Which medical physics specialism interests you?
Medical physics includes several kinds of work, from planning cancer treatment to improving scans. Compare the main areas below to see which scientific questions and everyday tasks appeal to you.
The four Medical Physics STP specialties
The National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) lists these four specialties. The available training posts can vary each year.
| STP specialty | What the work involves |
|---|---|
| Imaging with Non-Ionising Radiation | MRI, ultrasound and optical imaging: checking equipment, improving images and supporting safe use. |
| Radiation Safety and Diagnostic Radiology | X-ray and CT imaging: improving image quality, measuring radiation dose and advising on radiation safety. |
| Radiotherapy Physics | Cancer treatment: planning radiation doses, checking treatment machines and measuring how radiation is delivered. |
| Nuclear Medicine | Radioactive tracers: helping teams image how the body works, measure radiation and deliver some treatments. |
How to compare them
Read about the work, look at job descriptions and attend an open day or careers event if you can. Think about which techniques you would enjoy learning and how your skills might fit.
- Would you enjoy planning treatment, improving images or measuring radioactive material?
- How much would you like to work with equipment, software or data?
- Which scientific ideas would you like to understand in more depth?
- Where are training places available, and what does each department offer?
Which specialisms cover imaging?
X-ray and CT work falls within Radiation Safety and Diagnostic Radiology. MRI, ultrasound and optical methods are covered by Imaging with Non-Ionising Radiation. Nuclear Medicine also includes imaging, using radioactive tracers.
What does an undefined post mean?
An advert may use the name “Medical Physics – undefined” instead of one specific specialism. The NSHCS says these posts may have a specialism already set, or it may be decided after the first year of training.
Before choosing a location, check which areas the department can offer and how the final specialism is allocated. Your preferred area may depend on available training places and the department’s needs.
- Which rotations and final specialisms are available?
- When is the specialism decided?
- How much choice will you have?
- Who can answer questions about the training?
Can an undefined post include MRI?
It may do. MRI is part of Imaging with Non-Ionising Radiation, so look for that specialism in the employer’s information. Ask the contact named in the advert if it is unclear.
Interested in software and data?
Clinical Scientific Computing is a separate Physical Sciences specialty. It may be worth exploring if you enjoy programming, modelling and working with clinical data.
Find out more about the work
Read a detailed guide to the area that interests you.
Sources
Guidance checked: 6 September 2026