To provide training in the techniques used in the acquisition, organisation and manipulation of information obtained by the application of physics, computing and digital electronics to medical problems and patient care. Additionally, to provide a training in Medical Physics with particular emphasis on 'hands on' experience of typical computer systems used in research and diagnosis. The course equips students with sufficient skills to apply their training to a wide range of IT disciplines as well as pursuing careers in Medical Physics. The programme spans three terms, each of 4 months. There are also courses on anatomy, physiology, diseases, and management in the health service.
Students carry out practicals and attend demonstrations by both physics and medical staff.
In the second term students specialise by choosing three subjects for deeper study out of a choice of 12, covering topics such as computing systems, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, biomechanics and artificial intelligence. The deeper study in computing is compulsory for students doing the MSc. Diploma students do not do a project report. By the end of the course the students will have received a thorough academic grounding in Bioengineering, been exposed to the practice of Bioengineering in a hospital environment, and carried out a short research project. Many graduates take up careers in health service bioengineering departments, either in the UK or their home country.