Medical Imaging University of Aberdeen

Overview

The Medical Imaging MSc at the University of Aberdeen provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how sophisticated technology is utilised to detect and monitor various diseases. This programme leverages the institution's historic reputation for innovation, including being the site where the world's first whole-body MRI scanner was developed and used.

Students are immersed in a professional clinical culture at the Foresterhill Health Campus, one of the largest medical complexes in Europe. The curriculum covers a vast range of imaging modalities, including Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Ultrasound. While the programme is classroom-based, it benefits from a close partnership with the adjacent teaching hospital to demonstrate how these technologies function in modern research and clinical settings.

Why Medical Imaging at the University of Aberdeen?

The university holds an internationally renowned reputation for medical imaging development, recently recognised with the Queen’s Anniversary Prize. Students have access to world-class facilities, including state-of-the-art 3T and 1.5T MRI scanners and a £2m PET-CT scanner. Learning is led by active researchers and key opinion leaders who are currently advancing techniques such as Fast-Field Cycling MRI and functional brain imaging.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 23000 per year
• National fee: GBP 11100 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to accommodate those from physical science, engineering, or life sciences backgrounds. Modules may include:

• Biomedical Physics Skills
• Biomedical and Safety Topics in Healthcare
• Imaging in Medicine – Ionising
• Comparative Imaging
• Computing and Information Technology in Medicine
• Medical Image Processing and Analysis
• Imaging in Medicine – Non-Ionising

Careers with Medical Imaging

Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles within healthcare, academia, and the private sector. The programme provides a solid foundation for those seeking to work as scientific experts alongside clinicians in hospital settings or as researchers in university environments. The technical expertise gained also opens pathways into the medical device industry and risk management.

Common career destinations include:

• Hospital-based medical imaging specialist
• Medical imaging industry professional
• Academic researcher or lecturer
• Medical device risk management
• Further doctoral study (PhD)

The university maintains strong industry links with major organisations such as GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare, and NHS Grampian, helping students establish vital professional networks during their studies.