MSc Radiation Detection and Instrumentation
The Department of Physics has one of the largest nuclear and applied radiation physics research groups in the UK. This MSc builds on our strong international reputation in detector physics and technology, and our existing excellent links with industry and with government institutes. These companies and institutes are in areas such as radiation physics, environmental monitoring and detector technology.
The MSc Radiation Detection and Instrumentation programme provides training and expertise in the use of radiation detectors, instrumentation techniques and data processing. It covers applications in a range of fields including medical physics, nuclear and particle physics, astronomy, and homeland security. Industrial sectors that use radiation detection include medical imaging, security and baggage scanning, the nuclear power industry and defence. Also research fields such as nuclear physics, high-energy physics and space science all rely on radiation detectors.
Entry standards
A good honours degree in the physical sciences or environmental sciences.
English language requirements
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).
Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.
MSc Radiation Detection and Instrumentation - structure and modules
Module Titles
Modules
- Radiation Physics
- Radiation Laboratories
- Radiation Measurement
- Detector Instrumentation
- Computer Interfacing and Modelling
- Imaging and Remote Sensing
- Research Project and Dissertation
- Two from: Particle Physics Detector Technology; Astronomy Detector Technology; Radiation Protection; Ionising Radiation Instrumentation for Medical Physics
Module Overview
The Radiation Detection and Instrumentation degree is a modular programme containing eight taught modules in Semesters 1 and 2 plus a summer dissertation project.
Compulsory Modules
Radiation Physics
This module provides a general overview of atomic and nuclear physics. You will gain an understanding of the structure of matter, radioactivity, types of radiation and the mechanisms by which radiation interacts with matter.
Radiation Laboratories
The laboratory work is designed to give you practical experience in handling radioactive substances. Initially work comprises scripted experiments, but later on students are asked to design their own.
Radiation Measurement
The various modes of interaction of radiation with matter are discussed, including the physical principles behind radiation detection and measurements. The module introduces the concepts of dosimetry and radiation protection, and describes the basic categories and functionality of various radiation detectors.
Detector Instrumentation
Various aspects of nuclear and detector instrumentation will be covered, designed to complement experiments in the Semester 1 laboratory classes. Topics will include the performance and use of preamplifiers, spectroscopy systems, multi-channel analysers (MCAs) and digital pulse processing and pulse shape discrimination.
Computer Interfacing and Modelling
This computational module explores the various techniques used for interfacing of equipment and signal processing in the context of radiation detection systems, and it includes LabView programming, instrumentation control, data processing and FLUKA Monte Carlo programming. You will also carry out a group project to develop detector instrumentation in the laboratory.
Imaging and Remote Sensing
This module describes the types of detectors used for radiation imaging, and their application to radiation monitoring and sensing. Both semiconductor and scintillators imaging detectors will be described, plus key aspects of imaging theory. The application of detectors for radiation imaging and environmental monitoring will be covered, including applications for security imaging.
Research Project and Dissertation
A full-time research project over the summer.
Optional Modules
You will choose two out of the four Applications of Radiation Detection modules available.
Particle Physics Detector Technology
Taught at the University of Sussex. Introduction to high-energy physics instrumentation, providing an overview of the current instrumentation techniques and detector requirements for particle physics experiments.
Astronomy Detector Technology
Taught at the University of Sussex. Summarising the current status of instrumentation required for astronomy research, with a particular emphasis on observational astronomy carried out at international facilities by members of the Sussex astronomy research group.
Radiation Protection
A description of the applications and principles of radiation protection, covering the issues of radiation dose to both the wider population and to individuals, the principles of dose calculation, and example procedures for implementing radiation protection programmes.
Ionising Radiation Instrumentation for Medical Physics
An introduction to imaging systems: X-radiography, X-ray computed tomography, gamma cameras, single photon computer tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). The module also includes the use of radiation detectors in radiotherapy.
Programme Structure
Students on the Radiation Detection and Instrumentation (RDI) programme take a range of topics from six core programme modules, covering the fundamental aspects of radiation detectors, instrumentation techniques and the underpinning radiation physics. In addition students carry out a wide range of laboratory-based experiments and computational work, which includes a group design project and a summer dissertation project.
The optional modules in Semester 2 develop the use of detector systems in various application areas, and allow you to tailor the MSc programme towards your areas of interest.
These are offered subject to minimum student numbers. The modules taught at the University of Sussex in Brighton are offered over ten weeks on Thursdays, and are delivered by a mixture of classes and video conference.
Module List
| Semester 1 | |
|---|---|
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
| Radiation Physics and | 15 |
| Radiation Laboratories | 15 |
| Detector Instrumentation | 15 |
| Computer Interfacing and Modelling (continued in Semester 2) | 15 |
| Semester 2 | |
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
| Radiation Measurement | 15 |
| Imaging and Remote Sensing | 15 |
| Optional Modules (choose two) | Credits |
| Particle Physics Detector Technology | 15 |
| Astronomy Detector Technology | 15 |
| Radiation Protection | 15 |
| Ionising Radiation Instrumentation for Medical Physics | 15 |
| Summer | |
| Research Project and Dissertation | 60 |
MSc Radiation Detection and Instrumentation - entry standards
Entry standards
A good honours degree in the physical sciences or environmental sciences.
English language requirements
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).
Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.
Planned intake
10-20
Start date
September
Programme Director
MSc Radiation Detection and Instrumentation - fees and funding
Fees
Radiation Detection and Instrumentation (full time):
UK/EU - £6,400
Overseas - £16,748
Radiation Detection and Instrumentation (part time):
UK/EU - £3,200
Overseas - £8,375
Funding
A number of fully funded SEPnet MSc scholarships are available to UK/EU applicants, which are awarded on a competitive basis. The programme is also supported by several major industrial sponsors providing financial support and project placements for sponsored students.
Funding opportunities
Studentships and Funding
Fully funded one-year or two-year studentships are available for the RDI MSc and are supported by the South East Physics Network (SEPnet). SEPnet is a regional collaboration supporting teaching and research in physics across universities in the South East region. RDI studentships, available to suitably qualified UK/EU applicants, are awarded on a competitive basis. Please contact the programme administrator for further information.
In addition to our SEPnet studentships, there are scholarships that provide partial funding. To find out more information, please contact the programme administrator.
Prizes
Student Prizes
There are a number of prizes for the Radiation Detection and Instrumentation programme provided by leading industrial companies who both contribute to and sponsor the programme.
These include the Lab Impex Prize and the Studsvik UK Ltd Prize.
MSc Radiation Detection and Instrumentation - professional context
Industry Links
A large variety of industrial sectors use radiation detection as a core technology, including medical imaging, security and baggage scanning, the nuclear power industry, the defence services and scientific research organisations (specifically nuclear physics, high-energy physics and space science). There is currently a particular renewed interest in detector technologies for the nuclear power sector, and also in homeland security and counter-terrorism activities.
The Department has excellent and longstanding associations with many of the sector’s major industries and institutes. External lecturers are used to provide expert and topical teaching across the RDI programme, presenting the latest developments in detector technology and relevant case studies of applications in industrial and research settings.
Our industrial connections also enhance the RDI programme through industrial sponsorship of research projects, with various summer dissertation projects offered by companies in the South East and further afield. Across the University our record of graduate employment is outstanding, with Surrey graduates consistently being in high demand across all sectors.
Student sponsorship and employment is an important aspect of the RDI programme, with companies providing student sponsorship for suitably qualified candidates, and company sponsored prizes. An annual careers fair is held in the Department for our MSc programmes, giving students direct access to all the main employers in the radiation detection sector.
MSc Radiation Detection and Instrumentation - teaching
MSc Radiation Detection and Instrumentation - learning
Dissertation and Projects
Summer Dissertation Project
An extensive dissertation is carried out during the summer. You will select a research topic of your choice which matches your particular interests or future career plans. Projects may be carried out at the University, at local companies and government research laboratories, or at overseas laboratories.
MSc Radiation Detection and Instrumentation - graduate profile
Graduate Profile: Stacey Robertson
MSc Radiation Detection and Instrumentation
I work for a large company in Berkshire in a team that is investigating novel methods of detecting shielded radiological and nuclear materials.
In order to do this effectively, an in-depth understanding of the nature of the particles that we wish to detect as well as the principle methods of detection are required.
The Radiation Detection and Instrumentation MSc is perfect for my needs as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the interaction of radiation with matter and therefore the basis of operation of many different particle detectors.
The aspect of the course I enjoy most is the labbased work as it gives the student the opportunity to combine understanding of the course with their own experimental findings. I have also particularly enjoyed learning programming tools such as the FLUKA particle transport code and LabView.
As the course can be attended part time over two years on a day-release basis, I have been able to combine it with my day job. The dissertation project can also be completed in conjunction with my objectives at work.
I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who wishes to pursue a career in radiation detection.
MSc Radiation Detection and Instrumentation - more
Modes of Study
The RDI programme can be taken in either a full-time or part-time mode of study.
Full-time Study
Full-time students study for one year, with all formal teaching contained within two days per week – Mondays and Thursdays. The year comprises nine months of taught modules culminating in exams in May, followed by the summer dissertation project. This can be carried out at either the University of Surrey, the University of Sussex or at a sponsoring company.
Part-time Study
The RDI MSc is offered as a day-release part-time programme for students who are working in a related industry or organisation. Part-time students study for a total of two years, and attend the University for one day per week; in the first year on Mondays, and in the second year on Thursdays.
European-compatible two-year MSc (120 ECTS)
The RDI programme is also offered as a full-time two-year European-compatible MSc, with nine months of taught modules in Year 1, and an extended twelve-month research project in Year 2. Various placement opportunities exist for the research year, including Rutherford Appleton Laboratory or CERN.
Regional Collaboration with the University of Sussex
The RDI MSc is part of a regional collaboration with the University of Sussex, within the SEPnet consortium. As part of this collaboration, two of the RDI option modules, in Particle Physics Detector Technology and Astronomy Detector Technology, are taught by the University of Sussex at Brighton. These modules reflect the particular research expertise at Sussex in these two areas.
These modules are delivered over ten weeks in the Spring semester, and students typically travel to the University of Sussex for the first two weeks, and then attend the remaining lectures at the University of Surrey using our state-of-the-art video teaching facility.
If you have a strong interest in either particle physics or astronomy, you can choose to also take your summer research project at the University of Sussex.
MSc Radiation Detection and Instrumentation - apply
You can apply for this programme online using the link(s) below. We recommend making an application as soon as you can, even if you do not have all the necessary supporting information ready at that time.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to enter a username and password. If you've used our application system before, please enter your details or click the forgotten password link.
If you are a new user, you will need to create a username and password by clicking the New User button.
Start date
September
Programme length
12 months full-time
24 months part-time
Programme Director
For general enquiries
T: 0800 980 3200 or
+44 (0)1483 681681
E: pg-enquiries@surrey.ac.uk
For admissions enquiries
T: 01483 686128
E: feps-pg@surrey.ac.uk