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BSc (Hons) - Diagnostic Radiography (Top-Up)

Our BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography Top Up course is designed for qualified assistant practitioners in medical imaging who are ready to take the next step in their professional journey. This programme enables you to convert your existing qualification into a full BSc (Hons) Degree in Diagnostic Radiography, making you eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Diagnostic Radiographer.

This course is created specifically for assistant practitioners who have already completed a relevant foundation degree and an AP radiographer bridging course. To join the programme, you must be employed within a medical imaging department with full employer support – ensuring you can balance academic study, clinical development, and professional responsibilities.

While studying, you will remain employed in your department, with protected time allocated by your employer to help you meet both academic and clinical competencies. This includes a minimum of 20% off‑the‑job training, covering university study and broader clinical skills development beyond your current scope of practice.

Throughout your studies, you will deepen your understanding of the rapidly evolving field of diagnostic imaging, learning in both academic and clinical environments supported by experienced academics and expert practitioners. You will build a professional mindset that reflects the dynamic nature of modern healthcare roles, developing resilience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to compassionate, patient‑centred care.

By the end of the course, you will have strengthened your ability to practise safely, effectively and reflectively, equipping you to step confidently into the role of a Diagnostic Radiographer.

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Diagnostic Radiography (Top-Up) cover image

Course Overview

Students will continue to work as an employee at their place of work while undertaking this programme, with time being allocated by their employer to allow them to meet necessary academic and clinical competencies. This includes a minimum of 20% 'off-the-job' training time to cover both university study time and clinical skills outside of the student's usual scope of practice.

On this course you will...

Gain knowledge and understanding of the continually changing and expanding field of medical diagnostic imaging.
Learn in both academic and clinical settings with the support of expert practitioners and academics.
Develop a professional attitude to the current working environment and an understanding of the dynamic and changing nature of clinical roles.
Become a resilient, proficient communicator whose values are centred around effective and compassionate patient care.
Further develop your ability to work as a critically reflective practitioner who engages in safe and effective practice.

Apply via UCAS

Book an Open Day

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Key Details

Recruiting toUK / RoI / Settled in UK
EU / EEA / International
Course LocationLancaster
Institute Institute of Health
UCAS CodeB820
Mode of DeliveryIn Person
Course DurationFull-time: 1 Year
Course Start PointMarch
AwardBSc (Hons)
More informationProgramme Specification
Prospectus
Open DaysLancaster
All

Minimum entry requirements

UK Tuition fees

£9,535

Entry in academic year 2025/26

£9,790

Entry in academic year 2026/27

International Tuition fees

£16,900

Entry in academic year 2025/26

£17,800

Entry in academic year 2026/27

Tuition Fees Policy

Course Structure

What you will learn

The Diagnostic Radiography (Top-Up) will allow students to gain the remaining knowledge and skills required to apply for registration with the HCPC as a diagnostic radiographer.

Year one

Applying Research to Enhance Professional Practice
Evaluate the current state of knowledge or belief about a topic related to medical imaging.
Focussed Radiological Practice 1 (Theory)
Understand Advanced Practice within radiology and the generic skills and knowledge required for this role.
Focussed Radiological Practice 2 (Work Based)
Gain clinical skills and experience to enable safe and effective practice within a defined advanced area of radiology/medical imaging.
Image Evaluation
Attain the underpinning knowledge and skills required to undertake image evaluation and interpretation (consistent with first post competence) applied specifically to a given imaging modality.
Applied Clinical Radiography
Secure the knowledge, skills and competencies to apply for registration to the HCPC as a Diagnostic Radiographer and work as an effective professional practitioner within a variety of clinical settings.
Preparation for Professional Practice; The radiographer in the wider context of healthcare
Examine aspects of health care, the radiographer’s role in this and how it impacts on the quality of healthcare patients receive.

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

Learning and teaching methods are designed to:
• instil the values of the NHS Constitution as fundamental in the delivery of care to patients and their relatives and carers
• be student-centred, flexible and modern whilst being challenging and stimulating
• support different learners’ needs at different stages of development 7
• be fully supported by, and integrated with, technological approaches such as the Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE)
• actively ensure the linkage of theory with practice via the teaching team who have close links with the clinical environment and engage is a variety of professional networks.
• utilise multiple aspect of simulated practice to enhance application of learning
• explicitly consider, value and incorporate public and patient perspectives, involving public, patients and carers directly in formative assessment and the assessment of fitness to practise
• to be fair, objective and impart academic rigour to the teaching and learning processes
• develop the student as independent and self-directed, inculcating the ethos of lifelong and reflective learning
• develop the student’s abilities to learn effectively and progress academically, performing academically at level 6 in terms of achieving the programme aims and outcomes through a variety of assessments, including an in-depth evidence based literature review as well as the demonstration of student mentoring skills and leadership

How you will be assessed

A variety of different assessment methods are employed to provide a valid evaluation of the particular skills, knowledge and behaviours described in the professional body standards:

Image evaluation and pathology recognition are assessed by computer-based assessments in which you are required to view and discuss images.
Your interpretation of complex clinical scenarios will be assessed via oral examinations which develop and challenge your ability to hold professional discussions with service users and colleagues in both the medical imaging sessions and the wider interdisciplinary context.
The application of research module will challenge you to critically review practice and challenge poor practice within medical imaging and use the latest research and evidence in order to allow you to formulate persuasive arguments. This will enable you to make recommendations to enhance service provision and patient care.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

UK Tuition fees

£9,535
Entry in academic year 2025/26

£9,790
Entry in academic year 2026/27

International Tuition fees

£16,900
Entry in academic year 2025/26

£17,800
Entry in academic year 2026/27

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..

Student Finance

Additional Costs

Not Applicable

Stationery, printing and digital storage

Approximately £30 to £40 per year

Required Per year Stationery

You should budget for stationery and consumables for personal use. These may include notebooks, pens and pencils, digital storage devices, printing and photocopying. The amount you spend will depend on your study preferences.

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check

£69.50

Required One-off Checks, clearances and health requirements

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service background clearance check is required before undertaking placements.

DBS checks for applicants

Books and journals

Approximately £50 to £300 over the course of your studies

Optional Throughout the course Books and journals

Most core textbooks and journals are available through the University library. You may choose to purchase personal copies of books or other resources used to support your studies.

Some courses recommend particular books or provide an estimated annual budget for purchasing personal copies. Search for your course below for details.

Technology requirements

Cost depends on the equipment and internet service you choose

Required Throughout the course Digital learning and IT

You will need regular access to a laptop or computer capable of accessing the internet and running software such as a word processor and Microsoft Teams. Microsoft 365 is provided as part of your studies. You will also need a reliable internet connection. The amount you spend will depend on the equipment and internet service you choose.

Information on borrowing university laptops

Black placement shoes

Approximately £35 to £90

Required One-off Clothing and uniform

Visit the University online store

Fob watch

Approximately £10

Required One-off Equipment Year 1

Required for clinical placements.

Laboratory coat

Approximately £15

Required One-off Clothing and uniform

A laboratory coat is required for practical activities.

Order a laboratory coat from the University online store

CSI-branded clothing

Cost varies

Optional Variable Clothing and uniform

You may choose to purchase CSI-branded polo shirts or softshell jackets.

Buy CSI branded clothing from the University online store

Optional field trips

Cost varies

Conditional Per trip Field trips

Some optional field trips may involve additional costs.

Society membership

Cost varies

Optional Variable Professional membership and registration

You may choose to join relevant societies or professional organisations.

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Location
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BSc (Hons) - Diagnostic Radiography (Top-Up)