Diagnostic Radiography BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Professionally Accredited Programmes
female in scrubs preparing a patient who is lying down in a CT scanning machine

If you’re interested in a career in health, then diagnostic radiography is one of the most innovative and varied areas you could choose.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 years full-time (BSc)

Course code

B821

Start date

September 2024


Course overview

Accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) enabling you to register as a radiographer upon successful completion (additional requirements and costs may apply)

  • State-of-the-art teaching facilities including a new £2m diagnostic radiography suite.
  • All home students on this course will qualify for a minimum payment from the Government of £5,000 per year, with additional payments for students incurring childcare costs6.
  • Strong partnerships with clinical placement providers are designed to enable you to practice in a diverse range of educational and professional learning environments such as acute, district and community services, and public, private and charitable organisations. Clinical experience placements embedded within the course meet the requirements of the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC)5.
  • You will have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of transformative learning opportunities and innovative modules designed to further enhance graduate employability in a dynamic health and social care environment. This includes a breadth of professional practice experience, service user involvement and inter-professional collaborative education2.
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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

Using advanced technology, diagnostic radiographers take images inside patients’ bodies to help understand and diagnose illness and injury. As well as working directly with patients, they consult with a range of healthcare professionals to design treatment programmes, procedures and therapies.

Diagnostic Radiographers use the latest technology including Conventional Radiography, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Radionuclide medicine (RNI) and Ultrasound (US) to examine the body and facilitate the effective and timely diagnosis of various medical conditions. We take a ‘learning through exploration’ approach enabling you to put the knowledge and skills you develop into practice using a variety of cutting-edge innovative simulated scenarios.

  • Diagnostic Radiography at Coventry is available as a 3-year BSc (Hons) degree.
  • Our course is intended to develop you into a radiographer who has a good understanding of all aspects of radiography and patient care who can respond to a rapidly evolving health delivery service.
  • Delivering effective and compassionate patient care is at the centre of the course. You will have the chance to learn how to understand and manage the patients’ needs, the importance of communication and care alongside the science and technology of diagnostic imaging and how it is used in this dynamic care profession.
  • As a diagnostic radiographer you will work directly with patients and produce, process and assess images of body structures - for example, skeletal and soft tissue injuries or abnormalities which are used to support and guide direct interventional treatments, procedures and therapies.
  • Throughout the course you will be given the opportunity to develop knowledge of health-related sciences including, human anatomy, physiology, medical physics and technology to support the operation, interpretation and diagnostic processes of radiographic imaging. In addition, you will explore patient interaction, care and protection - including safe radiation practice - a fundamental responsibility for diagnostic radiographers. You will also examine the crucial role diagnostic radiographers play in health screening programmes such as cancer screening.
  • Practice placements5, which are sourced for you by the university, are an integral part of the course and aim to enable you to develop clinical skills and work as part of a multidisciplinary team. In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn about performing various aspects of diagnostic radiography practices alongside other healthcare students in the university’s purpose-built Simulation Centre, using the latest equipment that would normally be found in clinical settings4.

Accreditation and professional recognition

hcpc health & care professions council

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

This course is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the 2024/25 intake.


The College of Radiographers Logo

The College of Radiographers (COR)

The Diagnostic Radiography BSc (Hons) offered by Coventry University was approved by the College of Radiographers for a period of five years from 07/2023 to 07/2028 inclusive.


Memberships

Society of Radiographers (SoR)

You are eligible to become a member of the Society of Radiographers (SoR) (Additional costs may apply).

Find out more about Diagnostic Radiography at Coventry


What you'll study

You will be introduced to the foundation elements of diagnostic radiography through a range of theoretical and professional practice modules. The professional practice component is designed to help enable you to develop the clinical skills required to conduct a range of diagnostic imaging tests and provide excellent person-centred care.

Modules

In year two, you will explore the importance of evidence-informed practice in diagnostic radiography and build on your understanding of the radiographer’s role in various imaging areas and person-centred care. The content aims to further develops your theoretical understanding and practical application of diagnostic radiography practice.

Modules

In the third year you will examine the different pathways, advances and developments in radiography and have the opportunity to conduct a research project in an area of radiography of interest to you. In addition, you can study leadership and management in a diagnostic radiography context and undertake professional practice-based learning experience to move towards becoming an autonomous practitioner.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

This course is taught utilising a variety of methods including the use of simulation, role play, and service user input. You will have a mixture of lectures, workshops and practical sessions and a problem-based learning approach is taken to enhance your understanding. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to participate in interprofessional events with other healthcare students.

You will normally have around 15-20 hours per week of teaching which can consist of lectures, small group teaching and practical workshops. In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 15-20 hours minimum of self-directed study each week.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Posters
  • Practical work
  • Project work
  • Coursework
  • Tests
  • Exams
  • Individual assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

Our course provides international learning experiences to help prepare you for the global employment market as well as strengthen and develop your broader intercultural, personal and professional skills2.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 120
A level BBB with at least one from Biology, Physics or Chemistry.
BTEC DDM in Applied Science OR Health and Social Care with DDM profile plus one A level grade C or above from an A level Science subject or Mathematics.
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma in a Health related subject to include 24 credits at Distinction including 9 credits from a Science subject, with the remaining credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.
GCSE requirement 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English, Mathematics and two sciences Grade 5 / C. This can be obtained from either Double Award Science or Single Science and Additional Science or any two from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
International Baccalaureate 30 points including a Higher Level (HL) subject at Grade 5 or above and one HL subject at Grade 4 or above to include a life science or maths subject.

All shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview to assess their suitability for the course as part of the admissions and selection process.

Applicants are strongly advised to undertake an observational visit at a Radiology or X-ray or Medical Imaging department. Arrangements can be made directly with any local hospital (NHS or private). Although, work experience is not a compulsory element of the application or selection process, it will provide you with an insight into the radiography profession, radiographer’s role, and professional placement experience. We understand that this may be difficult with Covid restrictions, therefore we encourage you to research the role of a radiographer and be able to demonstrate your understanding of the role

Enrolment on the course is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and an Occupational Health (OH) assessment to assess fitness to undertake the clinical component of the course. Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. You will also be required to provide information about your COVID-19 vaccination status. We therefore recommend that you are fully vaccinated including the COVID-19 vaccine. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is therefore unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered5.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Is the student required to undergo a DBS check? Y

Is the student required or likely to undergo a placement in a social and/or healthcare setting? Y5.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Enrolment on the course is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and an Occupational Health (OH) assessment to assess fitness to undertake the clinical component of the course. Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. You will also be required to provide information about your COVID-19 vaccination status. We therefore recommend that you are fully vaccinated including the COVID-19 vaccine. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is therefore unable to guarantee the provision of placements, or the location and type of placement offered5.

Is the student required to undergo a DBS check? Y

Is the student required or likely to undergo a placement in a social and/or healthcare setting? Y5.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 7.0 overall, with no component lower than 6.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
EU £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £18,300 per year Not available

A non-repayable grant of £5,000 and extra payments worth up to £3,000 may be available to eligible home students for each year of study. Read more about this in the NHS Learning Support Fund information booklet.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

Our multi-million-pound Alison Gingell Building4 features a range of mock healthcare settings, including hospital wards, ambulance and operating theatre, as well as an x-ray suite and a computer lab for image viewing, giving you the opportunity to replicate real-life situations before you go on placement.

Radiography suite, a staff member helps a patient in a machine

Radiography Suite

You will have the opportunity to practice radiographic imaging using our fully functioning x-ray room that simulates the clinical environment, combined with a diagnostic radiography phantom that mimics human anatomy. Our suite also contains twenty image viewing workstations to support students in learning radiographic anatomy, pathology and image interpretation.

Community Houses

Community Houses

Our two full-size community homes can be used for sessions simulating working with patients outside of a hospital setting.

 
Operating theatre

Operating Theatre

We have set up our specialist facility to simulate real-life hospital surgery. It includes all the equipment needed to train effective operating department practitioners.


Careers and opportunities

Throughout the course you will be given the opportunity to develop knowledge of health-related sciences as well as exploring patient interaction, care and protection. You will have clinical practice placements every year, enabling you to put theory into practice.

The course is accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)1 enabling you to register as a radiographer upon successful completion (additional requirements and costs may apply).

The UK is facing a shortage of numbers in this vital profession with more than half of radiology leaders saying they need more diagnostic radiographers to keep patients safe.

Successful completion will enable you to apply to register with the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC) as a radiographer (additional costs apply).

The university's Talent Team, the careers and employability service, provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career options upon graduation.

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.


How to apply

Full-time students applying to start in September 2024 can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

Part-time students should apply directly to the university.


If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

International codes:
HLSU241

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

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