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Diagnostic Radiography BSc(Hons)

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    Overview

    This course is now full and closed to new applications

    Do you want to work play a key role in hospital medical teams? Trained to use the latest imaging technology, Diagnostic Radiographers provide crucial healthcare services to millions of people. A dynamic Allied Health Profession, who rapidly respond to changing technological, health and patient population needs, to provide person-centred support and care during screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of illnesses or injuries. With the continuing expansion of imaging provision, diagnostic radiographers are a profession in high demand.

    Radiographers in the UK work under regulation of the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and after successfully completing this course you would be eligible to apply to join the HCPC register and work as a Diagnostic Radiographer.

    Why study Diagnostic Radiography BSc(Hons)

    The team of experienced radiographers, and other staff across our National Health Innovation Campus, will support you to reach the high-level of professional aptitude modern interdisciplinary clinical settings require. The campus’ new Emily Siddon building’s imaging and simulator suites will enable you to develop the technical expertise to operate diagnostic systems safely. Throughout your study, your vital communication, care, and teamworking skills will benefit from regular encounters with service users, carers, in-practice professionals, and other health students.

    Our excellent links with local healthcare providers (private and NHS) - including a co-located community diagnostic centre – provides placement opportunities for you to practically reinforce what you learn.

    Not quite ready to start Diagnostic Radiography BSc(Hons)? Successful completion of our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree will equip you with the foundation knowledge to study as a diagnostic radiographer.

    Entry requirements

    ABB-BBB at A Level including a relevant Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Human Biology or Applied Science) and excluding General Studies. If you are studying Science A Level, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course.

    128-120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications, excluding General Studies, and including one of the following: A Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Human Biology or Applied Science, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate/Diploma in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology, Medical Science or Biomedical Science or a Level 3 Applied Diploma in Medical Science. If you are studying Science A Level, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course.

    Merit in T Level in Health or Healthcare Science.

    DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science, Medical Science or Biomedical Science.

    • Access to Higher Education Diploma with at least 45 level 3 credits at Merit or above, 30 of which must be passed at Distinction including at least 15 credits at Distinction in a relevant Science.
    • 128-120 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications including a relevant Science at Higher Level at grade 6.

    In addition, you must have GCSE English Language or Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or equivalent Ofqual regulated qualification.

    To work with radiation in a healthcare setting in the UK, individuals need to be at least 18 years old at the start of the course. This is due to legal and safety considerations related to radiation exposure.

    Offers will be subject to an interview and references. Please note all the information provided in support of your application may be checked and must be verifiable as a true record. You will also need a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearances prior to registration on the course. We arrange these as part of the application process. You will be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year and at the end of the course. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination. We will request an Overseas Police Check if you have lived in a country outside of the UK for 6 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years before applying to us and whilst aged 18 or over.

    Placement providers for this course require students to have received a number of vaccinations, unless medically exempt, and provide evidence of these. As a student on a course with a clinical or healthcare placement, we strongly recommend that you complete any course of vaccinations required under current guidelines for your future profession. Failure to do so may result in your inability to undertake a placement in certain clinical settings. Therefore impacting upon your academic progression, and may result in academic failure of your course.

    Please note places are limited and attainment of the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an interview or offer. You must include details of any previous study.

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 7.0 overall with no element lower than 6.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page. If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Programmes.

    Applications are reviewed on merit and other suitable experience and qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

    Course Detail

    Anatomy, Physiology and Pathologies 1

    This module provides basic knowledge and principles related to the anatomy and physiology of the human body in the context of radiographic practice. You’ll have the opportunity to develop an understanding of a range of essential concepts related to normal/abnormal anatomy and physiology that underpin radiographic practice. You'll be introduced to the structure and function of the systems within the human body to support in relevant clinical practice, as well as explore common pathologies linked directly to your level of clinical practice.

    Imaging of the Thorax and Abdomen

    This module provides the opportunity to gain knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the thorax and abdomen, as well as develop your image interpretation skills via practical sessions, simulations and group-work. You will gain more detailed knowledge of pathologies of the thorax and abdomen, a basic understanding of cross-sectional anatomy of the thorax and abdomen in preparation for progression into Year 2 and rotations into cross-sectional imaging modalities.

    Introduction to Imaging Science and Technology

    In this module you'll be introduced to the fundamental sciences used in Diagnostic Radiography including the physics of radiation, management and radiation protection of an individual being exposed. You'll also study current UK legislation for the use of ionising radiation.

    Preparation for Radiographic Practice

    This module provides you with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the role of the Diagnostic Radiographer. The focus will be on patient-centred care, professionalism and communication skills whilst also being introduced to basic radiographic techniques and imaging equipment required to carry out radiographic examinations of the appendicular skeleton and chest. You'll also explore preparation and justification of exposures in a practical setting.

    Professional Development and Research 1

    This module involves a multidisciplinary team-based learning approach, where you'll work with occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry students and speech and language therapy students. It will introduce you to the role of research and evidence-based practice exploring different research methodologies and the concept of ethics within healthcare research. You'll have the opportunity to develop transferable skills in literature searching using electronic databases, academic writing and referencing. You'll also explore lifelong learning, reflective practice and continuing professional development that underpins the essential skills needed to understand registration requirements for your specific professional and regulatory body.

    Radiographic Practice-Based Learning 1

    Through this Practice-Based Learning module you’ll have the opportunity to work in a clinical setting. You'll complete and be assessed on placement hours demonstrating evidence-based radiographic techniques, anatomical knowledge and value-based care. This will involve working as part of the multidisciplinary team under the direct supervision of qualified clinicians.

    Anatomy, Physiology and Pathologies 2

    In this module you'll have the opportunity to build on the knowledge and principles of anatomy and physiology gained in Year 1. You'll expand this knowledge by learning about the axial skeleton, cross-sectional and foetal anatomy. You'll also build on existing knowledge and understanding of body systems, and normal/abnormal anatomy and physiology that underpin radiographic practice. You'll also be introduced to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to support in clinical practice.

    Developing Imaging Science and Technology

    In this module you'll have the opportunity to build on the theory from Year 1 and expand your knowledge by learning about the science and technology of different types of imaging equipment, such as, Computed Tomography (CT) including an introduction to PET scanning, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound (U/S), Fluoroscopy, Dual Energy Absorbimetry (DEXA) and Intervention. You'll learn about the safe operation of the different imaging technologies along with the Quality Assurance (QA) processes used in imaging departments in order to ensure service-user safety.

    Developing Radiographic Practice

    This module provides you with the opportunity to expand your knowledge on the radiographic techniques and imaging equipment required to carry out more complex radiographic examinations. This will include adapting techniques to ensure patient-centred care, including within emergency situations. You'll also learn, in greater detail, about imaging techniques for different imaging modalities both within the Radiology department and remotely. This will help you develop your radiographic practice and justification processes to ensure continued safe practice and maintain patient-centred care.

    Radiographic Image Interpretation and Preliminary Clinical Evaluation

    This module helps you to further develop your pattern recognition skills by applying anatomy, physiology and pathology knowledge to image interpretation for a range of examinations. You'll utilise the University's Picture, Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) lab to facilitate the image interpretation sessions. You'll also be introduced to the role of the reporting radiographer, participate in reporting sessions and develop the discussions related to imaging and the radiographic findings. These skills will help you develop to your knowledge and understanding of this role and how it supports advanced practice and contributes to patient-centred care.

    Radiographic Practice-Based Learning 2

    Through this clinical placement module you'll have the opportunity to expand your scope of practice and demonstrate your radiographic techniques, the adaptation of radiographic technique, anatomical knowledge and patient care skills. This will involve working as part of the multidisciplinary team under the direct supervision of qualified clinical staff. Along with reinforcing your general radiography skills you'll also gain experience of other imaging modalities.

    Research 2

    This module provides the opportunity to build on your knowledge of research from Year 1 and prepares you to undertake an area of research in Year 3. You’ll explore data collection and analysis in relation to methods which are currently used in research and evaluation of practice.

    Advancing Imaging Science and Technology

    This module builds on the theory from Year 1 and 2, helping you to gain a deeper understanding of new imaging technology, the changing role of the radiographer and how that supports the diagnosis of patients. The learner will develop their knowledge on PET scanning and the function of Radionuclide Imaging, Coned Beam CT and the use of hybrid imaging techniques and their safe use in a clinical practice.

    Advancing Radiographic Practice and Image Interpretation

    This module will support you by advancing your knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology by reviewing and discussing more complex imaging from clinical practice. You'll continue to technically assess images and apply your pattern recognition skills to support a clinical diagnosis for multiple imaging modalities in preparation for employment. You'll also learn about advanced practice within diagnostic radiography and the associated responsibilities. This module aims to support you in your transition from student or apprentice radiographer to a HCPC-registered Diagnostic Radiographer. You'll have the opportunity to practice a range of radiographic techniques, adaptation of techniques and prepare for the use of different imaging equipment. You will also gain a basic awareness of the principles of forensic imaging in diagnostic radiography. You'll undertake critical reflective practice and explore different career development opportunities prior to graduation, including current models of leadership within the NHS and peer support for other students.

    Enterprise, Employability and Leadership

    In this module you'll gain an understanding of how health and social care is influenced, shaped and provided in the UK. You'll explore how leadership at all levels of an organisation is key to transforming and providing quality person-centred care. This module will help you to prepare for future employment and your career progression. It aims to equip you with the skills and mindset necessary for sustained growth, adaptability and leadership throughout your career.

    Radiographic Practice-Based Learning 3

    Through this final practice-based learning module you'll have the opportunity to build on and expand your scope of practice and demonstrate your radiographic techniques, the adaptation of radiographic technique, anatomical knowledge and patient care skills. It will help you gain the skills and knowledge to be able to perform basic CT and MRI examinations whilst also having been involved in other imaging modalities such as Ultrasound and Intervention. These skills will prepare you for your clinical practice as a qualified Diagnostic Radiographer.

    Research 3

    This is a multidisciplinary module which follows on from Research 2. You'll undertake a small-scale research project related to an interdisciplinary research environment. You’ll work in a multi-professional group, with other health professional students on a defined topic area with a named supervisor. You’ll also be involved in data collection. Your research proposals will be subject to the necessary ethical approvals within the University.

    This course has modules making up 360 credits over the 3 years, with each credit being 10 hours of study (3,600 hours in total).  An average of approximately* 32% (1,169 hours) of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors in seminars, group work, practical experience, lectures, staff or student lead tutorials, case-based tutorials, virtual learning, role play, clinical practice, reflection and placement, as well as the University’s virtual learning environment. Where possible, patients with a history of variety of conditions will support your learning by sharing their experiences. The remainder of the time will be spent on independent study. Assessments take place through a variety of coursework, practice/competency based learning and examination, in the form of written assignments, presentations, observed assessment of practical skills (OSCE), multiple choice assessments and peer evaluation. Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

    Subject to mode of study. *Based on current core and compulsory modules.

    Calculated using data from the academic year 2024/25, as of November 2024.

    The teaching year for most courses normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Teaching on other courses including professional courses, postgraduate taught, research, distance learning and apprenticeship may have other start dates including January and May. All start dates can be found on each course page and term dates are also available. Students on a full-time course may have to attend every day of the week. Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Our courses are taught at our University campus and you can expect that your lectures and seminars will be held face to face, except in cases of emergency or if specifically stated otherwise in the module description.

    Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    You may progress to the next stage of your course or research degree, subject to meeting University assessment criteria and professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Our teaching staff rank first in England for the proportion with higher degrees and teaching qualifications, as well as being top five for those holding doctorates (HESA 2025). So you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are second in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 24 since 2008 (2025 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    Visit ‘Our experts’ page where you’ll find in-depth profiles of all our academic staff

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    Placements

    Nothing compares to the excitement, fast pace, and critical decision-making of actually doing the job. That’s why clinical placements are a vital part of your learning and a compulsory element of the course, giving you the opportunity to gain a broad range of experience and expertise.

    We’ve worked closely with our placement partners to create a high-quality, innovative placement programme designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the evolving demands of healthcare as a future diagnostic radiographer.

    Over the three years of study, you’ll complete at least 1,000 hours of clinical placements. These could take place at sites across West Yorkshire within NHS Trusts providing both primary and secondary care. You may also gain experience in private hospitals, charities, university research settings, and with imaging equipment manufacturers.

    Please note, you may need to travel to different locations for your placements and may be required to work shifts and a 7-day pattern whilst on placement.

    Placement providers for this course require students to have received a number of vaccinations, including hepatitis B and TB, unless medically exempt, and to provide evidence of these. As a student on a course with a clinical or healthcare placement, we strongly recommend that you complete any course of vaccinations required under current guidelines for your future profession. We strongly advise that you get testing for TB and if required a TB vaccination prior to starting the course via your GP. Failure to comply with the placement providers vaccination requirements may result in your inability to undertake a placement in certain clinical settings. An inability to complete the placements may impact upon your academic progression, and may result in academic failure of your course.

    Discover more about the course

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    Important information

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

    Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

    Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.