Diagnostic Radiography BSc

Course overview

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.

Why choose Leeds?

• 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 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 within 15 months of finishing the course (Discover Uni, 2021) - 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.

The course (subject to on-going approval) will be accredited by the HCPC. All modules and elements must be passed in order to fulfil the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Diagnostic Radiographers and be eligible to register to practice in the UK as a diagnostic radiographer.

Accreditation by The Health and Care Professions Council

The course (subject to approval) will also be approved by the standards of the professional body, The College of Radiographers.

Accredited by The College of Radiographers

Course details

Our course is developed to meet the necessary standards required by the Health and Care Professions Council to allow you to be eligible to apply to register as a diagnostic radiographer on successful completion of the programme. 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 pattern recognition – developing an in depth knowledge of anatomy which you can then apply to a range of diagnostic imaging modalities to be able to identify and communicate normal and abnormal findings.

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

• Application of imaging – being able to apply the anatomy and science of radiography by learning the various techniques and applications which may be used to image patients and help diagnose and manage disease

• Evidence-based practice and research – you will develop an understanding of the essential role research has on practice and learn the skills to be able to develop your own evidence-based practice

• Interprofessional education – as a diagnostic radiographer you will work with a wide range of other people that make up the interdisciplinary team, including the patient. As part of the course you will learn with, about and from other healthcare professionals and patients. You will develop the core skills required to be a healthcare professional and be support in the transition to be coming a diagnostic radiographer

• Professional practice – in a clinical placement you will be able to directly apply these skills and knowledge to real world and simulated environments.

Although these themes are developed throughout the course of the programme, each year has a slightly different emphasis.

The list shown below represent 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. Those in bold are interprofessional shared modules with other courses.

Year 1

Year 1 provides an introduction to diagnostic radiography. The key focus of this year is providing the underpinning knowledge of the role and general radiography of the musculoskeletal system, chest and abdomen. You will also develop essential skills such as communication, patient care, radiographic technique and teamwork. This year is very much about an introduction to the role of the diagnostic radiographer

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 other technologies in your clinical practice.

Professional Practice for Healthcare – 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– 20 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 general radiography of the chest and skeletal system, though you will also experience other areas of radiography and healthcare

Fundamentals of Anatomy and Pattern Recognition– 20 credits

• This module provides provides you with information in respect to the fundamentals of anatomy of body systems, an introduction to simple pathology, and the principles of medical image interpretation. All of these are essential in order for the student to begin to identify, understand, analyse, evaluate and interpret radiographic appearances.

Appendicular Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Pattern Recognition – 20 credits

• This module develops aspects of fundamentals of the anatomy and pattern recognition module focusing on the appendicular skeleton to include common pathologies encountered, and introducing you to systematic approaches of the appendicular skeleton; all of which are essential in order for you to begin to identify, understand, analyse, evaluate and interpret radiographic appearances.

Application of Imaging 1 – 20 credits

• The aim of this module is to introduce you to diagnostic radiographic technique for imaging the musculoskeletal 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

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 gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system and the urinary system. You will also start to appreciate the role research methods have on guiding evidence-based practice. The second year is about developing you within the wider roles of the Diagnostic Radiographer.

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, CT in all its different variations. As well as continuing the ionising radiation science theme 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

Head, neck and Thorax Anatomy and Pattern Recognition - 20 credits

Abdomen and Pelvis Anatomy and Pattern Recognition - 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 and respiratory. 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 CT head.

Professional Practice 2 – 20 credits

• This module integrates 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 mobile radiography, 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 and evaluation – 20 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

This year 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 your transition to graduation and state registration as a diagnostic radiographer. 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. Year 3 aims to help you in your transition from student to registered Diagnostic Radiographer.

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, communication, and analytical skills in a variety of more complex working environments, including the operating theatre, accident and emergency and ward radiography.

Research Project – 40 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 Diagnostic 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 diagnostic images. You will explore basic principles to aid you to begin evaluating diagnostic images for pathology as well as exploring influences on your interpretation of diagnostic images 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. The module also helps you consider the transition from student to healthcare professionals and prepare you for your first graduate post.

All modules are compulsory, though in year 3 you will be able to pick two optional modules from a selection, these are currently:

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, and both in the UK or abroad. Currently we have links with hospitals in Malta, Sweden and Denmark.

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.

Preliminary Image Evaluation – 10 credits

• The ability to distinguish normal and abnormal imaging findings, and to be able to communicate them effectively, is a core competence of the diagnostic radiographer. Preliminary image/clinical evaluation, or commenting, is a widely utilised method for providing this communication and this module aims to allow you to further develop, demonstrate, and reflect upon your competence to provide preliminary image evaluations within an area of practice of your own choice.

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

In year three 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.

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.

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.

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.

The University of Leeds is obliged to refuse admission to applicants for certain courses which are regulated by national or statutory bodies where enhanced DBS checks or Certificates of Good Conduct reveal prior criminal behaviour giving rise to concern for the protection of the public.

As part of your application to study you are required to declare any criminal convictions in order that certain checks with the DBS can be undertaken. The University will send further instructions as part of the admissions process where such checks are required.

The DBS check can only include background checks on your time in the UK. If you have been resident in the UK for less than 3 years, then a criminal record check from your home country is required in addition to the UK DBS check. This may be referred to as a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ (CoGC) but the name varies.

Occupational Health Clearance

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.

For students and applicants to the Faculty of Medicine and Health, please see our dedicated webpage for more information about Occupational Health.

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 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 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.

Please note we're unable to accept applications for A2L after the deadline of 8th February, so get your applications in as early as possible, ideally by the UCAS deadline of 25th January 2023.

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.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £27,500 (per year)

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.

Additional cost information

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 about additional costs.

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.

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 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,.

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.

Admissions policy

School of Medicine undergraduate admissions policy 2023

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 at the Careers website.

Study abroad and work placements

There are opportunities for short international work placements in the 3rd year through optional modules and elective weeks at the end of the programme. These placements give students the opportunity to gain an insight into radiography in another country and a greater understanding of the profession.

(all costs incurred for international placements are at the student’s own expense)

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. Additional short placements with various private providers across the North of England are also integrated into the programme, offering specialist imaging modality opportunities.

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.

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 and must be prepared to travel.

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.

Our clinical skills facility based at one of the local Leeds hospitals offers additional opportunities to undertake simulation, research, and small group activities within a safe and supportive environment. All students will have the opportunity to spend time at this facility.

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