Master of Medical Physics

Master of Medical Physics

POSTGRADUATE

Apply physical sciences, such as radiation physics, to improve advanced diagnostic medical imaging and cancer treatment.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$38,400 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

As a medical physicist, your career could take you into fields like radiotherapy, medical imaging, nuclear medicine, and associated research and regulatory divisions of non-hospital institutions.

Studying in central Melbourne, you will develop the skills to critically evaluate and optimise the performance of medical equipment and procedures, and use your problem-solving abilities to analyse outputs, diagnose problems and provide quality assurance for patient treatments.

You’ll also learn how to apply specialist knowledge in instrumentation, and quantitative measurement to optimise the safe and effective use of radiation for patient care.

Using your initiative together with a high degree of independence, you’ll be instrumental in the evaluation and implementation of new technologies, and in the translation of research into professional practice.

Medical physicists are important advisers to a wider team of professionals, who often include oncologists, radiologists, therapists, technologists, biomedical engineers, allied health professionals and safety advisers. 

Why choose engineering at RMIT?

Strong industry links

Learn from industry and benefit from our long-standing industry connections, including close links with all major Melbourne hospitals.

Work-integrated learning

Gain practical skills and experience through a mix of theoretical and hands-on learning, including industry-designed assessments.

Cutting-edge facilities

Study in our radiotherapy treatment planning lab, virtual reality suite and cell laboratories for radiobiological experiments.

Male student outside RMIT building, smiling, looking towards camera

What you will study

This degree covers a range of physical science topics with applications in medicine, such as radiotherapy and imaging. 
 
A strong emphasis is placed on the protection of workers, patients and staff from the harmful effects of radiation.

Details

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Your learning environment will include a broad mix of study modes including lectures, seminars, workshops and practical classes, using face-to-face, online and other flexible delivery mechanisms.

Site visits to external facilities as well as lectures by guest presenters from industry will enhance your understanding while providing valuable real-world context.

The majority of this degree consists of specialisation subjects supported by interdisciplinary studies, while the rest focuses on an industry-partnered research project.

You will apply your knowledge to design and conduct a research project that addresses a practical challenge facing scientists in these fields. This capstone project will provide you with an opportunity to collaborate with an industry partner or external institution.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

The Master of Medical Physics is closely linked with all major Melbourne hospitals through teaching and research collaborations.

Other organisations, such as radiation protection authorities, research facilities, government agencies and private industries are also closely connected employers of our graduates.

Subjects taught in this degree have been developed in consultation with practising professionals in the fields of radiotherapy, oncology, medical imaging, nuclear medicine, and radiation protection.

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is embedded throughout this degree, via course content, guest speakers, industry designed assessments and in the research project.

You’ll either identify a research project from a workplace scenario you have encountered or will select from topics proposed by your academic supervisors and industry collaborators in relation to their research activities or clinical responsibilities.

Your capstone research project will have an industry consultant as a co-supervisor, who will help guide the project and jointly assess the project outcomes with your academic supervisor. You will be encouraged to spend time immersed in the industry environment, liaising and interacting with experienced professionals. This experience enables you to get to know a range of workplaces and to connect with potential future employers.

Students present their project outcomes at a special seminar night held by the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine. This calendar highlight welcomes an audience of medical physics professionals to RMIT, eager to meet the next generation of up-and-coming scientists.

The Master of Medical Physics is offered mainly on the City Campus, with some subjects using facilities such as the radiotherapy treatment planning lab, virtual reality suite (VERT), and the cell laboratories for radiobiological experiments, on the Bundoora Campus.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Master of Medical Physics consists of 192 credit points (2 years of full-time study).

Approximately 75 per cent (144 credit points) of this degree consists of coursework components. Several of the highly specialised subjects are offered in alternate years. The remaining 25 per cent (48 credit points) consists of a research project, conducted in the second year of this degree.

The research project is conducted over two semesters, to build and develop a deep understanding of the project objectives and context in close partnership with industry collaborators. You'll be assisted by an industry consultant as a co-supervisor to complete a research project relevant to an industry or clinical setting. The research project will be assessed partially via a submitted thesis, as well as by project planning, progress reporting, and oral presentation.

Examples of subjects offered include:

  • Radiotherapy Physics and Modelling
  • Medical Imaging Physics
  • Advanced Medical Imaging
  • Introduction to Human Biosciences
  • Radiation Physics and Radiation Protection
  • Radiobiology for Medical Physicists
  • Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Radiotherapy Treatment Planning
  • Practical Data Science with Python
  • Research Methods
  • Research Project.

These subjects provide an understanding of fundamental physics topics such as: radiation physics, detectors, measurement, and radiotherapy dosimetry, as well as cross-disciplinary studies in data science and basic human biology, structure, and function.

The technical aspects of medical physics will be covered in subjects concerning medical imaging, radiotherapy, and radiation transport modelling.

You’ll also apply your knowledge in subjects related to radiation protection, radiobiology and the process of radiotherapy treatment planning.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Medical Physics
Program code: MC215
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Medical Physics
City Campus
2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
MC215
080227G
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
Plan code
MC215
CRICOS
080227G
View plan
Master of Medical Physics
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC215
080227G
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC215
CRICOS
080227G
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Computer monitor displaying medical imaging software representation of X-ray

Your career as a medical physicist

Medical physicists oversee the safe and effective use of radiation and other physical phenomena for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases.

Qualified medical physicists are highly sought after due to an ageing population and the expansion of radiation oncology and medical imaging facilities and services.

Our graduates are employed throughout Australia, as well as the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, in fields including:

  • Radiotherapy
  • Medical imaging
  • Nuclear medicine
  • Radiation protection
  • Mining and mineral processing
  • Government regulatory agencies
  • Private consulting, product development and training
  • Associated research activities of non-hospital institutions
  • Developing industries such as nuclear energy and space science.

Australia is experiencing an expansion of radiation oncology and medical imaging facilities and services, with the construction of new treatment centres, particularly in regional areas. National workforce demand has been forecast to grow significantly over the next two decades, with a similar story worldwide.

A postgraduate qualification in medical physics – such as the Master of Medical Physics – is mandatory to become a certified practising medical physicist in Australia and many other countries.

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This program is accredited by the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM) who oversee a professional accreditation program that recognises and certifies experienced medical physicists.

To be certified as a professional medical physicist in Australia, you must complete the requirements stipulated by the ACPSEM. These include:

  • undergraduate Bachelor of Physics, or Bachelor of Science, with a Physics major, or ACPSEM approved equivalent degree with strong physics and maths subjects
  • an ACPSEM accredited postgraduate degree in medical physics (masters or higher), or ACPSEM approved equivalents. You must also meet the bachelor degree requirements (above)
  • completion of the ACPSEM Training, Education and Accreditation Program (TEAP) while employed as a Medical Physics Registrar at an accredited clinical training centre

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

An Australian bachelor degree with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 in a physical science, biomedical engineering or equivalent, having substantial physics and mathematics components.

International qualifications are assessed according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a physical science, biomedical engineering disciplines having substantial physics and mathematics components, with a minimum GPA of at least 2.0 (out of 4.0).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Exemptions

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in physics you will be eligible for exemptions as follows:

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree in science with a physics major at AQF Level 7

Up to 24 credit points relating to some or all of the following courses: 

  • PHYS2168 Quantum and Nuclear Physics
  • PHYS2167 Radiation Physics & Laboratory 
 168 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)
Bachelor of Science with a physics major (Honours)

Up to 36 credit points (subject to the courses completed in the Honours year.

  • PHYS2168 Quantum and Nuclear Physics
  • PHYS2167 Radiation Physics & Laboratory
  • COSC2752 Programming Fundamentals for Scientists    
 156 credit points 

Applicants with Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master or PhD qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for exemption of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study).

Information is available on the RMIT University website about how to apply for Credit Transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Upon completion of the following courses totalling 96 credit points you will be eligible to exit the program with the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in physics you will be eligible for exemptions as follows:

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree in science with a physics major at AQF Level 7

Up to 24 credit points relating to some or all of the following courses: 

  • PHYS2168 Quantum and Nuclear Physics
  • PHYS2167 Radiation Physics & Laboratory 
 168 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)
Bachelor of Science with a physics major (Honours)

Up to 36 credit points (subject to the courses completed in the Honours year.

  • PHYS2168 Quantum and Nuclear Physics
  • PHYS2167 Radiation Physics & Laboratory
  • COSC2752 Programming Fundamentals for Scientists    
 156 credit points 

Applicants with Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master or PhD qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for exemption of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study).

Information is available on the RMIT University website about how to apply for Credit Transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2024 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2024 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*. 

Full-fee places

  • AU$34,560 (2024 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$38,400.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$77,760.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information