Diagnostic Radiography BSc

Course overview

The University of Leeds’ Diagnostic Radiography course gives you everything you need to practice in one of modern medicine’s most exciting fields. Combining science, technology and patient care, this course prepares you for a career at the forefront of emerging technology for diagnosis and treatment.

We’ll teach you how to use a variety of techniques to produce high quality images, which medical professionals use for patient diagnosis and treatment. You’ll be working with ever-evolving technology like digital imaging, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and even artificial intelligence. Moreover, since radiographers work in diverse teams, you can take your career in many different directions – from ultrasound and image reporting to teaching and management.

With 95% of graduates going into work and/or further study (Discover Uni, 2019), many in the same place they trained, your employment prospects are excellent when you take this course.

Why choose Leeds?

• Ranked as the top University in the UK for medical technology in universities offering diagnostic radiography in the Complete University Guide 2023.

• You will be introduced to clinical environments from the first semester of your course.

• The clinical/academic ratio is approximately a 50:50 split, giving you considerable time on clinical placement.

• Clinical placements are undertaken predominantly within departments across the Yorkshire and Humber region and North of England, and in both small and large NHS hospitals and private providers

• You will also undertake optional modules to explore areas of personal interest, giving you the opportunity to graduate with additional skills.

• Short international placements are potentially available as part of a 3rd year optional module; currently we have links in Sweden, Denmark, and Malta. Some of our students also take elective placements abroad.

• You will undertake a research project in your final year to develop your evaluation skills and your ability to add to evidence-based practice.

• You will complete a clinical portfolio each year to help develop your reflective writing skills and prepare you for continuing professional development (CPD) when you’re a fully qualified radiographer.

• Many of our students have presented their research at conferences or have published in professional journals and are supported in doing so by the teaching team.

• The core Radiography teaching team of HCPC registered Diagnostic Radiographers with decades of combined experience and expertise across a range of specialties and many of whom are Leeds graduates.

Facilities

• Our clinical skills suite: this state-of-the-art digital X-ray room, based at a local Leeds hospital, allows a unique combination of both simulation and imaging of patients in small groups.

• The Sectra table: a large immersive and interactive touch screen device which can be used for small group teaching and study particularly of anatomy, imaging science, and image interpretation.

• A virtual reality cardiac imaging and intervention platform which can be used to simulate complex imaging and procedures on the heart.

Accreditation details

The course is approved by the regulatory body Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). All modules and elements must be passed in order to fulfil the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Diagnostic Radiographers and be eligible to apply to register to practice in the UK as a diagnostic radiographer.

Accreditation by The Health and Care Professions Council

The course is also approved by the standards of the professional body the College of Radiographers.

Approved by The College of Radiographers.

Course details

Completing this course will allow you to be eligible to register as a diagnostic radiographer, meeting the standards of the Health and Care Professions Council in the process. You’ll learn how to deliver excellent patient care through academic education and practical learning in a clinical environment.

We focus on several key areas of study in this course. You’ll learn about human anatomy, allowing you to identify abnormalities, diagnose and manage disease, and communicate your findings to other people. You’ll also learn about the science behind various imaging technologies (like general radiography, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography) and how to use research to inform your decision-making.

Since radiography is a small part of a larger operation, you’ll learn how to work properly with other medical professionals and the patients you treat. Clinical placements will allow you to put your skills into practice, and we’ll support you as you transition into a fully qualified role.

Year 1

Your first year of study introduces you to the role you play as a diagnostic radiographer. You’ll learn about the core ideas of radiography and radiographic technique, as well as the structure of our muscles, skeleton, chest and abdomen. You’ll also be taught vital secondary skills such as communication, teamwork and patient care.

Year 2

Your second year of study will teach you more about the different imaging methods at your disposal. These include familiar technologies like ultrasound, as well as computed topography and magnetic resonance imaging. You’ll learn about how we image various parts of the body (such as the respiratory system and cardiovascular system) and you’ll better appreciate the role of research in your activities.

Year 3

In your third year, you’ll take on radiography’s more challenging and specialist aspects. You’ll learn how to conduct imaging investigations in a more sophisticated, flexible manner, and you’ll develop a greater level of independence and professional responsibility. You’ll have the chance to specialise with optional modules like paediatrics or forensic radiography, and you can also study abroad or within the wider health community. By the year’s end, you’ll be ready to transition into work as a registered Diagnostic Radiographer.

Modules

The course information shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information please read Diagnostic Radiography BSc in the course catalogue.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 3 compulsory modules

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. The course is currently going through its routine revalidation process and so the names, descriptions and number of credits indicated are provisional and are subject to approval at revalidation.

Read more in our Terms and conditions.

All modules listed (including two optional modules) are compulsory and are mapped to the Health and Care Professions Council’s (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency. All modules must be passed to be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC to be able to practice in the UK as a Diagnostic Radiographer.

In Year 3 you will have the chance to choose two of the optional modules we offer (subject to availability); you must pick two and both must also be passed.

Those in bold are interprofessional shared modules with other courses.

Year 1

• Imaging Science and Technology 1 (20 credits) – This module explores the core physical processes of an X-ray, and how X-rays interact with matter. You’ll learn about how we produce, record and display medical images, as well as how we operate radiographic technology safely. This will ensure you can work properly in the clinical environment.
• Professional Practice for Healthcare (20 credits) – Here, you’ll be introduced to the healthcare settings you’ll be working in. We’ll teach you about the professional role you’ll play, and help you understand your role as both an individual and as a part of a larger team. At all times, patient care will be your key focus.
• Professional Practice 1 (20 credits) – This module will give you hands-on experience with patients in clinical settings. You’ll have a chance to put your anatomical knowledge into practice, and learn how to better communicate and empathise with patients. You’ll focus on radiography of the chest and skeletal system, although other areas will also be explored at this time.
• Fundamentals of Anatomy and Pattern Recognition (20 credits) – This module teaches you about the fundamentals of our broader anatomy and introduces you to the basics of pathology. You’ll also start to learn about how we interpret medical images properly.
• Appendicular Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Pattern Recognition (20 credits) – You’ll learn here about the anatomy of the appendicular skeleton, which covers the human body’s arms and legs. You’ll also be taught about common pathologies associated with this part of the body, helping you later expand your radiographic knowledge.
• Application of Imaging 1 (20 credits) – You’ll continue your education on the human body with an exploration of imaging the musculoskeletal system (which includes our bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and other connective tissue). You’ll also learn how to image the thorax and the abdomen, putting your earlier theoretical knowledge to practical use.

Year 2

• Imaging Science and Technology 2 (20 credits)– Building on your study of ionising radiation, you’ll learn here about specialist areas like real-time fluoroscopic imaging and computed tomography. While you will learn more about ionising radiation you’ll also learn about other areas of magnetism and sound, and how we use these in imaging and diagnosis. Ultrasounds and MRI are of particular relevance here.
• Abdomen and Pelvis Anatomy and Pattern Recognition (20 credits) and Head, Neck, and Thorax Anatomy and Pattern Recognition (20 credits)– Each of these modules see you investigating systems across the entire body, like the nervous, digestive and respiratory systems. Combining your study of anatomy and physiology with cross-sectional imaging will help you interpret images more effectively, which will be essential for imaging areas like the chest.
• Professional Practice 2 (20 credits) – Building on your experiences in Year 1, this module combines theory with practice to help you develop and consolidate your skills. You’ll be focussing on exploring other areas of work for a radiographer, such as fluoroscopy and mobile radiography.
• Application of Imaging 2 (20 credits) – In this module, you’ll learn how to best apply theoretical principles of various examination methods. You’ll explore how pharmacology (the branch of medicine concerned with the uses and effects of drugs) connects to your work, and you’ll develop your communication skills as well at this time. Your ability to work safely in varied, challenging environments will also be improved.
• Research Methods and Evaluation (20 credits) – You will learn here about the ways that evidence informs clinical practice, and receive the tools you need to appraise work properly. You’ll learn how to carry out effective research, formulate research questions, gather information from different courses, make judgements on what you gather and draw your own conclusions at the end of it.

Year 3

• Application of Imaging Science and Technology (20 credits) – In this module you’ll look at more advanced imaging methods, as well as new and emerging technologies that might impact your work. You’ll be able to put your skills in communication, evaluation and analysis to work in complex working environments, which include operating theatres and accident and emergency departments.
• Research Project (40 credits) – This module is a culmination of your research study throughout the course. You’ll carry out one of a range of projects in this module: options include audit and systematic review, although original research is also a possibility. You’ll be supported in your efforts by a named supervisor in each case.
• Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Pattern Recognition (20 credits) – You’ll learn here about the progression of various common conditions, and you’ll gain an appreciation of pathology (the study of disease’s function and impact). Exploring pathology’s basic principles will help you evaluate diagnostic images more effectively going forward.
• Professional Practice 3 (20 credits) – Your final professional practice module will see you in a greater variety of clinical placements. The move towards “24/7” working within the NHS means you will need to be prepared for working at any time. You’ll learn how to deal with even the most complex demands, as well as how to adapt to different healthcare settings. You’ll also consider how you’ll transition into a professional role, and prepare for your first graduate post, including a mock job application.

Optional Modules

In addition to the modules listed above, your third year of study requires you to take on two other optional modules. Our current selection includes:

• Focussed Professional Practice (10 credits) – This allows you to focus on a particular area of diagnostic imaging or wider health practice. You might have a field of imaging you’re specifically interested in or want to develop further going forward. You can design, negotiate and manage your own placement, with the choice to study within or without the UK. Malta, Sweden and Denmark are currently available as overseas destinations.
• Radiographic work-based learning (10 credits) – A work-based learning module, you’ll be able to design, negotiate and manage a study; you can draw upon your working experience or explore a new area. In either case, you’ll investigate the rationale for using a particular imaging technique on a patient. Negotiated learning contracts will ensure your aims are achievable, although the module remains student-led in each case.
• Forensic Imaging (10 credits) – This module lets you explore the use of forensic imaging. You’ll evaluate the use of virtual autopsy, and how we use diagnostic imaging to investigate crimes. You’ll also look at fields where we use imaging as an investigation tool, as well as how we investigate events such as mass fatalities.
• Paediatric imaging (10 credits) – This module helps you explore the challenges of paediatric radiography, boosting your confidence with paediatric patients along the way. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of children and young people’s needs, and how to adapt your radiographic technique to maintain effective results. You’ll also learn how to contribute effectively to child protection cases and investigations into suspected physical abuse.
• Preliminary Image Evaluation (10 credits) – You can use this module to develop your preliminary image evaluation (commenting) skills, which help you distinguish normal imaging findings from abnormal ones and communicate your findings. You’ll learn how to do this within a specific area of practice, which you can choose.

Learning and teaching

Our teaching and learning methods include formal lectures, student-led seminars, group work and independent learning. Some of these allow your tutors to monitor progress and group dynamics, while others are designed to enhance your communication skills and self-confidence. We provide feedback on both a group and an individual basis. There will be the opportunity to undertake simulation and work with patients and carers.

You’ll be taught by HCPC-registered diagnostic radiographers, as well as expert academics, industry professionals and postgraduate researchers. You can also work with people from other health professions, and approximately 50% of your time will be spent on clinical placement within one of our affiliated hospital sites.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including a science subject (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Applied Science)

We consider all A-level subjects for the remaining grades, except general studies or critical thinking.

EPQs are not considered within our scoring.

GCSE: A minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C or above (or 4 or above) required in Maths, English Language, and Science. The School of Medicine recognises that some applicants may have studied a more flexible curriculum, where they have been able to progress through their educational development at an appropriate rate according to their ability. Where a Level 2 (for example, GCSE) or Level 3 (for example, A Level) qualification has been taken ‘early’ the academic reference should include the reasons for this so that it can be taken into consideration by the admissions team. Please note that we normally expect double-science GCSE. Candidates with only one science GCSE will only be shortlisted if admissions tutors are satisfied the academic profile meets the minimum entry criteria.

Other course specific tests:

Age

Please note that applicants must be 18 years of age or over by 1st September in the year that they will be entering the course.

Evidence of Study

Applicants will need to show evidence of study in the last 5 years.

DBS

As part of the student offer for our clinical programmes, an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate is required for students to undertake clinical placements as part of their studies within the Faculty of Medicine and Health. The certification process is undertaken on entry to the programme and repeated once every three years whilst they are still undertaking the same programme of study.

The Enhanced DBS certificate can only include background checks for time in the UK. Students who have been resident outside the UK will require a criminal record check from each relevant country

The University of Leeds is obliged to refuse admission to applicants for certain courses, which are regulated by national or statutory bodies, where an Enhanced DBS certificate or International Criminality check reveals prior criminal behaviour giving rise to concern for the protection of the public. Clinical placements cannot be attended by those who fail to comply with the clearance processes.

Occupational Health Clearance

All students will complete a pre-registration screening questionnaire which allows our occupational health team at the University support you to meet your true potential on the programme despite any pre-existing health concerns you may have. It is important that you notify us even if your symptoms are currently under control as we can ensure that you continue to be supported even if you are moving from different areas of the country.

The process also allows our occupational health team to check your immunity requirements so we can ensure that both patients and you are protected and kept safe. This will involve understanding your immunisation record to date.

Further details can be found on https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine-undergraduate/doc/occupational-health-requirements-students-applicants-faculty-medicine-health

HEOPS offers guidance on occupational health resources and health surveillance.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Access to Leeds Deadline

In order for us to give your application due consideration, we'll need you to submit your Access to Leeds (A2L) application at the same time as you submit your UCAS application.

Access to Leeds Entry Requirements

GCSEs

A minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C or above (or 4 or above) required in Maths, English Language, and Science.

A Levels

BBC and must still include a science subject to grade B (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Applied Science).

Scottish Highers

CC at Advanced Higher level and AABBB at Higher level (or)
C at Advanced Higher level and AABBB at Higher level.

For applicants without Advanced Highers, we require BBBBBB at Higher level.

Each of these options requires 1 science, from Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Irish Highers (leaving certificate)

Require a minimum of 6 subjects taken at Higher level (not ordinary IO) and must include English Language and Maths to meet University matriculation plus 2 sciences from Biology, Physics or Chemistry, grades required are minimum BBBBBB.

Cambridge Pre-U

Three Merits (M2) in 3 Principal Subjects, one of which must be a science.

IB

33 points overall, including 2 higher level subjects at minimum of grade 5, one of which must be a science subject.

BTEC

DDM, with at least one-third science content which must be at distinction. We normally recommend the Applied Science route and strongly advise you to contact the School to discuss the suitability of your chosen BTEC course. All BTEC modules must be listed on your UCAS form or else your application will be rejected.

Foundation year or OU module candidates are not eligible for A2L offers

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £30,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

Secondary accommodation and travel costs for placement must be paid for by the student. There is support for UK students (those from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales) provided by the NHS Learning Support Fund whereby such costs can be reimbursed.

A radiation badge, a Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) and three sets of uniforms will be provided free of charge at the beginning of your programme but any replacements required must be paid for. In 2023/24 the cost of uniform items is as follows (these costs are included as an indication only and are likely to change):

• White Tunic Student Radiographer £14.43
• Navy Trousers £12.83
• Lost TLD £17.52

NHS Learning Support Fund

The Government has confirmed the details of the Learning Support Fund, which includes:

• a non-repayable, non-means-tested grant of £5,000 per year;

• a Specialist subject payment: of £1,000 for shortage groups which includes students on radiography courses;

• Parental Support of £2,000 for a student who has parental responsibility for a child under the age of 15 years or under 17 years if they are registered with special educational needs;

• reimbursement of any additional expenses practice placements travel expenses;

• Exceptional Support Fund: a grant of up to £3,000 per academic year for students who find themselves in unforeseen financial hardship

More details can be found here.

Non-eligible students will not be able to apply for this support fund.

Costs incurred in undertaking optional international placements will be paid for by the student.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Studying in the School of Medicine at Leeds is an amazing opportunity, but we know that the cost can be difficult for many people to meet. If you are keen to join us, a range of funding opportunities are available.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Values-based recruitment is carried out across our vocational programmes. Candidates who apply to more than one vocational course in the School of Medicine will only be considered for one course. Please note that if a candidate demonstrates motivation and insight for another non-School of Medicine vocational course (e.g. nursing or dentistry) they will be rejected without further consideration.

Where possible, candidates who apply for multiple programmes within the School of Medicine will be informed that they must choose one course only.

The School of Medicine does not normally participate in the UCAS Extra scheme for entry onto the BSc Diagnostic Radiography course. You must tell us in your UCAS application if you want to defer entry and if you have any prior criminal convictions.

Please see the latest School of Medicine Admissions Appeals and Complaints Procedure.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

We shortlist applicants against agreed criteria, using the information submitted on the UCAS form. Only candidates who meet or exceed the academic criteria will be considered for shortlisting, this process will use additional information collected using a short online questionnaire.

We will ask a series of short questions to look at a candidate’s insight into the career and some of the non- academic attributes required for the profession. The reference provided on the UCAS form must also support the application.

A successful application passes through several stages before we can make an offer:

Stage 1

All applications received on time will be reviewed to check the candidate meets or exceeds the academic criteria.

Stage 2

We will invite all applicants meeting the academic requirements to complete a further online information form (the Additional Information Form). The link to the form will be sent to applicants once they have submitted their application on completion of Stage 1. Applicants will be provided with several days to complete it.

Please be aware that we do not accept late submissions of Additional Information Form under any circumstances and failure to complete the form means that the applicant will not be considered for shortlisting for interview.

We would like applicants to consider their answers to the Additional Information Form carefully. Answers will be scored using predetermined descriptors and these scores, along with previous qualifications and the information of your UCAS form, will be used to shortlist applicants for interview.

The questions have been selected to allow applicants to demonstrate their motivation and insight into the profession along with some of the attributes we think are important in a for a Diagnostic Radiographer. We hope that this process allows applicants to inform us about why they want to be a Diagnostic Radiographer and why they want to study at the University of Leeds.

Candidates should be able to expand on their answers at interview.

Stage 3

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a face to face interview in the School of Medicine. Using a multiple mini interview format, we will further assess applicants’ non-academic qualities and a candidate’s interest in the course. All interviews for home applicants will take place face to face.

There are currently six interview stations and the format of stations varies. A single interviewer will award marks for each station according to a pre-determined standardised scale.

If shortlisted, a candidate will receive a written invitation from the School to attend a selection event on a specific time and date. If this date is unsuitable, contact the School and where possible we'll offer an alternative date. Candidates who don't notify us and don't attend a selection event will be rejected.

Stage 4

Those with the overall highest marks are offered places.

Offers are made on the basis of merit and the decision to make an offer after interview depends entirely on performance at multiple mini interview, not on predicted or achieved academic performance, or other scores.

Unfortunately, because of the nature and volume of applications and interviews, we are unable to provide specific individual feedback.

Admissions policy

School of Medicine undergraduate admissions policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Medicine

Contact us

Radiography Undergraduate Admissions

Email: radiographyadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

You will have the opportunity to embark on a short international work placement in Year 3, through optional modules and elective weeks towards the programme’s end. This is a great way to gain insights into radiography within another country, as well as a better understanding of the profession more broadly.

All costs incurred for international placements are at the student’s own expense.