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BSc (Hons) - Diagnostic Radiography

Are you interested in the workings of the human body and want to use differing imaging modalities to help others? Are you wondering how to become a radiographer?

Immerse yourself in real-world challenges and train to be a diagnostic radiographer with this diagnostic radiography degree.

From anatomy and radiologic technologies to applied human sciences, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to succeed as a confident and qualified radiographer. What’s more, our Allied Health Profession courses are ranked 1st in the North West and top 10 in the UK. We are also 1st in the North West for continuation and career prospects following graduation from Allied Health Profession Courses (Guardian University Guide 2023 Results).

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Accredited by:

Health & Care Professions Council & Society of Radiographers

Diagnostic Radiography cover image

Course Overview

On our radiography course, you'll gain a firm grounding in anatomy and the applied science relevant to medical imaging. Our digital imaging labs provide you with initial hands-on experience in a safe, modern digital imaging environment.

You’ll spend around 50% of your time in placements covering a range of clinical imaging techniques such as projectional radiography, computerised tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging with some clinical time in additional areas such as radionuclide imaging, ultrasound and mammography.

You’ll have the opportunity to focus on a specific imaging modality to attain competencies and additional experience in year three. Industry-active tutors will teach you current knowledge and insight. The department has links with leading specialist centres such as The Christie Hospital, one of Europe’s leading cancer centres.

On this course you will...

  • Work with cutting-edge clinical imaging technology from the moment you start your first placement.
  • Develop your skills in our labs using 'live' X-ray equipment which replicates the real-life clinical experience you'll get on placement.
  • Be taught in small groups allowing for a supportive learning experience during your radiography degree.
  • Balance your academic study with clinical placements in a front-line NHS Radiology Department, giving you the hands-on experience needed to become a radiographer.
  • Gain experience in a wide range of imaging modalities such as MRI, CT, plain film radiography and Radionuclide Imaging.
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Course Structure

What you will learn

This programme will develop your interest, knowledge and understanding of the changing and expanding field of medical diagnostic imaging. You will learn in both academic and clinical settings, demonstrating levels of achievement whilst being supported within those environments.

Our goal is to enable you to graduate ‘first post ready’ with a realistic and professional attitude to the current working environment. We aim for you to graduate as a resilient, proficient communicator whose values are centred around effective and compassionate patient care.

Our lecturers will encourage you to continue learning throughout your professional life (CPD) assuring you are a competent, informed member of the healthcare team, who engages in safe and effective practice.

We also offer the option to study 1 year of our Health and Social Care IFY before beginning this course. Not only will this prepare you to succeed in your BSc, with key modules in academic and professional skills as well as baseline introductions to mental health and human anatomy, it is also ideal for those applicants who do not hold the required qualifications for direct entry but are passionate about pursuing Diagnostic Radiography. You will also be supported by our academic team to make a strong application to your chosen transfer course.

Year one

You will learn to apply a systematic approach to the acquisition of knowledge, underpinning concepts and principles and deploy a range of subject-specific, cognitive and transferable skills. You will learn to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving well-defined problems and communicate outcomes in a structured and clear manner. You will identify and discuss the relationship between personal and work experience and explore findings from books and journals and other data drawn from the field of study.

  • Physics in Medicine
  • Clinical Radiation Protection
  • Radiologic Technologies 1
  • Working as a Professional
  • Applied Clinical Studies
  • Projection Radiographic Imaging & Skeletal Anatomy 1
  • Qualificatory Practice Unit 1
    Pass/Fail Qualificatory Practice Unit
Year two

You will learn to apply and evaluate key concepts and theories within and outside the context in which you first studied them.

By selecting from and deploying a range of subject-specific, cognitive and transferable skills and problem-solving strategies you will combat problems in the field of study. You will learn to generate ideas and communicate information and arguments effectively in a variety of forms.

This is your time to accept responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and reflect on personal and workplace experiences in the light of recent scholarship and current statutory regulations.

  • Human Science
  • Anatomy & Imaging 1
  • Anatomy & Imaging 2
  • Radiological Technologies 2
  • Applied Clinical Studies 2
  • Radiographic Imaging & Skeletal Anatomy
  • Qualificatory Practice Unit 2
    Pass/Fail Qualificatory Practice Unit
Year three

You will bring together all the skills you've acquired throughout the course to critically review, consolidate and extend a systematic and coherent body of knowledge.

You will be asked to critically evaluate concepts and evidence from a range of resources, applying subject-specific problem-solving strategies and critical knowledge to a range of scenarios.

Leading into your final semester, you will be encouraged to reflect critically and analytically on personal and workplace experiences during your studies and wider experiences. The course is structured to ensure you have all the tools enabling you to graduate as fit to practice.

  • Dissertation
  • Professional Practice in Context
  • Focussed Radiological Practice 1 (theory)
  • Focussed Radiological Practice 2 (work based)
  • Core Radiography Module
  • Qualificatory Practice Unit 3
    Pass/Fail Qualificatory Practice Unit

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