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Undergraduate study
diagnostic radiography degree, bsc diagnostic radiography, bsc radiography

Diagnostic Radiography BSc (Hons)

Diagnostic radiography is key to an accurate diagnosis in the modern healthcare setting and one of the fastest developing technical areas of the health sector.

 
 

Course overview

Accredited

Working in healthcare

Hear from a range of health professionals, including Teesside University graduates, working at James Cook Hospital. Discover the variety of health professions and learn about their roles, why they chose a healthcare career and why its so rewarding.

The work of a diagnostic radiographer is incredibly diverse, challenging, and rewarding. You use the latest medical imaging technology to produce high-quality diagnostic images that support the clinical diagnosis and treatment of trauma or disease for a range of patients within busy clinical settings, including accident and emergency, general x-ray, and theatre.

You work in fast-paced clinical settings where patient interactions are often short compared with other health care settings, so you need to have strong interpersonal and communication skills to quickly put the patient at ease and demonstrate a high level of patient care, empathy, and compassion.

You gain valuable clinical knowledge and practical skills through a variety of teaching tools, such as our extensive medical imaging database, and large range of simulation equipment and software which is used to teach radiography students all over the world. You have access to an x-ray machine and engage in face-to-face simulation with your peers to provide you with confidence for the clinical placement.

Clinical placements at a base hospital develop your knowledge, skills, and attitude. You also develop a long-term relationship with your clinical colleagues, and are required to participate in a shift pattern rota including weekends.

Successful completion of the course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and membership of the Society and College of Radiographers.

100% attendance is expected during this course.

Top reasons to study this course:

  1. Quality teaching: 90% of BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography students agreed that staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2023, tees.ac.uk/source).
  2. Placement opportunities: our clinical placement sites across the North East of England and in partnership with multiple major trauma trusts gives you real-world experience working alongside radiographers, radiologists, nurses, surgeons, and other clinical professionals in the NHS.
  3. Experienced teaching team: benefit from our experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic teaching team who have a strong focus on evidence-base practice.
  4. Industry-standard facilities: recent investment in a range of cutting-edge simulation software.
  5. Financial support: study this course and you may be eligible for a £5,000 maintenance grant each year from the NHS Business Service Authority. Find out more.

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Supporting information for applicants

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Course details

In Year 1 you are introduced to subjects such as regional anatomy, radiographic practice, x-ray production, pathophysiology, creative thinking and preparing for professional practice. You spend 14 weeks in clinical practice where you may work full shifts and collect evidence of achievement of first-year clinical competency.

The more technical aspects of radiography are covered in Year 2. You explore ethical issues relating to the imaging of diverse patient groups and develop your research skills further. You develop image interpretation and evaluation skills, and gain competence in specialised modalities such as computed computed tomography (CT) and some experience of other radiographic modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During this year you complete another 14 weeks of clinical placement at your base hospital and, having completed Year 2 clinical competencies, negotiate a further four weeks of placement of your choice in a relevant imaging department (this is organised by you and you receive guidance on how to do this). There is the chance to complete this elective opportunity abroad with support offered by the academic team.

In Year 3 you develop a research proposal and explore the impact of the government agenda on the profession. You develop further image interpretation skills using our world leading image database, and explore options for improving the imaging service, as well as gaining vital leadership skills to allow you to thrive post-qualification. During your final 14 weeks of full shift in placement you work on a portfolio which evidences your professional development and clinical competence in preparation for first post competence.

Course structure

Year 1 core modules

Introduction to Evidence-based Practice for Health Professionals

Introduction to Human Physiology for Healthcare Professionals

This multidisciplinary module introduces basic processes principles and concepts of human physiology required by a range of health professionals, including healing and repair processes.

Professionalism for Healthcare Professionals

Gain a core understanding of professional issues and start preparing for a career in healthcare.

Radiographic Practice 1

You are introduced to the profession of radiography. It is partly studied at the University where the physical principles of x-ray production, its interaction with matter and radiation protection are taught.

In addition you learn the principles of radiographic technique and have the opportunity to practice some basic radiographic techniques in the simulated skills lab and use simulation through the use of virtual radiography.

The second half of the module, is undertaken in clinical practice where you put the theory into practice under the guidance and supervision of qualified radiographers.

Regional Anatomy

Radiographers require a detailed knowledge of anatomy. You look at surface markings and how you use these anatomical features to assist you in positioning patients for x-ray examinations. You also look at detailed internal anatomy that you then apply to the radiographic image so you can decide whether the image is normal or abnormal.

You learn through keynote lectures, seminars on prepared work, practical sessions, and individual tutorials. While on clinical placement, you engage with radiographs on a daily basis and gain an appreciation of anatomical variation – clinical mentors facilitate your learning of radiographic anatomy.

 

Year 2 core modules

Advanced Modality Physics and Informatics*

*subject to approval

Dissertation Planning for Health Professionals

You further develop your knowledge of research methods and critical appraisal. The module will build upon the knowledge of the different research methodologies gained at level 4 and allow you to apply that knowledge to design a project using primary or secondary research methods.

Radiographic Practice 2

As part of this module you organise your negotiated placement which takes place at the end of your second year. While on placement you work towards completing your clinical competencies

You learn throughout the academic year and teaching is delivered initially via Blackboard where the focus is on contrast examinations, associated pharmacology and radiographic technique of the axial skeleton.

The second half of the module is taught in the University where the focus is on image interpretation and evaluation of the chest and abdomen. An OSCE-like examination takes place in Week 17 after clinical placement.

You are introduced to more complex examinations where reviewing the images for diagnostic acceptability are addressed. You develop greater autonomy in your learning by using formative dialogues and learning contracts whilst on clinical placement.

Values and Ethics in Practice*

*subject to approval

X-ray Science and Technology

You investigate and examine the current evidence base for your clinical radiography practice. You familiarise yourself with the current UK, European and International legislative framework for the use of ionising radiation in medicine.

This ensures that service users, comforters and carers, operators and their co-workers are all optimally protected from ionising radiation, and that technology options and settings result in an efficient diagnostic outcome.

Your practice encompasses the following examination types:
>general radiography
>fluoroscopy
>mammography
>dental
>computed tomography

Your use of this technology includes examining patients, routine maintenance, quality assurance and calibration.

 

Year 3 core modules

Developing Leadership and Service Improvement Skills for the Future Ready Practitioner

You develop a knowledge and understanding of healthcare policy, statutory and professional policy and explore the impact of these policies with respect to patient care, professional practice and service delivery. There is a strong emphasis on personal and professional development with an exploration of the theories and concepts underpinning continuous professional development, leadership, human dimension of change and quality improvement. You are required to provide evidence of your personal and professional development using an e-portfolio, to demonstrate critical reflection and action planning to ensure you are prepared for the demands and expectations of your role as a future-ready healthcare professional in both traditional and non- traditional settings.

Dissertation for Healthcare Professionals

Preliminary Clinical Evaluation

This module is for final year BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography students. It focuses on the preliminary clinical evaluation of relevant radiographic images of the appendicular and axial skeleton (and soft tissues) for manifest abnormality.

The module runs for 25 weeks during which students will attend lectures and practical workshops at the University and spend time practically engaged in the process of radiography.

Radiographic Practice 3

We help you achieve the skills and attributes needed for your first post as well as helping you to consolidate the radiographic skills you acquired in earlier in the course. You also further develop your ability to adapt your practice to meet individual service user’s needs.

A blended learning approach is employed, using a problem based approach while in the academic setting, supported by seminars. Whilst on placement your learning is supported by the clinical mentors and supplemented by online learning, using a range of tools such as blog and podcast to create a supportive community.

You critically evaluate your role in the care and management of a range of service users in a number of different clinical settings. This requires a detailed knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, disease progression and how different imaging strategies are employed.

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

A variety of learning and teaching methods are used throughout the course. These include lectures, practical seminars, simulation (both practical and computer labs), problem-based learning and small group work with students from across the Allied Health Professions Department. Constructive feedback is given throughout the course to enhance your learning opportunities and experiences in University and when in practice.

On placement you are supervised by experienced clinicians and trained mentors. You receive support from your University visiting lecturer who will visit you regularly. You should be prepared to travel for your placements across the North East as we are unable to guarantee placement sites close to your home address due to limitations in placement capacity.

How you are assessed

You are assessed by a variety of means including assignment, presentations, group work, examination, portfolio and observed tasks. Assessment is carefully matched to module outcomes. Practice assessment is conducted by clinical mentors in a range of clinical situations against radiographic benchmark clinical competencies. Essential competencies must be met for this course which include:

  • undertaking a range of radiographic examinations, adapting radiographic technique where appropriate within and outside the imaging department
  • the ability to evaluate images critically to interpret the presence or absence of trauma or disease
  • working as an operator, practitioner or referrer as local protocols demand, in accordance with the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations and Ionising Radiation Regulations.
  • acting as a professional, collaborating with patients, clients and other healthcare practitioners to manage healthcare delivery
  • keeping accurate and legible records.


Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services

Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

You are expected to have:

  • level 2 Academic Study - it is recommended to spend some time work-shadowing in an imaging department.
  • a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English language, maths and double award science. Key Skills/Functional Skills Level 2 in Communication and Application of Number can be accepted in place of English and Maths GCSE. Please note these are not required if you are doing an Access course – however, you must have English and maths as listed below.*


  • Plus any of the following qualifications:

    GCE and VCE Advanced Level
    112-120 points from three A Levels including a science subject, or equivalent T-Levels, excluding general studies. If Advanced Double Award (ADA) it must be applied science or health and social care. AS levels are not acceptable.

    Access course
    A pass in a QAA-recognised Access course in a science or health subject including 27 level 3 credits at distinction with a minimum of 112 points. Social science or humanities Access are not acceptable.

    *We can accept Level 2 Access units in communication and maths in place of English and maths GCSEs.

    BTEC QCF Extended Diploma
    112-120 points (DMM) In a science related subject.
    • Engineering and sport science are acceptable.
    • Uniformed public services is not acceptable.
    • Health and social care is only acceptable with a science A level or science GCSE at BB or above.


    Foundation degree
    A pass in a science or health subject including merits in the final year.

    Irish Leaving Certificate
    112-120 points from four or five Highers/Honours subjects including 18 points (C1) in a science, preferably biology.

    NVQ
    Level 4 in a health and social care or science subject.

    Open University
    60 credit Level 4 module in a science subject.

    Scottish Highers
    111 points from four or five Highers including a science subject, excluding general studies.

    Advanced Scottish Highers
    112-120 points from three Advanced Highers including a science subject, excluding general studies.

    Use the UCAS tariff calculator tool to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

    To score well at interview you will be measured against the following criteria which has been mapped against the NHS Constitution values. During the interview we will also explore your personal statement:
    • working together
    • respecting and preserving dignity
    • committed to and capable of becoming an autonomous professional radiographer
    • caring
    • compassionate
    • improving and innovating
    • non-judgmental, everyone counts

    Criteria for personal statement:

    • Show insight into the role of the radiographer (regardless of how this has been achieved) and a commitment to the profession.
    • Demonstrate caring for others, for example in a service industry job, care provider, school role, community work.
    • Demonstrate interpersonal skills (communication and collaboration), for example volunteering activities, work activities, team sports.
    • Demonstrate personal initiative and commitment - some individual accomplishment at a remarkable level for example part-time work, excellent grades, long-term youth group membership or sport/hobby participation.
    • Demonstrate a degree of self-awareness and clear articulation of values in line with the NHS Constitution.:


    You are encouraged to seek some work experience before you apply.

    You must also:

    • have five GCSEs grade 4 (grade C) or above, or equivalent, including English language, maths and science
    • provide an enhanced DBS check
    • be aware you need to declare any convictions, cautions or allegations to the relevant professional body before you apply to register.

    If you are successful in shortlisting and interview you will receive an offer which is subject to the following:

    • evidence of achievement of the required academic qualifications.
    • a successful work-based risk assessment which will reflect the appropriate HEOPS recommendations. Find out more about all of the HEOPS standards
    • an enhanced criminal history (DBS) check may be required for certain modules or placements which involve working with children and/or adults at risk. The DBS check is funded by the School of Health & Life Sciences so you do not need to pay for this process.
    • satisfactory references.

    If you are invited to an interview and the date is not suitable we may not be able to offer you an alternative date due to the high volume of applications received for this course but it is important that you contact the admissions office immediately.
    Please note until the above have been successfully completed the offer of a place on the course remains conditional.

    International applicants

    • International applicants must have IELTS 7.0 with a minimal score of 6.5 in all sections or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 100/120 (in conjunction with a Teesside University English language test)* before an unconditional offer is made
    • If you are successful at shortlisting you will be invited to attend an interview (which may be in person OR video call) in one of our international offices in either India, Malaysia or China, or through a secure web link (which will be arranged by the University).
    • If you can not attend an interview as stated, you will be unable to proceed with your application.

    *Students holding TOEFL qualifications at the required grade will be able to combine the qualification with a Teesside University English language test to meet the English language requirement. The English language test will assess listening and speaking competency.

    For international enquiries please email internationalenquiries@tees.ac.uk

    For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

    International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country


    You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
    Find out more about RPL

     

    Employability

    Career opportunities

    Radiographers are high in demand in the UK and overseas within the NHS and private sectors. This has led to regular 100% employment rates for our graduates. You could work in one of several sections within a hospital medical-imaging department and carry out a variety of imaging investigations, including projection radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
    You may also consider postgraduate study and research.

     

    Information for international applicants

    Qualifications

    International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.

    Select your country:

      
     

    Useful information

    Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.

    Talk to us

    Talk to an international student enrolment adviser

     
     

    Professional accreditation

    Approved by the College of Radiographers

    Successful completion of the course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council and membership of the Society and College of Radiographers. Approved by the College of Radiographers May 2019 to September 2024.

    Full-time

    Entry to 2024/25 academic year

    Fee for UK applicants
    £9,250 a year

    More details about our fees

    Fee for international applicants
    £17,000 a year

    More details about our fees for international applicants


    What is included in your tuition fee?

    • Length: 3 years
    • UCAS code: B821 BSc/DRad
    • Start date: September
    • Semester dates
    • Typical offer: 112 - 120 tariff points and interview

    Apply online (full-time) through UCAS

     

    Part-time

    • Not available part-time
     

    Choose Teesside

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      Simulation Based Education in Diagnostic Radiography

      This video demonstrates the use of sim technology for Diagnostic Radiographers.

      Health professions day highlights

      Earlier this year, we hosted a health professions day for students looking to start their journey into healthcare. They experienced a variety of simulated activities across all of our health courses. Check out the highlights from the day and keep an eye out for the next one.

       
    • Student and graduate profiles

      Amelia Polasik

      Amelia PolasikBSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography

      I chose Teesside because it’s one of the top university’s for radiography.

      Meet Amelia

      Bethany Wilson

      Bethany WilsonBSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography

      The lecturers are really helpful and make the course interesting. For someone thinking about studying diagnostic radiography

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    • News

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      Student radiographer Jason Brook has won the opportunity to travel to Peru to discover how radiography is practiced overseas.

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    Service user and carer involvement

    Service users and carers support all aspects of our students' lifecycle from recruitment to graduation.

    Find out more

    Get in touch

    UK students

    Email: shlsadmissions@tees.ac.uk

    Telephone: 01642 738801


    Online chat (general enquiries)

    International students

    Email: internationalenquiries@tees.ac.uk

    Telephone: +44 (0) 1642 738900


    More international contacts

     

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