Physics with Medical Physics & BioengineeringFisic le Fisic Mhíochaine ┐Bithinnealtóireacht

Physics underpins many important aspects of medical diagnostics, technology and treatment. Think of x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, CT scans and treatment of tumours with radiation. Physics is crucial to all of these.

Medical physicists and bioengineers play a vital, often leading role in medical research teams in developing or applying new medical technology in a hospital or industry environment.

Experts deliver a range of specialist modules in the areas of Medical Devices, Bioengineering and Rehabilitation Engineering, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy.

In the Physics of Medical Devices module, you’ll gain insights into the medical device industry, from the initial concept of a medical device to its manufacture. In the Diagnostic Imaging module, you’ll gain an understanding of the principles of how an image is formed using x-rays or sound waves, and be able to critically assess the important design features in such imaging devices for optimum image quality.

In the Bioengineering module, you’ll learn about the design and engineering of artificial limbs and implants, as well as advanced biocompatible materials.

A wide range of careers are open to physics graduates, many of them using the methodology of physics: technical know-how, the logical approach, problem-solving skills. Graduates work in well-paid physics-based industries such as the critical and growing areas of medical physics, bioengineering and medical devices, and also the electronics industry, alternative energy development and telecommunications.

Their analytical skills also place physicists in demand in a range of financial, fund management and research roles, in law, in management consultancy, as weather forecasters, computer programmers and as physics and science teachers.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to undertake 6 to 12 months of their studies abroad.

Work Placement

There’s a seven-month work placement during Year 3 in either a medical physics & bioengineering department in a hospital, research laboratory or medical device company. This will give you day-to-day experience as a physicist in medical physics and bioengineering, as well as help you to develop important links for your future career.

Professional Accreditation

This degree was developed in partnership with both the medical device industry and the medical physics and bioengineering community in Ireland and is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Additional Requirements

In some cases, students undertake their placement in hospital settings, where this is the case Garda Vetting is required. Others undertake placements in various settings for which Garda Vetting is not required. Therefore, in relation to this course Garda Vetting is on a case by case basis – see tudublin.ie/gardavetting

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

• Bioengineer
• Medical Device Designer
• Electronics Industry
• Alternative Energy Developer
• Weather Forecaster
• Computer Programmer
• Physics and Science Teacher

Typical career opportunities of past graduates are in organisations such as the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, University Hospital Galway, the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Boston Scientific, Hermitage Medical Clinic, bitSmith Games, St. James’s Hospital, Medtronic Vascular, and Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

We are currently closed for Advanced Entry Applications. The courses that will be open for advanced entry will be listed on the CAO website in January 2025. For information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub. If this course opens for advanced entry, the following will apply.

To qualify for Advanced Entry applicants must be currently studying, completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7 or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or an equivalent, in a related area. You must demonstrate by providing transcripts of results that you have achieved the learning outcomes for each stage you wish to advance past, for example:

• To enter Year 2 via Advanced Entry, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Year 1.
• For entry to Year 3, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1 and 2.
• For entry to Year 4, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1, 2, and 3.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

The problem-based learning approach in class and the hands-on work experience during third year were really beneficial to me securing a job as a clinical engineer. Being a physics graduate with work experience makes you stand out from other graduates.

On graduation, you may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.