in careers in medical physics from either a clinical or academic research perspective, or in professions that require a knowledge of medical physics, such as radiation protection.

Course Structure

You will take eight compulsory modules, which are delivered in two-week blocks, following on from each other:

• Physics of Radiation Interactions

• Molecular Radiation Biology

• Radiobiology of Cells and Tissues

• Radiation Safety

• Ionising Radiation Imaging Technologies

• Radiation Therapy Physics

• Non-ionising Radiation Technologies

• Translational Research Methods and Applications

Modules one to four are delivered in the first term and build a picture of the biological responses to radiation from the sub-atomic level through to the effects on whole tissues, in both tumours and normal tissue, and will link this to radiation protection requirements for both patients and workers.

Modules five to eight are delivered in the second term and cover the application of physics in clinical practice across both imaging and radiotherapy. This will include discussion of new and emerging modalities and how these approaches are translated from the lab into clinical practice.

In the third term you will conduct a research project in one of the laboratories in the University’s Medical Sciences Division or within Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, and submit a written dissertation based on your work. 

Entry Requirements and Applications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications) in physics or a closely related subject.

Applications for 2024-25 entry are now open. The application deadline for entry in October 2024 is 12pm (midday) GMT on Friday 1 December 2023. Please apply via the University of Oxford graduate admissions webpage.