Diagnostic Radiography BSc

Ranked 1st for in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022), our BSc in Diagnostic Radiography will prepare you for a modern and stimulating profession at the heart of modern healthcare where careers are varied and expanding.

As a Diagnostic Radiographer, you’ll be at the forefront of emerging and developing technology used to diagnose and treat disease - including digital imaging, MRI, computed tomography and ultrasound.

At Leeds, you will have access to first-class placement opportunities, and receive comprehensive training in technical knowledge and professional skills from some of the foremost clinical tutors in the country. Combine your knowledge of science, technology, and patient care and make the first step towards a long and stimulating career in medical technology and innovation.

Open Days 2022

On the 24^th and 25^th June 2022 we’lll be taking part in the University’s on campus Open Days. Register your interest and plan your visit.

Why choose Leeds?

• We keep our cohort relatively small so we can guarantee you exceptional clinical placement. From the first semester of your course, you will gain hands-on experience sought after by employers in hospitals and centres close to Leeds across the NHS and private sector.

• We prepare you for a career from day one, with 95% of our graduates going into work and/or further study (Discover Uni, 2019) - many in the placement site where they trained.

• Learn from experienced industry professionals at the forefront of imaging technology with decades of combined experience and expertise.

• Practice in designated, brand new, clinical skills facilities within one of our local Leeds hospitals, designed to support your learning and give you patient experience in a clinical environment.

• We design our courses with your wellbeing in mind. Our timetable considers the circumstances of both on campus and commuting students, to help everyone make the most of their time at Leeds.

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).

Our course will help you meet the necessary standards required by the Health and Care Professions Council for you to register as a Diagnostic Radiographer. You will develop the skills and knowledge expected of a graduate radiographer to provide excellent patient care through a combination of university and practical clinical learning.

Throughout the three years of the programme, several themes are scaffolded into the course to develop your knowledge and skills in becoming a Diagnostic Radiographer. These themes include:

• Anatomy and diagnostic pattern recognition – develop an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and how to interpret medical images.

• Medical Imaging science and technology – understanding and applying the fundamental science behind a range of different imaging technologies such as projection radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound

• Application of imaging – learn various techniques and applications which may be used to image patients and help diagnose and manage disease

• Evidence-based practice and research – understand the role of research on practice and learn the skills to be able to develop your own evidence-based practice

• Interprofessional education – develop the core skills required to be a healthcare professional and be supported in your transition from student to Diagnostic Radiographer

• Professional practice – apply your skills and knowledge to real world and simulated environments on clinical placement.

Throughout the course, theory and placement go hand-in-hand, developing you into a skilful and informed diagnostic radiographer. At Leeds, you will spend around 40% of your course in clinical placements in radiography practice areas and will grow the skills necessary to be a capable practitioner in the modern health service.

Course Structure

The list shown below represent typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. The names, descriptions and number of credits indicated are provisional and are subject to approval at revalidation. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

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

Imaging Science and Technology 1 – 20 credits

• This module starts the beginning of the story covering the fundamental physical processes involved in X-ray production and X-ray interaction with matter. It will provide you with a wide knowledge base of the scientific principles underpinning the production, recording and display of medical images, and the safe operation of radiographic technology. The knowledge gained in this module will underpin the safe use of ionising radiation and the safe use of technology in your clinical practice.

Role of the Healthcare Professional – 20 credits

• This interprofessional module seeks to introduce you to the healthcare setting. The module focuses on the role you will have as a healthcare professional, both as an individual and as a member of the team. This will allow you to begin to establish your contribution within the healthcare setting focusing in the main on patient care.

Professional Practice 1– 30 credits

• This module is where you are able to gain hands on experience with patients in clinical settings. It is your opportunity to practice your technique, anatomical knowledge, as well as the skills acquired for patient communication and empathy. The focus is on projection radiography of the chest and skeletal system, though you will also experience other areas of Radiography

Anatomy and Radiographic Pattern Recognition 1 – 30 credits

• This module provides you with detailed information with respect to basic anatomy, osteology (bone), arthrology (joints), pathology and medical image interpretation skills all of which are essential in order for you to begin to identify, understand, analyse, evaluate and interpret radiographic appearances. The focus in this module will be on the musculoskeletal system.

Application of Imaging 1 – 20 credits

• The aim of this module is to introduce you to diagnostic radiographic technique for imaging the musculo - skeletal system, thorax and abdomen by applying theory learned in other modules; such as anatomy and science, and which you will be able to use in clinical practice.

Year 2

Develop your knowledge and skills from year 1 and 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. You will also start to appreciate the role research methods have on guiding evidence-based practice.

Imaging Science and Technology 2 – 20 credits

• This module takes the basic principles that you explored in year 1 year around ionising radiation and imaging and moves into the specialist areas of real time fluoroscopic imaging, nuclear medicine, and CT in all its different variations. As well as continuing the radiation science you will consider other areas of magnetism and sound, and how these are used within imaging and diagnosis; particularly in relation to ultrasound and MRI

Anatomy and Radiographic Pattern Recognition 2a and 2b – 20/20 credits

• These two modules build on the information you gained from level 1. The modules includes systems that involve the whole body such as cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, endocrine (including homeostasis) and skin. The incorporation of the anatomy and physiology with cross-sectional imaging is intended to reinforce the clinical applications for greater relevance. This will enable you to develop your image interpretation skills in more complex areas of imaging, particularly of the chest X-ray and more complex skeletal pathologies.

Professional Practice 2 – 30 credits

• This module integrate theory with practice and develop on your experiences in year 1. In this module, you will be using all of the knowledge that you have acquired during lecture time to develop the skills that you will need to work as a competent and professional radiographer. The focus this year will be on exploring other modalities and settings which the Diagnostic Radiographer works in, such as CT, fluoroscopy and theatre, as well as consolidating the skills developed in year 1

Application of Imaging 2 – 20 credits

• The aim of this module is to help you apply the theoretical principles of different examinations which image body systems, and to develop your understanding of the principles of pharmacology related to imaging. You will further develop your communication skills during these procedures & learn to function safely in a more challenging and varied environment.

Research methods – 10 credits

• The objective of this module is to help you develop an understanding of how clinical practice is informed by evidence and to provide you with the knowledge and tools to appraise both practice and published work. This module will introduce you to the skills you will need to carry out research effectively, including how to formulate research questions, gather information from a range of sources, make judgements on the quality of data gathered and draw conclusions.

Year 3

We will support your transition from student to registered Diagnostic Radiographer. Cover the more challenging and specialist aspects of radiography and evaluate and adapt imaging investigations to meet patient needs.

Application of Imaging Science and Technology – 20 credits

• This module will consider the more advanced and new imaging methods and consider emerging ones which may form part of your practice. These areas might include hybrid imaging and artificial intelligence. It will also enable you to further apply your evaluative and analytical skills in a variety of more complex working environments, including the operating theatre, accident and emergency and ward radiography.

Research Project – 30 credits

• This interprofessional module is the culmination of the research thread that has run through your degree programme. You may carry out one of a range of projects in this module including audit and systematic review as well as the possibility of a piece of original research. You will be supported a named supervisor.

Pathophysiology and Radiographic Pattern Recognition – 20 credits

• This module will also enable you to discuss the disease process for a range of common conditions relevant to clinical practice and allow you to appreciate the development of the pathological process prior to the visualisation on radiographic images. You will explore basic principles to aid you to begin evaluating radiographs for pathology as well as exploring influences on your interpretation of radiographs and be provided with the underpinning skills required for commenting.

Professional Practice 3 – 20 credits

• In the final professional practice module, clinical placement patterns will vary more, with greater emphasis being placed on working unsocial “out of hours” duties, longer shifts, and weekends, all in preparation for qualification. The move towards “24/7” working within the NHS means you will need to be prepared for working at any time. You will develop the skills to be able to cope with the most complex demands placed upon you and adapt your technique to each different setting you encounter.

Transition to Practitioner – 10 credits

• As healthcare professionals you will become a member of a multidisciplinary team within a healthcare organisation. You will also be called upon to make decisions and be accountable for them. The aim of this interprofessional module is to consider the transition from student to healthcare professionals and prepare you for your first graduate post and these demands.

Optional Modules

All modules are compulsory, though in year 3 you will be able to pick two optional modules from a selection (subject to availability). 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 or in an area within the wider health community. These are currently:

International work-based learning – 10 credits

• This module will provide you with the exciting opportunity to apply learning in a work-based situation on an international placement. It will allow you to investigate the organisation and delivery of imaging in your chosen area of practice within a different health care system. Currently we have links with hospitals in Malta, Sweden and Denmark

Focussed professional practice – 10 credits

• This module gives you the opportunity to focus your clinical practice on a specific area of diagnostic imaging, or wider health practice. This may be a field of imaging that the you have a current interest in, or one which they may want to develop further in the future. The module allows the student to design, negotiate and manage their own placement, relevant to their working experience, or to explore a new area of appropriate practice inside or outside of imaging.

Radiographic work-based learning – 10 credits

• This work-based learning module allows you to design, negotiate and manage your own study relevant to your working experience, or to explore a new area of appropriate practice. The module will adopt a patient case study approach whereby you can investigate the rationale for the use of a particular imaging modality in the course of a patient’s clinical management. Negotiated learning contracts will set out achievable aims and are student-led with support from the module team and fellow students.

Forensic imaging – 10 credits

• The aim of this module is to enable you to explore more fully the use of forensic imaging. Students will be able to critically evaluate the use of virtual autopsy, methods employed in the investigation of mass fatalities, the importance of diagnostic imaging in the investigation of crime and other fields in which imaging is used as an investigation tool.

Paediatric Imaging – 10 credits

• The aim of this module is to enable you to explore the challenges of paediatric radiography and become more confident with your paediatric patients. You will gain a detailed understanding of the different needs of children and young people and how to adapt your radiographic technique in order to ensure a successful outcome for a range of paediatric imaging examinations, including child protection and suspected physical abuse.

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 must be passed to be eligible for registration with the HCPC to be able to practice in the UK as a Diagnostic Radiographer.

Learning and teaching

You will have the opportunity to learn clinical skills in safe, state-of-the-art facilities and learn from experienced, innovative educators.

Teaching methods are varied to suit all learning styles. We combine theory-based learning with clinical skills practice so that you will develop the confidence to become a skilled Diagnostic Radiographer. You are given the opportunity to develop your understanding of practical skills before putting them into practice on placement.

Facilities

Technology is embedded throughout our course, for you to experience a range of both simulation and imaging of patients.

Our new clinical skills suite is home to a state-of-the-art digital X-ray room, based at a nearby Leeds hospital. We also have a digital mobile X-ray machine, designed to expand and enhance the range of simulation activities that can be undertaken at Leeds.

You will use our Sectra table - a large immersive and interactive touch screen device - for studying anatomy, imaging science, and image interpretation. You will also use the virtual reality cardiac imaging and intervention platform, used to simulate complex imaging and procedures on the heart

You will access the online education portal – including of a library of real clinical cases – to support your learning in both the University and clinical environments.

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

When developing a broad range of skills, you are assessed use a variety of methods to demonstrate your individual assessment strengths, your capabilities and achievements. Academic assessments include unseen written exams and assignments, presentations, online multiple-choice question tests 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 be required 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, 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.

Other course specific tests:

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

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.

• 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.

  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

  Health and Social Care qualifications have insufficient science content and will only be considered with an additional science A level – Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.

• 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.

  For referral to admissions tutor any 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. All BTEC modules must be listed on your UCAS form or else your application will be rejected.

Access to HE

122 points equivalent. All units must be listed on your UCAS form or else your application will be rejected.

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.

This course is currently not open to international students.

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.

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: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

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>Non-eligible students will not be able to apply for this support fund.</p><p>Costs incurred in undertaking optional international placements will be paid for by the student.</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 option 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. 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.

Placements

At Leeds, you will benefit from our network of well-established relationships with Radiography departments across Yorkshire. The University has close links with clinically active staff within these departments, who ensure clinical teaching remains current and evidence based and that all our students have ongoing support and receive good quality clinical experience.

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.