Master in Medical Physics
General Objectives of the Course
This Master's program aims to meet the need of graduates who wish to pursue a career in the field of Medical Physics as qualified professionals. After obtaining a Master's degree in Medical Physics, the student should acquire the academic training required to enter into Medical Physicist Expert training, in accordance with the provisions of Decree-Law 108/2018, which transposes the 2013 European Directive 2013/59/Euratom, and the regulations for the recognition of Medical Physics Specialists stipulated in Ordinance No. 254/2021.It is also an aim of this Master Program to encourage scientific research in the field of Medical Physics, motivating and preparing students for that.
Admission Requirements
a) Holders of a bachelor’s degree or legal equivalent in Physics, Physics Engineering, Technological Physics, Applied Physics or
Biomedical Engineering;
b) Holders of a foreign higher academic degree, in the areas referred to in a), awarded following a 1st cycle of studies organized
according to the principles of the Bologna Process by a State compliant with this Process;
c) Holders of a higher education academic degree obtained abroad that is recognized as meeting the objectives of the degree of
bachelor by the Scientific Committee of FCTUC;
d) In duly justified cases, holders of an academic, scientific and professional curriculum relevant for pursuing this cycle of studies as
recognized by the Scientific Committee of FCTUC.
The recognition referred to in sub-paragraphs b) to d) of paragraph 1 merely provides access to the study cycle leading to the
degree of master and does not confer on its holder the equivalence to the degree of bachelor or the recognition of that degree.
Candidates should check the admission requirements available on this site, in addition to the information provided here.
Professional Goals
The main career path is that of Medical Physicist, after specialized clinical training in a hospital environment, which is part of the qualification framework for the Medical Physics profession.Medical Physicists will be prepared to work in Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology in Hospitals or Clinics.
They can perform specialized scientific and technical functions in sectors - Industry, Environment, Services, Research and Regulation - where ionizing and non-ionizing radiation is used (all workplaces that use radiation must, in accordance with international recommendations, have a specialist in radiological protection such as the graduates of this master's degree).
Master's graduates in Medical Physics have the ideal training to carry out research in the areas of Medical Imaging, Radiotherapy, Dosimetry, Radiological Protection and related areas.
Mode of Study
Full-time, face-to-faceTeaching / Evaluation language(s)
English (Portuguese if there are no students who do not speak Portuguese)Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading
As assessment is a pedagogical activity inseparable from the teaching process, its aim is to establish the students' competencies and knowledge, their critical sense, ability to recognize and solve problems, as well as their written and oral presentation skills. Students may only register for exams for classes they are currently registered for under the terms of number 6 of article 4 of the University of Coimbra Pedagogical Policy. The following are examples of assessment items: oral or written exams, written or practical work, individual and group projects that may require an oral defense, as well as class participation. Assessment for each course may include one or more of the above mentioned items. Grading is based on a scale of 0 to 20 and a grade of 10 is required to pass. Whenever the grade comprises more than one item, the final grade is calculated by taking into account the relative weight of each item according to a formula published in the course outline under the terms of number 2 of article 7 of the UC Pedagogical Policy.Learning Objectives and Intended Skills
The education objectives of this MSc follow the European recommendations on the training of medical physicists. They include a robust technical and scientific body of knowledge on topics associated to Physics principles, methods and techniques applied to health, both in diagnosis and therapy, namely in what concerns quality assurance, optimization and safety of procedures and equipment involving ionizing and nonionizing radiation.This MSc also aims at developing different instrumental skills, as retrieve information from different sources, analyse and synthesize, problem solving, decision making, interpersonal skills as oral and writing communication with both experts and nonexperts in the field, respect diversity, work in multidisciplinary teams, criticize constructively and accept constructive criticism, and systemic skills as adapt to new situations, display autonomy, responsibility and initiative, recognize one’s limitations and abilities.
Course Coordinator(s)
Maria Isabel Silva Ferreira Lopes
isabel.lopes@uc.pt
ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)
João Miguel Carvalho Alves Moreira
uc41086@uc.pt
Manuela Ramos Marques da Silva
manuela@uc.pt
Recognition of Prior Learning
The recognition of prior learning is carried out according according to the Credits for Previous Learning and Work Experience Policy of the University of Coimbra.Qualification Requirements and Regulations
The legal framework for the qualification is established by the Decree-Law nr 74/2006, 24th March, in its current wording.Graduation Requirements
The student has to get approval in mandatory courses that sum up 93 ECTS in the area of Medical Physics (including a dissertation), 6 ECTS in the area of Engineering and 9 ECTS in Biomedical Sciences . He/she still have to get approval in optional courses that make 12 ECTS, which may be of any of the areas contemplated in this master’s program: Medical Physics, Physics, Biomedical Sciences, Engineering and Management, Engineering, Computing and Mathematics.
Access to Further Studies
It provides access to the call and sequent specializing training for obtaining the title of Medical Physics Expert.Study Programme
2026-2027
Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Advanced Specialisation Master Programme
DGES Code: 6468
Qualification Awarded: Mestre
Duration: 4 Semester(s)
ECTS Credits: 120.0
Category: Advanced specialization second cycle
Applications
Call for Applications
Calendar
- 1st Semester
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Start date: 07-09-2026
End date: 18-12-2026 - 2nd Semester
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Start date: 08-02-2027
End date: 20-05-2027
Accreditations
- Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior
- 2025-07-31 a 2028-07-30
- Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior
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Nº Registo: R/A-Cr 35/2019/AL01
- 2025-07-30