This accredited degree provides a strong foundation in physics while offering specialised training in medical imaging. You will gain hands-on experience in medical physics and benefit from expert lectures delivered by senior practicing medical physicists.
Course overview
In the first two years, you will follow a core programme covering fundamental physics, medical physics, and essential mathematical techniques for modelling physical systems. You will also develop skills in experimentation, computational analysis, and data interpretation, alongside professional skills in a supportive learning environment. In your second year, you will study a dedicated medical physics module.
In your third year, you will study advanced topics in physics and medical physics, choose specialised options, and apply experimental or computational techniques to a research project. The group project will further develop your teamwork and problem-solving skills.
In your final year, you will undertake a major research project in medical physics, working on open-ended problems at the forefront of research or applying physics to new technologies. You will also engage in advanced studies in medical physics and cutting-edge areas of modern physics.
The course draws on the school’s research strengths in areas such as astrophysics, cosmology, quantum and classical gravity, condensed matter, nanoscience, and quantum technology, with a growing emphasis on AI in scientific discovery.
Why choose this course?
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Research project - supervised by one or more academic staff members
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Specialist modules - in medical physics such as Functional Medical Imaging
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Paid research project - opportunities are available, where you can work directly with our researchers
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98% - of our research is classed as ‘world-leading’ (4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*).
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Accredited - by the Institute of Physics
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Paid summer research internship opportunity available
About Physics at the University of Nottingham
We have a proud history of learning and innovation. Research undertaken within the School of Physics and Astronomy, by Professor Sir Peter Mansfield, was recognised with a 2003 Nobel Prize for the invention of Magnetic Resonance Imaging body scanners. This technology has already helped more than half a billion people worldwide. More recently, our use of quantum technologies to understand how the brain works is changing the way that neurological conditions are detected and treated.
Our courses offer a wide range of optional modules, so you can explore new areas of physics and specialise in the ones that interest you the most. You can study topics as diverse as cosmology, nanoscience, and medical imaging and learn from experts in those fields. What’s more, there is flexibility to transfer between most physics courses after the first year.
Some of our teaching staff share their love of physics with budding scientists worldwide through the popular Sixty Symbols YouTube channel. Our unique, student centred MSci course offers innovative teaching methods, with few to no exams in the final year.
We encourage students to share their fascination with physics with the wider community through our outreach programme. This programme can help you further develop skills such as organisation, communication and team working. We also have an active student society, PhysSoc, which organises social events throughout the year. Our mentoring scheme gives new starters the opportunity to connect with more experienced physics students, helping you settle into university life.
