Radiation Physics 20 credits

Theoretical as well as practical aspects of handling and calculating radiation doses will be covered. The course is modelled on the physics syllabus of the FRCR Part I examinations and will therefore provide suitable preparation for this professional examination.

On completion, you should be able to:

• Explain the basic physics principles that underpin radiotherapy, e.g. types of radiation, atomic structure etc.
• Explain the principles of radiation dosimetry.
• Explain the principles of therapeutic radiation physics including X-rays, electron beam physics, radioactive sources, use of unsealed sources and Brachytherapy.
• Describe how to use radiotherapy equipment both for tumour localisation, planning and treatment; Define quality assurance and quality control, in the context of radiotherapy and the legal requirements.
• Explain the principles and practice of radiation protection, dose limits, screening and protection mechanisms.

Assessment

There are 3 components of the assessment:

• Incourse assessment- Open book Short Answer Questions (weighting 30%)
• 1h Multiple choice question based unseen examination (weighting 20%);
• Written assignment: Critical Appraisal of a research paper 1500 words (weighting 50%)

Course dates

• 8th - 11th December 2025
• 19th - 23rd January 2026

Credits 

20 credits

2:1 degree and clinical experience

For further information please email the programme team at clinicaloncology@contacts.bham.ac.uk or +44 (0)121 414 3803

Fees for 2025/26 entry

Microcredential (Home): £1,211

Microcredential (International): £3,374

Non-credit: £1,011.20

Why choose a Postgraduate Microcredential short course?

• Microcredentials offer the perfect opportunity to boost your CV without the commitment of a full degree
• Usually taken from existing modules within a Masters, they can be used as standalone credentials with some also counting as academic credits at postgraduate level
• Add a postgraduate level qualification to your CV
• Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals
• Alumni status with the University of Birmingham
• Learners will have the same access to our student support and campus facilities as our students on full degree programmes.

Please note the deadline for submitting an application:

• Applicants eligible for Home fees are to apply a minimum of 6 weeks before the module start date.
• Applicants eligible for Overseas fees are to apply a minimum of 3 months before the module start date.

Please note that once registered for the microcredential you cannot swap for the non-credit short course version.

Non-credit short course

The microcredential and the non-credit short course follow the same course structure, the difference between them both is with the non-credit short course you do not take the assessment at the end therefore you will not receive credits but will receive a certificate of completion, this certificate cannot be converted to credits.

Please note if you apply for the non-credit short course, you cannot swap to the microcredential version once registered.

Places on the non-credit short course are limited so please enquire before if spaces are available.