Diagnostic Radiography BSc (Hons)

Diagnostic radiographers play a key role in modern healthcare. Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), on this course you will be introduced to a variety of imaging modalities and explore how these are used in relation to imaging different body systems, as well as developing skills valued in healthcare professionals such as patient care, communication and multidisciplinary teamwork.

Our new radiography suite simulates real work settings, allowing you to put theory into practice. Teaching is delivered by academic staff who are actively engaged in clinical radiography, as well as by visiting lecturers working in health, education and radiology sectors.

Throughout the three-year programme you will have the opportunity to consolidate your learning through a variety of clinical placements at NHS trusts, to help you develop the skills sought by graduate employers. On completion, graduates will be eligible to register with the HCPC and practise as a diagnostic radiographer.

Key features

  • Eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Diagnostic Radiographer on successful completion of this programme.
  • Learn how to use a wide range of imaging techniques and technology to produce high-quality diagnostic images to aid the diagnosis and treatment of injury and disease.
  • You will gain clinical exposure from year one of the course, while strong links and integrated work placements with local NHS trusts and private providers, will allow you to put theory to practice.
  • Consolidate learning in our industry standard digital x-ray suite, where you will be taught radiographic examination techniques before practicing on real patients in regional hospital trusts.
  • You will study a range of topics including introduction to the role of the healthcare professional, anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system, cross-sectional imaging and practice placements.
  • Gain international experience through our DMU Global programme, which has previously seen Allied Health Professions students visit schools and community groups in India and supported deaf children in The Gambia.
  • Once qualified, radiographers can go onto specialise in areas such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, clinical reporting of x-ray imaging, research, teaching and management.

From September 2020, all 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 NHS website.

BSc (Hons) Award
September Start
Full-time Study Mode
3 years Duration
B821 UCAS Code

Entry Requirements For This Course

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

Interview: Yes

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: Yes

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.

English language requirements:

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 7 overall, with 6.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential. English language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning (CELL), is available both before and during the course.

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 DMU’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 17 July 2023. 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. 

View the latest updates from De Montfort University

Location of De Montfort University