Brain scan

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.

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.

Start date:

2025

Course information

Typical offer BBB

UK fee £9,535

UCAS code B821

International fee £25,900

Institute code L34

Taught by College of Life Sciences

HCPC 2021

Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

NHS

Students on this course are eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund

Approved by the College of Radiographers logo

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, 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 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

Fees and funding

Accreditation

Careers and employability

Facilities

Placement

Testimonials

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

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 3

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.

Teaching

Unlike a typical degree, which runs over three terms or two semesters with a long summer break, this degree runs full time for 36 weeks each year with shorter holiday entitlement. You will receive your timetable ahead of each year.

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. 

Assessment

Our assessments are integrated to help you to consider all aspects of the course when tackling a clinical problem.

You will have regular opportunities for formative (informal) assessments throughout the course. These gives you an opportunity to test your learning and get feedback. We will also give you feedback on the summative (formal) assessments that you must pass to progress to the next stage.

We use a variety of assessment techniques to test your ability to apply your knowledge and skills to clinical problems and patient. We utilise exams, assignments, group tasks and career focussed skills.

In the practice placements you will receive feedback from radiographers and practice education staff. At the end of each placement, you will be formally assessed based on your performance throughout the placement period as you develop into an excellent radiographe

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
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