Diagnostic Radiography BSc
3 years
Diagnostic radiography combines the empathy and compassion of healthcare with the expertise of managing advanced technology. High-quality diagnostic imagery is fundamental to modern medicine. As a radiographer you will need to know how your equipment and software work and how a human body works.
Course information
Typical offer BBB
UK fee £9,250
UCAS code B821
International fee £25,900
Institute code L34
Taught by College of Life Sciences
Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Students on this course are eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund
Approved by the College of Radiographers: March 2024 to March 2029
Course description
Course description
This vocational degree, developed and taught by our School of Healthcare in collaboration with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, is challenging and demanding but also incredibly rewarding – just like a career in radiography.
Radiographers work with nurses, radiologists and other healthcare professionals, creating detailed imagery and data through a variety of techniques, which clinicians can then use as the basis for accurate diagnosis of medical conditions. Almost 40 million imaging tests take place in the UK each year.
On this degree you will develop your knowledge and skills through a mix of academic study and work-based learning. About 50% of your time will be spent on placement in hospitals across Leicester and Leicestershire, where you will be taught, supervised and assessed – by dedicated, experienced professionals – to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to step into the professional environment.
The remaining 50% of the course will be spent in lectures and seminars, studying the fundamental topics which underpin the profession, including radiation sciences, imaging technology, anatomy and pathology, and the legal, ethical and professional codes that govern clinical practice.
You’ll benefit from outstanding facilities. We have a dedicated, state-of-the-art X-Ray room at the nearby Leicester Royal Infirmary that gives you the chance to train in a genuine clinical setting alongside professionals. Our Clinical Skills Unit allows you to undertake interprofessional training alongside our other healthcare students, including life support.
On completing this course, you will be eligible to apply to become a Registered Diagnostic Radiographer.
Students on this course are eligible for a grant of at least £5,000 a year, which you do not need to pay back.
This course is part of the Higher Education Pathway for Armed Forces, which recognises the qualifications, skills and experience of ex-armed forces personnel.
Please note that this three-year course runs on its own timetable (see Teaching and Learning section for details) rather than the standard university academic year.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- GCSE: Five subjects at grade 5/C, which must include English Language, Maths and Science (single subjects or combined). Functional Skills not accepted as an equivalent to GCSEs.
- A-level: BBB to include one science (Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Human Biology, Maths). General Studies, critical thinking or global perspectives not accepted.
- International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 28 points, with minimum grade 6 in HL science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Human Biology, Maths). Minimum of grade 4 in SL Maths or 3 in HL Maths required if grade 5/C not held at GCSE. Minimum of grade 4 in English A or 5 in English B required if grade 5/C not held in English Language GCSE.
- Access diploma: Access to science preferred – must include Physics modules with 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction and 15 at Merit.
- Pearson BTEC Nationals: DDM in Applied Science.
- Pearson BTEC Diploma: DD with an A Level at grade B (Applied Science Diploma or A-level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Human Biology, Maths).
- T-levels: Merit in either Health (with an Occupational Specialism in any of supporting the Adult Nursing team, the Theatre Team or the Therapy Team) or Healthcare Science (with an Occupational Specialism in Healthcare Science Assistant).
- Scottish Highers: ABBBB with one science (Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Human Biology, Maths).
- Advanced Highers: BBB including one science (Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Human Biology, Maths).
- Science or other health undergraduate degree: 2:2, if not a science degree then must have a science A-level.
- Armed Forces into Allied Health: Please contact our Admissions Tutors for an advisory consultation. Get more information about the AFIAH project.
There may be a small number of applicants who are currently employed within the NHS, Radiology assistant practitioners, looking to increase qualification level and progress to radiographers. Any mature student, 21 years and over, who in the judgement of the university submit sufficient evidence of serious previous study in the health and social care sector, and the academic aptitude to pursue a programme in Diagnostic radiography, along with relevant work experience may be eligible for admission.
Radiography is committed to working with the development of the Armed forces into healthcare application process. Any applicants from the NHS or Armed forces will be considered on individual experience and merit.
Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world. You can review some of the qualifications we accept on our countries page and English Language equivalencies.
If your qualification or country is not listed, please contact us for more information, including the name and result of the qualification you have studied.
Work experience
Ideally we would like applicants to have some relevant work experience however we appreciate getting work experience in a clinical setting can be challenging. Hospitals and local NHS trusts occasionally offer volunteering opportunities or open mornings so do keep an eye out in your local area. Whatever work experience you do have (whether clinical or not), remember to be reflective about it – what did you learn about working with people, as part of a team and in that environment? And what personal and professional skills did you develop that you think will help you as a student and in your radiography career.
Occupation Health and Criminal Records Check
UK Students
An offer to study this course at the University of Leicester is subject to satisfactory Occupational Health clearance, which will include current vaccination and testing requirements as stated by our placement providers. Alongside our NHS colleagues we consider vaccination to be a professional responsibility and the best way to protect students, NHS colleagues and their patients. If you receive an offer, you will be required to complete and submit an Occupational Health Questionnaire Form.
Offers are also subject to a satisfactory enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
International Students
An offer to study this course at the University of Leicester is subject to satisfactory Occupational Health clearance, which will include current vaccination and testing requirements as stated by our placement providers. Alongside our NHS colleagues, and the GMC we consider vaccination to be a professional responsibility and the best way to protect students, NHS colleagues and their patients. If you receive an offer, you will be required to complete and submit an Occupational Health Questionnaire Form.
Offers are also subject to you providing a Certificate of Good Standing or Good Conduct Letter from your embassy or local police force, which should be no more than 6 months old prior to starting the course. This must specifically include confirmation that there is no known reason that you cannot work with vulnerable adults and children.
If you have studied in the UK for a minimum of 12 months prior to starting the course we will not require the Good Conduct Letter but will require a satisfactory ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ (DBS) check (as required for Home students) upon arrival.
Contextual offers
The University of Leicester is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all applicants from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to support students who may be impacted by the area they live in, their personal circumstances or who have completed one of our progression programmes. These offers are usually one or two grades lower than the standard entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must apply for an eligible course and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 7.0 (with a minimum score of 6.5 in all components).
If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
Fees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in 2024
- £9,250 in your first year. Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years.
You may be eligible for support from the Learning Support Fund, administered by the NHS Business Authority. From September 2020, the LSF has been extended to include a non-repayable £5,000 per year bursary for new and existing students.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
International Students
Starting in 2024
- £25,900 per year
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Accreditation
Accreditation
This qualification (BSc Diagnostic Radiography) entitles you to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
The qualification (BSc Diagnostic Radiography) entitles you to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Career opportunities are strong, there is a good starting salary and there is the potential for registration with international territories.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates will work in local, regional and national NHS hospital trusts and in independent sector hospitals.
Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Careers and Employability Service. We're here to give you a lifetime offer of support, even after graduation. Our team of specialist careers advisers and mentors will help you every step of the way. From supporting you with CVs and interviews, to volunteering opportunities and placements, we're here to help you reach your professional goals.
Facilities
We have a dedicated state-of-the-art Samsung digital plain film X-ray Academic Room situated in the Leicester Royal Infirmary, where students can learn in a real clinical environment. In addition to this, an anatomical phantom that mimics human anatomy will be used to practice positioning and radiation exposures for plain film imaging. The University’s Clinical Skills Unit allows you to undertake interprofessional training alongside our other healthcare students, including life support. Our partner hospitals also have state-of-the-art clinical skills centres and libraries where you can continue your studies.
Placement
Placement
As a Diagnostic Radiography student at Leicester, 50% of your time is spent on placement in hospitals across Leicester and Leicestershire (University Hospitals of Leicester).
During your placement
You will be taught, supervised, and assessed by dedicated, experienced professionals ensuring you have the skills and knowledge to step into the Radiography profession. You will experience a varied work environment in all areas including projection (plain film), theatres, intervention, A&E, CT and MRI. You will also work in specialist placements areas such as Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, Mammography and Oncology for up to two weeks. Radiography is a competency driven profession and therefore you will log your achievements throughout placement to keep a record of your progress.
Additional financial support whilst on placement
For placements outside Leicester, you are entitled to reimbursement from the NHS Learning Support Fund for some of the additional costs of attending, including travel expenses and accommodation.
Placement areas
Currently students complete placements in the following areas; however, we are consistently expanding and exploring new placement opportunities so this may change.*
- University Hospitals of Leicester
- Coalville Community Hospital
- Hinckley and Bosworth Community Hospital
- Loughborough Hospital
- Melton Hospital
- Spire Hospital Leicester
*placements are allocated by the school of Radiography and are dependent on availability. For further information on placements in Radiography, please contact radiography@le.ac.uk.
Course structure
Year 1
Year 1
The first year will introduce you to the necessary scientific, theoretical and professional background to support clinical education. You will study the science of X-ray generation and safety alongside the science of normal body systems to understand their structure and function before moving on to altered and abnormal findings.
You will explore issues of personal and professional development, health and well-being to compliment your learning in the practice environment. An awareness of the evidence base for health care professions and the research process is a fundamental and ongoing theme, promoted throughout the course.
In the practice environment you will work alongside and be supported by radiographers and a range of colleagues from other health disciplines. Inter-professional working and learning continues throughout year two and three as you progress to autonomous practice.
Modules
- Professional Development
- Radiographic anatomy, physiology and pathology
- Theory of Radiographic Practice
- Introduction to Practice
- Science and Technology 1
- Practice Placement 1
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 2
Year 2
The second year develops your knowledge and skills enabling you to justify the selection of examination, accurately assess patient needs and communicate effectively across the inter-professional team.
You will consider the scientific and theoretical concepts of CT and MRI imaging and the presentation of anatomy in the cross sectional arena.
You will build up your time in the practice environment and your understanding of the legal framework around radiography will be further developed. Employability will be introduced and you will be supported in career planning.
Modules
- Cross sectional anatomy, physiology and pathology
- Application of skill
- Science and Technology 2
- Theory of Cross Sectional Practice
- Practice Placement 2
- The Developing Practitioner
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 3
Year 3
The third and final year prepares you for autonomous practice upon graduation, allows you to develop a research idea and consider emerging advances within radiographic practice. As part of your final year you will complete an elective placement at a hospital/provider of your choice enabling you to gain a wider perspective on practice and employment. Employment remains a key focus and you will be supported with the application and interview process throughout the year.
The programme allows you to select a specialty to explore during semester 2 meaning you will gain a wider perspective on the patient journey and the role of the diagnostic radiographer.
Throughout the final semester you will be introduced to mentoring and coaching skills enabling you to feel fully prepared to support learners of the future.
Modules
- Research Methods
- Advancing Clinical Practice
- Competence and Practice
- Leadership and Mentoring
- Specialty Pathway
- Practice Placement 3
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester
Your career prospects are superb. By studying this professional qualification you will become eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Diagnostic Radiographer.
Get all the practical experience you need. Placements account for around 50% of the course, allowing you to develop your clinical skills and experience real life scenarios. During your clinical placements you will be fully supported by both the University and clinical staff.
By studying at the University of Leicester, you'll learn from a dedicated team of experts with a huge amount of experience across all imaging modalities.
Our superb facilities, including our dedicated X-Ray room and Clinical Skills Unit allow you to develop professional competencies and attitudes.
Teaching and learning
The Diagnostic Radiography BSc is a vocational degree, designed to maximise your experience.
Unlike a typical degree, which runs over three terms or two semesters with a long summer break, this degree runs full time for 39 weeks each year with shorter holiday entitlement.
Over the three years you will spend some time in the classroom. The rest of the time is spent undertaking your practical clinical placements and self-directed study.
The course is divided in to modules covering key areas, including radiation sciences, principles of care, imaging technology and the legal, ethical and professional issues that affect clinical practice.
We use a variety of learning methods, including classroom sessions, private study and critical evaluation, as well as experiential learning and reflective practice. You will be assessed through simulation of real life scenarios, clinical proficiencies, presentations, and a wide variety of assessment methods.
Along with classroom study, you will work with real patients and expert teams, allowing you to get varied and detailed experience. This wealth of first-hand experience will enable you to develop and enhance your skills and confidence.
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.
Your contact hours will depend on the option modules you select. You can see details of the contact hours on individual module pages.
Academic support
Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:
- study and exam skills
- academic writing
- presentations
- dissertations
- numerical data skills
- referencing sources
Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | UCAS Code | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Diagnostic Radiography | Qualification BSc | Duration 3 years, full-time | UCAS Code B821 | Start Dates September each year | Availability How to apply |
