Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 36 months (3–4 years)
- Part-time: 72 months (up to 6 years)
Start dates & application deadlines
You can apply for and start this programme anytime. First day of any month.
Language: English
Credits: 360 alternative credits
Delivered: On Campus
Campus Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Disciplines: Medical Imaging
Overview
Modern medicine relies heavily on many physical tools, techniques, and principles which have been developed in the physical sciences. The complexity and precision required in the operation of modern-day diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, and the quest to constantly improve medical technology, has led to the subspecialty of Medical Physics.
Career opportunities
Medical physics provides an intellectually stimulating, multidisciplinary environment; personally rewarding work that may have a direct effect on patient care; and excellent career prospects in a field with a recognised shortage of suitably qualified graduates.
Graduates of the Medical Physics course offered at University of Canterbury are employed by hospitals in various department’s including radiation oncology, diagnostic radiology, and nuclear medicine. They are involved in creating new devices and technology, both in industry and academic environments. They also help to regulate the safe use of medical technology, including radiation safety.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiation Biology
- Radiation Physics
- Medical Imaging
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- PTE Academic: 58
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements
- Enrolment in a PhD requires completion of a research-focused honours or master’s degree, at First or Second Class (Division I) Honours or Distinction level (or equivalent qualifications).
- Applicants with qualifications from outside Aotearoa New Zealand must have been granted admission to the University. Our admissions team, in consultation with the host department, look at your qualifications and transcripts to ensure that you have the background required to complete a PhD. It is possible that you may be required to complete preparatory courses prior to or after admission into a PhD programme.
- In exceptional circumstances applicants without the typical academic background, but who can demonstrate the ability to pursue a PhD, may be admitted at the discretion of the Dean of Postgraduate Research.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
International: 7,146 AUD/year (≈ 8,570 NZD/year)
Domestic: 7,146 AUD/year (≈ 8,570 NZD/year)
Additional Details: The ‘Tuition fee total’ is an estimate only. Your total study cost will depend on the courses you choose, and will include additional costs such as student levies, insurance, retakes, and other course-related costs.
International and national students: $8,570 - $10,321 (subject-dependent) per 120 points.
Living costs
Christchurch, New Zealand: 1,084-1,668 AUD/month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD scholarship opportunities for Medical Physics. Available scholarships include:
- Brian Mason Doctoral Scholarship – Grant: 25,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified
- UC Economics and Finance PhD Fees Scholarship – Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: Anytime
- Geospatial Research Institute Toi Hangarau PhD Scholarship – Grant: 7,000 EUR, Deadline: Not specified
- UC Doctoral Scholarship – Grant: 32,000 AUD, Deadline: Not specified
- Brownlie Scholarship – Grant: 5,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified
- UC Master's Scholarship – Grant: 14,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified
- UC Master's Scholarship for Students with Disabilities – Grant: 14,000 NZD, Deadline: Not specified
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program – Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship – Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships – Grant: 3,500 USD, Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ Grants for study mobility – Grant: Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship – Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship – Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Women Scholarship for International Students – Grant: 5,000 USD, Deadline: 28 Aug 2026
- The PhD Prep Fellowship – Grant: 10,000 USD, Deadline: 01 Sep 2026
- Dream Chaser Scholarship – Grant: 1,000 USD, Deadline: 13 Jan 2027
- Scholarship for students with disabilities – Grant: 3,000 USD, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship – Grant: 1,500 USD, Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme – Grant: 12,000 USD, Deadline: 11 Jan 2027
