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Undergraduate courses/Sciences courses/Diagnostic Radiography

Key facts

Entry requirements

128 or DDM

Full entry requirements

UCAS code

B821

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

Three years full-time

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

See all the key facts

Entry requirements

128 or DDM

Full entry requirements

UCAS code

B821

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

Three years full-time

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

See all the key facts

Become a skilled diagnostic radiographer with practical training, early clinical placements, and expert‑led teaching to prepare you for a rewarding healthcare career.

As a diagnostic radiographer, you'll play a vital role in diagnosing and treating injury and disease. This HCPC-approved (Health and Care Professions Council) course immerses you in advanced imaging techniques—from X-rays to MRI—while building key skills like patient care, communication, and teamwork.

Learn in our cutting-edge radiography suite, where real-world practice meets expert teaching. You'll be guided by clinical professionals and visiting specialists from radiology, healthcare, and education.

With hands-on placements starting in year one, you'll gain practical experience at NHS trusts, putting your skills into action. By the end of the three years, you'll be ready to register with the HCPC and kickstart your career as a diagnostic radiographer.

Key features

  • Top 10 for Health Professions: Our Health Professions courses are ranked 9th best in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2025.
  • HCPC accredited: You'll graduate with eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a Diagnostic Radiographer.
  • Build key skills: Master imaging techniques like X-rays, CT, and MRI to support accurate diagnoses and treatments.
  • Become career ready: Start clinical placements from year one, working with NHS trusts and private providers to gain hands-on experience.
  • Authentic facilities: Train in our state-of-the-art digital X-ray suite, practicing examination techniques before treating real patients in regional hospitals.
  • Industry-informed teaching: Explore modules on healthcare roles, anatomy and physiology, cross-sectional imaging, and practice placements.
  • Global experience: Gain unique insights with Â鶹Íø Global, where students have previously supported healthcare initiatives in India and Gambia.
  • Broaden your horizons: Once qualified, radiographers can specialise in areas like computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, research and management.

Students studying Diagnostic Radiography will receive at least £5,000 a year with up to £3,000 additional funding available. Further information, including eligible allied health professional courses, can be found on the .

Related courses

Biomedical Science

Forensic Science

Medical Science

What you will study

Block 1: Imaging Science

This module will provide you with knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles that underpin the production, recording, and display of medical images, as well as the safe operation of radiographic technology.

Block 2: Imaging Anatomy and Technique

You will develop an understanding of the basic structure and function of the skeletal system and core cardiovascular/respiratory systems. This module also covers radiographic techniques for imaging the appendicular and axial skeleton.

Block 3 and 4: Core Practice 1

The focus of your first year is undertaking radiography of the musculoskeletal system, thorax, and abdomen while demonstrating safe and effective practice. You will explore key principles in healthcare provision and the interprofessional nature of the modern NHS.

Block 1 and 2: Core Practice 2

In your second year, you will focus on imaging body systems (including musculoskeletal). This module also covers the principles of trauma imaging and care, as well as ward and theatre radiography.

Block 3: Imaging Anatomy and Pathophysiology

Building on your first-year knowledge of anatomy and physiology, this module enhances your understanding of normal anatomy, physiology, and pathology across different body systems. You will develop knowledge of soft tissue organs, brain and spinal anatomy, and how these systems interact.

Block 4: Imaging Science and the Patient

You will be introduced to more complex imaging modalities and explore how they support the patient journey. This includes understanding a range of pathologies affecting soft tissue organs, as well as the underpinning knowledge of care pathways, patient presentation, and diagnostic processes.

Block 1: Research Skills

This module introduces you to the application of research, statistical, and evaluation skills within clinical healthcare. You will gain awareness of studies such as audits, service evaluations, and research in health services. The module also covers research methodology, ethics, how to critically appraise published papers, statistical analysis, and data presentation.

Block 2 and 3: Core Practice 3

The final practice placement module ensures that you gain the experience necessary to meet the breadth of practice expected of a newly qualified Diagnostic Radiographer Practitioner. Integral to this is the development of graduate-level attributes and wider professional practice expectations, including clinical evaluation and leadership.

Block 4: Dissertation/Project

You will undertake a research project, literature-based review, or clinical audit. This involves writing up your results in an appropriate scientific style, performing quantitative and/or qualitative analyses, drawing conclusions, critically evaluating research, and discussing potential clinical implications. You will also develop personal responsibility and initiative in planning, managing, and executing the project while collaborating with research partners as appropriate.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Teaching sessions may include:

  • Formal and interactive lectures
  • Staff and student seminars
  • Tutorial discussions
  • Practical and clinical based workshops
  • Inter-professional (IP) learning with students from other healthcare professions
  • eLearning

Assessment methods include:

  • Written exams
  • Coursework (essays, posters, wikis)
  • Presentations
  • Dissertation
  • Practical and clinically-based assessment activities

Teaching contact hours

The time on the programme is split into approximately 50% university based and 50% spent on clinical placements, in NHS hospitals and independent sectors.

Contact hours in a typical academic week may vary from year to year. However, on average you will have approximately 20 contact hours of teaching per university week. The timetable for the taught year will be between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday. During clinical placement this will increase to a 34-hour week.

Part of the practice placement rota requires students to attend some placement during the evening, overnight and weekends. In order to incorporate sufficient practice placement weeks that allow students to consolidate theoretical learning into practical skills, the Diagnostic Radiography programme runs over a full calendar year and contains blocks of 7 weeks duration per year.

Students will be required to examine service users of all gender identities and from all religious and ethnic backgrounds.

Dress Code and Uniform Policy Whilst on Practice Placement

Whilst attending practice placements, Students are required to adhere to the full uniform policy of their practice placement Trust. This requires that all staff and students be ‘bare below the elbow’. Female members of staff who for religious reasons wish to cover their hair and neck by the wearing of a dark plain coloured scarf are permitted to do so. The material must be able to withstand a 60 degree mechanical wash (The veil is not permitted for staff who are patient facing). Uniforms are supplied by the University and support NHS Trusts’ infection control protocols, including Hand Hygiene Policies’.

Personal study

Approximately 25 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using hand-outs, online activities, etc.

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Our facilities

Hawthorn Building - Diagnostic Radiography

Substantial investment has developed our teaching and learning facilities to help you expand your practical experience and theoretical knowledge beyond the classroom. The 19th century Hawthorn Building has facilities designed to replicate current practice in health and life sciences,

including contemporary analytical chemistry and formulation laboratories, audiology booths and nursing and midwifery clinical skills suites.

Purpose-built clinical skills areas allow you to practice in a safe environment. You will receive guidance and support from staff to ensure that you develop a precise and accurate practical ability in the clinical skills suites.

With a state-of-the-art diagnostic X-ray suite, you will learn a range of practical radiographic skills. As well as this, you will be able to gain comprehensive hands-on experience at our placement partnership NHS trusts where, under clinical supervision and ongoing support, you will learn how to practice with real patients.

As part of this, you are actively encouraged to apply your academic learning to the clinical setting, where you will receive ongoing feedback on your progress.

Hawthorn Building - Magazine Square Entrance
Hawthorn Building is located in the centre of campus just 5 minutes from the city centre.
A student using on of the open study spaces in the Hawthorn Building
Technical staff are on hand to guide students throughout their course.
Midwifery students have access to specialist facilities and staff
Midwifery students get hands-on experience
Nursing facilities in the building and others on campus, allow our students to learn in clinical settings.
A student in the state-of-the-art diagnostic X-ray suite, a space to learn a range of practical radiographic skills
Bertec Computerised Dynamic Postuography (CPD/IVR) uses the latest technology in graphics and sensors to enable greater depth in our assessment of people who experience dizziness.

Take a s c r o l l through campus

Experience a virtual tour of campus at your own pace.

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Our expertise

Some of our teaching staff are actively engaged in clinical radiography so you can benefit from their specialist experience and understanding of diagnostic imaging. You will also benefit from the expertise of visiting lecturers from health, education and radiography departments.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers and is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Students will be expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct published by HCPC. Successful completion of this programme provides eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC as a ‘Diagnostic Radiographer’.

What makes us special

Students looking at a city from a balcony

Â鶹Íø Global

This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world. Through , we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Where we could take you

placements

Placements

As part of this course you will undertake placements in radiography practice areas throughout the duration of the programme. Through examining patients under guided supervision from a qualified radiographer, you will increase your clinical skills in plain film as you progress.

Practice placements are located across the East Midlands region and we cannot guarantee a particular placement area.

You will also have the opportunity to rotate through the different imaging modalities, where you will gain a better understanding of computed tomography (also known as CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (also known as MRI), ultrasound and radionuclide imaging.

Across the programme, you will combine radiographic technique theory with local imaging protocols along with your patients’ individual conditions to learn how to produce quality images of a diagnostic standard, safely and effectively, in any environment. Key emphasis is placed on the ability to reflect upon clinical practice and form action plans to improve where necessary.

Students at the Careers Hub

Graduate careers

Successful completion of this programme provides eligibility to apply for registration with the regulatory Health and Care Professions Council as a diagnostic radiographer.

There are also opportunities to specialise in many areas in your career, including ultrasound, MRI, CT scanning, image reporting, research, teaching and management.

All of our recent graduates have progressed on to either Higher Level study or are working as Diagnostic Radiographers within the NHS.

Take your next steps

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Find out how to apply

Course specifications

Course title

Diagnostic Radiography

Award

BSc (Hons)

UCAS code

B821

Institution code

D26

Study level

Undergraduate

Study mode

Full-time

Start date

September

Duration

Three years full-time

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

*subject to the government, as is expected, passing legislation to formalise the increase.

Entry requirements

GCSEs

Five GCSEs grades A*–C (9-4) including English, Science and Maths

Functional skills are not accepted

Plus one of the following:

A levels

A minimum of 128 UCAS points from 3 A-levels, with 2 A-levels in science subjects. One science subject at grade A and one at grade B, in any of the following subjects (Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics) normally taken in one sitting.

T Levels

Distinction in Healthcare Science with optional module in ‘Assisting with health science’ (not optical care services)

BTEC

  • BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science at Distinction/Distinction plus another level 3 to meet the 128 UCAS point tariff
  • BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science at Distinction/Distinction/Merit

Other combinations will be looked at on an individual basis

International Baccalaureate

28+ points with six higher level points in a science subject

Access to HE Diploma

  • Access to HE Diploma ‘Science’ or ‘Medicine and Healthcare’ or ‘Radiography’ with 45 distinctions
  • English and Maths GCSE at grade C/4 or above are required as a separate qualification

Non-academic requirements

As well as academic requirements, you will also be required to meet and fulfil non-academic requirements which are stated below:

  • Self-Declaration Form clearance
  • Enhanced DBS disclosure clearance

You submit an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure application form before starting the course (if you are overseas you will also need to submit a criminal records certificate from your home country), which needs to be cleared in accordance with Â鶹Íø’s admissions policy. Contact us for up-to-date information.

We strongly advise that you opt for the DBS update service as it is possible that future placement providers may request a recent DBS and not one from the start of

the programme. If you decide not to opt for this service then you will have to pay for the DBS again if requested by your placement provided – the university will not cover this cost.

Occupational Health clearance

The role of the diagnostic radiographer requires students to be able to operate and manoeuvre large pieces of imaging equipment. It also requires the ability to be involved in the moving and handling of services users. It is important for both the safety of the service user, colleagues and the student themselves, that student radiographers are able to engage in this activity safely without putting themselves, service users or other colleagues at risk of injury or exacerbation of existing health conditions.

 All successful applicants who enrol onto the programme are required to undergo appropriate immunisations. This process is facilitated by the university and will involve attending occupational health clinics to receive the necessary vaccinations and blood test screening to ensure compliance with the requirements for new and existing healthcare workers within the NHS.

You must meet and fulfil all non-academic requirements before 18 July 2025. Failure to meet this deadline may result in your offer being withdrawn.

Transfers

Please note that we do not accept internal or external transfers onto this course for any year of study.

Availability

This course has a limited number of places so that we can ensure a good quality placement experience. In exceptional circumstances this may result in the course becoming full before you have completed the admissions process.

In this situation we will offer you the opportunity to be considered for a place on an alternative course.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 overall is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

Interview

The interview will be used as part of the selection process to determine whether you will be made an offer.

The recruitment process for this course includes assessing applicants by the content of their personal statement and interview for the core values of the NHS constitution.

Professional conduct during the event will also contribute to the decision-making regarding an applicant’s application.

Interviews will be delivered via Microsoft Teams.

Work experience

We strongly advise applicants to undertake a one-day observational visit to an X-ray department. This can be arranged directly with any NHS trust.

Please note, this is not a compulsory requirement of the application process, but is advised to ensure you have a first hand understanding of the role of a diagnostic radiographer, before undertaking your training into the profession.