University of Trieste

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced theoretical study with practical laboratory work and clinical placements to prepare students for professional roles in healthcare and research. Core subject areas include radiation physics, medical imaging physics (X‑ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound), radiotherapy physics (treatment planning, dosimetry and quality assurance), nuclear medicine and PET physics, and radiation protection and safety.

• Fundamental modules: advanced classical and quantum aspects relevant to medical applications, statistical methods and uncertainty analysis, and biophysics of tissues and detectors.
• Clinical and applied modules: diagnostic imaging physics, radiotherapy technology and techniques, nuclear medicine instrumentation, clinical dosimetry and patient‑centred quality assurance.
• Computational and instrumentation training: image processing, treatment‑planning algorithms, Monte Carlo simulation for dose calculation, detector electronics and calibration.
• Practical experience: laboratory coursework, hands‑on sessions with imaging and radiotherapy equipment, and supervised clinical placements in partner hospitals to develop competencies in clinical practice and radiation safety.
• Research and dissertation: an independent research project or thesis carried out under academic and clinical supervision, often aligned with ongoing research at university institutes or local research facilities.

Course structure

The course typically comprises taught modules in the first part of the programme, followed by an extended period of practical training and a final research dissertation. Assessment is by written examinations, coursework, practical reports and the thesis. The programme emphasises transferable professional skills such as clinical communication, regulatory compliance and project management.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in physics, biomedical engineering, electronic engineering or a closely related scientific subject. Equivalent international qualifications are also considered. Typical academic prerequisites include grounding in classical physics, introductory quantum mechanics, mathematics (calculus and linear algebra) and basic electronics or signal processing.

• Academic award: bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, biomedical sciences or equivalent.
• Academic standard: demonstration of strong performance in relevant subjects; candidates with differing grading systems should provide transcripts and a clear statement of content studied.
• Supporting documents: academic transcripts, CV, personal statement describing motivation and relevant experience, and references.
• Language: proficiency in English is required if the applicant’s prior education was not in English; evidence such as an accepted English language test or institutional proof may be requested.
• Additional assessment: shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview or asked to provide examples of previous laboratory or project work.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme typically move into roles that bridge clinical practice, research and industry. Common career paths include positions as clinical/medical physicists in hospitals (diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine), radiation protection officers, and technical specialists in medical device and imaging companies. Many graduates continue to research roles in academia or apply for doctoral study.

• Clinical medical physicist in radiotherapy departments, diagnostic imaging units or nuclear medicine services.
• Regulatory and radiation safety roles in hospitals, clinics, industry and governmental bodies.
• Research and development positions with medical imaging and radiotherapy manufacturers or at national research facilities.
• Further research training (PhD) leading to specialist or academic careers.

Why study at University of Trieste

The University of Trieste offers medical physics training with strong links to regional hospitals and prominent research infrastructures, providing opportunities for clinically relevant placements and collaborative projects. The university’s connections with local research centres and facilities enable access to advanced instrumentation and multidisciplinary teams. Students benefit from a programme that emphasises both rigorous theoretical foundations and practical competence required for clinical certification and professional practice.

• Close cooperation with teaching hospitals for supervised clinical experience and real‑world training.
• Access to multidisciplinary research environments and specialised facilities for imaging and radiation science.
• Small‑group teaching and direct supervision for laboratory work and thesis projects.
• Preparation for professional roles through training in quality assurance, regulatory frameworks and patient safety.