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Diagnostic Radiography BSc(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time

UCAS Tariff

128-120


Recent Awards For Excellence

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About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Gain confidence using our state-of-the-art skills labs and immersive simulation facilities on our National Health Innovation Campus.
  • You’ll learn from experienced health professionals and service users whose real-world insights bring teaching to life.
  • Build communication, leadership and teamwork skills through our Health and Wellbeing Academy’s community-focused work experience opportunities.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

Places available

Entry to this course is competitive due to a limited number of places. For the 2026-27 academic year, we expect to have approximately 30 places available.

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.

Also, our Public Partnership Group (PPG) and Health and Wellbeing Academy work together to support your development as a compassionate, person-centred professional. You’ll engage with service users and carers through lectures, discussions, and simulations. Their lived experiences will help to build your communication skills, empathy, and the critical thinking needed to deliver outstanding care across diverse communities. While our Health and Wellbeing Academy offers hands-on placement opportunities through initiatives like Get Set Goal and Restart a Heart. These experiences will help you build skills in communication, public health, leadership, and teamwork while making a real impact in the community.

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.

Who can apply?

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.
DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science, Medical Science or Biomedical Science.
Merit at T Level in Health or Healthcare 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.

What will you learn?

Course Details

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

Interested in a placement?

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.

Also, our Health and Wellbeing Academy at the University of Huddersfield provides dynamic, interprofessional placement opportunities, enabling you to gain real-world experience in schools, co

Where could this lead you?

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.

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Placement Funding:

Throughout your studies placements may incur additional costs for accommodation, parking and travel. You may be able to claim costs back through the Learning Support Fund (LSF).
We strongly encourage you to read the information available on the NHS Learning Support Fund Website to understand your eligibility and how the LSF works: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf

Uniform:

Students receive an initial set of uniforms required for placement. After these have been issued, any additional uniforms may incur a cost. In 2025/26, one extra set costs approximately £30

Students studying eligible courses may receive a non-replayable grant of at least £5,000 per year.

NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) | NHSBSA

Scholarships and Bursaries

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Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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Why Hud

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Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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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.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Allied Health Professions, Sport and Exercise may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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