Course details
- Entry requirements: 2:1 honours degree or above
- Full-time: 24 Months/up to an additional 12 months for MSc (top up)
Our two year postgraduate programme, with an optional online dissertation module for Masters qualification, will provide you with an exciting programme of study, combining clinical placement, anatomy, radiation, cancer management and patient care skills.
If you want to work as part of a multi-professional team working together to provide compassionate care for patients with cancer, this course is designed for you. Radiotherapy is the treatment of cancer with high energy X-rays. It is planned and delivered by therapeutic radiographers, using a range of technology and equipment. Patients in your care will require information and support throughout their treatment, tailored to meet their needs. You will be part of their cancer journey, ensuring treatment effects are managed effectively, taking a holistic patient centred approach to care. You will need to have excellent communication and team working skills, a caring nature, an interest in people, cancer, science and technology.
This course will equip you with the radiotherapy knowledge and clinical skills developed in both academic and practice settings. This will prepare you to plan and deliver radiotherapy treatment accurately to patients. This programme is for graduate entry with up to 24 places available each year.
The course is studied full time over two calendar years, commencing in Semester two (January).
This Postgraduate Diploma (PGDiP) is a pre-registration programme. Successful graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the regulatory body the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and practice as a Band 5 Therapeutic Radiographer in the UK.
Please note that this programme was previously known as Radiotherapy PGDip.
This full-time professional programme, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and Society and College of Radiographers is intended for graduates from a health, science, biomedical or social science background.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
This module is designed to encompass the whole radiotherapy patient journey, including clinically relevant anatomy and physiology, for the non-melanoma skin cancer. Careful structuring of e-lectures,online small group tutorials, online case tutorials, self-directed learning and simulated learning encompasses the programme design core value of an engaging, authentic curricula. is is the first of four Radiotherapy Theory and Clinical Practice modules in the Post Graduate Diploma in the Therapeutic Radiography and Oncology programme. This module will introduce the learner to the key concepts of cancer behaviour and management, with specific reference to non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The study of carcinogenesis; and the anatomy and physiology of the cell, the skeletal system, integumentary system, circulatory system and lymphatic system will provide students with foundational knowledge which will be applied to understand cancer development, presentation and routes of spread. Learners will gain knowledge of benign and malignant conditions; systems used to describe the size and spread of cancer; how these cancers can present a range of signs and symptoms; and health promotion strategies employed to improve early diagnosis.
The module will use a case based approach to introduce learners to the roles of the Therapeutic Radiographer and the multi-disciplinary team in clinical decision making in the management of NMSC.
Learners will develop knowledge of radiotherapy and other management pathways for NMSC and pharmacology concepts relevant to the clinical patient cases.
Learners will also apply treatment planning principles to the technique and prescription of radiotherapy for NMSC, linking with the physics concepts taught and assessed in the concurrent module RADT627.
The module will develop the learners radiotherapy clinical skills and knowledge, including technical skills, communication skills, professionalism, resilience and compassion through clinical placement and simulation; as well as develop a foundation level understanding of the roles of the professional body (Society and College of Radiographers(SCoR)) and regulator (Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)).
A blended teaching approach will be used which includes: guided independent study, case study based tutorials, e-lectures, online practical sessions in the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) and clinical placement.
E-lectures and electronic resources will be used to provide learners with an underpinning knowledge of oncology and the profession and core skills required for clinical practice. E-Tutorials will enable learners to practise clinical skills including basic life support (BLS) and infection control as well as communication through roleplay and interactions with service users. Treatment simulation using the Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy (VERT) and the Radiotherapy clinical skill suite will be used to link clinical and academic knowledge and skills.
Alternating academic and clinical blocks will allow learners to develop and consolidate academic underpinning knowledge through observation and practice.
Scheduled academic advisor meetings will help learners develop action plans for their personal, academic and clinical development.
The module assessment comprises three components:
Online Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE); A written reflective assignment; and continuous clinical assessment.
This is a Level 6, 10 credit module which is part of the pre-registration Post Graduate Diploma Therapeutic Radiography & Oncology programme. he successful student will develop their knowledge and skills in the fundamental sciences needed for safe and effective radiotherapy practice.
Content will focus on foundational concepts of: radiation interactions and production, radiotherapy equipment, radiation protection computerised treatment planning, fundamental radiobiological principles and the basis of radiation dose measurement.
By exploring the physical science principles behind pre-treatment and on-treatment processes and technologies, students will develop understanding of the treatment pathway and technologies involved. Students will develop their critical and analytical skills to identify, explain and appraise the significance of these aspects of practice.
Learners will gain the necessary understanding of mathematical and physical concepts to enable them to understand the physical theories. Learners will also learn how to generate and use radiation safely through understanding of the properties and dangers of radiation as well as understanding of the technology and equipment used in radiotherapy.
The module is delivered using lectures, e-lectures, practical sessions and group seminars. Tutorial support will be offered to learners to discuss physical concepts in a safe environment and discuss answers to online formative assessments. More able learners will be encouraged to offer peer support in these sessions with tutor support. Maths tutorials will also be provided if required.
There is one element of assessment, consisting of a 2 hour unseen written examination.
This is a Level 7, 10 credit module which is part of the pre-registration Post Graduate Therapeutic Radiography & Oncology programme.
This module will use and develop further the knowledge, understanding and skills established in the first semester’s studies to establish everyday theoretical clinical practice for on-treatment delivery and verification. Running in parallel with the radiotherapy theory and clinical practice module in the semester (RADT 716), this module will take forward the fundamental scientific knowledge acquired academically and clinically, to establish the use of these technologies as used in the clinical departments; using authentic case studies of machine breakdown, dose calculation, challenging on-treatment decision making such as: verification issues (both geometric and dosimetric) and radiobiological modelling, particularly for fractionation schedule changes and unintended interruptions. Both photon and charged particle therapies will be considered
The module is delivered using lectures, e-lectures, practical sessions and group seminars. Tutorial support will be offered to learners to discuss physical concepts in a safe environment and discuss answers to online formative assessments. More able learners will be encouraged to offer peer support in these sessions with tutor support. Maths tutorials will also be provided if required.
There are two elements of assessment, consisting of two written assignments, which enable learners to demonstrate critical appraisal and academic writing skills at level 7
This module is designed to encompass the whole radiotherapy patient journey, including clinically relevant anatomy and physiology, for the oncology sites of the breast, abdomen and pelvis. Oncology and radiotherapy treatment planning and delivery are intrinsically linked, therefore students will learn anatomy contouring for treatment planning alongside 3D anatomy as part of the integrated patient pathway. Careful structuring of e-lectures, small group tutorials, case tutorials, self-directed learning, simulated learning and clinical placement encompasses the programme design core value of an engaging, authentic curricula. The module will introduce the learner to the oncology management of common cancers found in the breast, abdomen and pelvis. Learners will be supported to develop their academic reasoning skills through critical evaluation of the evidence base, and develop their radiotherapy clinical skills and application of academic learning in clinical placement.
Skills include: technical skills, communication skills, professionalism, and compassion, with a clear focus on patients with cancers of the breast, abdomen and pelvis.
A blended teaching approach will be used which includes: guided independent study, case study based tutorials, lectures, e-lectures, and practical sessions in the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC). Planning and treatment simulation using the Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy (VERT) and Radiotherapy Treatment Planning System (TPS) will be used to link clinical and academic knowledge and skills. Engagement with expert speakers and service users will enable learners to develop a complex understanding of diversity, inter-professional working, psycho-social and communication issues which may impact upon patient management in breast, abdominal and pelvic cancers.
Alternating academic and clinical blocks will allow learners to develop and consolidate academic underpinning knowledge through observation and practice. Scheduled academic advisor meetings will be used to help learners develop action plans for their personal, academic and clinical development.
The module assessment comprises three components:
Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE); Oral Case-based presentation with a focus on critical apprasial of the multi-modal management of a patient case (breast, abdominal or pelvis) and continuous clinical assessment.
This is a level 7, 10 credit module which is part of the pre-registration Post Graduate Diploma Radiotherapy & Oncology
This module will use and develop further the knowledge, understanding and skills established in the first semester’s studies to establish authentic clinical practical and analytical skills in the key processes of treatment planning and on-treatment verification imaging used for radiotherapy. Running in parallel with the oncology modules within the course (RADT716 ) the module will develop and apply the practical skills needed for preparing and verifying geometrically radiotherapy for the cases used for cancers of the breast and pelvis (Semester 1, RADT716). Utilising a blended approach of e lectures, tutorials, seminars, virtual reality technology and clinical simulation to complement the oncology case based approach
There are two elements of assessment, consisting of a 1.5 hour OSCE, assessing practical planning and imaging skills and a 2000 word written assignment, which will enable learners to demonstrate critical appraisal and academic writing skills at level 7
This module is designed to encompass the whole radiotherapy patient journey, including clinically relevant anatomy and physiology, for the oncology sites of the head, neck and thorax. Oncology and radiotherapy treatment planning and delivery are intrinsically linked, therefore learners will learn anatomy contouring for treatment planning alongside 3D anatomy as part of the integrated patient pathway. Careful structuring of e-lectures, small group tutorials, case tutorials, self-directed learning, simulated learning and clinical placement encompasses the programme design core value of an engaging, authentic curricula. The module will introduce the learner to the oncology management of common cancers found in the Head, Neck and Thorax. Learners will be supported to develop their academic reasoning skills through critical evaluation of the evidence base, and develop their radiotherapy clinical skills and application of academic learning in clinical placement.The module assessment comprises three components:
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE); A written case-based assignment with a focus on critical appraisal of the multi-modality management of a patient case (head, neck or thorax); and continuous clinical assessment.
Clinical skills will be assessed continually by clinical mentors through placement weeks across the academic semester. Assessment marks and formative feedback will be recorded by clinical mentors and learners using the Continuous Clinical Performance and Assessment Record (CPAR) in the LiftUpp app. Students will be encouraged to develop their life long learning skills by completing short formative clinical reflections and clinical technique logs; collected by the learner in a practice e-portfolio started in RADT626. This e-portfolio will be continually built on and developed during the programme providing a foundation for continual professional development (CPD) post-qualification, an essential requirement for HCPC registration.
This is a level 7, 10 credit module which is part of the pre-registration Post Graduate Diploma Therapeutic Radiography & Oncology. is module will use and develop further the knowledge, understanding and skills established in the first three semesters studies to guide the student into the appreciation and appraisal of advanced topics, technologies and techniques used in radiotherapy; whilst interpreting and evaluating the data and information transfer processes and the clinical consequences of errors within the radiotherapy information pathway within a clinical department. The latest radiotherapy technologies and techniques will be studied, leaning heavily on the roles of on-treatment verification and the typical treatment planning/delivery roles of the therapeutic radiographer in clinical practice.
The module is delivered using lectures, e-lectures, practical sessions and group seminars. Tutorial support will be given to learners to discuss concepts and characteristics of the latest technologies and techniques in radiotherapy all in a safe environment and discuss answers to online formative assessments. More able learners will be encouraged to offer peer support in these sessions with tutor support. Maths tutorials will also be provided if required.
There are two elements of assessment, consisting of written assignments, which enable learners to demonstrate critical appraisal and academic writing skills at level 7
This is a level 7, 20 credit module which is part of the pre-registration Post Graduate Diploma Therapeutic Radiography & Oncology. This module will introduce the student to the role of the Therapeutic Radiographer in the management of rare cancers to include glioblastoma, pituitary adenoma, myeloprolifferative malignancy and palliation of for example bone metastases and spinal cord compression.
A blended teaching approach will be used which includes: independent study, case study based tutorials, lectures, modified problem based learning (PBL), practicals at the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC), as well as planning and treatment simulation using the Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy (VERT), Eclipse and Aria Radiotherapy Treatment Planning System. Workshops with service users (radiotherapy patients and carers), Clinical Educators, Specialist Radiotherapy Practitioners and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) will highlight diversity, inter-professional working, psychosocial and communication issues in patient management.
Alternating academic and clinical blocks will allow learners to develop and consolidate academic underpinning knowledge through observation and practice. Scheduled academic advisor meetings will be used to help learners develop action plans for their personal, academic and clinical development.
The module assessment comprises three components:
Observed Clinical Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE); pass = 50%, continuous clinical assessment (LIFTUPP; pass = compeptence) and written Case Study assignment; pass = 50% with a focus on critical appraisal of the complex issues relating to the management of rare cancers and palliation drawing on clinical trials and the current literature.
The programme is delivered over four semesters and two post-semester periods to facilitate the completion of clinical placements. There are two assessment points in each year of study (normally May/June and December/January), at the end of each semester. The structure and pattern of the delivery of the programme ensures that theory and practice are fully integrated.
This is a vocational programme, taught and assessed predominately at level 7 and includes a research dissertation in the final year.
The programme structure follows the University Framework for Modular Postgraduate Programmes. The programme is a mixture of academic and clinical placement blocks, with 50 weeks of the programme delivered at the University integrated with 43 weeks of professional, clinical placement. The blocks of radiotherapy clinical placement will be delivered in the three main Cancer Centres in the North West of England – The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (and its two Satellite centres), the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (and its satellite centre) and Rosemere Cancer Centre.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
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Successful graduates from this course are able to apply for HCPC registration to work as Therapeutic Radiographers with the NHS in the UK. As a therapeutic radiographer, you will enjoy secure employment prospects, a competitive starting salary (around £25k), and help to save lives.
On qualification, there are excellent job and career prospects. Many graduates have worked abroad and in the private sector. HCPC registration is recognised in many overseas countries; however you may have to apply to the registration body of the country in which you wish to work.
After completing the PGDip, students will then have the opportunity to continue with an MSc on a part-time basis over 12 months. Students undertaking the online MSc Radiotherapy (top up), will already be in employment. Completion of your MSc dissertation will further develop your critical thinking and analytical skills through the completion and dissemination of independent radiotherapy related research.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £9,250 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £24,200 |
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about tuition fees, funding and Postgraduate Loans.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover tuition fees and help with living expenses while at university.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.
Your qualification | Requirements |
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Postgraduate entry requirements |
2:1 honours degree or above in a relevant health, physical, biological or life science subject |
International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this PGDip, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language. International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification | Requirements |
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Last updated 19 April 2023 / / Programme terms and conditions /