PhD Medical Physics and Imaging
Course overview
The PhD in Medical Physics and Imaging at Swansea University is a research-based doctoral programme focused on how physics and imaging techniques support medicine and healthcare. It allows students to work on original research that could involve medical imaging technologies, radiation physics, diagnostic systems, treatment devices, or image-based healthcare research. The aim is to produce new knowledge that helps improve healthcare diagnostics, treatment or monitoring.
This PhD is offered in the Medical School at Swansea University and can be studied full-time (typically 3 years) or part-time (up to 6 years), depending on the student’s situation. Students work under a supervisory team, receive research training, attend seminars and workshops, and benefit from facilities dedicated to medical physics and imaging. The programme emphasises collaboration with clinical, industrial and academic partners, including the NHS and health boards in Wales. Students learn through a combination of supervised independent research, research methodology training, seminars and workshops. Assessment is primarily by the submission of a doctoral thesis and an oral defence (viva).
Entry requirements
As standard, one reference is required before your application to the Faculty research programme can be progressed.
Grade Requirements:
- Applicants to this PhD programme normally need to hold a good honours degree (2:1 or above) and usually a relevant master’s degree in a field such as physics, engineering, medical physics, imaging science, or a related discipline.
- Applicants without a master’s may be considered if they hold a first-class honours degree and have a strong research proposal.
English Proficiency:
- The English language requirement for non-native speakers is IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.5.
Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships
International Excellence Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded as a discount on tuition fees worth up to £5,000 in the first year of study, with a further £2,000 awarded in Year 2 (for £5,000 awardees only, subject to achieving a 70% average).
International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries
First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.
Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)
The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.
Swansea University Sport Scholarship
Financial support (of up to £2000).
Thrive Bursary
The Thrive bursary is a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees for the first year of study, with a progression bursary of £2,000 in subsequent years (applied as a discount off tuition fees).
Up to £4,000
Career opportunities
Graduates of the PhD in Medical Physics and Imaging programme can move into advanced roles in healthcare science, research, industry, and academia. Possible job titles include:
- Medical Physicist
- Clinical Scientist
- Research Fellow
- Biomedical Engineer
- Imaging Scientist
Cost of study
For full-time international students, the annual tuition fee for the first year of this PhD programme is £25,600. Students should expect a maximum increase of up to 3% in tuition per year.
Admission
To apply for the Swansea University PhD Medical Physics and Imaging programme, applicants must submit an online application through the university’s postgraduate research portal. If you need assistance, you can reach out to one of our experienced counsellors at AHZ.
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