Diagnostic Radiography BSc

Diagnostic Radiography is a fast-moving and continually changing profession which combines science, technology and patient care; and is at the heart of modern healthcare.

As a Diagnostic Radiographer, you’ll use a range of different imaging techniques and technology to produce high quality images, which play a vital role in patient diagnosis and treatment. You’ll also be at the forefront of emerging and developing technology, such as digital imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography and ultrasound. Radiographers work as part of a multidisciplinary team and there are opportunities to specialise and advance in many areas, including ultrasound, CT scanning, image reporting, teaching and management.

Diagnostic Radiography at Leeds offers comprehensive training in technical knowledge and professional skills, with first-class placement opportunities and excellent employment prospects.

We have an excellent employability record. Typically, in recent years 95% of our graduates have gone into work and/or further study (Discover Uni, 2019); many in the placement site where they trained.

Why choose Leeds?

• Ranked 1st for radiography in the Times and Sunday Times, Good University Guide 2022.
• Ranked as the top University in the UK for medical technology in Universities offering diagnostic radiography in the Complete University Guide 2022.
• You will be introduced to clinical environments from the first semester of your course.
• The clinical/theory ratio is approximately a 40:60 split, giving you considerable time on clinical placement.
• Clinical placements are undertaken within departments across Yorkshire and Humber region in both small and large hospitals.
• BRAND NEW FOR 2021 – our new clinical skills suite. This state of the art digital X-ray room based at a local Leeds hospital allows a combination of both simulation and imaging of patients in small groups.
• You will also undertake optional modules to explore areas of personal interest, giving you the opportunity to graduate with additional skills.
• Short international placements 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 have the opportunity to broaden your education with discovery modules in other subject areas in both year 1 and 2.
• You will undertake a novel research project in your final year to develop your evaluation skills and your ability to question practice.
• You will complete a portfolio each year to 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.

Visit our Radiography website to find out more >

Our virtual visit days

Find our more about studying Radiography with us by exploring our Virtual Visit Days.

Accreditation

On successful completion of this course, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The course is also accredited by The College of Radiographers (SCoR).

To achieve the award and register as a Diagnostic Radiographer, students must pass all modules at all levels.

Year 1

Year 1 provides an introduction to Radiographic Imaging. The key focus of this year is projectional radiography of the musculo-skeletal system, thorax and abdomen. You will also develop essential skills such as communication, patient care, radiographic technique and teamwork.

Year 2

In year 2 you will further develop your knowledge and skills from year 1 to explore the range of specialist imaging methods available. Such methods include computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and isotope imaging. You’ll learn about how these methods are used to image a range of body systems, including the respiratory system, the gastro-intestinal tract, the cardiovascular system and the urinary system.

Year 3

Year 3 covers the more challenging and specialist aspects of radiography, where the radiographer has to evaluate and adapt imaging investigations to meet the patient’s needs. You’ll develop a level of independence and professional responsibility in preparation for graduation and state registration. Optional modules provide an opportunity to focus on a specific area of interest, such as paediatrics, and forensic radiography or for a brief period of study abroad.

Key themes run through each year of the programme, developing your knowledge, skills and understanding. These include:

• Medical Imaging Science (physics and technology related to diagnostic imaging)

• Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology

• Pattern Recognition (students develop preliminary image evaluation skills; interpreting and commenting on images)

• Professional Practice (practical “hands-on” experience, gained from working in clinical placements)

• Interdisciplinary learning (learning with other students to develop multidisciplinary team working and explore the radiographer’s role)

• Diagnostic Imaging Technique (underpinning knowledge and theory for the diverse range of diagnostic imaging examinations)

• Research

The taught programme is closely integrated with the clinical experience you’ll gain. You’ll spend approximately 40% of the course in clinical placements in the Yorkshire and Humber region. These clinical placements allow you to develop the necessary clinical skills to be a capable practitioner in the modern health service.

You’ll undertake placements in radiography practice areas throughout the programme spending time in at least two different Trusts. Elective placements at the end of the programme provide opportunities for you to arrange work placements of your choice, both in the UK and abroad.

Course structure

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

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Diagnostic Radiography BSc in the course catalogue

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods across all three years of the programme to accommodate different learning styles. These include formal lectures, tutorials, student-led seminars, group work, online learning, clinical skills practice and independent learning.

Tutorials and student-led seminars support formal lectures, identifying areas of clarification, as well as providing support for assessment preparation. Group work plays an important part in all the modules, allowing students to work as a team to address specific tasks, which allow tutors to monitor progress and group dynamics, as well as enhancing student communication, confidence and self-esteem. Feedback will be presented to the group and students can seek feedback on an individual basis.

The core of our teaching team are registered diagnostic radiographers, a number of whom still currently work clinically.

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

We use a variety of summative assessment methods to reflect the range of learning outcomes in the programme and suite of modules. They enable you to demonstrate your capabilities and achievements and take into account your individual assessment strengths. Academic assessments include unseen written exams, written assignments, poster presentations, oral presentations, online multiple choice question exams, and practical workbooks. You will also undertake a series of practical clinical assessments at each stage of the course.

You’ll need to demonstrate the knowledge and application of standard concepts, information and techniques relevant to the discipline, as well as your emerging abilities, skills and competencies. You’ll need to produce work that is typically both evaluative and creative and show you can conduct independent, in-depth enquiry within the discipline. You need to be able to draw on a wide variety of material and be able to evaluate and criticise received opinion.

Entry requirements

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

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.

Other course specific tests:

Any offer of a place to study on this course is conditional upon a satisfactory confidential occupational health assessment, which will include a health questionnaire, and if necessary further telephone consultation and/or an appointment with an occupational health clinician. Screening for serious communicable disease, (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and a review of immunisation status and needs, which includes COVID-19, will also be arranged before beginning your studies.

HEOPS offers guidance on occupational health resources and health surveillance.

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

• Access to HE Diploma

  45 credits at level 3, which must be at distinction and include a minimum of 15 credits from science subjects.

  We strongly advise you to contact the School to discuss the suitability of your chosen Access course. We consider Access Courses to be suitable for mature applicants (21 plus) who have been out of full-time education and have had no previous access to higher education.

• BTEC

  BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF): distinction/distinction/distinction and must contain at least one-third science content at distinction.

  All BTEC modules must be listed on your UCAS form or else your application will be rejected.

  We normally recommend the Applied Science route and strongly advise you to contact the School to discuss the suitability of your chosen BTEC course.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  Three Merits (M1) in 3 Principal Subjects, one of which must be a science

• International Baccalaureate

  34 points overall, including 3 higher level subjects at minimum of grade 5, one of which must be a science subject

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  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 AABBBB.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BB at Advanced Higher level and AABBB at Higher level
  Or
  B at Advanced Higher level and AAABB at Higher level.
  
  For applicants without Advanced Highers, we require AABBBB at Higher level.

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

• Other Qualifications

  Foundation Year

  Interdisciplinary Science Foundation: a minimum grade of 60% overall, with a minimum of 55% in each subject.

  Refer to admissions for other foundation course eligibility.

  T Levels

  We do not accept T Level qualifications for this course.

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 an alternative 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 alternative admissions.

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.

Access to HE

122 points equivalent. For Access courses we would go down to 36 credits at distinction, the specific minimum 15 distinction credits for science units must be maintained.

We strongly advise you to contact the School to discuss the suitability of your chosen Access course. We consider Access Courses to be suitable for mature applicants (21 plus) who have been out of full-time education and have no previous access to higher education.

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.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

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.

Certificates

It is a condition of all offers that original certificates of current qualifications have been checked. If you have lost your certificates please contact your school and pay for a replacement. Any certificates not provided when they are checked will need to be presented to Student Education Services before we are able to confirm your place on the course.

UCAS

Unfortunately, we cannot accept any amendments to your UCAS form once you have submitted it (e.g. a revised personal statement), unless it is clarification of your qualifications.

Mature students

At the School of Medicine we welcome mature students – it's your passion and enthusiasm for the profession you aspire to work in that's most important to us.

However, you must provide evidence of education within the past five years

This course is currently not open to international students.

Read our frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the application process

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

Selection

We shortlist applicants against agreed criteria, using the information you submit on your UCAS form only. You must meet the academic entry requirement for the programme, at application or within the academic cycle. Your academic background and personal statement help us to assess your interest in the academic subject and are an important part of the process. The reference you provide on the UCAS form must also support your application.

Your personal statement

Personal statements are extremely important as they give you the opportunity to articulate your interest in the profession and also your transferable skills and experience.

It's important that your personal statement is specific to the course that you are applying for and that your singular focus is on working in this profession.

Evidence of care experience or placement is essential, specifically work experience in a radiography department is highly desirable.

Candidates meeting the academic requirements will be asked to undertake the Cambridge Personal Styles Questionnaire (CPSQ). This online assessment is used to identify values and behaviours and will be used to assist in shortlisting candidates for interview. The admissions team will contact applicants with full information if they are required to undertake this,.

Interviews

Shortlisted applicants are normally invited for multiple mini interviews with the School of Medicine. This allows us to further assess your aptitude for and interest in the course.

If shortlisted, you'll 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. If you don't notify us and don't attend a selection event, your application will be rejected.

Interviews are through multiple mini interviews, where we further assess applicants’ non-academic qualities.

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

Admissions policy

School of Medicine undergraduate admissions policy 2022

Fees

UK: See fees section below

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

The course is currently not open to international students.

Additional cost information

<p><strong>NHS Learning Support Fund</strong></p><p>The Government has confirmed the details of the Learning Support Fund, which includes:</p><ul><li><p>a non-repayable, non-means-tested grant of £5,000 per year;</p></li><li><p>a Specialist subject payment: of £1,000 for shortage groups which includes students on radiography courses;</p></li><li><p>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;</p></li><li><p>reimbursement of any additional expenses practice placements travel expenses;</p></li><li><p>Exceptional Support Fund: a grant of up to £3,000 per academic year for students who find themselves in unforeseen financial hardship.</p></li></ul><p>More details can be <a href="https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2020-04/FINAL%20new%20funding%20FAQs%2029042020.pdf">found here</a>.</p><p><strong>How to apply</strong></p><p>Details of how to access these funding streams can be <a href="https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/learning-support-fund/new-student-funding">found here</a>.</p>

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 about additional costs.

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.

Diagnostic radiography is a fast-moving and continually changing profession. The career structure provides opportunities for radiographers to specialise into many areas, including ultrasound, CT scanning, image reporting, forensics, teaching and management. Long term career prospects consist of research, management, teaching and postgraduate specialist, advanced and consultant practice.

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 at the Careers website.

Students have the opportunity to work abroad as either part of the international work based learning (optional) module or the three week elective period at the end of year 3. All additional costs for travel, accommodation and subsidence need to be covered by students in addition to their tuition fees.

Placements

You’ll undertake placements in radiography practice areas throughout the course. Elective placements at the end of the course provide opportunities for you to arrange work placements of your choice, both in the UK and abroad. We have excellent established relationships with all departments within the Yorkshire and Humber region that can provide outstanding clinical placements. Our current links are with four main trusts: Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust, York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (incorporating Scarborough Hospital) and Harrogate District Foundation Trust.

The University's close links with these trusts is strengthened by clinically active staff. These include practice educators, clinical tutors and liaison radiographers, who ensure clinical teaching remains current and evidence based. They also make sure all our students have ongoing support whilst on placement and access to good quality clinical training and experience.

Students are normally rotated through at least two of these clinical placement trusts over the three year programme. We cannot guarantee a student can be placed at a particular site for their training and students may be placed at any of these trusts.

All placements provide the required skills learning and excellent support environments where you’ll gain invaluable experience throughout the course. Clinical placements are audited annually to ensure they continue to provide essential insight and experience in a diverse range of imaging departments.

There are opportunities for international work placements in the 3rd year through optional modules and elective weeks at the end of the programme. We currently have developed links with international universities in Denmark, Sweden and Malta, which provide opportunities for short work placements. These placements give students the opportunity to gain an insight into radiography in another country and a greater understanding of the profession.