Swansea University

What you'll study

This honours degree develops understanding of the physical principles behind therapeutic radiology and the technologies used to plan, deliver and assure radiotherapy. Teaching blends theoretical modules, practical laboratory work and clinical placement experience.

• Fundamental physical sciences: mechanics, electromagnetism and nuclear physics as they apply to medical applications.
• Radiation physics: radiation interactions, dosimetry, beam characteristics and measurement techniques.
• Radiotherapy technology and treatment planning: modern linear accelerators, imaging for radiotherapy (CT, MRI, PET), treatment planning systems, 3D conformal and intensity‑modulated radiotherapy concepts.
• Quality assurance and safety: QA procedures for equipment and treatment delivery, radiation protection, regulatory frameworks and incident investigation.
• Anatomy, physiology and oncology: tumour biology, normal tissue tolerance, and the clinical context for radiotherapy decisions.
• Computing and data analysis: scientific programming, image processing, statistics and research methods used in physics-based healthcare.
• Professional practice and ethics: communication, multidisciplinary teamwork, healthcare systems and professional standards relevant to clinical scientists.
• Project and research work: an independent research project or laboratory dissertation that develops critical evaluation and reporting skills.

The programme is structured across three years of full-time study, with progressive integration of laboratory classes and supervised clinical placements in radiotherapy departments. Practical assessments, coursework, written exams and a final-year research project are used to assess learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school qualification with a strong science and/or numerate background. Typical offers are made on the basis of A-levels, BTEC or equivalent qualifications; successful applicants usually present a combination that includes Mathematics, Physics, Biology or Chemistry. Exact offers depend on the type of qualification presented.

• General academic profile: A-level/BTEC/Scottish/International equivalents demonstrating competence in science and mathematics.
• Subject preferences: at least one relevant science or mathematics subject is strongly recommended.
• Alternative qualifications: appropriately prepared Access to HE diplomas and relevant vocational qualifications may be considered.
• English language: international applicants will need to meet the university's English language requirements (e.g. an overall IELTS-type score typical for undergraduate study).
• Disclosure and health checks: offers may be conditional on satisfactory occupational health screening and background checks where clinical placements are required.

Admissions also consider personal statements, references and relevant work or voluntary experience in healthcare settings.

Career prospects

Graduates typically enter roles that apply physics and technology in clinical environments or continue to specialist training. Common career paths include:

• Radiotherapy physics assistant or technical roles in hospital radiotherapy departments, supporting treatment delivery and quality assurance.
• Dosimetrist or treatment planning technologist, preparing and optimising radiotherapy plans under clinical supervision.
• Further training towards clinical scientist or medical physicist qualifications through postgraduate study or accredited training programmes, leading to registration where applicable.
• Positions in healthcare technology industry, medical imaging and radiotherapy equipment manufacturers, or regulatory and research organisations.
• Research or academic routes at postgraduate level (MSc/PhD) in medical physics, radiation biology or allied areas.

Strong links with regional health services mean many students gain placement experience that supports employability in the NHS and private healthcare settings.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea offers interdisciplinary teaching that draws on expertise in physics, clinical sciences and healthcare. The programme emphasises hands-on laboratory experience and close collaboration with local radiotherapy departments, providing realistic clinical exposure and professional context.

• Clinical partnerships: established links with NHS clinical teams for supervised placements and applied learning.
• Practical facilities: laboratory-based teaching, medical imaging and simulation resources that support skill development in measurement, dosimetry and treatment planning.
• Research-informed teaching: access to academic staff working on radiation physics, imaging and cancer research, enabling students to undertake relevant projects.
• Student support: academic mentoring, careers services and support for placement preparation to help you transition into the workforce or further training.

The programme is designed to provide a solid scientific foundation, practical competence and the professional awareness required for a career in radiotherapy physics and related healthcare science roles.