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Diagnostic Radiography

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The deadline for international students is 30 June 2024.

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Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in the sciences.

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Course overview

Study Diagnostic Radiography and we will prepare you personally and professionally, for the role of a competent caring radiographer, within the diagnostic imaging department.

Introduction

You will gain the knowledge and skills, to undertake a comprehensive range of radiographic techniques needed for first post competencies working in the modern healthcare sector.

Students will develop an awareness of anatomy, physiology and pathology, using radiographic and cross sectional images, along with an understanding of radiological science, associated with medical imaging and radiation protection. You will also acquire an appreciation of research methods with respect to diagnostic radiography and the importance of evidence-based practice in relation to the profession.

This is a vocational programme with approximately 50:50 ratio theory to practice and is delivered in both the university academic setting and at clinical placement sites throughout the region. The modules, which are delivered at the University, follow four strategic themes. These include: patient centred radiographic practice, anatomy, physiology and pathology, radiation science and research methods. There is an onsite imaging suite and CT scanner to assist in the delivery.

As a student, you will be allocated a hospital placement to attend in several clinical blocks, throughout each of the three years. The focus of each of these placements is closely linked to the academic modules, which are taught using a variety of student centred teaching styles including traditional lectures and small group tutorials. You will also have the opportunity to engage in the award winning team based learning (TBL) approach, an internationally recognised effective teaching method, well evaluated by our current students. You will participate in problem-based learning, where discussions around ‘patient-specific’ scenarios help to enhance your understanding of related issues. You will also be involved in interprofessional learning, which features in all three years of the programme and assists you in understanding the multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to healthcare.

A continuous clinical assessment scheme, linked to the radiographic practice modules is used in the clinical sites, to record your clinical performance and give you regular feedback, which will enhance your clinical learning. The information is stored on an iPad, which will be for you to use throughout the duration of the programme. During the programme, you will also have the opportunity to enrich your clinical experience by undertaking an elective placement in an imaging department of your choice, which can be locally, nationally or internationally.

What you'll learn

  • Research gathering techniques
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Communication skills
  • Self-directed learning techniques
  • Patient care
  • Physics, radiobiology and technology skills relating to Radiography

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

Year one will equip you with foundational knowledge and skills, which will be developed in the subsequent years of the programme. The modules in this year follow the previously mentioned themes: patient centred radiographic practice, anatomy, physiology and pathology, radiation science and research methods.

Compulsory modules

ANATOMY AND PATHO-PHYSIOLOGY OF THE APPENDICULAR SKELETON (DRAD101)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module is the first of the anatomy/patho-physiology modules in the Diagnostic Radiography programme.

On successful completion the student will have developed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the appendicular skeleton (the bones of the upper and lower limbs, and pelvis).

The module will be delivered using ‘Team Based Learning’ (TBL). Each student will be assigned into a small team of peers and during the timetabled sessions teams are given a series of questions related to the material studied prior to the session. The students will work within their group to agree a list of answers. The answers will then be revealed to encourage a class discussion.

Each of the TBL sessions are supplemented with image viewing tutorials. These tutorials allow the student to see anatomical detail in context, and appreciate its significance in identifying normal from abnormal in terms of anatomy and pathology. This appreciation will be gained through the use projection radiography (x-ray) images, in relation to normal radiographic anatomy and common pathologies of the appendicular skeleton.

Teaching sessions in the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) contribute to this module and enable the student to visualise the anatomical body parts, giving a clearer understanding of the detail.

The module will assess the students knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and the associated radiographic appearances.

75% of teaching will be face to face on CAMPUS. To provide some flexibility and work life balance for the student group some online teaching through MS teams will provided.

ANATOMY AND PATHO-PHYSIOLOGY OF THE AXIAL SKELETON AND ABDOMINAL CAVITY (DRAD106)

Credits: 22.5 / Semester: semester 2

​This module is the third of the anatomy/patho-physiology modules in the Diagnostic Radiography programme.

On successful completion the student will have developed their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the axial skeleton (skull, spine and rib cage) and the organs of the abdominal cavity. This awareness will be gained through the use of both projection radiography (x-rays) and cross-sectional images in relation to normal radiographic anatomy and common pathologies of the axial skeleton and abdominal cavity.

The module will be delivered using ‘Team Based Learning’ (TBL). This involves downloading PowerPoint presentations in advance, from the university virtual learning environment (VLE) and studying them prior to attendance. Each presentation will be related to one of the topics within the learning outcomes.  Students will be assigned into a small team of peers that they will work with during the whole of the module. During the timetabled sessions, teams are given a series of ‘true/false’ (T/F) and ‘multiple choice’ questions (MCQ), related to the material studied prior to the session. Initially students will answer these questions independently. Following this they will work within their group, discussing individual answers, and arriving at a definitive list of answers agreed within the group. This interaction with the material will engage students more fully in the module. The answers will then be revealed which may promote discussion around areas where there is lack of understanding, providing students with formative feedback on their answers.  

Each of the TBL sessions are supplemented with image viewing tutorials. These tutorials allow the student to see anatomical detail in context and appreciate its significance in identifying normal from abnormal in terms of anatomy and pathology. Teaching sessions in the  Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) contribute to this module and enable the student to visualise the anatomical body parts, giving a clearer understanding of the detail.  

The module will be assessed via an electronic written examination which has a series of questions, to assess knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology. This will include answering questions on a range of radiographic images displayed on a PC in PowerPoint format .

The content of this module (DRAD106) follows on from the first two anatomy/patho-physiology modules (DRAD101 and DRAD102), which are taught in semester 1. All these modules provide support the second year anatomy/patho-physiology module (DRAD203), as well as the clinical modules within the programme.  

ANATOMY AND PATHO-PHYSIOLOGY OF THE RESPIRATORY & CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM (DRAD102)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module is the second of the anatomy/patho-physiology modules in the Diagnostic Radiography programme. On successful completion the student will have developed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the thoracic cavity including respiratory (airways and lungs) and cardiovascular (heart and associated blood vessels) systems.

The module will be delivered using ‘Team Based Learning’ (TBL). This involves downloading PowerPoint presentations in advance, from the university virtual learning environment (VLE) and studying them prior to attendance. Each presentation will be related to one of the topics within the learning outcomes.  Students will be assigned into a small team of peers that they will work with during the whole of the module. During the timetabled sessions, teams are given a series of ‘true/false’ (T/F) and ‘multiple choice’ questions (MCQ), related to the material studied prior to the session. Initially students will answer these questions independently. Following this they will work within their group, discussing independent answers, and arriving at a definitive list of answers agreed within the group. This interaction with the material will engage students more fully in the module. The answers will then be revealed which may promote discussion around areas where there is lack of understanding, providing students with formative feedback on their answers.

Each of the TBL sessions are supplemented with image viewing tutorials. These tutorials allow the student to see anatomical detail in context and appreciate its significance in identifying normal from abnormal in terms of anatomy and pathology. This appreciation will be gained through the use of both projection radiography (x-ray) and cross-sectional images in relation to normal radiographic anatomy and common pathologies of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Teaching sessions in the  Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) contribute to this module and enable the student to visualise the anatomical body parts, giving a clearer understanding of the detail.  

The module will be assessed via an electronic written examination which has a series of questions, to assess knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology. This will include answering questions on a range of radiographic images displayed on a PC in PowerPoint format.

The content of this module (DRAD102) is taught in the second half of semester 1, to follow on from the first of the anatomy/patho-physiology modules (DRAD101), which is taught in the first half of semester 1. There is a third anatomy module (DRAD106), which runs in semester 2 and all these modules support the second year anatomy/patho-physiology module (DRAD203), as well as the clinical modules within the programme.

FUNDAMENTALS OF RESEARCH METHODS IN DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY (DRAD104)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module is a second semester module in the first year of the programme and as such provides foundational content in research methods. This module will provide the student with fundamental knowledge and understanding of the philosophy, principles and methods of diagnostic radiography research and wider health research. The student will develop an appreciation of the importance of evidence based practice in the radiographic profession for the benefit of patients. This module will also allow the student to develop foundational skills required to eventually undertake research within radiography for the first time.

PATIENT CENTRED CARE AND RADIOGRAPHY PRACTICE 1 (DRAD105)

Credits: 22.5 / Semester: whole session

This is the first of three modules that relate to personal and professional development. Within this module diagnostic imaging techniques of the chest, abdomen and appendicular skeleton will be taught and assessed during the clinical placement. This module will introduce the student to professional knowledge, skills and attitudes in preparation for first post competencies and lifelong learning. This module combines personal and professional development with the first practice placement experience which takes place over 13 weeks during Year 1. During this placement the student will be introduced to imaging techniques of the chest, abdomen and appendicular skeleton, which later will be performed under close supervision. The practice-based experience enforces the university based learning to ensure the student will meet the Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency for Radiographers for safe and effective practice. The learning and teaching strategy for this module will take a student centred approach and will consist of university based lectures, tutorials, practicals, simulation and supportive online resources.The practical technique tutorials and simulation will take place in the School of Health Sciences imaging suite. ​The module will be assessed by three components, assessment of radiography techniques, reflective writing to demonstrate personal development and continuous assessment of professional practice.​

RADIOGRAPHIC SCIENCE AND RADIATION PROTECTION (DRAD103)

Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1

The bulk of the module will be delivered using lectures that will provide students with the theory of radiographic science and principles of radiation protection. Small group tutorials will consolidate the theory delivered in the lectures and develop skills. Practical teaching sessions will demonstrate the application of the concepts to medical imaging. Revisions sessions will be available towards the end of the module to help prepare the student for the assessments.

The student will integrate the knowledge gained from this module into clinical practise in the clinical and laboratory environments in DRAD105 Patient Centred Care and Professional Practice 1. Radiation safety aspects in relation to radiographic imaging modalities, such as Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), will be further developed in year 2 in the DRAD201 Radiation Science & Imaging Technologies module.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global Opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.

What's available on this course?

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/ minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

Your experience

Diagnostic Radiography students at the University of Liverpool benefit from our experience in delivering more than 100 years of teaching across practical and professionally focused programmes.

Our curriculum is developed and assessed by leading healthcare providers throughout the North West. Many such partners across the North West provide exciting placement opportunities which allows you to bring your studies to life by gaining a breadth of patient-focused practical experience in a region with a particularly diverse population, providing an invaluable insight to future roles.

We place an emphasis on interprofessional learning modules in order to reflect the multi-professional environments you will encounter in today’s healthcare settings.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

What students say...

One of the things I find most interesting about the course is the placement, which offers new experiences every day. When you go into the hospital you never quite know what you are going to come across, you meet new people and new challenges – and every day your technique and communication skills develop. One of the benefits of Liverpool is that it offers you the placement experience on top of sound academic training in the first and second years.

, BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography

Careers and employability

As a graduate of the School of Health Sciences you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will have gained a qualification that meets the Government’s criteria for ‘fitness for purpose’ and ‘fitness for practice’ as well as developing transferable skills such as communication, information technology, problem solving and teamwork.

You can look to explore careers in:

  • National Health Service
  • Social Services
  • Private sector

99% of health sciences students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £27,200
Year abroad fee £13,600
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

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 includes costs for specialist equipment, travel to placements, and professional association fees. At the end of year two, students can undertake a self-funded elective placement in the UK or overseas.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

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 includes costs for specialist equipment, travel to placements, and professional association fees. At the end of year two, students can undertake a self-funded elective placement in the UK or overseas.

Students should expect to cover the following costs:

  • Practical kit £50
  • Society of Radiographers student membership (optional) £48 per year, following first year free
  • Travel to placements – students will complete 52.5 weeks of placements and pay for their own travel costs. All clinical placements are within daily commute distance, so no further accommodation costs are required.
  • Elective placement – at the end of year two students undertake a self-funded three-week elective placement in the UK or overseas.

Home students are able to apply for reimbursement of travel/accommodation costs for placements from the NHS Business Services Authority.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.

Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.

Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

NHS Values will be assessed in all areas of an application including UCAS Personal Statement and at interview. For more details, please download our explanation of Value Based Recruitment.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

BBB with at least one Science subject.

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course.

Available foundation years:

T levels

T levels are not currently accepted.

GCSE 5 GCSEs grades 5 -9 (or grades A* - C if assigned according to previous grading format), which must include English Language, Maths and a Science. Please note that Science dual award is acceptable. Core Science and Applied GCSEs are also considered. All GCSEs should be obtained in one sitting.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

BTEC Nationals are considered in addition to 5 GCSEs grades 5-9 (or former A* – C), which must include English Language, Maths and a Science. Science dual award, Core Science and Applied GCSEs will also be considered.

BTEC National Extended Certificate

We will accept one BTEC National Extended Certificate at a minimum of Distinction. This must be accompanied by two A2 subjects at Grade B, of which one subject should include Biology/Human Biology, Physics, Maths or Chemistry. Three separate subjects must be taken between the two qualifications.

BTEC National Diploma

We will accept in Health and Social Care or Applied Science/ Medical Science graded at DD. This must be accompanied by a Science A2 subject (biology, physics, chemistry or maths) at grade B. In total, between the two qualifications, two separate subjects must be taken.

BTEC National Extended Diploma

We will accept in either Applied Science/ Medical Science or Health and Social Care at DDD.

International Baccalaureate

30 points to include three higher level subjects at a minimum of Grade 5. Biology must be offered at a minimum of a Grade 6.

European Baccalaureate 74% overall with a minimum mark of 8 in Biology and no other subject less than a 6.
Irish Leaving Certificate Leaving Certificate: 6 Higher Level subjects. 1 subject at grade H1 to include a science subject such as Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry, and 2 subjects at grade H2 or above to include a further science subject and or Maths. The remaining 3 subjects must be graded at H3 or above. Out of the six subjects, English, Mathematics and a Science subject must be included. Higher grades may be required from students resitting.
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

Scottish Certificate of Education
Advanced Higher/Higher Level
A minimum of 5Bs from any combination of advanced higher and higher. Higher subject should demonstrate a broad science background.
Consideration will only be given to Advanced Highers in different subjects to those of Highers. Subjects to include: Biology/Human Biology/PE at a minimum of grade B.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Accepted at Grade A alongside two A2 levels at Grade B, one should be in a Science subject.
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma Will be considered
AQA Baccalaureate Will be considered
Graduate application

We welcome applications from graduates holding a minimum of a 2:2 classification. If your degree is not in a Science related subject or it is 5 years or more since you last studied please contact the admission unit for further information.

Access Essential: 60 credits at Level 3, including 15 in credits in biology, 15 credits in maths and 15 credits in physics/chemistry. 39 of the 60 credits must be at distinction, the remaining credits may be gained from ungraded level 3 credits and passed at merit or higher. 5 GCSE subjects graded 5-9 (or A*-C) and must include: English Language, Mathematics and Science.
Academic Reference

An academic reference must be included within the UCAS application. If the applicant is a graduate and has been working since graduating (within three years), an employer reference is acceptable.

Profession-specific knowledge and skills required

The UCAS Personal Statement, must demonstrate understanding of the Diagnostic Radiography role. Applicants should also consider visiting a Therapeutic Radiography department to give them an awareness of the differences between the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiography professions. Applicants should have an appreciation of the demands of the programme and a realistic understanding of what is required when on clinical placement.

Having experience of working with the general public, children, the elderly or people with disabilities, in a paid or voluntary capacity will strengthen an application.

Declaration of criminal background

You will understand that as a health sciences student, and when you qualify, you will be asked to treat children and other vulnerable people. We therefore need information about any criminal offences of which you may have been convicted, or with which you have been charged. The information you provide may later be checked with the police.

If selected for interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete.

Health screening

The University and the School of Health Sciences has an obligation to undertake health screening of all prospective healthcare students. Any offer of a place on this course of study is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire, and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This will include some obligatory immunisations and blood tests. The link below provides further information:
http://www.heops.org.uk/guide.php

 

Disability information

Should a candidate have, or suspect they may have dyslexia, or a long term health condition or impairment that may have the potential to impact upon studies and/or Fitness to Practice, please complete the Disability form‌‌. Candidates will then be contacted to discuss requirements for support.

International qualifications

The IELTS requirement is an overall score of 7.0 with no component less than 6.5.

Please note – whilst we do accept IELTS qualifications, we do not accept IELTS qualifications that have been sat and gained online. We only accept qualifications that have been sat and gained in person.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

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
International Baccalaureate Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level

Contextual offers: reduced grade requirements

Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

Changes to Diagnostic Radiography BSc (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.

18 April 2023: International qualifications update

English language requirements have been updated – IELTS.