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Diagnostic Radiography BSc(Hons)

2025-26 (also available for 2026-27)

Undergraduate Open Days
Undergraduate Open Days

Start date

22 September 2025

Duration

3 years full-time

Entry requirements

A Level - ABB-BBB

BTEC - DDM

See full entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

30

About the course

Reasons to study

  1. The dedicated diagnostic radiography rooms, image viewing suites, and simulation spaces, alongside an NHS imaging centre, in the new Emily Siddon Building provides our students with a unique learning opportunity.
  2. While the real-world experience of practical placements will enable you to enhance your knowledge, supervision by experienced clinical staff, as well as learning alongside many other professions will enable your smooth integration into future healthcare teams.
  3. Research, reflection, communication, and self-care skills you practice throughout the course will prepare you to undertake continuous professional development after qualification, to stay up-to-date, and take your career where you want it to go.

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.

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.

Entry requirements

ABB-BBBat 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, Medical Science or Biomedical 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 at 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.

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.

Emily Siddon Building


Expected for completion in Dec 2025, adjacent to the Daphne Steele Building, the University will open its second development on its National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC). Named after Emily Siddon, a leading healthcare advocate who was an advocate for improving children’s health and strove to improve healthcare and equality.

The Emily Siddon Building offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to support students in health and social care courses, including Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy, and Diagnostic Radiography. It provides purpose-built clinical spaces, modern simulation suites, and specialist equipment, allowing students to gain practical experience in a realistic healthcare environment. The building also fosters collaborative learning, with dedicated spaces for interprofessional education, ensuring students are well-prepared for professional practice. These cutting-edge facilities enhance the student experience and contribute to the development of clinical skills, supporting a strong foundation for careers in healthcare.

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. For more information visit our placements page.

Your career


As a registered diagnostic radiographer, you can apply to work within the NHS and private practice. UK registration is recognised as enabling you to work in this profession overseas.

Our graduates are envisioned to go on to work as diagnostic radiographers in the NHS hospitals, community health trusts and the private sector.

After further training you could specialise in cross-sectional imaging (CT, MRI or PET), ultrasound as a sonographer, nuclear medicine and focused fluoroscopic procedures such as cardiac angiography.

*89.6% of graduates from the school of Human and Health Sciences were in work or further study 15 months after graduation, HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK Domiciled.

89.6% Graduates employed*

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

Important information

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

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 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 leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment, or pandemics.

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 carry out suitable consultation. 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 contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

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.